The Best Information Technology Master’s Degree Programs of 2021
A Master’s Degree in Information Technology (IT) can help you develop new skills and increase your earning potential. Students who pursue this degree learn specialized topics in cyber security and IT management to prepare them for the highest-paying IT careers.
If you want to advance your career, you should consider getting one of the best Master’s Degrees in Information Technology. This guide will list the 10 best IT master’s programs to consider. We’ll also look at the cost, location, and top features of each program to help you make the right decision.
Why You Should Study Software Engineering
A master’s degree in information technology opens up many different career paths. For instance, you can become a database administrator, a systems administrator, or a computer network architect. You can also improve your standing as an information security analyst, web developer, or information architect.
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You will also have a lot of choices when it comes to where you work. Almost all companies need IT experts to head up their network administration. This means the job outlook is excellent and you can choose the industry you prefer to work in, whether it’s entertainment, finance, government, healthcare, hospitality, retail, or manufacturing.
At a Glance: Top 10 Information Technology Master’s Degree Programs of 2021
Below are the top information technology master’s degree programs. The table contains the schools, programs, and locations. You can also find the tuition cost for online, in-state, and out-of-state students.
The details were taken from the websites of the respective schools, and tuition costs refer to either the most recent academic year or the one upcoming.
| School and Program | State | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Online Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California State University, Fullerton Master of Science in Information Technology |
(CA) | $2,082 per semester (part-time enrollment) $3,588 per semester (full-time enrollment) |
$2,082 per semester, plus $396 per unit enrolled (part-time enrollment) $3,588 per semester, plus $396 per unit enrolled (full-time enrollment) |
Online only |
| Carnegie Mellon University Master of Information Technology Strategy |
(PA) | $50,100per year | $50,100 per year | None |
| Colorado State University Global MS in Information Technology Management |
(CO) | $500 per credit | $500 per credit | Online only |
| Florida State University Master of Science in Information Technology |
(FL) | $579.32 per semester hour | $1,210.72 per semester hour | Yes $444.26 per credit (in-state) $1,075.66 per credit (out-of-state) |
| George Washington University Master of Science in Information Systems Technology |
(DC) | $1,825 per credit | $1,825 per credit | Yes, $2,215 per credit |
| Illinois Institute of Technology Master of Applied Science in Information Technology and Management |
(IL) | $1,614 per credit hour | $1,614 per credit hour | None |
| Purdue University MS in Computer and Information Technology |
(IN) | $9,992 per year | $28,794 per year | Yes, $420 – $700 per quarter credit hour |
| University of Texas at Dallas MS in Information Technology and Management |
(TX) | $1,651 per credit | $2,437 per credit | Hybrid options available |
| University of Maryland Global MS in Information Technology |
(MD) | $504 per credit | $659 per credit | Online only |
| University of Michigan-Dearborn MS in Information Systems and Technology |
(MI) | $6,680 per 8-credit semester (additional credits assessed at $445 per credit) |
$11,696 per 8-credit semester (additional credits assessed at $840 per credit) |
Yes, $8,296 per 8-credit semester (additional semester credits assessed at $556 per credit) |
What Are the Requirements for an Information Technology Master’s Degree?
The requirements differ between schools. However, most schools require you to have a bachelor’s degree to enroll in the program. In some cases, the degree must be related to information technology or computer science. Where this is not available, prospective students may need to take extra courses to catch up.
Other schools may also require professional experience before applying. This means you will need to submit a resume. The student’s minimum grade point average (GPA) may also be required. Some schools only accept students with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
Should You Pursue an Information Technology Master’s Degree Online?
If you want to work in an innovative industry with huge growth potential, you should pursue a graduate information technology degree online. It is ideal for working professionals who want to switch careers. Online colleges give you the flexibility to continue to work while you study. Most are part-time and offer flexible classes in the evenings or weekends.
Also, there is no difference between an online master’s degree and a regular master’s degree. Schools don’t state the program schedule on the degree certificate. This means you will be getting the exact same degree as your counterparts on campus.
Choosing the Right Information Technology Master’s Degree Program
There are a lot of important considerations to make before choosing a Master’s Degree in Information Technology. IT master’s degrees can vary in terms of their cost, quality, duration, and schedule.
Below are the key things to consider before choosing a program.
Location
First, consider how and where the program is taught. Is it online or on campus? Some schools have hybrid programs, which are a blend of both. Make sure you know what you can commit to before applying.
Accreditation
The accreditation status of a program is important for prospective students. Accreditation affects course credit transferability. This means if you are in a non-accredited program you can’t transfer credit to another school if you need to.
It also could mean you will not be eligible for financial aid from the government. Be sure to check the accreditation status of each course.
Cost
You also need to consider the cost of the program. In most cases, the tuition differs for state residents and non-residents. However, many schools charge a flat rate for all students regardless of residency.
Public schools are cheaper than private schools. Bear this in mind while checking suitable options.
You also need to consider the cost of the program. In most cases, the tuition differs for state residents and non-residents. However, many schools charge a flat rate for all students regardless of residency.
Public schools are cheaper than private schools. Bear this in mind while checking suitable options.
Duration
The average master’s program can be completed in two years. However, some schools have accelerated programs that allow you to finish in as little as 16 months. If you are hoping to study more intensively to complete your master’s early, look out for an accelerated program.
Top Information Technology Master’s Degrees in 2021
Once you know what to look for, you need to find out which are the best IT master’s programs. We’ve listed the top programs below, most with online options to accommodate working professionals.
California State University, Fullerton | MS in Information Technology
This online program offers two concentrations to customize your experience. You can choose between IT management and data science. It also offers an accelerated program allowing you to finish within 20 months. The master’s degree program follows a cohort style to give students an opportunity to network.
Top Features
The unique cohort model builds a strong student network.
Students can customize the program to fit two different specializations.
The program is part-time, so working professionals can participate.
Carnegie Mellon University | Master of Information Technology Strategy (MITS)
The MITS program at CMU provides students with broad expertise in the key areas of IT and cyber security. It also gives students the opportunity to specialize in one of four concentrations. You can choose between software networked systems, data analytics, politics and strategy, and information security.
Top Features
The program has four concentrations for students who want to specialize.
It includes team-based projects to encourage networking among students.
The school offers lots of scholarship opportunities for students.
Colorado State University Global | MS in Information Technology Management
This program prepares students to take up leadership roles in the technology sector today. Graduates of the program can become IT managers with their increased understanding of project management.
The program is also mostly online and you can customize your program with other specializations such as accounting or project management.
Top Features
There are flat tuition rates for all students whether they are residents or live in another state.
Student support and career resources are available at any time online.
The program offers customization of your program to suit your interests
Florida State University | Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT)
The MSIT program at Florida State offers training on different aspects of information technology. Students learn information quality assurance, information architecture, data management, and distributed information systems. They also learn IT project management, mobile information systems, and IT documentation.
Top Features
The school offers graduate academic advising to students.
Several scholarships are available for this program.
The program offers a wide range of electives.
George Washington University | Master of Science in Information Systems Technology (MSIST)
GW’s unique MSIST program offers a blend of technology management and information technology. Students learn IT fundamentals like project management and cyber security. They are also expected to complete six credits in foundation courses. These include database planning and applications, computer programming, and programming languages.
Top Features
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They offer a range of financial aid options.
Student support is available.
Illinois Institute of Technology | MAS in Information Technology and Management
The program has eight specializations for students to choose from. Students learn about emerging information technologies and administrative processes to manage these technologies. It also offers a hands-on teaching experience through practical projects.
Top Features
The curriculum is a mix of practical application and theoretical content.
Students have a lot of opportunities to work collaboratively to solve technology problems.
It offers eight specializations to choose from.
Purdue University | MS in Computer and Information Technology
Purdue Polytechnic offers this program in coordination with Purdue’s Graduate School. It offers both online and on-campus training for students. Students can choose from multiple areas of specialization as well.
Top Features
Purdue is known for its online programs.
Students have access to top-notch computing resources.
Students can also fund the program through teaching and graduate research assistantships.
The University of Texas at Dallas | MS in Information Technology and Management
This program is a blend of management and information technology. It consists of IT foundation courses, business courses, and IT electives. Students in this program have the opportunity to specialize in varied concentrations. They include IT consulting, business intelligence, enterprise systems, digital product management, and healthcare systems.
Top Features
The courses are available both online and on campus. Students can choose a mix of both.
The program is flexible and offers evening classes to allow working professionals to attend.
The curriculum and degree are the same for online and on-campus students.
University of Maryland Global | MS in Information Technology
This online program helps students to gain practical IT skills and be business savvy. It is ideal for working professionals and people wanting to switch careers.
The program has several specializations for students to choose from. They include homeland security management, informatics, software engineering, project management, and systems engineering.
Top Features
Students from around the world can attend classes online.
The program offers lots of concentrations for those who want to specialize.
The class sizes are small to promote one-on-one support.
University of Michigan-Dearborn | MS in Information Systems and Technology
The program emphasizes integrating ERP software and business processes in key areas such as sales, manufacturing, finance, and distribution.
It offers specialization in different areas like web information management, information management applications, information systems engineering, supply chain and information systems design, and information security and quality. By taking on an information security specialization, for example, you can study to become an information security analyst.
Top Features
The program schedule offers late afternoon and evening classes for part-time students.
It also offers online, on-campus, and hybrid learning methods.
Student support is available to everyone.
Career Options With an Information Technology Master’s Degree
There are lots of career options to choose from for people with an IT master’s degree. Today most organizations rely on IT. IT experts can work for the government in the public sector. They can also work in the private sector for IT service providers, IT consultancy firms, software houses, and telecom companies.
Your potential future job role could be anything from information security manager to cloud architect to video game developer.
Top IT Master’s Degree Careers
How Much Can I Expect to Earn With an IT Master’s Degree?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for computer and information technology occupations was $91,250 in 2020. This figure is higher than the median yearly wage for all occupations. With a master’s degree, there is a chance that you could earn more.
The employment rate in the industry is projected to grow by 11 percent from 2019 to 2029. This means around 531,200 new jobs. This demand will likely come from the increased use of cloud computing as well as rising interest in big data and information security.
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Should You Get a Master’s Degree in Information Technology?
If you have a flair for innovation and technology, you should get a Master’s Degree in Information Technology. A Master’s Degree in IT will improve your skills and earning power. It may also help you specialize in other fields if you want to change careers.
The programs are more flexible now that online training has come into the picture. You can comfortably work and get your degree at the same time. Plus, with a promising salary and job outlook, now is a great time to be in the field.
