Master’s in Information Technology Online
Information technology is one of the highest-flying career choices out there, and a IT master's can qualify for plenty of jobs. With the continued growth of computing systems, cloud storage, and data analysis, the IT field is expected to grow by 13% by 2026, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics - that’s higher than the average for all occupations and equal to more than half a million new jobs. The rising field of cybersecurity, especially on a corporate and federal level, only raises the temperature of this hot field.
And the IT industry has salaries that match the field’s growth for hot jobs in this field of work. The median salary for a computer network architect was $109,020 in 2018, according to the BLS. Other salaries include computer and information systems manager at $142,530, a computer programmer at $84,280, and computer and information research scientist at $118,370. The median wage for all IT jobs in 2018 was $86,320.
All of the online information technology master’s programs listed here can put a charge into an existing IT career or provide a boost to someone just getting into the field. For many, though, obtaining an associate’s degree in information technology versus a bachelor’s degree is often an excellent gambit for many reasons. The master's degree generally prepares students for management and leadership roles but also can sharpen their knowledge in niche areas such as cybersecurity, project management, and business intelligence. A solid bachelor’s degree, along with some academic or professional experience in IT, is strongly recommended for acceptance to these programs.
Featured Online Schools
Masters in IT Programs Top Rankings
#10 UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI
CINCINNATI, OH
MASTER IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Website
Score: 90.85
University of Cincinnati’s Master in Information Technology degree is offered 100% online. The degree has a strong reputation; U.S. News & World Report ranks the university No. 11 among best online master’s degrees in Information Technology. The IT master’s degree consists of nine semester credit hours of core courses, 15 hours of electives, and six hours of a capstone project or thesis. Cincinnati’s IT programs are rated as a National Center of Academic Excellence by the National Security Agency. The university is home to the Ohio Cyber Range, which uses a virtual environment to teach participants about cybersecurity. A bachelor’s degree is required to apply for the master’s program. Professionals with extensive backgrounds in computing can be admitted immediately into the program. Those who don’t have such background can take four “bridge” courses that prepare the student for the master’s coursework.
Net Price: $20,085
#9 ILLINOIS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
CHICAGO, IL
MASTER OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
Website
Score: 91.18
Variety is the spice of Illinois Institute of Technology’s Master of Information Technology and Management degree. There are 65 related courses to choose from, and nine specialization areas to match students’ career goals. All coursework has a common goal of preparing graduates for leadership in IT projects and organizations. Online classes and assignments are asynchronous and available 24/7. The curriculum consists of 30 semester credit hours, which include nine hours of core courses and 21 of electives. A research thesis is optional, as are faculty-mentored student projects. Classes include Human-Computer Interaction Design, Ethical Issues in Information Technology, and Cloud Computing Technologies. For applicants, GME/GMAT scores are waived for those who earned a bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 minimum GPA from an accredited institution. Applicants also should provide a resume, two recommendation letters, and a professional statement.
Net Price: $25,814
#8 GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY
FAIRFAX, VA
APPLIED INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, CYBERSECURITY CONCENTRATION (MS)
Website
Score: 91.62
Because of George Mason University’s location near the nation’s capital, its MS in Applied Information Technology, Cyber Security Concentration leans in the direction of leadership careers in the federal sector. But students with private-sector aspirations also can find what they need in the curriculum, which can be accessed 100% online. U.S. News & World Report ranks the university No. 24 among best online master’s degrees in Information Technology. Online classes are asynchronous and vary by semester. There are 12 semester credit hours of core courses and 18 hours of electives. Classes include Cloud Security Fundamentals, Applied Machines Learning, and Emerging Threats and Countermeasures. A research-based thesis is optional. Program applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, earned with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Experience in IT fundamentals is preferred. Applicants also must provide a resume, three recommendation letters, and a statement of goals.
Net Price: $19,064
#7 CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, FULLERTON
FULLERTON, CA
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Website
Score: 92.61
The Master of Science in Information Technology online degree from California State University, Fullerton is designed for part-time students with professional careers. It is offered through the Mihaylo College of Business and Economics. U.S. News & World Report ranks the university No. 15 among best online graduate business programs. Coursework can be completed in 20 months by taking two classes per semester year-round. The program begins each fall. Cal State Fullerton uses the cohort approach so students have peer support throughout the program. There are a few required on-campus seminars and some optional face-to-face events, so living within striking distance of the Los Angeles area is recommended. The program consists of 30 semester credit hours; students must maintain a 3.0 GPA. There are two concentration areas: Data Science and IT Management. Program applicants need to provide GMAT/GRE scores, a resume, a goals statement and statement of leadership and creativity, and one recommendation letter. IT work experience is recommended.
Net Price: $8,274
#6 PURDUE UNIVERSITY
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN
MASTER OF SCIENCE FOCUSED IN IT PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Website
Score: 94.05
This IT master’s from Purdue University does a great job of describing itself. The Master of Science in IT Project Management degree can be earned 100% online. Courses are asynchronous and offered in eight-week formats for flexibility. Students certified as a project management professional will take 30 semester credit hours of coursework. Those who need the PMP certification will take an additional four credit hours. The time required to complete the degree can range from 12 months to five years. Classes include IT Policy, Law, and Ethics, and IT Program and Portfolio Management. Factors in acceptance to the program include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, a minimum 3.0 GPA in undergraduate studies, and at least two years of professional experience in the IT field. Other application materials include a resume, a statement of purpose, and three recommendation letters.
Net Price: $11,898
#5 ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY
TEMPE, AZ
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Website
Score: 94.67
The Master of Science in Information Technology degree from Arizona State University is available fully online. Students are exposed to the latest information in networking, cybersecurity, and information systems, giving them the tools to succeed or advance in an IT field. U.S. News & World Report ranks Arizona State at the nation’s top university for innovation. It also ranks the university No. 2 for information and technology management programs. The IT master’s degree consists of 30 credit hours and follows the university’s 15-week semester format. There are 12 credit hours of core courses and 18 hours of electives that can be defined by two concentrations: Computer Architecture & Information Security and Information Systems Management & Systems Development. Program applicants should have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Science, or a closely related field from an accredited institution. A minimum GPA of 3.0 in the degree work is required.
Net Price: $13,731
#4 UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS LOWELL
LOWELL, MA
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Website
Score: 97.44
The Master of Science in Information Technology program at the University of Massachusetts Lowell focuses on teaching the skills to manage operating and virtual systems and to lead the development and oversight of large-scale applications and networks. The program is ideal for network managers, systems administrators or similar IT pros who want to raise their game. The degree consists of 30 semester credit hours and can be completed in as little as 18 months, though most online students take more time to finish. Students choose from courses that emphasize systems infrastructure, network infrastructure, and software management. Additional electives fine-tune the students’ knowledge base. In addition to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college, program applicants should have a background in C programming, along with math skills that include, at the least, pre-calculus, statistics, and discrete structures. Applicants also must provide a statement of purpose and recommendation letters.
Net Price: $18,257
#3 FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY
TALLAHASSEE, FL
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY MS
Website
Score: 98.21
U.S. News & World Report ranks Florida State University No. 12 among best online graduate business programs. The university’s Information Technology MS degree consists of 32 semester credit hours. Online classes are live and held in the evening once a week. Students typically take one to two courses a semester. With two classes a semester, the degree can be completed in two years. All students must take four core courses in subjects ranging from information systems management to usability analysis. The remainder of the coursework involves electives from which students can pick one or more areas of specialization. Areas include Large-Scale Data Management, Technology and Networking, Web Design, and Leadership and Management. Program applicants need to provide GMAT/GRE scores, unless they hold either a master’s or doctorate degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 or two years of professional experience in the IT field along with an accredited bachelor’s degree with a GPA of at least 3.0. Applicants also should supply a resume and a statement of purpose.
Net Price: $13,318
#2 MISSOURI UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
ROLLA, MO
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN INFORMATION SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Website
Score: 99.64
The Master of Science in Information Science and Technology program at Missouri University of Science and Technology has four required core courses. That leaves the rest of the 30 semester credit hours to electives that can align with a student’s professional goals. The IT master’s program is designed to develop or increase knowledge in the creation and successful application of information systems in corporate settings. U.S. News & World Report ranks Missouri S&T No. 20 among best online master’s degrees in Information Technology. The degree’s specialization areas include Human-Computer Interaction, Leadership, E-Commerce, Project Management, and Enterprise Resource Planning. Classes include Web and Digital Media Development, Information Retrieval and Analysis, and Digital Commerce and the Internet of Things. There are live online courses; platforms such as WebEx and Canvas allow for collaborative learning. Program applicants should have a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and successful completion of 12 graduate hours in information science courses. A statement of purpose, resume, and three recommendation letters are also required.
Net Price: $13,994
#1 CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY
PITTSBURGH, PA
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Website
Score: 100.0
The Master of Science in Information Technology degree is offered through the prestigious Heinz College of Information and Public Systems at Carnegie Mellon University. U.S. News & World Report ranks Carnegie Mellon No. 1 for information and technology management programs. The online system is designed for part-time students who are full-time professionals in the IT field. Classes are asynchronous, and coursework can begin in the fall, spring, or summer semesters. Students in the program range from up-and-coming professionals to experienced executives, and it’s not unusual to have those ranges meet and collaborate on a study team.
Net Price: $30,847
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