Master of Information Technology degrees for career credibility
by Kelly Richardson
Information technology professionals manage the hardware and software used to store, retrieve and manipulate computer-based information. Once confined to the technology realm specifically, IT specialists have established careers in markets across the spectrum as more businesses and organizations rely on data to operate.
Online master of information technology degree programs allow professionals to gain career credentials while continuing to accumulate on-the-job experience. Although a bachelor's degree is common as an entry point in this profession, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that employers often prefer a graduate degree for management positions.
Master of Information Technology overview
In IT, the master's designation is sometimes expressed as a Master of Science in Information Technology, or MSIT. Master's degrees generally take two years to complete, with various factors influencing the date of completion--including program structure, full- or part-time status, and degree requirements, to name a few.
A master's degree program in information technology features a mix of technology and business principles. Because many of the technological systems in use are proprietary in nature, students may choose to augment their training with specific software and hardware certifications.
Specializations in information technology
Jobs in information technology tend to focus on specific areas of the process of data exchange and manipulation, and MSIT students are often given the chance to focus on a particular area of information technology. Diverse career paths are available to graduates with an advanced IT degree, including the following:
- Computer and information research scientist
- Computer and information systems manager
- Computer programmer
- Database administrator
- Hardware engineer
- Network and computer systems administrator
- Network systems and data communications analyst
- Software engineer
- Systems analyst
- Technical support specialist
Network security is a particular area of focus and need in business technology. The Internet Crime Complaint Center, or IC3--a joint operation between the FBI and the National White Collar Crime Center--recorded 336,655 complaints amounting to $559.7 million lost in 2009.
Master of information technology coursework
Master's programs in information technology are subject to the approval of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, or ABET. While programs vary by state and school, the following courses are considered the backbone of an accredited program in IT:
- Computer networks
- Computer security
- Data communication
- Database management systems
- E-commerce
- Geographical information systems
- Multimedia technology
- Programming languages
- Software engineering
- Web development
The diversity of coursework reflects the growing level of responsibility with which graduates in the field are charged. Programs touch on a wide range of lessons that encourage students to specialize in a certain area of expertise without limiting their career choices upon graduation.
Earning an online master of information technology
IT managers obviously need to be familiar with a broad range of technology, including file servers and web servers, storage, workstations, and applications spanning customer relationship management tools, development environment software, enterprise resource planning programs and web platform development software.
The inherent digital component of the online format could help to establish professional competence for graduates, while demonstrating their ability to complete complex, self-directed projects. The distance learning environment can also help to build remote communication and collaboration skills, which are frequently used in the high-tech industry.
Careers and salaries for holders of IT master's degrees
With respect to employment demand and hiring, the outlook is positive. A range of occupations are open to master's degree holders. When hiring network architects and database administrators, some employers prefer applicants with advanced degrees, according to the BLS. Job growth for these positions from 2008 through 2018 is expected to be much faster than the average growth expected for all U.S. occupations. Network and computer systems administrators earned a mean annual wage in 2010 of $72,200.
Management is another career target for graduates of master's degree programs. The BLS projects that employment for computer and information systems managers should grow 17 percent from 2008 to 2018, which is faster than average. The mean annual wage for IT directors hit $123,280 in May 2010--or $59.27 per hour. Top paying industries for this occupation include information services and financial investment activities.
For those with talents in logic and problem-solving, a master's degree in information technology could be a route to a new career role. Online master's degree programs offer both challenge and flexibility--hallmarks of worthwhile academic and professional pursuit.
