Masters in Technology Programs Online

Earning a Masters in Technology online could help current and aspiring professionals to best hone their tech expertise. As technology becomes more ubiquitous in the workplace, more and more of these programs may be available. Masters in technology programs are designed to support a range of types of technology, professional roles, and top technological disciplines. Whether you’re interested in helping to develop new software, set up complex database systems, or help others learn to use new technology effectively, a masters in technology may support those goals. And best of all, with online masters programs, you could study on your own schedule, using the technology you’re so passionate about to access your digital classroom!

Because technology is such a broad (and growing!) field, what you learn in each program is likely to be unique. However, many masters programs, in addition to discipline-specific content, may touch on things like leadership and business skills. Additionally, some schools may allow students to study technology as it relates to a specific industry or field. Programs may additionally be available both for experienced professionals and for students with no formal background in technology.

Online masters in technology programs may be either scholarly or practice-based, meaning they focus on honing top skills to be applied in the workplace.

Masters in Computational Science

Computational science masters programs center on the use of technology to solve problems, answer questions, and discover new things. They may touch on concepts from several related technology disciplines. These could include networking, algorithms and quantitative analysis, software programming, and database management. As such, computational science can be quite broad as a discipline. Some computational science masters programs may focus their efforts on certain applications of computational science, such as within specific disciplines or answering certain kinds of queries. For example, computational science might be used in areas like:

  • Atmospheric science
  • Structural Analysis
  • Reservoir modeling
  • Climate modeling
  • Nuclear engineering
  • Chemistry
  • Medical Imaging
  • Big data

And more! Often, these techniques might be used in studies and experiments that would otherwise require a prohibitively long time scale. Some of these applications may require additional discipline-specific knowledge outside the scope of computational science in itself.

Computer Science Masters Programs

While computational science might focus on answering scientific questions, computer science masters programs center on how to build the systems that might answer those questions in the first place. Computer science masters programs might cover topics like machine learning, systems management, data science, programming, product development, and more.

While computer science is a highly technical field, it may also be interdisciplinary, especially if the program in question focuses on developing and managing technology within a certain industry. Computer science masters students may analyze engineering principles, business, as well as potentially learning about the everyday needs and decision making skills for the industries they might be helping to develop technology for.

While some computer science masters programs may be available for students with limited experience, the majority of programs are likely to look for students with a background in related subjects, such as mathematics, computers, or engineering.

Masters in Database Management

Masters in database management programs focus on the acquisition, organization, management, and retrieval of data. Courses in these masters programs typically examine things like database modeling, programming languages like SQL, Java, and Python; the principles of data mining; not to mention the hardware and software considerations of storing large amounts of data. Database management masters programs may also share concepts or even cross over with business intelligence and information security, among others.

While many database management programs may focus on developing and maintaining the infrastructure to access data, some might expand to include the retrieval and analysis of that data. That could include working with real-time “dirty” data, using different database languages to write queries, and processing and interpreting the results.

Masters in Geographic Information Systems

Geographic Information Systems Masters Programs (or GIS for short) combines geographical information with tabular data, to display information in relation to its location. In other words, it’s used to map locations, events, and other information to its geographic coordinates. That could mean real-time traffic updates, weather maps, turn by turn directions, topography, population density, and more. In fact, you’ve probably used these tools yourself without even knowing it. Have you ever used your cell phone GPS to find your way, or checked the weather in your area? If so, that’s GIS.

With a masters in GIS, you could learn about what it’s like to build tools like this from scratch, and how they’re maintained every day. Example core courses include:

  • GIS Database Development
  • Geospatial Systems Analysis
  • GIS Project Management
  • Geographical Information Analysis
  • GIS Application Development
  • GIS Programming and Customization

And that’s just the start! The specifics of your curriculum may vary depending on the focus of your particular GIS program. For example, if you’re attending a masters program focused on intelligence applications, that program might look a little different from what you’d cover in a geodesign program.

Masters in Information Security and Assurance

Online Masters in Information and Network Security Programs might also go by a few alternate names, including cybersecurity and information assurance. These programs specialize in implementing secure IT infrastructure and data practices within an organization. The goal is to help students like you ensure that the data you work with every day, at home or at work, stays safe and accessible.

Information security masters programs might take a few different approaches. Some might focus on identifying and preventing attacks and malware to prevent information from being corrupted or stolen from an organization. Others might focus on cyberwarfare, and the place of digital technology within homeland security and similar settings. Some might center on the programming and design principles used to create secure systems and develop software and apps that help consumers stay safe.

In addition to programming and data structures, programs like this might touch on compliance, risk management principles, digital forensics, disaster recovery, and more. Programs might offer either a capstone project or course, if it’s a hands-on field, or a thesis or research project, if it is more scholarly in nature.

Masters in Information Technology

Information technology masters programs equip students to design, implement and maintain digital infrastructure within organizations. How exactly they do that may vary. Some may focus more on helping others learn to use technology and to troubleshoot. Other information technology degree options might focus more on skills like networking and administration. Others may focus on leadership by helping IT professionals prepare for potential management roles leading teams of people.

Information Technology Masters Programs may share some courses or concepts with areas like business, project management, information security, and data analytics. While applicants may not need to have earned a bachelors degree in an IT-related field, they may still be asked to demonstrate competence in certain key areas. In many cases, IT masters programs are practice-oriented and designed to support current or anticipated career paths in IT in corporate settings.

Application and Software Development Masters Programs

As time goes on, software becomes more and more essential to everyday life. It's present everywhere from the mobile apps we use for convenience, to the web apps we use on the job or to pay our monthly cellphone bill.

Earning a software development masters degree, you could have the chance to apply your flair for creativity to your tech savvy, and create new things. Whether you’re more interested in developing mobile apps for everyday consumers, or software to help businesses stay on top of things, a masters program could show you how to put together the toolkit you need.

Software development masters programs, while creative, are also analytical in nature, honing hard skills and development processes you might need in the field. You could cover things like agile software development, programming, database design, mobile app development, quality testing, internet application development, and a variety of programming languages.

Application and software development masters programs tend to be practical in nature. That means that you’re likely to have opportunities for hands-on experience developing new applications. You might also get to experience what it’s like to work on project teams or even manage them. Applicants to a degree program like this are likely to be asked to show a minimum level of competence with computers and to have earned an accredited bachelor’s degree.

Masters in Technology Management

Technology Management Masters Programs may award either an MBA or a Master of Science. This could reflect the skills that are prioritized by that program. Technology management MBA programs may discuss technology-related leadership roles, such as heading an IT department or overseeing technology projects and programs. Master of Science programs may also touch on management skills but are likely to emphasize the actual tech skills rather than business ones.

Technology management programs are innovation-driven. They aim to equip students with the organizational and technological know-how they might need to solve complicated technology challenges. That means developing fluency with systems design, data management, information assurance, project management, and more. Programs tend to be practice-oriented, and may ask that applicants show related professional experience in addition to the education requirements.

MS in Telecommunication and Networking

As more and more technology becomes essential to our daily routines, computer and telecommunications networks also become more complicated. That’s where earning a Master of Science or MS in telecommunication and networking comes in. A masters in network administration and telecommunications could help prepare you to take the lead in managing those systems every day. Whether your office is in the cloud, local networks, or a combination of everything, with a masters in network administration, you could keep tabs on how to run your office efficiently—and safely.

Telecommunications and networking masters programs may touch on some topics like programming, information security, information technology, database management, and more. Courses might discuss things like the organizational needs of different types of companies, and the challenges you might face in the field every day. Some of the courses you take may cover things you will encounter in your work experience, like network systems administration, large-scale computing, network modeling and analysis, enterprise mobile computing, and project management.

Masters in Video Game Design

If you’re fascinated by video games, you’re not alone. But why not take that passion a step further, and create new games to captivate a whole new generation of gamers? Earning a masters in video game design could be a window into a unique field that could combine artistic, creative, and technical skills to create complex interactive media.

Earning a masters in video game design, your courses may cover everything from crafting a compelling story, to drawing and digital animation, to complex programming, mobile application development, and more. As such, this field can be uniquely interdisciplinary. And it also tends to be very hands-on. Many masters programs include opportunities to develop a game of your own, either solo or as part of a project team.

Masters in Web Development & Design

Passionate about the internet, and want to get involved in creating websites and applications like the ones you use every day? Whether you’re new to the field entirely or already have experience, earning a masters in web development could hone the development and design skills you need to thrive. That could include website construction and optimization, user experience, networking, programming, mobile web apps, database design, and more.

Plus, in a program that incorporates web design development, you could even learn the principles and design techniques to make sure the finished product isn’t just functional, but also attractive. You may also discuss web analytics, SEO (search engine optimization), and content, among other things.

Program requirements may vary. Some programs may be designed to cover the essentials for students new to the field with limited technical backgrounds. Others might be more advanced in nature, catering to students who already have some professional web development experience under their belt. In either case, programs tend to be practical, designed to support real projects and potential careers.

Search for Masters in Technology Programs Online

Whatever your technological passion, you could find online masters in technology programs that support that interest. Web Design? Information Security? Computational Science? Whatever it is, start your search for master's programs today. First, filter your masters in technology programs by subject of interest. Then start reading about the sponsored program listings that match! Click on Request Info to find out more and even start applying.