25 Best Online Masters in Information Technology [2024 Guide]

Explore online masters in information technology programs for 2024. Compare IT degrees, technology career paths, and salaries.

An online masters in information technology can bring you deeper into the growing, evolving tech sector.

This is an interesting degree option with a lot of range because of the way the tech sector now reaches into every sector. An advanced degree in IT is a great option for sharpening your skills, learning new tech concepts, and exploring theories of IT management.

It can also be important if you’d like to apply the skills you have within a leadership position.

Online Masters in Information Technology Degrees

There’s some variety when it comes to selecting a path for your IT masters degree. The changing digital landscape means that new specialties are emerging.

Click on the field that most interests you to jump to that section of the guide:

• Information Technology
• Cyber Security
• Digital Forensics
• Health Informatics
• Information Systems Security
• Network Management

Being at the forefront of one of these specialties can take you to some very interesting places in your career!

Information Technology

A classic masters degree online in information technology can help you gain general expertise in your field. This degree is often a precursor to a role as an IT director.

You might handle everything from designing networks to overseeing security protocols for an enterprise.

Cyber Security

A specialty in cyber security can put you in the position of designing and maintaining a strategic line of defense against cyber criminals. This is the ultimate career role for a “problem solver” who enjoys using high-level concepts to stay one step ahead!

A degree program focused on cyber security can train you in threat detection and neutralization.

Digital Forensics

By training to be a professional in the field of digital forensics, you can work toward becoming an expert at applying concepts of forensic science to recovering information from digital devices. These experts are often utilized by police departments, government organizations, and investigators.

This specialty requires people to wear the hat of the detective, scientist, and tech expert!

Health Informatics

Health informatics is a specialty focused on designing and supporting technology used in health information systems. This specialty has a lot of room for growth as medical records become more widely digitized.

This role combines organizational programming with security because people in this profession are tasked with designing user-friendly systems that contain highly sensitive and confidential information.

Information Systems Security

Information systems security is a unique strain within the IT field because its emphasis is mainly on protecting hardware and networks that are part of user interfaces.

As a systems expert, you may be responsible for keeping all digital enterprise collateral secure and operating at a company, agency, or organization.

Network Management

Are you interested in being the person who powers and maintains that “invisible engine” that keeps servers, email, websites, and messaging platforms running? Focusing on network management when pursuing your IT masters degree can teach you how to be the person who keeps every careful chess piece of a network in the perfect configuration.

Students in this concentration learn how to manage network performance and achieve error-free performance.

Information Technology Careers & Salaries

IT professionals don’t necessarily just work at IT firms and tech companies. Consumer brands, manufacturing companies, media companies, hospitals, government agencies, and schools all need tech experts.

We can look at masters in information technology salary information to get a glimpse at just how valued professionals with this designation are in today’s workforce. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for computer and information systems managers is $151,150 per year.

The salary level is often directly linked to skill and educations levels for IT professions at both private and government organizations. Masters in information technology salary can often be higher than average because graduates with this degree can potentially step in as a team lead or manager. If you want to increase your salary potential even more, consider looking into any online PhD information technology programs.

Choosing a Masters in Information Technology Degree

The big task of choosing the perfect online masters in information technology program comes next! This is a time to really weigh what you need in a program against what schools have to offer.

We’ll also take a look at what schools want to see from you via admissions criteria.

Information Technology Curriculum & Courses

There’s no way around the fact that you’ll likely be immersed in a challenging, high-tech curriculum when pursuing your online masters in information technology. Yes, most courses focus on highly technical aspects of designing and maintaining networks.

Your course list will probably be balanced out with courses that explore concepts like the financial and ethical aspects of tech as well.

Here’s a look at some courses you might take as you move forward with your masters in information technology online:

• E-Commerce Technology covers highly practical applications for tech in digital commerce. Topics covered include safe payments, customer databases, and deployment of digital marketing.
• Enterprise Data Management discusses the idea of data as a resource, emerging tech, and best administration tactics in enterprise environments. Hard skills like familiarity with Oracle, PL/SQL, and other programming languages are often required.
• Ethical and Legal Considerations in Tech and Computing is a course that examines the legal and ethical responsibilities of someone who wields technical capabilities and sensitive data. You can gain important insights regarding laws and regulations related to intellectual property, marketing practices, and privacy concerns.
• Foundations of Information Technology broadly covers the core principles behind developing and following IT protocols in maintenance and development environments.
• Hardware Engineering covers the tangible aspects of database management and IT support.
• Principles of Database Design dives into the mechanics and principles of operating databases that run and store valuable information for enterprises.
• Project Management for Technology provides an overview of project management for tech environments.
• Software Design dives into building software platforms and applications from the ground up.
• Programming provides high-level, in-depth instruction in widely-used programming languages like Java and PHP.
• Thesis or Capstone Project is often required before a student can graduate with a masters in information technology management. This is a large project that can allow you to showcase your technical understanding through an intensive research project.

Each course included in an online masters in information technology program is designed to leave you with a new set of very rare and valued skills. These courses create very hands-on experiences because you are often graded on the way you implement concepts into designs.

Admissions Requirements

Here’s a look at what’s generally required when applying to get your online masters in information technology:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
• A minimum undergraduate GPA in a related major (varies by school).
• A minimum Graduate Record Exam (GRE) score (varies by school).
• Letters of recommendation.
• A personal statement or essay.

Taking the GRE can be a time-consuming and expensive process. It might be helpful to see if an online program that you’re eyeing actually requires you to complete this test before you dive in!

Accreditation

The topic of accreditation pops up once you begin browsing IT masters programs. No, you don’t necessarily need to attend a school with regional accreditation to make your degree valuable. Some employers do look upon schools with regional accreditation more favorably.

Prestige isn’t the only reason to consider regional accreditation. It could make a difference if you decide that you’d like to transfer degree credits or pursue a doctorate degree in the future.

Do your homework to see if a school you’re considering has regional accreditation through one of the accreditation bodies recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

Information Technology Professional Organizations

It’s helpful to be immersed in some professional affiliations in such a fast-moving, evolving industry as tech. Professional organizations for IT experts are very robust and active precisely for this reason.

Here’s a look at the best professional organizations to consider jumping into after graduating with your IT masters degree:

• The Association for Computing Machinery is the world’s largest scientific and educational computing society. This prestigious organization is full of resources and networking opportunities for IT experts seeking to advance the tech profession and make positive changes in the world.
• The Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP) is focused on providing IT information and training for business professionals. Members can keep up with trends and collaborate with other professionals to advance the IT profession on a global level. Local chapters offer meetups and collaboration opportunities.
• The Association of Software Professionals is a trade organization for independent software developers and vendors.
• CompTIA is a trade association that issues professional certifications for professionals within the IT industry.
• The Network Professional Association (NPA) emphasizes the advancement of professional network experts using ethical, socially responsible channels. The organization offers programs, services, and training for career opportunities and professional development.

It can be really worth your while to research these organizations because they help IT professionals to stay connected on both global and local levels. In addition to getting access to highly respected certifications, members of organizations tend to have an easier time staying on top of the pressing issues facing their industry.

Information Technology Licensing and Certification

It only makes sense that you’ll need to update your skills somewhat frequently when you’re in an innovative field like IT. After all, you probably got into this field precisely because you don’t want to be bored.

Certifications are helpful for updating your skills after graduating from a masters program. They can also help make you more marketable for things like new job roles or intra-office promotions.

Here’s a look at some of the big certifications that employers might be interested in:

• A Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) has met education requirements and passed a 150-question exam. This is considered a useful entry-level certification for professionals with less experience who are looking to prove their project capabilities.
• A person with a Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) qualification has demonstrated an ability to identify and manage enterprise IT risk. This person has also demonstrated an ability to implement and maintain security controls.
• A Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) has proven that they are capable of designing, implementing, and managing a security program by passing the CISSP examination.
• A Certified IT Architect Professional (CITA-P) has been granted this designation after taking part in an experienced-based interview by a board of peers. CITA Associate certification is typically a prerequisite for this certification.
• A Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) had demonstrated exceptional network engineering skills and mastery of Cisco products and solutions.
• CompTIA Project+ Certification is issued after a candidate passes the CompTIA Project+ examination. A successful candidate demonstrates the ability to manage project life cycles, ensure appropriate communication, manage resources, and uphold documentation.
• ITIL Expert Certification is available for those who demonstrate knowledge of the full ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) scheme. Candidates should ideally have a range of previous ITIL certifications.
• A Microsoft Certified Solution Engineer (MCSE) is someone who has passed exams for the Microsoft Windows NT operating system, desktop systems, networking, and Microsoft’s BackOffice server products.
• An Oracle Certified DBA Professional (OCP) has demonstrated the ability to install, maintain, and troubleshoot all aspects of an Oracle database. This is a second-level certification.
• A Project Management Professional (PMP) has demonstrated an ability to manage projects through the completion of 35 hours of project-management training and accompanying requirements.
• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt Certification holders demonstrate high-level understandings of Lean Six Sigma Methodology. Green belts are able to analyze and solve problems in the team and supportive roles. A Certified Six Sigma Black Belt is able to lead by explaining and demonstrating Six Sigma philosophies and principles.

These certifications should be considered important assets for proving your capabilities. Certain employers may require some of these certifications as conditions for employment. You can also be proactive about enrolling in courses and testing on your own to build up your skillset.

Financial Aid

FAFSA and other paths for financial aid may be available to you as a graduate student. It’s possible that you can receive aid through a work-study program while you’re a student. Some schools will allow you to work in roles that actually utilize your IT skills.

Scholarships

Multiple scholarships exist for students pursuing degrees in the IT field.

One scholarship that should be on your radar is the Gen and Kelly Tanabe Scholarship. This is a merit-based scholarship that is open to graduate students and adult students who are either currently enrolled in a program or plan to begin school within the next 12 months.

The Ralph W. Shrader Graduate Diversity Scholarship is open to full-time women or minority students enrolled in their second semesters or equivalent. You must be pursuing a graduate degree at an accredited academic institution in the United States to qualify. A one-time scholarship sum of $3,000 is awarded to the chosen recipient.

What Can I Do With a Masters in Information Technology?

A masters in IT is a way to expand your skillset while also potentially priming yourself for a managerial or lead role within an IT organization.

You can tailor your degree specialty toward a number of directions that can help place you in roles to build and maintain IT infrastructures and systems.

Is a Masters Degree in Information Technology Worth It?

Yes, a masters degree in information technology is worth it for many students. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is projecting 11% job growth in computer and information technology occupations over the next 10 years. Common careers in this field include computer systems analyst, computer network architect, and computer and information research scientist.

A masters in IT is usually a smart, strategic move for someone who is seeking to build a career in IT.

Factors like industry recognition and the potential for generous pay make this a good degree option for those interested in tech careers.

What Is the Best Online College for Information Technology?

The answer is really about finding a program that gives you the ability to dive deeper into the world of IT through graduate-level courses in a way that syncs up with your goals.

A program that allows you to integrate learning into your life is going to help you be a successful student.

MBA vs Masters in Information Technology – What’s the Difference?

An MBA focuses broadly on business administration. You won’t necessarily learn “hard skills” related to specific IT systems or principles.

A masters in information technology is a STEM-focused degree path.

Are There Any Affordable Online Masters in Information Technology Programs?

Yes, many IT professionals are able to complete affordable programs. The online aspect of a degree program can create built-in savings simply because there is no need to pay for things like room and board or commuting costs. You can often continue working while enrolled.

You can generally compare costs between programs by weighing the requirement for semester hours against the cost per semester hour. This can provide you with a glimpse into the value each program offers instead of viewing annual tuition costs.

What Is the Average Salary for an IT Masters Degree?

According the the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for computer and information technology occupations is $91,250.

That’s more than double the median annual wage of $41,950 that stands for all other occupations.

How Long Does It Take to Complete an Online Masters in Information Technology?

Most programs around the country require between 36 and 54 semester credits. A full-time graduate student pursuing a graduate IT degree is typically enrolled for two years.

What Is a Master’s In Information Technology Degree Program?

A masters program for IT professionals is an intensive and immersive program that instructs students in the professional-level development of IT systems. Students typically cover hardware, infrastructure, programming, and security.

Specialty degree options exist for those interested in gaining expertise in branches of IT. This can include database development, programming languages, software development, network management, and data forensics.

Universities Offering Online Information Technology Master’s Degree Programs

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.