Information on Master of Science (MS) Degree Program in Information Technology
Majors Overview July 13, 2015This article talks about Master of Science (M.S.) degree programs in Information Technology and their education requirements, coursework, career choices, job and wage outlook, and continuing education choices.
Master of Science (M.S.) Programs in Information Technology
Students enrolled in Master of Science (M.S.) in Information Technology degree programs are imparted an advanced grasp of systems operations, computer applications, and data management. Schools may also allow students to choose from various specializations including computer science or electrical engineering. Schools often devise programs for working IT professionals seeking to advance into management positions. Managerial concepts may also be explored in these master’s-level information technology (IT) programs as the concepts are pertinent to areas of systems engineering, computer programming, software development, and data management. In many programs, students have to complete a special project before completion of the degree.
Education Requirements
Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a bachelor’s degree. Admission to some full-time programs is allowed, if applicants have bachelor’s degrees in specific undergraduate majors, such as computer science or electrical engineering. Students may also have to submit Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) scores, in addition to meeting a minimum GPA standard on previous coursework. Schools may also require personal statements, letters of recommendation, and relevant work experience.
Coursework
Students can complete degree programs, comprising of around 30-48 semester hours of coursework, in two years. Capstone projects are sometimes incorporated to allow students to gain hands-on management experience in technology. Concentrations are available in some programs in areas such as computer science or electrical engineering. Core coursework may cover topic areas such as:
•Software development
•Telecommunications
•Enterprise systems
•Systems design
•Information management
•Programming
•Innovative technology
•Legal issues in technology
•Accounting management
•Data management
Career Choices
Program graduates can seek job opportunities in electronic commerce, data communications, and systems design. They may choose from possible job titles such as:
•Systems developer
•Information systems manager
•Computer programmer
•Software Engineer
Job and Wage Outlook
Over the 2012 – 2022 decade, a job growth of 8% has been predicted for computer programmers. During the same period, software developers are expected to see job growth of 22% (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). In May 2012, computer programmers brought in an average annual wage of $74,280. During the same month, individuals working on systems software earned $99,000, while applications software developers banked $90,060 per annum, on average.
Continuing Education Choices
Program graduates who want to stay abreast of the latest advances in the field may enroll in information technology certificate programs over the span of their careers. Certificate programs cover topic areas such as database design, Web applications, and application development. Alternatively, they may earn a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Information Technology that could lead to a career in academia or research.
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