Best Masters in IT Degrees

Becoming a leader in the Information Technology department within a large firm requires advanced expertise. A masters in IT can help open doors to numerous career opportunities within the profession. Below are the top online colleges offering master's degrees in information technology (IT), information science (IS) computer science, or related fields.

MS: Info. Technology MS: IS Management MS: Internet Systems	University of Liverpool : The University of Liverpool's online MS in Information Technology, MS in Information Systems Management, and MS in Internet Systems degree programs are taught in small classes online that not only teach the material but provide a forum for international networking and collaboration. Class size is limited to 20 students, guaranteeing personal attention from expert instructors and fast feedback to help you excel.
MS: Info. Technology MS/IT: Business Intel. MS/IT: Security & Assurance MS/IT: Project Management	Kaplan University : Kaplan University's MS in Information Technology program offers specializations in business intelligence, information security & assurance, and project management - three key areas that are highly valued in every corporation. Students leave with communication and critical thinking skills as well as high level technical competencies and the ability to assess ethical, legal, and social issues, which creates an ideal skill set for management.
MBA: Info. Technology	University of Massachusetts : The University of Massachusetts offers an online MBA in Information Technology that strongly emphasizes experiential learning, field programs, and real world case studies to help students learn how to apply what they learn immediately in their lives and current jobs. Theory and practice are equally important in this MBA program.
MS/IS: Network Management MS/IS: Systems Dev. Mgmt MS/IS: Software Engineering MS/IS: Decision Support	Strayer University : Strayer University's MS in Information Systems program covers the technical, managerial and policy issues associated with information technology. The six concentrations available are in the most marketable sectors of the IT industry: Computer Security Management, Decision Support System Management, Enterprise Resource Management, Network Management, Software Engineering Management, and Systems Development Management.
MS: Comp. Info. Systems MS/CIS: IT Project Mgmt	Boston University : Boston University's MS in Computer Information Systems program offers specializations in database management and IT project management, two of the fastest growing areas of the IT job market. The completely online curriculum prepares students for managerial positions in IT. Graduates leave with a thorough knowledge of security threats, solutions to network and computer system problems, and the ability to develop secure networks.
Master of Info. Systems	University of Phoenix : The University of Phoenix Master of Information Systems degree program covers IT infrastructure, IS technologies, enterprise models and emerging technologies to prepare students to pursue management and consultant positions. Graduates are able to evaluate the role of IS management in organizations, analyze how IS technology is used within organizations, and examine how IS and business systems are integrated.
MPA: Info. Technology MBA: HR Management	South University : South University's MPA in Information Technology program is designed for working adults who want to advance in the public or non -profit sectors. The Information Technology specialization prepares students with advanced knowledge of information systems, security, and the latest technology as well as the skills they need to pursue and excel in management positions.
MS: Info. Technology MS: IT Management	Capella University : Capella University's MS in Information Technology and MS in IT management is designed to integrate business knowledge and IT skills to prepare students for management and leadership roles. The range of IT electives allows students to specialize in areas that are the most pertinent to their work, like information security, networking, project management, health informatics, and enterprise architecture.
Master of IT: Project Mgmt Master of IT: Security	American InterContinental University : American InterContinental University's Master of Information Technology program offers concentrations in Internet Security and IT Project Management. The Internet Security concentration combines technology skills with business and management skills while focusing on IT security. The IT Project Management concentration combines business, management, and project management skills with the latest industry-current information technology.

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Description of Master of Information Technology

A Master of Information Technology (IT), also known as a Master of Science in information technology, is a postgraduate academic degree that is offered to students who have previously studied computer or technology related courses through their undergraduate degree. It’s also an option for those who have a current IT career and want further training. Becoming a leader in an IT department within a large company or organization requires advanced expertise that this degree can provide.

The IT degree offers you a cross-functional perspective on information technology and its place in business operations. While earning this degree you’ll learn the engineering principles behind information technology and the business context in which IT decisions are made. Upon graduation you will be prepared to implement better IT solutions that reflect the demands of today’s evolving marketplace.

Curriculum of a Master’s of Information Technology Program

IT curriculum is focused on providing you with advanced knowledge, skills and training that you can use immediately in the workplace and throughout your professional career. Most IT master’s degree programs last 2 years and include about 30 credits, although this differs depending on the program you attend, whether you’re a part-time or full-time student, and if you choose to take extra courses to flesh out your specialized knowledge in a particular field. Usually two-thirds of your courses will be core courses, with one-third left for electives focused on a particular area of study or interest.

IT programs cover various areas of technology including software engineering, software development, computer programming, software testing, and computer security. Topics of study may include: algorithm design and optimization, computer graphics, computer networks, computer security, data communication, data mining, database management systems, digital electronics, distributed system, e-commerce, geographical information systems, multimedia technology, programming languages, relationship database management system, software engineering, UNIX shell scripting, and more.

There are variations among different schools’ IT classes, although there are some basic materials that you will learn no matter which program you enter. These things include computer programming, design, leadership, management, software, internet security, and web related studies. Specific course titles that may be required in your program include:

• Object Oriented Programming with Java
• Software Engineering
• Fundamentals of Computer Systems
• Leadership in IT
• Network Architecture and Protocols
• IT Security
• Internet Software
• Software Design and Quality
• Information Systems Design
• Database Concepts
• Data Management
• Computer-Based Decision Support Systems
• DSS Design and Implementation
• Web Applications
• Electronic Commerce
• Telecommunications

Prerequisites for a Master of Information Technology Degree

The Master of Information Technology has stricter requirements for prerequisites tha many degree programs because of the highly specific and technical nature of the information and skills being taught. It’s important to look into a variety of programs’ prerequisites before applying, as they will differ slightly. General prerequisites for Master of Information Technology programs are:

1. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution: Sometimes schools will require the bachelor’s degree to be in computer science or electrical engineering, or another technical field. Previous knowledge of programming and higher level math is almost always necessary.
2. Work experience in an IT-related position: Most programs want applicants that have had previous IT experience and have a strong desire for better understanding the engineering principles of IT while learning how to evaluate and manage it. Since all industries have IT departments, applicants will come from a variety of different backgrounds. It’s important to know what each program’s specialization options are to be sure that they have something that fits your current IT background. If your bachelor’s degree was in another subject, such as art or political science, sometimes schools will waive the requirement if you have had at least four years of post-college IT related job experience.
3. Academic requirements: Sometimes schools will set minimum grade point average or GRE scores. Usually GPA minimum scores will be around 3.0, and GRE scores will be 650/800. Applicants will be required to demonstrate math aptitude since this is an engineering-based degree.
4. Programming requirements: Occasionally programs will require specific background knowledge or skills, such as the ability to program in a certain language. It’s important to know what requirements your school has for IT programs before applying.

You may also be required to submit letters of recommendation, and other material submitted with the application such as a curriculum vitae or résumé.

Available Career Options with a Master of Information Technology

With a Master of information technology you will be taught how to manage IT situations within a company, business, corporation, or firm. You’re provided with enough training to handle IT in numerous fields, which opens the doors to many IT careers. Some areas of focus in future work may include coding, budgeting, web development, and leading teams.

Master in Information Technology programs usually make it possible for you to specialize in a particular niche, which is useful when you’re trying to get a career later on. An example of this would be if you currently work in the healthcare field and wish to work in healthcare IT departments. IT in a healthcare context is an industry unto itself, and knowing how to securely manage huge databases of health records will boost your chances of finding a job in the field. Getting a master’s degree in IT with an emphasis in your current field of work will help you negotiate for a salary raise or different position in the same industry.

Below are a few of the most popular careers for graduates of Master of Information Technology programs:

• Chief Information Officer (CIO): The CIO of a company is typically the highest officer of the IT department, and is responsible for the long term technology implementation at the company. You’ll be responsible for: determining what computers and software need to be supplied and to whoever needs them the most; computer installations, such as networking, software, and training; handling the technology budget of the company, determining what the company needs and what they can do with their budget. The average CIO salary is between $103,826 and $209,922, and in larger corporations, you can earn even more in this position.
• IT Supervisor or Director of IT: As a supervisor or director you will become the manager of the IT division of a company. You also may choose to run an independent IT-based firm that manages different computers and technology of several small companies or businesses. Usually this includes computer set-up, maintenance, and repair, as well as internet related functions. In this position you’ll typically be the last line of defense in an IT program. You also will be responsible for training and leading other IT technicians in performing work for your clients and employers. The median income for directors of IT workers is $104,283.
• Systems Software Manager: With this position you would become the “handyperson” of the IT department, responsible for various duties from project management to system coding. Typically you will work with a team to help develop new programs or design products for a company, business or corporation. The average salary for a systems software manager is $79,080, though it depends on the type of company you work for and your level of experience.

Benefits of Online Master of Information Technology Programs

There are many online Master of Information Technology degree programs available. These programs make getting a master’s degree much easier as you don’t have to attend class in a traditional classroom and you can study on your own time. Instead of scheduling your life around your courses, you can schedule your courses around your life. Even if you’re currently working full-time you can still get your graduate degree in IT.

You’ll most likely have an online classroom format that you’ll use with your online degree. Through this classroom you can access assignments, syllabus, and all the study material you’ll need. This classroom base will also keep track of your grades and course curriculum. Email, messaging, and video chat are made easy through these online programs.

Most programs have great faculty who will provide lectures online through a mixture of streaming video, audio, slide decks, and text files. You can watch these as often as you wish, download the notes, and email your professor with questions or comments. Sometimes there are regular discussion seminars that will require your attendance along with other students, but these aren’t in all programs.

There are usually options for online discussion with your classmates using persistent web applications so that materials that are posted don’t go away when their poster signs out. Students in online programs come from everywhere, and this will give you a great opportunity to network and become acquainted with IT professionals across the country and world. You also will have discussion boards and listservs to help you stay in regular contact with others students in the program. Sometimes there are group projects or group study sessions that you can become a part of if you find it helpful.

Online programs always have technology services that are there to provide you support 24/7. These services can help you with library access, career advising, and help you navigate the online program successfully no matter where you’re located.

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