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Information Technology MBA

May 2, 2021 2:58 pm0 commentsViews: 1223

An Information Technology MBA gives you the ability to extend a strategic knowledge base of IT information into a business management setting. The courses that you’ll take throughout this degree combine business and technical strategies to help integrate the world of information technology with corporate America. The design of this MBA is organized to develop or expand your skills in leadership as you evolve into a more technical space, and is particularly useful for those in middle management positions looking to advance into higher ranks in the industry.

Expectations of the Program

In order to be accepted into this program, applicants must have successfully completed an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution within the United States with a passing GPA of 2.5-3.0. Some educational facilities may require higher standings, while others will accept you into the program with lower grades. You may also find that work experience is expected, from one to three years, before you’ll be considered for enrollment. The MBA in Information Technology takes 12-28 months to complete on a full-time schedule, but some institutions will allow part-time completion over a 2-3 year span. Many students seeking a part-time schedule in this degree will process their program over the internet through a rigorous online set of courses. The online version can be less interactive, but through technological advancements in video and communication technology you’ll gain the same learning experience. Although this is a competitive space, finding positions in this field is becoming easier as more and more companies require managerial roles throughout their technology departments.

Course Selection

Courses often vary by school, even if the title of your MBA is the same, which means that you may find some differences between institutions and their class listings, but the general subject matter learned should be the same. Most IT MBA degrees offer a strong foundation in business and management information such as:

  • Managerial Accounting
  • Organizational Change
  • Human Resources Management
  • Marketing management
  • Prices and Markets
  • Financial Reporting
  • Negotiation Strategies

However, because Information Technology MBA’s are based around technology, you can also expect to take classes like Technical Project Management, Management of Information Technology, Database Design, Applied Data Mining, Enterprise Integration, and Strategic management, among a large assortment of other electives and course listings. You may also be required to complete a work term outside of the classroom or work on a group or individual assignment at the end of the program, or each term throughout the degree. Sometimes the course load will also vary based on whether you’ve committed to a full-time classroom learning experience or an online venture. This is mostly because some classroom materials don’t transfer well, and so alternative subject matter is utilized in the online experience.

Positions Related To An Information Technology MBA

Once you’ve graduated with an MBA degree in Information Technology, there are a wide assortment of career opportunities in your industry depending on the field that you choose to work in.

  • Systems programming and design
  • Software engineers and systems information managers
  • Project managers
  • Network engineers
  • Information technology consultants
  • Software developers

Due to the high necessity of technology in the business world, the doors that open to this level of education are also immense, spanning everything from government positions to private sectors, healthcare industry management positions, and even roles in the educational community. Every form of business requires upkeep in their technical department, which is where your degree will help.

Career Details

Earning your MBA in information technology will open up many rewarding career doors in the future. Some of the best career choices you can make with this type of degree include:

Information Security Analyst

Information security analysts are charged with planning and carrying out information security measures to protect the systems and networks of all types of organizations. As more cyber attacks occur that are more and more sophisticated, the responsibilities of these professionals will only grow.

The common responsibilities these workers handle are as follows:

  • Monitor the networks of the organization for any breaches in security. Investigate any violations that have happened and report them to upper level management
  • Install new firewalls and programs for data encryption to provide layers of protection for sensitive information
  • Assemble reports that detail any security breaches that happen and look for what types of damages the breaches caused
  • Do penetration tests where the worker simulates a cyber attack to search for potential problem areas that can be exploited by a hacker
  • Recommend new cyber security upgrades to senior managers

Above all else, information security analysts need to stay well ahead of cyber attackers. It is for this reason that managers in this role typically have years of experience and hold either a master of science in information technology or an MBA in information technology.

Computer Network Architect

Computer network architects are responsible for designing and building data communication networks, which can include local area networks and wide area networks. These types of networks can range from a small network connecting two offices, to a complex cloud infrastructure that serves offices around the world. Network architects must have a great deal of knowledge of the business plan of a company so that they can devise a network that helps it to attain its goals. An MBA in information technology can be a critical asset in this work.

Common duties of computer network architects often do the following:

  • Design plans and layouts for new data communication networks for small and large companies
  • Show plans to management and detail why the plans should be pursued by the company
  • Plan for information security needs when creating new networks
  • Perform upgrades to hardware, including adaptors or routers and network drivers when they are needed to support new computer networks
  • Research new technology in the networking field to see what would best support company goals in the future

Computer network architects will frequently work with the chief technology officer of the company to decide where the organization needs to have new networks.

Pay Rate

The pay scale for MBA graduates in the IT department varies from student to student based on job placement and skill level, but the average numbers for certain jobs remain the same. Information Technology Manager positions pay about $151,150, while Senior Software Engineers in both development and programming look at making as much as $170,100 in the top ten percent of the profession. Some job titles like the based IT specialist positions pay a lower rate, on average about $55,510 but up to $110,450 for the most experienced and highly trained. Of course, as you work your way up and find yourself in more executive roles throughout a company, you run the advantage of profiting more from your pay rate, and may find an increase of up to 35% in almost any role.

Whether you work for yourself or commit to a managerial position in the information technology department of a large company, the Information Technology MBA can equip you with all of the skills and knowledge necessary to make your mark in your chosen field. The hands on experience that you gain through projects and group activities also put you in the right mindset for work in a team setting.

May 2020 Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and job growth figures for Computer and Information Systems Managers, Software Developers, and Computer Support Specialists represents national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data Accessed May 2021.

Online Degree Programs

Today there are plenty of high quality online MBA degree options where you can specialize in information technology:

Southern New Hampshire University

Earning an MBA in information technology management at Southern New Hampshire University, can help experienced business professionals to get further ahead in a technological business environment that is always changing. This MBA in IT management will provide you with a solid foundation in business management as well as information technology. This is a very valuable combination in today’s 21st century business world.

This MBA is one of the most cost effective in the world, and may be completed in some cases in just one year. This advanced MBA program will give you a major competitive advantage over your peers.

You will have the most up to date knowledge of information technology, as well as expert analytical and financial abilities. With solid business management and technology skills, you will be well prepared for a career in IT management, e-commerce, e-business and telecommunications. SNHU was recently included in our rankings of the most affordable online MBA programs.

Required IT courses are:

  • Advanced Information Technology
  • Management of Information Technology
  • Enterprise Resource Planning

Details

  • University Type: Non-profit
  • Campus Location: Manchester, New Hampshire
  • Accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges
  • Tuition: Inquire
  • Degrees Offered: MBA in Information Technology
  • GMAT/GRE Required: No
  • Financial Aid Offered: Grants, loans, work study, internal and external scholarships
  • Other Information: This MBA can be completed in only a year and 100% online for some students
  • Request Information Direct: Southern New Hampshire University

Western Governor’s University

The online MBA with a specialization in IT management at Western Governor’s University will greatly enhance your information technology skills. You will be prepared with the advanced skills and knowledge to qualify for upper level management IT positions that can pay well in excess of $100,000 per year.

This program has been designed for experienced information technology professionals who want to move into higher level management positions. It also is made for those who have several years of real world IT experience, but want to pair that experience with an advanced degree.

Some of the courses that you will take in this two year, 100% online program are:

  • IT Project Management
  • Ethical Leadership
  • Marketing
  • Financial Management
  • IT Strategic Solutions
  • Accounting for Decision Makers
  • Managing Human Capital

Details

  • University Type: Non-profit
  • Campus Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
  • Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
  • Tuition: Inquire
  • Degrees Offered: MBA in IT Management
  • GMAT/GRE Required: No
  • Financial Aid Offered: Grants, loans, work study, internal and external scholarships
  • Other Information: This MBA can be completed in only a year and 100% online for some students