Information technology is an important field that has impacted the way people work and interact with each other. IT is a broad and rewarding field with lots of potential career options. While a Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology can usher you into this field, an information technology master’s degree can increase your earning potential and employability.
This guide will highlight the best Master’s Degrees in Information Technology. We’ll provide information on the best schools for information technology master’s degree programs and Master’s Degree in Information Technology job opportunities. Keep reading to uncover the right education and career path for you.
What Is Information Technology?
Information technology is the process of creating, processing, and exchanging different forms of electronic data. Information technology requires a comprehensive knowledge of computers and their programming languages for practical storage, networking, and infrastructure.
Where Can I Get a Master’s Degree in Information Technology?
You can get a Master’s Degree in Information Technology at a university, college, or technological institute that provides graduate-level education. Some of the schools where you can get information technology master’s degrees are Carnegie Mellon University, Florida State University, and the University of Michigan – Dearborn.
What Schools Offer the Best Information Technology Master’s Degrees?
- Florida International University
- Montclair State University
- New Jersey Institute of Technology
- Princeton University
- The University of Texas at Austin
What Are the Admission Requirements for a Master’s Degree in Information Technology?
The admission requirements for a Master’s Degree in Information Technology are a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college, an online application, and transcripts from the post-secondary institutions you’ve attended.
Other admission requirements for an IT master’s degree differ between institutions. Prospective students may have to submit references or letters of recommendation from previous teachers and employers. Some universities may require students to submit copies of their resumes, GRE or GMAT test scores, and meet a minimum GPA requirement.
Information Technology Master’s Degree Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Completed online application
- Official transcripts from all previously attended universities or colleges
- Professional and/or academic letters of recommendation
- Standardized GMAT or GRE test scores
- Updated professional resume
How to Get a Master’s Degree in Information Technology
To get a Master’s Degree in Information Technology, you need to complete all of the program requirements, which usually includes a certain amount of coursework and a thesis. In order to graduate with an information technology master’s degree, you also need to maintain a high GPA and pass all the required exams. An internship or assistantship may be required for some programs.
How Many Credits Do You Need for a Master’s Degree in Information Technology?
You need an average of 40 credits for a Master’s Degree in Information Technology. For thesis-based programs, around 34 credits of coursework are required and six credits are made up of thesis research and presentation. For non-thesis programs, those six credits are also made up of coursework.
Information Technology Degree Requirements
- Cumulative GPA of 2.0-3.0 (depending on the school)
- 6 credits of thesis work
- 34 credits of coursework
- Passing grades in all examinations
- Internship or assistantship
Best Information Technology Master’s Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
| School | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| Carnegie Mellon University | Master of Information Technology Strategy | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Florida International University | Master of Science In Information Technology | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
| Florida State University | Master of Science in Information Technology | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
| Kennesaw State University | Master of Science in Information Technology | Higher Learning Commission |
| Montclair State University | Master of Science in Information Technology | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| New Jersey Institute of Technology | Master of Science in Information Technology Administration and Security | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Arizona State University | Master of Science in Information Technology | Higher Learning Commission |
| University of California, Berkeley | Master of Information Management and Systems | Western Association of Schools and Colleges |
| University of Michigan – Dearborn | Master of Science in Information Systems and Technology | Higher Learning Commission |
| The University of Texas at Austin | Master of Science in Information Technology and Management | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
Best Schools for Information Technology: Top Information Technology Master’s Degree Programs
If you’re interested in pursuing a Master’s Degree in IT but aren’t sure which program is best suited for your professional goals, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best colleges for an information technology master’s degree.
What Is an Information Technology Master’s Degree?
An information technology master’s degree is a graduate program that typically takes one to two years to complete. This discipline offers several concentration options. Students can explore various kinds of technology applications and programs related to IT. The programs may cover software applications, information security, coding, database organization, and systems design.
How Important Is a Master’s Degree in Information Technology?
A Master’s Degree in Information Technology is important if you want to advance your career in technology or pursue a pathway toward research and academia. Although many of the career paths in IT only require a bachelor’s degree, you can access senior positions and higher salaries with a master’s degree.
What Types of Master’s Degree Can You Get in Information Technology?
The most common type of master’s degree you can get in information technology is a Master of Science. All of the schools on our list of best Master’s Degrees in Information Technology offer Master of Science degrees. However, other schools may offer a Master of Business Administration in Information Technology or a Master of Engineering in Information Technology or Information Systems.
Is It Better to Get a Master of Science or Master of Business Administration in Information Technology?
It is better to get a Master of Science in Information Technology because it is the most common type of information technology graduate program available and because it focuses on a variety of knowledge and skills in the field. A Master of Business Administration in Information Technology is better if you are hoping to learn about business management, marketing, and leadership in addition to IT skills.
What Is the Difference Between an Information Technology Master’s Degree and an Information Technology Certificate?
The differences between an information technology master’s degree and a certificate are the length of time it takes to complete each program and the skills you learn while studying. A Master’s Degree in Information Technology takes one to two years to complete and covers a variety of advanced subjects. After completing the program, students are considered masters in their subject.
An information technology graduate certificate allows students to specialize in one area or skill within information technology. These programs take less than a year to complete and update students’ skills and knowledge so they remain relevant in their profession.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Master’s Degree in Information Technology?
It costs an average of $12,410 per year to attend a master’s degree program at a public institution, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Students at private institutions pay an average of $26,597. The cost of an information technology master’s degree depends on the institution, the length of the program, and whether you’ll be paying in-state or out-of-state tuition.
You can pay for your information technology degree with the help of scholarships, private loans, and federal financial aid. In addition, some institutions provide on-campus jobs, like teaching assistantships, to help students pay for their programs.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Information Technology Master’s Degree?
It takes one to two years to get an information technology master’s degree. The length of your information technology program will depend on if you’re attending as a full-time or part-time student. Some schools offer accelerated master’s degree programs that allow students to graduate in less than one year.
How Hard Is It to Get a Master’s Degree in Information Technology?
It is not hard to get a Master’s Degree in Information Technology if you are very interested in the subject. Most people who choose to pursue graduate-level education are passionate about their field and already have prior knowledge in the subject, which will make studying for this degree fairly straightforward.
Why Should You Get an Information Technology Master’s Degree?
You should get an information technology master’s degree if you want to be able to apply for high-level IT positions with less work experience than you would need if you just had a bachelor’s degree.
However, there are very few positions in IT that require a master’s degree, so you should only get a Master’ Degree in Information Technology if you’re passionate about the subject or hoping to pursue a career in academia.
What Courses Do You Need to Take in a Master’s Degree Program in Information Technology?
The course you need to take in a master’s degree program in information technology cover topics like network and systems administration, cyber security, and database design. Although specific course requirements will vary by program and specialization, there are some that are common across information technology programs.
Systems Administration
This course introduces students to the most important skills required by systems administrators. Students will learn about host and server systems in modern operating systems environments.
Database Administration
Students in this course will learn the basic skills necessary to become database administrators. These skills include user authorization, disaster planning, data recovery, and database modeling, analysis, and design.
Computer Networks
This course covers technical aspects of computer networks and distributed systems. Students will learn about communication hardware, network architecture, and local area networks (LANs). Students may have to complete a research project in this course, depending on the school they attend.
Wireless Network Security and Privacy
This is a cyber security course that focuses on wireless networks like those used for cellular devices and LANs. Students will learn how to address and solve security issues. This course also acts as an introduction to the responsibilities of a network security administrator.
Data Mining
This course focuses on the use of engineering development tools to uncover information from large databases. Topics covered include machine learning, statistics, and genetic algorithms.
Continuing Education Paths for Information Technology Master’s Degree Graduates
With a Master’s Degree in Information Technology you can choose to pursue a PhD in a technology-related field or graduate certificates in a specific area. Continuing your education with a doctoral degree is only worth it if you want to pursue a career in information technology research or academia.
Related Information Technology Degrees
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What to Look For in the Best Information Technology Master’s Degree Programs
There are many factors to consider when looking for the best information technology master’s degree program. You should consider the school and program’s reputation, among other factors. Find out more details below.
Scheduling Flexibility
Consider whether you would like to attend your information technology program as a full-time or part-time student and if you prefer remote or in-person learning. Some schools offer programs in person, online, or in a hybrid format.
Cost
Higher education can be expensive. In addition to researching the tuition and university fees required by your program, you should consider other expenses including housing, transportation, and textbooks. There are also alternative funding options available to master’s degree students, including scholarships, assistantships, and work-study programs.
Specialization/Concentration Options
Information technology is a broad field, which is why many master’s degree programs allow students to specialize in one niche of IT. This allows students to gain knowledge in one area that is most relevant to their career aspirations.
Accreditation
Accreditation is important because it certifies that a school or program has met a set standard of quality. If you attend a non-accredited school, your degree will not be viewed as legitimate. Most schools are accredited and make this information available clearly on their websites.
Student Services
Although master’s degree students are generally older than bachelor’s degree students, it’s still important that they receive the necessary support from university faculty and professors. This might include access to tutoring, mental health services, and career support.
What Is the Most Affordable Information Technology Master’s Degree?
The most affordable information technology master’s degree on our list is the Master of Science in Information Technology offered by Kennesaw State University. For in-state students, tuition is only $296 per credit. For the full 30-credit program, tuition is $8,880. This is extremely affordable, especially when compared to schools like Carnegie Mellon which charge $30,000 per semester.
Salary and Job Outlook for Information Technology Master’s Degree Graduates
The salary and job outlook for information technology master’s degree holders are positive. Technology is a constantly growing and evolving field so the job outlook is high for most IT positions. Plus, with a master’s degree, you have an edge over competitors with bachelor’s degrees.
How Hard Is It to Get a Job With an Information Technology Master’s Degree?
It is not very hard to get a job with an information technology master’s degree. Very few relevant jobs require a master’s degree, but you will likely have an easier time getting hired for high-level positions than professionals who only have a bachelor’s degree.
What’s the Average Information Technology Master’s Degree Salary?
The average information technology master’s degree salary is $89,000, according to PayScale. However, salaries differ depending on job title, location, and experience. For instance, data scientists make over $100,000 a year while IT managers make around $87,000 on average.
What Types of Jobs Can You Get With an Information Technology Master’s Degree?
You can get management and senior-level jobs with an information technology master’s degree. Some of these positions will require a significant amount of work experience in addition to a master’s degree, while others will be available to you immediately after graduation.
Information Technology Degree Jobs
- Chief Information Officer
- Information Security Manager
- Data Scientist
- Project Manager
- IT Manager
Potential Careers With an Information Technology Degree
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How Much Money Can You Make With a Master’s Degree in Information Technology?
You can make between $69,182 and $165,182 per year with a Master’s Degree in Information Technology, based on the jobs in the table below. The company you work for, your location, work experience, and negotiation skills will affect the amount you make.
Highest-Paying Information Technology Master’s Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview
| Information Technology Master’s Degree Jobs | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Chief Technology Officer | $165,182 |
| Chief Information Officer | $153,679 |
| Information Security Manager | $126,991 |
| Data Scientist | $119,413 |
| IT Director | $106,655 |
| Project Manager | $105,291 |
| IT Manager | $87,289 |
| Database Administrator | $86,833 |
| IT Consultant | $73,451 |
| Network Administrator | $69,182 |
Best Jobs for Information Technology Master’s Degree Grads
The best jobs for information technology master’s degree grads require a combination of technical skills and soft skills. Most information technology master’s degree programs ensure that students graduate with skills in IT and database management in addition to skills in communication, problem-solving, and teamwork.
*Figures taken from the BLS page for top executives
**Figures taken from the BLS page for computer and information systems managers
Best Jobs According to Your Major
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Is a Master’s Degree in Information Technology Worth It?
Yes, a Master’s Degree in Information Technology is worth it because it can help you advance your career and achieve your professional goals. This advanced degree can open the door to senior-level and management positions, as well as private consultant work. However, getting a certificate or completing an IT bootcamp can stand out on your resume, too.
A graduate degree program can increase your earning potential considerably. Your employers and others in senior management will see the degree as an indication that you are ready to take another significant step in your career.
Additional Reading About Information Technology
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Information Technology Master’s Degree FAQ
A Master’s Degree in Information Technology usually takes two years to complete. However, some institutions offer accelerated programs where you can meet the credit requirement within a year.
The main courses in this field may differ according to the concentrations. However, some popular courses in this field include database design, systems design, analysis, data communications, security, and project management.
The salary of a Master of Science in IT holder is $89,000, according to PayScale. However, it could be a lot higher depending on the organization and industry. Some professionals even make a salary over six figures.
You can do a lot with a Master’s Degree in Information Technology because IT is a broad field with lots of career opportunities. For example, you can work as an information security analyst, IT manager, IT director, chief technology officer, database administrator, or network administrator.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
