IT Management Degree

Technology has infiltrated every aspect of our personal and professional lives. Practically every business in every industry has an IT department ensuring the smooth running of the technological aspect of the organization. Studies show that more than 50% of all economic activity in the US is information technology related, which further cements the fact that IT plays an integral part in our professional as well as personal lives.

Information technology (IT) management refers to the management of products and services of the technological side of an organization for achieving maximum productivity and profitability. Those who can effectively manage technological processes, procedures and changes are sought after by employers. It is important to acquire the knowledge and skills through the right educational program, if you want to succeed in this profession.

Skills for IT Professionals
Working in an IT profession requires a very specific set of skills. Learning these skills can help you get that competitive edge when competing for IT related jobs.

• Analytical skills—most IT professions require complex instruction in order to effectively fulfill tasks. For example, computer programmers must understand complex coding requirements in order to write it.
• Leadership skills—for any management level position it is important for you to have some basic leadership skills which will allow you to better work with people and your management team. As an IT manager, you must both lead and motivate your team.
• Organizational skills—as an IT manager, it will be your responsibility to coordinate and coherently systemize the work of several IT personnel/departments within your firm.
• Multitasking skills—managers and administrators may have to work on multiple tasks and problems at the same time. They may have to manage people, as well as their technical work during the same time period.

IT Management Degrees and Programs
An information technology management program teaches students about computing and business related aspects of a company, so that they are able to develop effective IT solutions for any organizational requirements. The curriculum of an IT management degree is a combination of business and information technology courses.

There are a variety of programs available in this field ranging from Associate and Bachelor degrees to Master of Business Administration (MBA) and PhD programs. Such programs train students to manage information technology tools and processes from inception to implementation. Some of the most popular IT management degrees available at graduate level are:

• Master of Science (MS) in Information Technology Management
• Master of Arts (MA) in Information Technology Management
• Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Information Technology Management

A Bachelor degree in information technology management can lead to entry level positions. In order to gain greater success, it is important to further develop the skills required to succeed in the field of IT management by enrolling in a Master’s level program. Degrees related to IT management can be found online as well as through campus-based universities.


Areas of Study in IT Management
IT management graduates are required to assist companies achieve their organizational goals through the integration of various departments’ activities. An IT manager needs to have skills related to personnel management, data management, communications and project management. An IT management program covers a wide range of subjects that includes:

• Web design
• Information technology systems management
• Ethics in information technology
• Organizational behavior
• Technical communication
• Computer architecture
• Networking
• IT project management
• IT security
• Database management
• Operations management

Careers in IT Management

An information technology manager plays a crucial role in any organization. Many IT management graduates are hired by private companies while some choose to work as independent consultants. The skills of IT managers are required in organization in both private and public sectors. These experts can be found working at positions such as:

• Computer and Information Systems Managers—are responsible for coordinating, planning and directing all computer related activities in an organization. You’ll need a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in order to land an entry level job at this position, however, MBA’s are preferred.

The annual median pay of IT managers was $120,950 while the expected job growth from 2012 to 2022 is 15%.

• Network and Computer Systems Administrators—are responsible for carrying out the critical day to day operations of a systems network. Most employers require a bachelor’s degree minimum.

The annual median pay of systems administrators was $76,560 while the expected job growth from 2012 to 2022 is 12%.

• Computer and Information Research Scientists—study and solve problems in computing for science, medicine, business and other fields. You’ll need a professional or doctoral degree in order to pursue this as a career.

The annual median pay of researchers was $102,190 while the expected job growth from 2012 to 2022 is 15%.
The development, implementation and maintenance of IT systems are of great importance in every organization or company. As a result, those with formal training in this field can make a successful career for themselves in a range of sectors.
*All salary related figures have been taken from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

How Long Does It Take to Complete a Degree in IT Management?

There are many schools in the United States, such as the Regis University, the Florida State College at Jacksonville, the University of Richmond, and the National University, which are offering a degree in IT Management. Students can enroll in a 4-year Bachelor of Applied Sciences (B.A.S) in Information Technology Management or a 2-year Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Information Technology Management. Both on-campus and online study options are available for students.

What Are the Requirements to Complete a Degree in IT Management?

Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Applied Sciences (B.A.S) in Information Technology Management are required to complete 120 credits and those enrolled in the Master of Science (M.Sc.) in IT Management have to complete 36 credits. They have to study modules like Systems Analysis & Design, Database Design, Project Management, Managing IT, Consulting and Design of Online Management Systems, Local Area Networks, and IT Control & Audits.

How Much Can I Make after Completing a Degree in IT Management?

After completing a degree in IT Management, students can launch their careers as Systems Administrators, Information Security Analysts, and IT Project Management Associates. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual median pay of Networks and Computer Systems Administrators was $82,050 in 2018. The number of jobs available in this field in 2018 was 383,900. Also, it is forecasted that the employment in this field will increase by 5% from 2018 to 2028.