Why Get a Master's Degree in Information Technology?
The need for qualified IT professionals continues to grow across industries. According to CompTIA, job postings for tech positions increased by more than 22,000 from Dec. 2022 to Jan. 2023. Industries with the most posted IT jobs include professional, scientific, and technical services; finance and insurance; and manufacturing.
A master's degree in information technology provides the knowledge and skills to set you on the path to high-level positions in this growing field. Numerous specializations can direct your education toward the subjects and industries that excite you. Available concentrations include database management systems, cybersecurity, and software engineering.
These programs typically take about two years to complete, with some offering accelerated self-paced options. The online format offers the flexibility to continue working in your current job or care for your family while pursuing your career goals.
Depending on your focus area, you may develop skills in project management, information security, data analytics, information systems design, and more.
Online Master's Programs in Information Technology
Our guide lists the top online master's programs in information technology. Read on for information on costs, common classes, and how to become an information technologist.
How Much Does a Master's Degree in Information Technology Cost?
Tuition costs vary significantly among schools due to several factors, such as in-person vs. online delivery and private or public status. For instance, the total tuition for the IT degree online programs in our rankings range from $12,750-$35,970. Additional costs may include registration and technology fees.
These programs typically require 30-33 credits and may take 16-24 months to complete, depending on enrollment status. Self-paced or part-time programs may take longer, letting you fit in your studies as your schedule allows.
Courses in Information Technology
Generally, IT master's students hone in on leadership and technical skills in the field. They may concentrate their studies in project management, business intelligence and data analytics, and information security. Courses may explore systems development life cycles, security management, and information systems innovation.
Most programs require foundational courses that you build upon. Examples of these courses include algorithms and data structures, fundamentals of computing platforms, and database management systems. While every school may not offer the following classes, this list represents common coursework in online master's in IT programs.
Computer Network Security
This course provides key concepts in computer network security and solutions to common network security threats. Topics include data encryption algorithms, data authentication, and network security protocols. You may also explore the art of intrusion detection, the latest firewall technology, and public-key cryptography.
Project Management
This course explores the skills, knowledge, and techniques project managers use to manage information technology projects. Enrollees learn best practices for managing budgets, time, risk, and people. This in-depth course often uses practical examples and hands-on case studies.
Data Analytics
This course addresses the growing field of big data. You'll learn about obtaining, cleaning, and analyzing data sets. Then, you'll discover how to use the information to extract value for businesses. Subjects include data mining, statistical methods, and the fundamentals of data visualization. You may explore the use of visualization tools like Tableau and Python Bokeh.
Featured Online Master's in Information Technology Degrees
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Career and Salary Outlook for Information Technology
Graduates with advanced degrees in IT can pursue many professional roles. Many employers value the specialized knowledge gained from master's programs. These degrees may also culminate with capstone projects to provide hands-on experience in real-world scenarios. Some offer internship opportunities.
The following positions offer a glimpse into careers available for students with master's degrees in IT. Some jobs may require further study or certifications.
| Information Technology Career | Median Annual Wage (2021) |
|---|---|
| Information Technology Manager | $159,010 |
| Database Administrators and Architects | $101,000 |
| Information Security Analyst | $102,600 |
| Computer and Information Systems Manager | $159,010 |
| Computer Network Architects | $120,520 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
As you can see, jobs in IT offer above-average wages and tremendous opportunities. Read on to explore commonly asked questions about the field.
Frequently Asked Questions About Educational Technology
What can you do with an information technology degree?
Earning an information technology degree can open up many possibilities. A specialized master's degree leads to greater options in fields like cybersecurity, data analysis, and information systems. Many computer and information system managers possess graduate degrees, indicating the professional value of completing these programs.
What are the benefits of getting a master's in information technology?
According to Payscale, the average salary for those earning a master's in IT is $96,000 as of July 2023. In addition to higher wages, many graduates also experience greater demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 15% job growth rate for computer and IT occupations from 2021-2031 — about three times the average rate for all occupations in this period.
How difficult is a master's in information technology major?
As with most pursuits, passion and interest make any subject easier to learn. A natural aptitude for technology and the ability to methodically tackle problems also helps information technology students.
What is the difference between information systems and information technology?
Information technology is a broad field focusing on computer hardware, software, databases, and networks, with common careers including cybersecurity specialists, network architects, and database administrators. Information systems collect, store, analyze, and process data. This field also offers many specialties, including in the growing fields of machine learning and data science.
Page last reviewed June 29, 2023. All rankings and school descriptions on this page were created and reviewed independently by the BCR Rankings Team.
