Education Career Articles

Connect Facebook Connect Twitter Connect Google+ Connect Pinterest Connect Stumbleupon

Master’s Degree Programs in Computer Information Technology Overview

Majors Overview July 18, 2015

This article talks about master’s degree programs in computer information technology and their education requirements, coursework, job and wage outlook, and continuing education choices.

Master’s Programs in Computer Information Technology

Students who seek the advanced training and skills needed to pursue careers as technology professionals in government agencies and corporations would benefit from enrolling in a post-baccalaureate degree program in computer information technology. Schools commonly offer a Master of Science (M.S.) in Information Technology (IT). Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, and in some instances, prior work experience.

Individual clients and businesses rely on IT professionals for the creation and integration of computer solutions. They use computer security systems, computer networking tools, database management tools, and Web technologies to provide troubleshooting and maintenance for the systems whenever needed.

Coursework in these programs covers these tasks, with education in areas such as analytical reasoning, wireless networks, and microcomputer applications. Students get assistance in creating a study plan in accordance with their individual goals. Many schools offer master’s-level programs in IT in part-time or online formats to facilitate working information technology professionals seeking career advancement. The master’s degree program in information technology often requires graduates to complete a thesis project or thesis paper involving in-depth exploration of a particular area of the information technology field.

Education Requirements

Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited school, preferably in a technology major. Applicants for admission to some part-time master’s degree programs in the field are also required to have some prior professional work experience.

Coursework

Coursework combines topics in programming, advanced mathematics, and computer applications, in areas such as:

•Information technology management
•Information technology law
•Wireless technologies
•Communication networks
•Data mining
•Computer and information technology principles
•Telecommunication Engineering
•Statistical and probability techniques
•Microcomputer applications
•Analytical reasoning
•Troubleshooting and managing hardware

Job and Wage Outlook

Over the 2012 – 2022 decade, a job growth rate of 22% has been predicted for software developers. Over the same period, network and computer systems administrators are expected to see a 12% growth. Database administrators could witness a 15% growth in jobs (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). In 2012, application software developers brought in an average annual wage of $93,350. Database administrators and network and computer system administrators earned $77,080 and $72,560, respectively, per annum, on average (BLS).

Continuing Education Choices

Program graduates may seek professional certification offered by product vendors, such as Microsoft. Certification in the information technology field is also available through some computer-related associations or individual training institutions. Certifications can help in career advancements. Some companies encourage individuals to gain outside certification at certain levels, and may even be willing to pay to ensure that their employees undergo certification.

No schools found or there was a problem, please try again later. (error: 6, http code: 0)No schools found or there was a problem, please try again later. (error: 6, http code: 0)

Login to your account

Can't remember your Password ?

Register for this site!