Last Updated: January 14, 2021
An MBA in information technology (IT) equips graduates with specialized IT skills and knowledge, preparing them for a variety of leadership positions. MBA in IT graduates can leverage their technological expertise for specialized positions in general management and technology. Potential careers include top executive, computer and information systems manager, and computer network architect. Some employers may require an undergraduate degree in computer science or a related field.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects an 11% growth for computer and information technology occupations from 2019-29, much faster than the national average for all jobs. The demand for skilled IT workers, combined with the broad applicability and prestige of an MBA, creates excellent career opportunities for business school graduates specializing in IT.
Read on for information on why to consider earning an MBA in IT management degree, what to expect from a typical program, and career and salary expectations for graduates. Our guide also includes a ranked list of the best online MBA in IT programs.
2021's 10 Best Online Information Technology Degrees
| Rank | School | Location |
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| 1 | University of Maryland – College Park | College Park, MD |
| 2 | Pennsylvania State University – World Campus | University Park, PA |
| 3 | Webster University | St. Louis, MO |
| 4 | Purdue University | West Lafayette, IN |
| 5 | University of La Verne | La Verne, CA |
| 6 | Central Michigan University | Mount Pleasant, MI |
| 7 | Babson College | Wellesley, MA |
| 8 | Florida Atlantic University | Boca Raton, FL |
| 9 | University of Utah | Salt Lake City, UT |
| 10 | Maryville University | St. Louis, MO |
What Is Information Technology?
The IT field uses computers and other technologies to solve organizational problems, cut costs, and improve efficiency. IT professionals use computers to store, send, manipulate, and retrieve information and data, usually in a business setting. They troubleshoot technology problems, maintain infrastructure, and help keep data secure.
The IT field includes a variety of career paths requiring different areas of expertise. Typical job duties vary considerably by position, employer, and industry. Popular occupations include support specialist, web developer, computer programmer, and IT director. Other paths include computer engineering, user experience design, and data science. Major industries that employ IT professionals include healthcare, business, government, and education. Almost every type of business benefits from skilled and knowledgeable IT workers.
The IT field offers a good living. The BLS reports that computer and IT jobs earned a median annual wage of $88,240 as of 2019, much higher than the median wage for all occupations of $39,810. IT workers hold specialized knowledge that organizations need to stay competitive in today's economy.
As society increasingly depends on technologies like cloud computing, information security, and collection and storage of big data, demand grows for professionals skilled in these areas.
BLS data indicates that IT professionals can continue to expect excellent career opportunities in the future, projecting 531,200 new positions for this sector from 2019-29.
Why Get an MBA in IT?
Earning an MBA in information systems opens the door to many lucrative career paths. Weigh the costs and benefits of investing considerable time and money to determine if earning an MBA is worth it. Graduate school helps students develop general business knowledge and broadly applicable skills relevant to nearly any industry. Adding IT as an MBA specialization provides an area of expertise that distinguishes candidates from others in the competitive job market.
- Professional Return on Investment: Earning an MBA in IT degree can expand the number and variety of career opportunities for which you qualify. Many employers prefer applicants with a graduate degree. Students can also network and expand their professional contacts while in school.
- Financial Return on Investment: An MBA in information technology often helps graduates qualify for higher salaries, compared to those with a bachelor's degree alone. Nearly every industry needs employees with IT and business skills.
- Personal Sense of Accomplishment: Completing a rigorous graduate program in business is a huge undertaking. Many students find that earning an MBA offers personal fulfillment and pride.
Ranking the Top 10 Online MBAs in IT Management, 2021
Many professionals earn MBAs in information technology (IT) in pursuit of high-level management positions like IT director or chief technology officer. This page includes a ranking of the best MBA IT programs for 2021. Visit the link below for more information on our ranking methodology.
What the Best IT MBAs Have in Common
Though each school is unique, the top online MBAs in IT share some notable attributes. Our ranking methodology includes the following characteristics, highlighting some of the nation's best MBAs in IT management.
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They are accredited. For any degree, students should consider only accredited schools. Regional or national accreditation ensures that a school meets performance standards set by the Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
Agencies like the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), and the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE) sometimes award additional programmatic accreditation to select online MBAs in IT. All schools on our ranking hold accreditation from one or more of the following regional accrediting agencies:
- Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges Western Association of Schools and Colleges
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
- They offer academic excellence. Schools must demonstrate long-term academic excellence to earn a place on our list. Considerations in this category include student graduation rate, retention rate, full-time faculty, and student-to-faculty ratio. For example, our top-ranked school, the University of Maryland, boasts an 82% graduation rate and a 95% retention rate.
- They are reputable, yet affordable. Our rankings include schools with stellar reputations, determined by factors such as admissions rate, admissions yield, and alumni's mean earnings six years after graduation. We measure a school's affordability by its net price, default loan rate, average amount of aid awarded, and the percentage of students with scholarships or federal aid. For example, roughly 70% of graduate students at Purdue University, listed fourth in our ranking, receive financial aid, and 59% of all students now graduate debt-free.
- They have a strong MBA in IT management. Our ranking features only the most substantial online MBAs in IT. Considerations in this category include the percentage of degrees offered, the percentage of students enrolled online, and the percentage of degrees awarded at the school. At our No. 2 school, Pennsylvania State University – World Campus, nearly 100% of 2020 graduates earned their degrees online.
1. University of Maryland – College Park |
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| Public university in College Park, Maryland, accredited by MSCHE and AACSB | ||||
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Established in 1856, UMD serves as the flagship of Maryland's university system and one of the state's first land-grant institutions. UMD enrolls more than 41,000 students and offers more than 200 programs on campus and online. Robert H. Smith School of BusinessUMD's online MBA features the same curriculum and instruction from the same faculty as the school's full-time MBA. Students may choose a specialization in information systems and business analytics. The program emphasizes a career-focused curriculum, including courses in networking, negotiating, and job-searching. Students develop a professional portfolio while completing core course requirements. The online MBA in IT culminates in a capstone sequence. UMD employs full-time career coaches to support online MBA candidates. The online program requires two on-campus residencies. Applying to UMDApplicants may apply for the fall or spring semester. Requirements include an accredited bachelor's degree, a minimum 2.8 GPA, and a resume. UMD recommends a minimum of two years of work experience. Program at a Glance
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2. Pennsylvania State University – World Campus |
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| Public university in University Park, Pennsylvania, accredited by MSCHE and AACSB | ||||
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Penn State launched its World Campus in 1998, now offering more than 150 programs online. Penn State World Campus, the second-largest in the state university system, enrolls more than 20,000 students. Penn State Smeal College of BusinessThe Penn State online MBA features an optional concentration in cybersecurity intelligence leadership. The online program requires one five-day campus residency during the first semester. Students may opt to complete a global immersion experience; past locales include South Africa, Prague, and the Czech Republic. Students complete online courses asynchronously through the Canvas learning management system. Each course awards three credits. Students can choose to enroll full or part time. Penn State pairs each online learner with their own career coach, with additional support provided through personal advising and exclusive industry networking opportunities. Applying to Penn State World CampusApplicants must hold a regionally accredited bachelor's degree and submit official transcripts, including a cumulative GPA. Penn State also requires GMAT or GRE scores (though waivers are available), a resume, an essay, an application portfolio evaluation, and an online interview. Program at a Glance
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3. Webster University |
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| Private university in St. Louis, Missouri, accredited by HLC and ACBSP | ||||
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Established in 1915 by the Sisters of Loretto, Webster represents Missouri's first Catholic women's college. Today, Webster enrolls more than 12,000 students and offers more than 160 programs on campus and online. George Herbert Walker School of Business & TechnologyWebster's online MBA curriculum comprises three modules: value creation foundation, value creation components, and value creation in practice. Students may choose an area of emphasis in cybersecurity or IT management. Coursework explores project management and procurement and contract management for IT. The MBA IT degree stresses business and personal effectiveness competencies. Webster also offers a dual-degree option that concurrently provides an MBA and an MA in IT management. The program culminates in a consulting project. Applying to WebsterApplicants must possess an accredited bachelor's degree and demonstrate a minimum 2.5 GPA. Webster accepts applications on a rolling basis and admits students in the fall, spring, or summer semester. Program at a Glance
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4. Purdue University |
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| Public university in West Lafayette, Indiana, accredited by HLC and ACBSP | ||||
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Founded in 1869 as Indiana's first land-grant institution, Purdue today occupies multiple campuses statewide and online. The university enrolls more than 31,000 students and offers more than 175 graduate and undergraduate programs. School of Business and Information TechnologyPurdue's online MBA features an optional concentration in information technology. The curriculum emphasizes topics including business analytics, leadership strategies, and economics with a global focus. Graduates of Purdue's BSBA may qualify for admission into an accelerated online MBA program. Students may choose from a variety of graduate-level IT electives to round out the concentration curriculum. The online MBA IT degree culminates in a capstone requirement. Learners complete each online course over six weeks, requiring roughly 20 hours of study time each week. Applying to PurdueStudents may enroll at one of five start dates per year. Applicants must hold an accredited bachelor's degree and demonstrate a minimum 2.5 GPA. Purdue requires applicants to be at least 18 years old and complete an enrollment agreement for their individual course of study. Program at a Glance
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5. University of La Verne |
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| Private university in La Verne, California, accredited by WSCUC | ||||
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Headquartered in its namesake city in California, La Verne also occupies eight regional campuses throughout the state and an online division. The university enrolls more than 7,000 students and offers over 80 graduate, undergraduate, and certificate programs. College of Business and Public ManagementLa Verne designed its master of business administration for experienced professionals (MBAX) for mid-career professionals with at least three years of work experience. Students may choose a concentration in information technology. MBAX candidates can choose an additional concentration offered through the MS in leadership and management program. The online MBA IT degree delivers courses asynchronously online. The curriculum emphasizes collaborative learning through the Blackboard learning management system. Students may choose to complete courses entirely online or through hybrid study. Applying to La VerneApplicants must hold a regionally accredited bachelor's degree with a minimum 2.5 GPA for the last 60 credit hours of undergraduate study, plus a minimum 3.0 GPA for any graduate coursework. Additionally, La Verne requires a statement of purpose and letters of recommendation. Program at a Glance
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6. Central Michigan University |
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| Public university in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, accredited by HLC and AACSB | ||||
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Based in Mount Pleasant, CMU occupies 30 campuses across 11 states and online. The university enrolls more than 24,000 students and offers more than 300 academic programs. CMU College of Business AdministrationAmong 11 possible options, CMU offers MBA concentrations in cybersecurity and information systems. The programs culminate in a strategic management integrative experience capstone requirement. The MBA in information systems includes optional integrated business processes certifications. The online MBA IT degree emphasizes core skills in finance, marketing, management, and accounting, in the context of global business. CMU offers this version of the MBA in information technology-related concentrations exclusively online. Applying to CMUCMU accepts applications on a rolling basis and admits students in the fall, spring, and summer semesters. Applicants must hold an accredited bachelor's degree with a minimum 2.7 GPA. Additionally, CMU requires a professional resume and personal statement, and recommends prerequisites in economics, statistics, accounting, and finance. Program at a Glance
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7. Babson College |
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| Private university in Wellesley, Massachusetts, accredited by NECHE and AACSB | ||||
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Babson places a high premium on entrepreneurial academic programs, delivered on campus in Massachusetts and online. The college enrolls more than 3,300 graduate and undergraduate students from 80 countries. F.W. Olin Graduate School of BusinessBabson's part-time MBA emphasizes flexibility for existing and aspiring entrepreneurs. Students may choose from a variety of delivery methods including fully online, hybrid, or weekend-intensive coursework. The MBA offers a concentration in business analytics and machine learning, providing STEM-centered programming skills and technical training. The online MBA IT degree also includes a signature Babson consulting experience. Students can further their experiential learning skills through optional independent research and electives abroad opportunities. The average Babson MBA candidate holds seven years of work experience. Applying to BabsonBabson accepts applications on a rolling basis and now offers a test-optional policy for GMAT/GRE scores. Admission requirements include academic transcripts, a professional recommendation, a resume, short-answer questions, and a video interview. Program at a Glance
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8. Florida Atlantic University |
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| Public university in Boca Raton, Florida, accredited by SACSCOC and AACSB | ||||
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Opened in 1964, FAU now occupies six campuses across southeastern Florida and an online division. The university enrolls more than 30,000 students and offers more than 170 graduate and undergraduate programs. FAU College of BusinessFAU's online MBA (OMBA) features an optional concentration in management information systems. The OMBA also includes an embedded specialization in international business. The curriculum explores topics like enterprise IT service management, web-based business development, and management of information assurance and security. The MBA IT degree follows a team-oriented cohort format, led by the same instructors who teach on campus. Online learners complete courses asynchronously. The program accepts applications on a rolling basis throughout the year and offers May, August, and January start dates. Applying to FAUApplicants must hold a bachelor's degree in any major with a minimum 3.0 GPA for the last 60 credits of undergraduate coursework. Additionally, admission requires four years of professional work experience and GRE or GMAT scores, though some students may qualify to waive this requirement. Program at a Glance
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9. University of Utah |
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| Public university in Salt Lake City, Utah, accredited by NWCCU and AACSB | ||||
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Founded in 1850, the U now represents Utah's flagship higher-learning institution. The U enrolls nearly 33,000 students and offers dozens of academic programs across 17 schools. David Eccles School of BusinessThe U's online MBA emphasizes intensive career development for job-seekers. Learners enjoy one-on-one mentorship from executive career coaches and entrepreneurship training. Students may concurrently earn a graduate certificate in information systems or a dual-degree MBA and MS in information systems. Online courses last for five or 10 weeks, based on whether they award 1.5 or three credits, respectively. Students may take two courses at a time, attending live, weekly webinars online. The curriculum includes a three-day campus residency requirement during the first year of the degree. Applying to the UThe U offers start dates in the fall, spring, or summer semesters. Applicants must hold an accredited bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA, plus at least one year of postgraduate work experience. Students may opt to submit GRE or GMAT scores. Applicants must hold full-time employment at the time of application. Program at a Glance
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10. Maryville University |
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| Private university in St. Louis, Missouri, accredited by HLC and ACBSP | ||||
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Founded by the Religious of the Sacred Heart as a women's institution, Maryville now enrolls coed students as one of the nation's fastest-growing universities. Students can choose from more than 40 degrees, delivered on campus or online. John E. Simon School of BusinessMaryville's online MBA features optional concentrations in information technology, business data analytics, cybersecurity, and software development. The program includes a prerequisite in financial accounting. Core coursework explores topics like global business, corporate finance policies, and business ethics. The online MBA IT degree culminates in a business policies capstone course. Maryville's online MBA emphasizes a career-centered curriculum with unique networking opportunities. The university's corporate partners include Boeing, Edward Jones, and Suddenlink. Applying to MaryvilleMaryville offers six start dates throughout the year. Applicants must hold an accredited bachelor's degree and provide official academic transcripts and a personal statement. Maryville does not require GRE or GMAT scores. Program at a Glance
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11. University of Dallas |
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| Private university in Irving, Texas, accredited by SACSCOC and AACSB | ||||
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Founded in 1956 by the Sisters of Saint Mary of Namur, UD offers programs rooted in the Catholic tradition. The school enrolls more than 1,600 students and offers over 50 degrees and certificates on campus and online. Satish & Yasmin Gupta College of BusinessUD's online MBA features optional concentrations in cybersecurity and information and technology management. The cybersecurity concentration includes coursework in data protection, compliance, and cybersecurity management. The MBA IT degree explores topics like foundations of IT management, programming concepts, and IT project management. Core coursework in any concentration culminates in a capstone experience, which involves a client-consulting project. Students may opt to complete a professional internship. Prerequisites include foundational courses in marketing, management, and economics. Applying to UDApplicants must hold a regionally accredited bachelor's degree and a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA, plus a minimum 3.0 GPA for any graduate-level coursework. UD accepts applications on a rolling basis throughout the year. Program at a Glance
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12. University of Arizona |
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| Public university in Tucson, Arizona, accredited by HLC | ||||
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Based in Tucson, UofA offers more than 250 graduate and undergraduate programs on campus and online. The school is one of the nation's top-tier research universities. Eller College of ManagementUofA's online MBA features an optional concentration in privacy and security. The curriculum rotates a series of core and elective MBA courses every 12 months. Core topics include business strategy, economics for managers, and leadership in organizations. The MBA in privacy and security requires coursework in social and ethical issues of the internet, information security in public and private sectors, and information security risk management. Students may participate in a global experience in an international location. Enrollees can choose from six start dates per year. Applying to UofAApplicants must provide official transcripts, a comprehensive essay, a resume, a letter of recommendation, and GRE or GMAT scores from within the last five years. Program at a Glance
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13. Florida Institute of Technology |
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| Private university in Melbourne, Florida, accredited by SACSCOC and IACBE | ||||
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Founded in 1958 on the "Space Coast," Florida Tech helped innovate fields like aviation management and cybersecurity. Students can choose from more than a dozen online graduate and undergraduate programs. Nathan M. Bisk College of BusinessFlorida Tech's online MBA in information technology management explores business development, economics, and financial and marketing management. Specialized MBA IT courses include management information systems, global IT management, and strategic management of technology and innovation. The program culminates in a strategic management capstone course. Students complete online coursework asynchronously through the Canvas learning management system. Each online course lasts for eight weeks. Florida Tech accepts applications on a rolling basis throughout the year and offers six start dates for the online MBA in IT. Applying to Florida TechApplicants must provide a completed transcript request form to enable advisors to collect their official academic transcripts. Transfer and international students must inquire about individual admission requirements on a case-by-case basis. Florida Tech does not require GRE or GMAT scores. Program at a Glance
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14. Concordia University – Wisconsin |
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| Private university in Mequon, Wisconsin, accredited by HLC | ||||
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Affiliated with the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, CUW and the Concordia University System offer more than 70 academic, pre-seminary, and Christian leadership programs. CUW enrolls more than 8,000 students annually. Department of BusinessCUW's online MBA offers a STEM program in management information systems. The curriculum includes core coursework in managerial economics, ethics and organizational leadership, and corporate finance, culminating in a strategic management capstone. MBA in information systems courses explore Oracle, systems analysis and design, and database management. Optional electives include a graduate internship, a study abroad experience, and an industry leaders guest speaker series. Students may earn concurrent professional certification in Oracle database design and programming, Oracle Java fundamentals and programming, or Oracle business applications. Applying to CUWApplicants must submit official transcripts and demonstrate a minimum 3.0 GPA. Other requirements include a one-page essay, a resume, and two letters of recommendation. CUW does not require GRE or GMAT scores. Program at a Glance
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15. DeSales University |
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| Private university in Center Valley, Pennsylvania, accredited by MSCHE and ACBSP | ||||
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Founded in 1956, DeSales offers more than 80 graduate and undergraduate programs, all in the Catholic Salesian tradition. DeSales enrolls more than 3,300 students online and at its campuses near Philadelphia and in New York. DeSales MBADeSales' online MBA offers a variety of optional concentrations and concurrent certificates. The MBA in information systems draws from the curriculum of the similar MS degree in information systems, training students in the latest technologies and global IT issues. Core course topics include business computing, financial management, and executive skills development. The online MBA in information systems culminates in a capstone course. DeSales offers online courses through synchronous, asynchronous, and hybrid delivery methods. Learners complete courses online through the Blackboard learning management system. DeSales offers an online student orientation course and free career development seminars. Applying to DeSalesApplicants must hold a regionally accredited bachelor's degree and a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA, or a minimum 3.0 GPA for any graduate-level coursework. UD accepts applications on a rolling basis throughout the year. Program at a Glance
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What to Expect From Information Technology Master's Degree Programs
IT MBA programs combine a strong foundation in business with specialized IT knowledge. Full-time students complete their MBA in IT degree in 1-2 years. Program length varies by number of credits required, program calendar, and the option for accelerated study. Required credits vary considerably from 30-60 credits, but full-time MBA candidates typically take 3-4 classes each semester. Colleges offer online, in-person, and hybrid MBA in IT degrees.
Students learn to lead groups of people and organizations, deploy strategic IT solutions, and manage IT projects. An average curriculum explores ethics, business law, strategic management, and organizational leadership. MBA candidates take IT courses like database design, IT project management, and systems planning. Many programs also require an internship and/or capstone to synthesize knowledge and practice.
Admission requirements include a bachelor's from a regionally accredited university, a minimum 3.0 GPA, letters of recommendation, and GRE/GMAT scores. Some schools offer more than one type of information technology master's. Below, we explain the differences between IT degrees.
Information Technology Degree Options
Students can choose from more than one type of master's program in the IT field, including MS and MBA options. MA degrees, on the other hand, typically cover the arts and humanities rather than technical fields like IT. Factors that may impact degree choice include career goals, academic interests, and professional and undergraduate background.
A professional post-graduate and terminal degree, an MBA provides a strong foundation in career-relevant business knowledge and skills, with students taking IT classes as a concentration. An MBA focuses on professional skills such as management, leadership, and communication. Due to their broad applicability across industries, MBAs offer versatility.
If you want to keep your options open to a variety of business opportunities while still developing your IT skills, consider an MBA in information technology.
An MS in IT focuses on advanced technical and scientific issues in IT and prepares students for potential doctoral study. An MS in IT typically requires a thesis or major research project as a foundation of the curriculum. MS applicants may need an undergraduate degree in a field related to computer science.
Popular Information Technology Courses
The types and variety of courses available varies by school. Most MBA in information technology programs require core, elective, and concentration courses. The number of IT classes you take varies by program. Business students typically complete an internship and/or capstone project. Classes explore issues like leadership, business ethics and law, project management, and database design. Below, we describe courses that IT MBA programs typically offer.
- Business Law: This class examines the major legal issues in business, including contracts, employment law, taxes, and litigation practice. Students develop analytical skills and learn how to act ethically in business.
- Database Design: This course teaches learners to design and develop relational databases. It explores topics like structured query language, database optimization, and relational database nomenclature.
- IT Project Management: Students in this course learn the fundamentals of project management for the IT field. Topics covered include project planning, monitoring, controlling, and evaluation.
- Leadership: This course provides a foundation in leadership strategies and practices. Students learn to use a decision-making framework for management dilemmas.
- MBA in IT Capstone: A culminating experience, the capstone lets MBA candidates apply classroom knowledge to a real-world business problem. Many capstone projects require learners to develop a solution for a local business or organization.
Financing your IT Management Degree
For many students, higher education requires a sizable investment. As the cost of college continues to rise in many states, many students rely on financial aid.
Types of aid available to master's students in IT include loans, scholarships, and grants. Many organizations offer employer tuition assistance or reimbursement to learners pursuing a degree applicable to their company's needs. Some IT graduate programs offer part-time work opportunities, including research and teaching assistantships. Many students earn an online MBA while working, reducing or eliminating their loan debt upon graduation.
Make sure to develop a plan to help pay for your degree before enrolling in your program.
What Jobs Can an MBA in IT Management Get You?
An MBA in IT management provides preparation for higher-level salaries and management occupations. This type of program builds a foundation in general business knowledge and skills, while an IT concentration develops specialized expertise that can help you stand out from other job applicants. Nearly all industries value business and IT acumen. Graduates with expertise in both often command higher salaries and enjoy improved career opportunities.
Below we describe potential careers for graduates of MBA in IT programs, including computer and information systems manager, top executive, and computer network architect. These are just a few examples of the positions available to graduates with an MBA in information technology. No degree guarantees a job, and what you qualify for may vary depending on your undergraduate degree, professional background, and personal strengths.
Computer and Information Systems Managers: Computer and information systems managers coordinate computer-related activities for businesses. They help create technology-related goals, analyze needs, coordinate the maintenance of computer hardware and software, and upgrade systems. Types of computer and information systems managers include chief information officer, chief technology officer, and IT director.
- Required Education: Bachelor's degree. Many employers prefer applicants with an MBA.
- Job Outlook: 10%
- Median Annual Salary: $146,360
Top Executives: Top executives help organizations meet goals by creating effective policies and strategies. They work in nearly every industry, for companies of all sizes. Typical duties include overseeing budgetary activities, consulting with other executives about operations, appointing managers, and analyzing financial information. Types of top executives include chief executive officer, general and operations manager, and city manager.
- Required Education: Bachelor's degree. Large companies often require an MBA.
- Job Outlook: 4%
- Median Annual Salary: $104,690
Computer Network Architects: Computer network architects design and create data communication networks. This includes local area networks, intranets, and wide area networks. They need a solid understanding of their organization's business plan to create networks that meet goals. Job duties include creating plans for networks, upgrading hardware, researching new technologies, and making recommendations to managers.
- Required Education: Bachelor's degree. Some employers require an MBA in information systems.
- Job Outlook: 5%
- Median Annual Salary: $112,690
Selecting Your IT MBA Program
Our rankings list is a great place to start your research, but many other considerations go into selecting the right MBA in IT degree. Below, we describe additional key factors that may affect your choice.
- Is the school regionally accredited? Is the MBA accredited by one of the top accrediting agencies for business programs? Look for the International Accreditation Council for Business Education, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, or the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.
- Does the program offer robust student resources, including a career center, tutoring, IT help, and library services?
- Do you meet admission requirements? Common program criteria include a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited university, a minimum 3.0 GPA, satisfactory GRE or GMAT scores, and letters of recommendation. You may also need to submit a statement of interest, writing sample, and resume.
- How long does it take to complete the degree? Program length varies depending on how many classes you take per term, number of credits required to graduate, and the availability of accelerated options.
- How much does the program cost? What types of financial aid opportunities does the school offer?
- What size school do you prefer? Some prefer a small, intimate college experience, while others like the resources of a large university.
Why Should You Get an Online MBA in IT?
Increasingly common throughout higher education, online education lends itself particularly well to IT MBA programs. The distance learning experience helps students quickly master new technology skills, communicate clearly online, and gain comfort in the digital environment. The skills gained from an online MBA program translate well to the professional IT and business fields, especially as remote working increases in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
An online MBA in IT offers flexibility and convenience, allowing students to learn anywhere and anytime. Most distance education programs take place asynchronously, letting learners log on to watch pre-recorded lectures and complete coursework whenever they want. This flexibility gives MBA candidates the chance to keep their jobs or handle family responsibilities while in school. Working full time while earning a degree also increases affordability and may improve the return on investment of an MBA in IT degree.
Online education appeals to many learners, particularly working professionals and those who have been out of school for a while. Students coming straight from high school and others seeking a more traditional college experience may prefer an on-campus program. Only you can decide if an online MBA in information technology suits your learning style and individual needs.
Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an MBA in information technology worth it?
Only you can decide if investing the time and money to earn an MBA in information technology is worthwhile. Graduates of MBA IT programs often qualify for more jobs and earn higher salaries than those with a bachelor's degree.
What can I do after an MBA in information technology?
An MBA in information technology prepares graduates for a variety of careers in both business and IT. Potential jobs include top executive, computer and information systems manager, IT director, and computer network architect.
What kind of IT degrees are there?
Students can earn IT degrees at the associate, bachelor's, master's, and Ph.D. levels. You can earn a stand-alone IT degree, or choose a more general degree and add an IT concentration. Master's programs in IT offer MBA and MS degrees.
What does an IT manager do?
IT managers coordinate the information system and computer-related activities of an organization. Typical job duties include working with management to determine technology needs, creating budgets, overseeing staff, and developing IT strategies.
Are IT managers in demand?
As more companies take their operations online, the demand for IT managers continues to rise. The BLS projects much faster-than-average job growth for computer and information systems managers for 2019-29.