by Elizabeth Armentor
elizabeth.armentor@online-masters-degrees-programs.org
Online Masters Degrees Programs Columnist

The beginning of a new year is a great time to make the changes that can boost your professional life, and getting a master’s degree in information technology from an online university can be a smart and convenient way to reach your goals. Opportunities in information technology are expected to be the best they’ve been in five years, according to a new survey of Chief Information Officers conducted by Robert Half Technology. Much of this expected growth is attributed to the need for more sophisticated computer networks, security and database management. This survey lines up with the U. S. Bureau of Labor’s (BLS) prediction that information technology jobs will grow much faster than average between now and 2014. If you started earning your online master’s in information technology right away you could be finished in time to cash in.

Job Opportunities for a Master’s in Information Technology

An online master’s degree is a significant investment of time and money in your future, so you might be wondering what kinds of jobs will be available when you’ve finished.

These are just a few of the challenging jobs available with a master’s in information technology:

• Business Analysts find appropriate technology, including application, web-based, system design, and database solutions to their firm’s business issues and data challenges.
• Database Managers design systems for managing a company’s electronic information.
• Information Technology Consultants analyze companies and match them to technologies that best improve their efficiency.

Salary Expectations for graduates with a Master’s in Information Technology

Boosting your earning power can be a great reason to get a master’s from an online university. In general, earning a master’s from an online or other university is worth about $2.5 million over the course of your career (BLS). Although no degree program can guarantee a salary, Robert Half International’s salary survey shows candidates with a master’s in information technology can expect to earn between $80,000-115,000 per year.

Sources:

“CIO’s Expect Hiring to Hit Five Year High,” eWeek
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Robert Half International

About the Author:

Elizabeth Armentor is a former university instructor who writes about education issues.