Online Master’s Degree in Technology Management

Information technology is one of the fastest growing sectors in today’s economy. An online Master’s Degree in Technology Management from the best online universities provide students with the technology and business skills to advance their careers in information systems. The online experience allows professionals to work across organizational, disciplinary, and geographic boundaries. Through online master degree programs in technology management, candidates can acquire the skills necessary to meet the growing demands of hiring managers in information systems. In addition, students can prepare to move into management positions.

Online Master’s Degrees in Technology Management Requirements

Prospective students must be able to comprehend technology terms and practices, and practice detail-oriented thinking. Strong organizational skills and the ability to work independently are beneficial to this program.

Technology management master’s degree programs through the best online schools are usually pursued by professionals already involved in computer technology fields. Common bachelor’s degrees of students entering the program may include:

• Bachelor of Science in Technology Management
• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
• Bachelor of Science in Information Systems Management
• Bachelor of Science in Business Information Management

Professionals who pursue an online master’s degree program in technology management from a quality online school are highly valued members of their field. Students will take part in asynchronous discussions, write extensively-researched papers, and participate in workplace-oriented assignments based on technological advances in the technology management field.

Online Technology Management Master’s Degree Education

Good online master’s degree programs in technology management require about 33 credit hours, and typically take between one to two years to complete. The types of technology management degrees offered by the best master’s programs online include:

• Software Systems Management
• Practicing Technology Management

Information on Technology Management Courses

An accredited online masters degree in technology management focuses on database administration, information security, software development and maintenance, and business management. Some courses in a good online master’s degree in technology management could include the following:

• Managing the IT-Enabled Enterprise
  This course introduces students to some of the fundamental issues and trends in information systems management. Students explore information systems issues and cases in the extended enterprise, with emphasis on services in a supply chain context and on stakeholder perspectives.
• Information Systems Project Management
  Students in this course develop the skills needed to plan, lead, and manage an information systems project. Focus is placed on concepts such as estimation, budgeting, and scheduling; risk management; team leadership; engineering process management; and open source processes.
• Software Frameworks
  This course introduces some of the implementation options available for information systems. Focus is placed on composition and re-use rather than construction from scratch. Students apply widely used components to build up-to-date web applications.
• Business Strategy for Competitive Advantage
  This course focuses on the development and implementation of business strategies that promote competitive advantage. Emphasis is on studying the current environment in which the organization competes and forecasting how that environment may change.
• IT Governance
  Students learn about effective alignment of information systems with corporate strategy in this course. They are taught to identify the key role that they play in organizational effectiveness. Topics include decision processes and accountability; the allocation and management of internal and external resources; and risk management.

Specializations and Concentrations

Because technology management is a broad field, some online master’s technology management students will pursue specialties or concentrations in areas including:

• Business Information Management
• Enterprise Information Security
• Health Informatics
• IT Strategy and Governance

Careers in Technology Management

The best online masters programs in technology management will enjoy moderate growth potential in all fields, and qualify students to seek employment or advancement in the following areas:

• Chief Technology Officer
  Chief technology officers evaluate the newest and most innovative technologies and decide how these technologies can be used to advantage within their organizations. They develop technical standards, deploy technology, and supervise workers who deal with the daily information technology issues of the firm in an effort to maximize profit and effectiveness. Chief technology officers can expect to make an average yearly salary of around $115,150 and can expect growth of 17% through the year 2018 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
• Information Technology Director
  Information technology directors manage computing resources for their organizations. They plan and direct the work of subordinate information technology employees. Information technology directors ensure the availability, continuity, and security of data and information technology services in their organizations. Information technology directors can expect to make an average yearly salary of around $115,150 and can expect growth of 17% through the year 2018 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
• Database Administrator
  Database administrators are information technology professionals who oversee stored data for a variety of organizations, including corporations, small businesses and government agencies. The database administrator duties include managing database backups, providing data security and optimizing the availability of data sets.
  Database administrators can make an annual salary of between $85,000 and $115,000.
• Computer Systems Administrator
  Computer systems administrators are responsible for installing, configuring, and supporting an organization’s local area network, wide area network, and network system. They manage and maintain network hardware and software. Computer systems administrators ensure network availability to all system users and perform necessary maintenance to support network availability. Computer systems administrators can make an average annual salary between $41,368 and $64,238.
• IT Project Manager
  IT project managers develop requirements, budgets, and schedules for their firm’s information technology projects. They coordinate projects from development through implementation, working with their organization’s IT workers, as well as clients, vendors, and consultants. IT project managers can expect to make an average yearly salary of around $115,150 and can expect growth of 17% through the year 2018 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

An accredited online master’s degree program in technology management opens the door for exciting professional opportunities. Information technology professionals can advance in their careers while facing new and innovative challenges.