Degree Overview: Graduate Degree Programs in Information Technology Management
Majors Overview July 8, 2015This article talks about graduate degree programs in information technology management and their education requirements, coursework, career choices, job and wage outlook, and continuing education choices.
Overview of Information Technology Management Programs
Students enrolled in a master’s degree program in information technology management are trained for IT management and advanced computer analysis roles. Students seeking university-level teaching or research positions may earn a doctoral degree in information technology management. While the focus of both programs is on research customized to a student’s interests, doctoral programs can span between two and seven years. Students often complete master’s programs within about two years of full-time study. Admission criteria for a master’s program may include a relevant bachelor’s degree and professional IT experience.
Master of Science (M.S.) Programs in Management of Information Technology
A combination of instruction in management and technology provides students with the skills they would need in leading a team of employees to create and sustain information technology (IT) projects and systems. Students enrolled in project management courses are taught cost and risk management, project planning, and budgeting, among other topics pertinent to project management. They are also taught marketing techniques, IT and networking security, and portfolio management. Coursework in economics and accounting is devised to teach the financial responsibilities and aspects of project and business management.
Education Requirements
Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a bachelor’s degree in a related field. Professional experience and references are among other requirements. Students with extensive professional experience may not have to meet any standardized testing requirements.
Coursework
Coursework covers IT and business management courses in numerous areas. Core coursework may cover topic areas such as:
•Strategic management
•Telecommunications
•Network design
•Business processes
•Database Management
Job and Wage Outlook
In 2012, about 332,700 individuals were employed as IT managers in the United States (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). Over the 2012 – 2022 decade, a job growth of 15% has been predicted for these professionals. In 2012, these workers brought in an average annual wage of $120,950 (BLS).
Continuing Education Choices
Program graduates seeking continuing education may earn a Ph.D. in Technology Management that may take seven years to complete.
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Programs in Technology Management
The primary focus of this degree program is on application and research in management technologies. Coursework involves performance of research and study of business theories in marketing, economics, operations management, and emerging technologies.
Students enrolled in a Ph.D. in Technology Management program are prepared for roles as researchers in various environments, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and higher education institutions. Doctoral seminars are among this research-oriented program. A doctoral dissertation is the culmination of the program, a work of scholarly research that must be completed by enrollees.
Education Requirements
Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a bachelor’s and master’s degree from an accredited school, in addition to possessing an excellent graduate and undergraduate academic record. They must also submit a personal statement essay outlining their career goals and professional achievements apart from a scholarly paper demonstrating their writing and research skills.
Coursework
Coursework varies by school and may cover topic areas such as:
•Network Administration
•Strategic management
•Qualitative research
•Information technology management
•Organization theory
Career Choices
Program graduates may seek jobs in numerous settings. They may choose from possible job positions such as:
•Statistician
•Professor
•Computer systems analyst
