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Compare online master’s in information technology degrees

An information technology (IT) master's degree online can help you advance in data analysis, cybersecurity, and other IT roles while providing flexibility with when and how you complete your degree. Discover what this degree entails, including typical career and salary expectations for graduates.

Explore online MS in information technology programs

Benefits of earning a master's in information technology degree online

Join an in-demand field

Develop the skills you'll need for some of the fastest-growing jobs in the information technology industry.

Specialize in an area of interest

Choose from one of several IT concentrations, like cybersecurity or project management, to align your degree with your career goals.

Enjoy hands-on learning

Apply your new skills and knowledge to IT projects that you can use to create a career-ready portfolio.

Browse online master’s in IT programs

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What you can do with a master's in information technology degree

An online master's in information technology can help you pursue advanced roles in the computer and technology industry, like computer and information research scientist, computer network architect, and database administrator. If you have previous experience, this degree or an can also help you move into leadership positions within these specialties, like chief technology officer or computer and information systems manager.

With most IT careers, you'll help one organization with its technology needs. Industries, including telecommunications, finance, and education, hire IT professionals to assist their IT departments.

Other potential careers for graduates include:

  • Computer hardware engineer
  • Computer systems analyst
  • Data scientist
  • Software quality assurance analysts

Salary expectations for online master's in IT graduates

Explore the following careers and potential salaries for online information technology master's degree graduates:

Computer and information research scientist

These professionals work with complex algorithms and computing systems to improve and innovate technologies for numerous sectors, including healthcare and science. Computer and information research scientists earn a median annual salary of $140,910, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data from May 2024.

Data scientist

Data scientists collect and analyze data and create visualizations to help organizations make informed decisions. A master's degree may be required for some positions. The BLS reports a median annual salary of $112,590 for data scientists in May 2024.

Computer systems analyst

Computer systems analysts identify areas of improvement for computer systems and design and implement upgrades to address problems. They also look for ways to increase organizational efficiency using computer systems. According to BLS data from May 2024, computer systems analysts earn a median salary of $103,790.


What to expect from an online master's in information technology

An online master's in information technology program builds on concepts learned in a computer science-related undergraduate program. You can often customize your degree to your interests and career goals, but IT master's programs typically explore IT strategy, project management, database management, and systems management within the core curriculum.

An IT capstone project wraps up the course, allowing practical application for your new skills. Some programs allow students interested in IT research to complete an optional thesis for additional credit.

These programs usually require about 30 credits and take one to two years to complete.

Types of master's in information technology programs
  • Cybersecurity: Cybersecurity is a common concentration for online IT master's degrees, focusing on IT security auditing, computer forensics, and ethical hacking for defense.
  • Data analytics: This concentration explores data modeling, data visualization and reporting, and data mining techniques to prepare you for roles like data scientist or computer systems analyst.
  • Healthcare informatics: Learn how to manage and uncover insightful data for the healthcare industry with this concentration, which includes courses in healthcare governance, data analytics, and healthcare-focused IT management.
  • Information technology management: Future IT leaders might choose this concentration to learn how to manage IT teams, plan resources, and improve budgets.
  • Project management: Explore the agile processes of IT projects with this concentration, which covers professional responsibilities and IT project selection and execution strategies.
Earning a master's in information technology degree online

When you pursue an online master's in information technology, you'll complete the same curriculum as you would with an in-person degree. However, many programs offer additional flexibility for busy students through asynchronous lectures and coursework.

These programs also include hands-on learning opportunities through virtual labs and simulations to help you develop practical skills. Online programs typically provide instructor support via email or scheduled virtual meetings. Still, the complex computing concepts covered in an IT master's degree may be challenging to understand without face-to-face support.

Curriculum for master's programs in information technology

Master's in IT programs commonly include a few core courses and electives, like the following:

  • Big data analysis: This course teaches how to extract, organize, and analyze large amounts of data to help organizations make informed decisions.
  • Database management: IT professionals use databases to store and manage data. This course explores Structured Query Language scripting, database security, and database management strategies, like concurrency control.
  • Data visualization: Learn how to present extracted data in an organized, understandable way using data visualization strategies and tools like Tableau.
  • IT project management: Effective project management keeps IT projects on track and productive. This course teaches change management techniques and how leaders can apply them to IT projects.
  • Risk management: Understand the different types of IT risks, like cyber threats and data collection compliance, and how to prevent and respond to them. This course also teaches disaster planning strategies.

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Explore online master’s in information technology programs

Frequently asked questions

What is a master's in information technology degree?

An information technology master's degree focuses on information system design and development to improve an organization's network, workflows, and communication systems. The degree prepares you for roles like data scientist or computer systems analyst.

Is getting a master's in information technology degree online worth it?

A master's degree in IT may be worth the cost and time commitment if you have education or experience in IT and want to advance your career or enter a leadership role. For example, computer and information research scientists often need a master's degree.

How do I get into a master's in information technology program?

A master's in information technology program generally requires an applicant to have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA and prior experience or undergraduate education in IT or a similar field. Applicants must submit transcripts, a résumé, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose with their application.

Can you work in information technology without a master's degree?

Yes, some IT roles are attainable without a , IT, or a related field, like computer hardware engineer or computer network architect. Relevant certifications, such as CompTIA Network+, may help you advance your position or salary without a master's degree.