Modern information technology has reshaped organizations and industries around the world. The increasing complexities of tech means IT education and skills are more desirable than ever.
According to CompTIA's 2023 State of the Workforce report, there were 4.1 million job postings in tech in 2022. Projections for 2023 indicated the tech workforce would top 9.4 million professionals and are about 9% of the total economy.
Earning a master's in information technology positions graduates to capitalize on this growing demand. This degree can qualify professionals for many of the most appealing tech careers, but candidates should still consider employment data and trends.
Uncover the finer details about a master's in IT with this guide. Explore career pathways, program options, and which schools have the best IT programs.
Popular Information Technology Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top Master Degree Programs in Information Technology
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Why Get a Master's in IT Degree?
Since the Rochester Institute of Technology offered the first information technology degree in 1993, the field has significantly expanded. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the number of computer and information technology graduate degrees conferred grew 178% between 2010-11 and 2020-21, nearly doubling the next fastest-growing discipline.
Despite this incredible growth in advanced IT degrees, most tech employers believe the growing tech skills gap results from a lack of advanced skills in the workforce. Candidates with advanced IT abilities can pursue diverse opportunities across several industries.
Of the 9.4 million jobs in tech, over 2 million work in software development, over 700,000 in cybersecurity and systems engineering, and over 680,000 in network engineering. The top industries include IT services, telecommunications, tech manufacturing, and software.
While graduates of undergraduate programs and coding bootcamps can also pursue these roles, employers often seek master's graduates for their expertise and specialized skills.
Career AdvancementA master's in information technology often includes business, operations, and leadership strategy courses. Many employers look for professionals with advanced education when hiring for management positions.
Specialization OpportunitiesMaster's programs often provide more specialization opportunities than undergraduate programs. Learners can build on their IT foundations with cybersecurity, networking, or database concentrations.
Earning PowerOn average, master's graduates earn about 18% more than bachelor's degree-holders, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). In computer and IT occupations, the top 25% of earners made annual salaries more than $30,000 over the median earners in the field as of May 2021.
What To Expect From Master's in Information Technology Programs
In general, a master's in information technology equips students to develop and implement technological solutions for businesses and organizations.
A master's in IT usually runs between 1-2 years and features 30-45 credits. Students may encounter several study options, including courses and concentrations in hardware, software, design, administration, and analysis. The programs may also feature practicum, thesis, portfolio, or capstone project requirements.
The prestige and type of school can affect student outcomes and costs. While the number of IT programs available ensures students have options, most learners pay just over $20,000 per year, per the NCES.
Admission Requirements
The admission requirements vary by program, but an applicant typically needs a computer-related undergraduate degree, such as a bachelor's in information technology. Competitive programs may require a minimum 3.0 GPA or strong GRE scores.
Other common requirements include letters of recommendation and personal statements. While rarely mandatory, professional experience and a strong portfolio can increase a prospective student's chances of admission.
Degree and Specialization Options
Information technology programs may feature in-person, online, and blended formats. Online programs may have asynchronous delivery for maximum flexibility or synchronous delivery for more classroom engagement.
Concentrations vary, depending on the program. These specializations focus on certain topics and can improve graduates' career opportunities in that field or niche. Possible IT tracks include web application development, data analytics, and IT project management.
Popular Master's in IT Courses
In such a vast field as IT, students can encounter many different courses. The following list highlights a few of the more common topics covered in a master's in IT.
Information Systems AnalysisIn this course, students learn to analyze organizations' technological needs. They explore the methods for evaluating existing systems and designing solutions.
Information Technology ManagementLearners examine how organizations can align IT with operational and corporate goals and strategies. Coursework may touch on real-world IT concerns to improve problem-solving strategies.
Business Data ManagementThis course looks at the design, development, and management of data systems. Students learn how businesses use data and how proper management can improve business decisions and outcomes.
Strategic CommunicationsIn this course, students explore the role of IT in strategic communications. The course may cover business networks, digital media, or communication software and applications.
How Much Will a Master's in Information Technology Cost?
According to the NCES, the average overall graduate tuition was $20,513in 2021-22. At public schools, the average tuition was $12,596, while private schools charged a median tuition of $28,017.
Tuition prices vary by school type and student residency. Schools may charge out-of-state students more than in-state learners, though many graduate programs offer a standard rate.
Students incur other costs, including travel, food, course and facility fees, and room and board. Fortunately, learners can pursue financial aid through federal grants, loans, and scholarships. The links below offer more information on the topic of financial aid.
Jobs for Master's in Information Technology Graduates
The employment outlook for information technology master's graduates appears particularly strong. The BLS projects significant growth for all computer and information technology occupations from 2023-2033. The median annual wage for this sector was $104,420 in May 2023 — more than double the median wage for all occupations.
Many of the highest-paying and most in-demand jobs in this industry belong to people with advanced skill sets and education. Information technology master's graduates can also move in many professional directions depending on their specializations, internships, and postgraduate certifications.
Find some details on some of the available career paths below.
Computer and Information Systems Manager
Computer and information systems managers coordinate and oversee the technological activities and operations within organizations. They ensure the systems perform at the level required to serve their organization's audience and meet the business goals. These professionals may manage IT companies or handle the IT divisions in information, finance and insurance, and manufacturing organizations.
Required Education: Bachelor's degree
Median Annual Salary: $164,070
Job Outlook (2023-33): +17%
Computer Systems Analyst
Computer systems analysts evaluate organizations' information systems and needs. They may design solutions or provide consultation upgrades and efficiency improvements. Most systems analysts work in computer systems design services, but they also find employment in finance and insurance, government, and information industries.
Required Education: Bachelor's degree
Median Annual Salary: $102,240
Job Outlook (2023-33): +11%
Information Security Analyst
Information security analysts create, implement, and manage organizations' cybersecurity systems and policies. They provide management with security insights to help with business decisions and projections. These analysts primarily work in computer systems design services, finance and insurance, and information industries.
Required Education: Bachelor's degree
Median Annual Salary: $112,000
Job Outlook (2023-33): +33%
Computer and Information Research Scientist
Computer and information research scientists develop technological solutions to common problems for people, businesses, and industries. These professionals may specialize in computer architecture, networking, or cybersecurity. Their primary employment industries include the federal government, computer systems design services, and software publishing.
Required Education: Master's degree
Median Annual Salary: $136,620
Job Outlook (2023-33): +26%
Choosing the Right IT Graduate Program
Prospective students need to research several elements when comparing master's in information technology programs. To make the best decision, they should consider these factors while focusing on their needs and interests:
Institutional and Programmatic Accreditation: Prospective students should prioritize institutional accreditation when researching colleges and universities. Schools cannot provide federal financial aid without accreditation, and the status may affect postgraduate employment and certification. While not mandatory, programmatic accreditation from ABET helps verify the program's quality and improve employment outcomes.
Program Curriculum: Students should find programs that provide courses and concentrations in the fields that interest them. While a broad field like information technology allows learners to explore their options, specializations can significantly affect a graduate's career path.
Program Structure: Program structure covers program and course length, course load intensity, start dates, and the semester breakdown. Prospective students should determine the structure that best fits their life and learning style.
Other considerations include:
Admission requirements
School faculty and facilities
School location and residency requirements
Program delivery methods and schedule
Class size and student-to-teacher ratio
Support services and student organizations
Alumni network and mentorship programs
Should You Get Your Master's in IT Degree Online?
An online master's in information technology adds an extra level of flexibility to college studies. These programs often run asynchronously for total schedule control or synchronously during the evenings or weekends. As a result, online students can better maintain employment while pursuing degrees.
For online learning success, enrollees should ensure that the program aligns with their learning style. Online classes can be more independent and less interactive than in-person programs. Some online programs also have residency requirements that may limit how distant the campus can be.
Explore other IT education paths:
FAQ About Information Technology Master's Programs
What can I do with a master's degree in information technology?
Professionals with master's degrees in information technology can pursue advanced roles in the tech sector and beyond. Popular IT careers include computer and information research scientists, software developers, information security analysts, and computer systems analysts.
What is a master of science in information technology?
A master's in information technology focuses on developing and managing IT devices and systems in the workplace. These programs often emphasize business applications of IT. While typically broad, IT master's degrees usually offer concentrations that allow learners to focus on specific areas of the field.
Is a master of science in IT worth it?
Yes. The high rate of growth in the IT field has created a shortage of highly skilled IT professionals. With a master's in information technology, graduates possess the skills and knowledge to keep up with changes in the field and pursue leadership positions in many organizations and industries.
Will I get a better salary with a master's in information technology?
Professionals with master's degrees typically earn more than individuals with undergraduate degrees. Master's graduates have better access to leadership and management positions, which tend to pay very well. According to the BLS, computer and information systems managers made a median annual salary of $169,510 in May 2023, more than the median annual salary for all computer and IT occupations.
Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by Computer Science. Page last reviewed March 4, 2024.
