Online Master’s Degree in Information Technology

An online Master’s Degree in Information Technology helps develop and manage software applications and computer hardware to convert, store, process, and retrieve information. The best online master’s programs in information technology prepare graduates to solve problems that involve data, information, and knowledge capture so that technology can be incorporated into organizational strategy. Graduates of top online masters degree information technology programs are poised to enter senior-level positions in their choice of occupations.

Online Master’s Degrees in Information Technology Requirements

Those who enter online masters programs in information technology must possess leadership abilities, as they will be viewed as authorities in the workplace, overseeing complex projects involving data and technology. Information technology master’s degree online students should be strong problem-solvers, data-oriented, and easily-adapt in changing environments and situations.

A bachelor’s degree in a related subject is typically required prior to admission of an online masters degree program in information technology.

Enrollees in programs to earn online masters degrees in information technology often have relevant professional experience, e.g., work in information technology, software engineering and computer programming occupations.

Online Information Technology Master’s Degree Education

Good online master’s degree programs in information technology typically take between 2 to 3 years to complete. The types of information technology degrees offered by the best online programs include:

• Master of Science in Information Technology (MS in Information Technology )
• Master of Arts in Information Technology (MA in Information Technology).

Information on Information Technology Courses

Students in online master degree programs in information technology learn the fundamentals of computer systems, study software development and explore concepts in information security and decision support systems. They acquire an understanding of the principles and theories of the field and as a result, individuals enrolled in information technology master degree online classes are able to apply their knowledge in real-world settings. Common courses of an online master’s degree program in information technology may include:

Top online master in information technology classes can include:

• Fundamentals of Computer Systems
  Students discuss the design and organization of modern computer systems, including the fundamental hardware and software building blocks. They are provided a comprehensive introduction to topics such as Boolean logic, number systems, processor architecture and operating systems functions.
• Software Design and Quality
  Students enrolled in this online master degree in information technology course focus on the essential aspects of the software life-cycle that influence the overall quality of the software system. These include techniques and approaches to design, quality and reliability, domain engineering and software reuse.
• Information Technology Security and Trust
  This course introduces learners to computer and network security so they are prepared to mitigate risk and to enact defense strategies. Through hands-on learning activities, they gain experience in analyzing information technology security weaknesses and other vulnerabilities that could jeopardize the safety of data.
• Computer-Based Decision Support Systems
  Online masters in information technology students examine the characteristics, use and development of decision support systems (DSS) within the context of business information systems. They learn how to use common software tools to develop DSS, including the Internet as a decision-making and productivity tool.
• Object-Oriented Programming with Java
  This class explores the relationship between object-oriented programming and the principles of software engineering. Emphasis is placed on the programming structures of interfaces, classes, objects and polymorphism and how these structures assist in the development of extensible software systems.

Specializations and Concentrations

Because information technology is a broad field, in order to become an expert in a specific niche, some students will pursue specialties or concentrations in areas including:

• Business Analysis
• Enterprise Software Architecture
• Health Information Management
• Information Assurance and Security
• Network Architecture
• Project Management

Careers in Information Technology

Graduates of an online master’s in information technology have an advantageous edge when entering the workforce. Employers seek highly-skilled and knowledgeable potentials to lead their companies, and an online master’s degree in information technology will help shape students into this mold.

Examples of the types of careers that graduates of accredited online master’s degrees in information technology enter include:

• Network and Computer Systems Administrator
  These professionals oversee the installation and security of an organization’s local area network (LAN), internet system and overall computing network. They earn approximately $70,930 a year. By 2018, the number of people in this occupation is expected to have grown by 23% due to the increased integration of technology into the workplace.
• Network Systems and Data Communications Analyst
  These individuals analyze, design and evaluate network systems such as LAN, internet and intranet systems as well as research and recommend relevant hardware and software. They earn an annual average of $76,560. The number of these practitioners will increase by 53% over the next several years as organizations continuously integrate the newest technologies into the workplace.
• Computer Systems Analyst
  These professionals analyze data processing problems such as user requirement, procedural and automation issues to improve system capabilities. They earn about $80,430 a year. The number of computer systems analysts will increase by 20% by 2018 as organizations incorporate increasingly advanced technologies and as more security is needed to protect information.
• Medical and Health Services Manager
  Occupational specialists in this career direct and coordinate health services, e.g., patient, provider and payer data, in hospitals, public health agencies and insurance companies in roles such as registered health informatics administrators. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the average annual income of medical and health services managers to be $90,970. The number of these practitioners is anticipated to increase by 15% over the next several years, as more managers are needed in the healthcare industry to improve the quality and delivery of services.
• Computer and Information Technology Manager
  These practitioners plan and coordinate activities like installing and upgrading software, programming and systems design as well as implementing computer networks. On average, computer and information technology managers earn $112,210 a year. By 2018, the number of professionals in this field is anticipated to have increased by 17% as new applications of workplace technology necessitate more managers.

Those who earn an online master’s in information technology find career opportunities are limitless as their ability to support the extensive computing functions of organizations remains in high demand. The understanding of how data should be effectively managed and utilized to enhance operational efficiency uniquely positions graduates as leaders in their field.