Online Master Degree in Information Technology Programs

Earning an Online Masters in Information Technology could help launch your IT Career. 

Nerds no more! Information Technology, a.k.a. IT, has never been hotter. It raises the stakes on TV shows like Mr. Robot and Silicon Valley while also igniting national news headlines on the daily.

Information Technology brightens our world every day. Not just because we can't tear our eyes away from screens - whether handheld or IMAX.

IT All Day

Even if you don’t own a device, you're surrounded with IT as long as you live in modern society. Still, unless we actually work within the realm of Information Technology, each of us has a limited view of the true possibilities it encompasses. Pursuing a Master's degree in IT and earning your online masters in information technology could be a perfect way to expand your horizons and become a critical part of this extraordinary realm. In the world of Information Technology the potential seems infinite and surpasses all imaginable boundaries.

Fun IT Fact

Programmer Charley Kline sent the first computer-to-computer message in 1969; but only the first two letters got through before the system crashed. Today, over 80 billion emails are sent a day worldwide.

Where the IT Crowd Is and Why You Might Want to Earn an Online Masters in Information Technology

Even with this expanse of prospects for the IT industry, there are particular careers that generally follow its master's degree gateway. Examples include:

  • Computer Systems/Project Manager
  • IT Director/Security Manager
  • Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
  • Chief Information Officer (CIO)[i]

These are critical roles in any company, literally the people with the intel. In the days of yore the IT guy was the quiet backroom gamer type at work. The one who eschewed Apple products and rarely ate lunch away from his desk. But now he (or she!) often has the cool office, with a standing desk, the corner even. These are the employees who know what's going on… and not just on Game of Thrones.  

Such significance feels good and you may have noticed that two of the jobs that often follow a Master's in IT are in the c-suite--see the list above. But no matter the level, these are integral roles in any company that has information it needs to organize and protect. Can you think of any companies or organizations without these needs?

Did You Know?

A group of Cambridge University students invented the webcam in 1991 so they could check when their coffee pot, in another room, was empty. The original pot sold on eBay for about $4K.

How Much Money Do You Make in IT?

Because IT professionals are so functionally crucial to any business enterprise, it's no surprise that the 2016 median pay for Computer and Information System Managers was $135,800.[ii]

The job outlook is also 15% projected through 2024, much higher than average. Not only that, because IT is so applicable across industries there may be many high-paying jobs in nearly every industry category.

online masters in information technology salaries[iii]

Fun IT Fact

In 1822, polymath Charles Babbage created the first computer, a "difference machine" that you can check out at the London Science Museum.

What IT Professionals Do... Now Do You Want to Earn an Online Masters in Information Technology?

Here's more detail about what it's really like in the high-rolling world of the IT c-suite. [iv]

Chief Executives

Chief information officers (CIOs) oversee the technology strategies for their organizations. They help determine the technology or information goals of an organization and then manage the implementation to hit these targets.  Certainly an online masters in information technology could help you get to this level. 

CIOs may focus on a specific area, such as electronic data processing or information systems, but they likely also have their eye on long-term and big-picture issues. That's because the entire organization's vitality and bottom line are their main concern.

While equally impressive in title and rank, some CIOs may contribute more as overall intel managers. Meanwhile others are in the trenches of the enterprise solving day to day problems. For example, at small organizations a CIO likely directs the IT department, while at larger organizations other managers - under the CIO's direction - probably handle the department.

Chief technology officers (CTOs) assess technology assets and determine the relevant needs of their organization. When both CIOs and CTOs are present, the CTO usually is more of the technical expert.

A CTO generally reports directly to the company's CIO. They follow the parameters laid out by the CIO in order to develop the technologies that suit the goals and resources of the company. When a company doesn't have a CIO, the CTO plays a greater overall role in setting the technology strategy and implementation.

Fun IT Fact

86% of people try to plug in their USB upside down.

Other Roles in IT

Even outside the c-suite, those with an IT Master's Degree play a critical role in any organization. That's because Information Technology is the heart and brain of any company - maintaining the vital flow and organizational system of a firm's information.

IT directors, including management information systems (MIS) directors, directly supervise IT employees and fulfill the policies of top executives. IT directors often have a direct role in hiring the IT department. They also ensure the availability of data and network services by coordinating all of the company's IT systems. IT directors also oversee the finances and budgeting for their department.

IT security managers These are the spy hunters of IT. They oversee their organizations’ network and data security, working with top executives to plan security policies to keep information secure throughout the organization. They create programs and systems to maintain a wall against security threats. These managers stay current on IT security measures and supervise investigations of any violation.

All of these careers above fall under the umbrella term "Computer and Information Systems Management" - a field full of opportunities with employers in all categories seeking candidates with an IT Master's Degree. Check out this chart for a bit more about these potential work environments and the value of acquiring an online masters in information technology from an accredited university.

[v]

Did You Know?

Alaska is the only state in the US that can be typed all on one line of a traditional QWERTY keyboard. Probably helps matters that half the letters are 'A's…

The fact that Information Technology touches virtually every aspect of human life means it also holds incredible potential for applications. It's an industry that dips a toe in every industry. Most exciting of all, Information Technology abounds with opportunities not only to develop valuable skills but you can also build an exceptional career in a booming industry. The bottom line is, if you work in IT, the entire world values your skills. That bears out in how companies are spending their money and it's pouring into Information Technology worldwide at an ever-increasing rate.

The Future of IT

Growth in IT spending is accelerating. Studies show that global spending on IT is expected to reach $3.5 trillion this year, up 2.4% from 2016, fueled in part by the rise of new cloud-enabled digital platforms. The gains will extend into 2018, growing 3.5% to $3.6 trillion by the end of the year.

As a result of all this spending, the Information Technology industry accounts for 7.1 percent of U.S. GDP and 11.6 percent of U.S. private-sector employment. There are more than 100,000 software and IT services companies in the US. That's a ton of jobs and there are more every year. This means a Master's Degree in IT could be the perfect plan for a promising future. In fact, it always has held this promise, even in the 1800s when the first computer was conceived and technology was beginning to evolve among us. Imagine what the future of IT holds given its illustrious and prosperous past.

Fun Fact

The QWERTY layout used for English language computer keyboards is 135 years old. It was originally invented for a new form of typewriter. Speaking of which, the QWERTY keyboard was invented in 1868.

Find a Niche for You - Earning an Online Masters in Information Technology

You're in the perfect place right now to explore the possibilities a Master's Degree in IT might bring. Here at eLearners we provide lots of relevant links you can click around to get matched to the ideal program for you.

It's fast, free and full of opportunities, just like the Internet but a lot more tailored to you.


[i] bls.gov/ooh/management/computer-and-information-systems-managers.htm#tab-2 [ii] bls.gov/ooh/management/computer-and-information-systems-managers.htm#tab-1 [iii] bls.gov/ooh/management/computer-and-information-systems-managers.htm#tab-5 [iv] bls.gov/ooh/management/computer-and-information-systems-managers.htm [v] bls.gov/ooh/management/computer-and-information-systems-managers.htm#tab-3