Master Degree Information Technology Fixed
Information technology has two paths: You can go down the degree path, or you can go down the certification path. The way that WGU interweaves those together made the choice to enroll an absolute no-brainer."
master degree information technology
A master's degree in information technology opens the doors to many possibilities for your career. You can become an IT manager, director, VP, CIO, CISO, cybersecurity consultant, data manager, and more.
Typically a master's degree in information technology takes two years to complete. However with competency-based programs like WGU, students can finish faster. WGU students finish their master's degrees in around 18 months on average.
IT programs combine training in business, communications, and technology. IT master's programs can build on students' existing IT knowledge and hone their skills in software processes, business intelligence, data science, project management, and advanced data mining.
IT professionals can expect a strong job outlook and strong earning potential. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 13% growth in computer and information technology jobs from 2020-2030, which is more than the average growth for all occupations.
This guide covers what to expect from IT master's programs, including courses, concentrations, and admission requirements. It also covers career paths and earning potential for IT master's degree-holders.
A master's in IT positions graduates to apply for high-paying advanced roles. Paying for a master's degree can be challenging for many students, but graduates can expect a higher return on their educational investment.
IT master's programs teach the essential frameworks and methodologies to solve complex computer and network issues. Foundational curricula also cover core aspects of data management, computer security, and software engineering. Required courses may include principles of cybersecurity, information technology research methods, and enterprise security and forensics.
Master's IT programs allow students to focus their skills in a particular subfield. Depending on the program, students can choose a concentration or elective courses, tailoring their degree to their career goals. Concentrations vary among IT programs but may include healthcare informatics, information security, or web design.
Full-time students can expect to complete about 30 credits in 18-24 months. The total cost of IT master's degrees varies, but public schools typically cost less than private schools. The National Center for Education Statistics reported in-state public universities charged an average graduate tuition of $12,410 for the 2019-20 academic year, compared to $26,597 for private institutions.
Admission requirements vary among schools. Most colleges and universities prefer applicants to hold a bachelor's degree in a tech-related field with a competitive GPA. Many programs require prospective IT master's students to demonstrate a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA. Applicants may also need prior work experience in an IT field.
The cost of IT master's degrees varies among schools. In most cases, private schools charge higher tuition rates than public institutions. Out-of-state students at public schools typically spend more per credit than in-state learners.
Several financial aid options can help offset the cost of your information technology master's degree. Scholarships, fellowships, and grants provide funding that does not require repayment. Borrowers must pay back private and public loans with interest.
IT master's degree-holders can pursue several high-paying jobs, including network architect and database administrator. Some professionals take advantage of continuing education opportunities such as a certification program.
Computer and information research scientists develop models and theories to solve complex computing issues. They typically work as part of an IT team, designing and conducting experiments to test software. They also use machine learning and data science tools. Professionals need at least a master's degree to pursue entry-level positions.
A master's degree in IT sets candidates apart in the competitive job market. This degree positions graduates to pursue higher salaries than professionals with only a bachelor's. BLS data indicates that graduates with bachelor's degrees earn a median annual salary of $1,305 per week, while graduates with master's degrees earn $1,543 per week. This translates to roughly $67,860 annually for bachelor's degree-holders and $80,236 for master's degree-holders.
Researchers found similar trends in related fields. Data from the National Association of Colleges and Employers shows that salaries for computer science graduates in 2019 were approximately $14,000 higher for master's degree-holders than bachelor's degree-holders.
The Computer Science and Engineering Department at the University of South Florida offers a master's degree in information technology. The program requires classes like advanced database management, penetration testing for IT, and advanced in object oriented programming. The non-thesis program requires a comprehensive exam the semester before graduation.
Cornell University's interdisciplinary, one-year master of professional studies in information science lets students tailor the degree to reflect their career goals. The curriculum includes courses like big data management and analysis, business intelligence systems, and app design and prototyping.
Florida State University's College of Communication and Information offers an MS in information technology degree that covers information architecture, user experience design, and information quality assistance. Students develop skills in technical writing and communication, data management, and IT project management.
The 32-credit master's degree in information technology requires courses like usability analysis, information behavior, advanced web applications, and leadership in technology. Admission requirements include prior IT professional experience or coursework. The GRE is waived through fall 2026.
Florida State University's College of Communication and Information offers an online MS in information technology through the School of Information, Florida's only iSchool. The program provides a foundation in information systems management, information architecture, and data management. The 32-credit degree develops skills in technical writing, IT project management, and user experience design.
The University of South Florida's hybrid master's degree in information technology includes online and face-to-face classes. The non-thesis program provides a broad understanding of business and technology applications. Students take classes like network programming for IT, statistical data mining, and cloud computing with opportunities to complete an independent study, internship, or practicum.
Liberty University's fully online, 36-credit MS in information technology degree takes 1.5 full-time years to complete. Students can transfer in up to 50% of the required credits. Graduate can apply for jobs like database administrator, network security manager, and software programmer.
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte's College of Computing and Informatics offers an affordable MS in information technology program. Students complete a capstone culminating experience that can include an IT project report, IT internship project, or IT master's thesis.
Florida Atlantic University's affordable MS in information technology and management prepares graduates for engineering and management jobs. Designed for students with a background in IT, information systems, and related disciplines, the degree explores software engineering, database systems, and management of information systems.
The 30-credit program offers concentrations in computer science, data analytics and advanced information technology. Students take electives like data mining and machine learning, foundations of vision, and computer data security.
The University of West Florida's affordable online master's degree in information technology takes about 24 months to finish. The curriculum requires classes like programming for information technology, data visualization, and digital media analytics. Students complete an IT capstone seminar or thesis to graduate.
The University of South Florida's hybrid master's degree in information technology from the College of Engineering teaches learners to use technology to solve problems in business. The military-friendly institution has a large student veteran population and a robust Office of Veteran Success.
California State University-Fullerton's College of Business and Economics offers a flexible online master's degree in information technology that takes 20 months to complete. Key topics include systems development processes, cybersecurity and cyberinsurance, and management of IT organizations. Students develop communication, programming, and accounting skills.
New York University's MS in information systems program offers the equivalent of an accelerated combined MBA and computer science master's degree. The curriculum includes business classes from the Stern School of Business and computer science courses from the Courant Graduate School of Arts and Science.
Students explore data analysis, cryptography, algorithms, and organizational leadership. The program requires an information technology project course, which provides real-world experience at local organizations.
The University of South Florida's master's degree in information technology from the Department of Computer Science and Engineering explores database management, object oriented programming, and penetration testing. Students can complete an internship or independent study. The non-thesis program requires a comprehensive exam prior to graduation.
The MS in information technology from Florida State University's School of Information, also called the iSchool, explores user experience design, IT governance, and mobile information systems. Students in the online program can apply for iSchool scholarships and assistantships to help fund their degree. Core courses include usability analysis, information systems management, and information behavior. 041b061a72