IT Management is offered by many high ranked universities in the US. For example, the University of Florida offers Master of Science in Information Systems and Operations Management. Whereas, Washington University of St. Louis offers the following programs in Information Systems Management:
- Graduate Certificate
- Master’s Degree
The University of California Berkeley offers a Professional Program in Data Administration & Management, a Certificate Program in Software Development & Programming among many others. On the other hand, MIT Sloan School of Management at MIT offers:
- Bachelor of Science in Management
- Master of Science in Management Studies
- Master of Business Administration and many other related degrees.
What Degree Do You Need for IT Management?
Typically, a bachelor’s degree in IT Management may help you land a well-paying entry or a mid-level job in various industries. For instance, with a Bachelor’s degree in IT Management people may get a job as,
- Software Developers
- Information Security Analysts
- Computer Systems Analysts
- Database Administrators
However, completing a master’s degree in IT Management can open doors to advanced level careers. For example, Computer and Information Research Scientists earn more than the careers mentioned above.
What Is IT Management?
IT Management stands for Information Technology Management. According to IBM, IT Management can be defined as the monitoring and administration of information technology (IT) systems. These IT systems include software, hardware, and networks. Simply put, IT Management is about helping people work better or rather faster.
What Can You Do with a Degree in IT Management
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the salary data on the following careers in 2019. As explained earlier, you can get employed in any of the following careers with an IT Management degree.
Computer and Information Research Scientists
With a master’s degree in IT Management, you may get employed in this position where you may carry out research in computer and information science as a theorist, designer, or an inventor. You will get to invent solutions to existing problems in the field of IT Management.
| Annual Median Salary, 2019 | $122,840 | |
| Job Outlook, 2018-2028 | 16% | |
| Annual Mean Salary, 2019 | $127,460 | |
| State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019 | California | 7,370 |
| State with the Highest Salary, 2019 | Virginia | $143,390 |
Software Developers
With a bachelor’s degree in IT Management, you can become a Software Developer as well. People in this field make new applications or systems that can be run on a computer or any other device such as a phone or a tablet. They also create the fundamental systems that help run the devices (computers, phones tablets, etc.). They also build systems that can control networks.
| Annual Median Salary, 2019 | $107,510 | |
| Job Outlook, 2018-2028 | 21% (Software Developers) | |
| Annual Mean Salary, 2019 | $111,620 | |
| State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019 | California | 249,620 |
| State with the Highest Salary, 2019 | California | $134,370 |
Information Security Analysts
This career also requires at least a bachelor’s degree. People in this field tend to plan, monitor, and upgrade the security to protect computer information and networks. They may also get hired to assess a system for security risks and vulnerabilities. They also devise and implement strategies that help mitigate risk.
| Annual Median Salary, 2019 | $99,730 | |
| Job Outlook, 2018-2028 | 32% | |
| Annual Mean Salary, 2019 | $104,210 | |
| State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019 | Virginia | 15,010 |
| State with the Highest Salary, 2019 | New York | $121,750 |
Computer Systems Analysts
Becoming a Computer Systems Analyst also requires a relevant bachelor’s degree i.e., BS in IT Management. Computer Systems Analysts are hired to analyze data processing problems in the field of science, engineering, business, and so on. They design and implement solutions to system administration issues, network concerns, or complex application problems.
| Annual Median Salary, 2019 | $90,920 | |
| Job Outlook, 2018-2028 | 9% | |
| Annual Mean Salary, 2019 | $96,160 | |
| State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019 | California | 64,260 |
| State with the Highest Salary, 2019 | California | $110,820 |
What to Expect from a Degree in IT Management?
As described earlier, a degree in IT Management can open doors to all kinds of positions in various industries. The curriculum of this subject helps you prepare in solving real-world problems relevant to IT Management. For example, the curriculum of Master of Science in Information Systems and Operations Management offered by the University of Florida includes courses like,
- Advanced Business Systems Design & Development
- Managerial Quantitative Analysis
- Business Telecom Strategy and Applications
- Business Database Systems
- Intermediate Business Programming and so on.
For details on the curriculum of a particular degree or university, please see the official website.
How to Choose a Degree in IT Management?
While choosing a degree in IT Management, you should consider a few important features before deciding to enroll in any degree level at an institution. Confirm whether the degree has been accredited by the relevant organization. For instance, the Master of Science in Information Systems and Operations Management offered by the Warrington College of Business at the University of Florida is accredited by the AACSB. In addition to that, you must consider the following,
- Suitability/Diversity of the curriculum
- The capability of the faculty
- The ranking of the university
- The duration of the degree
- Admission and graduation requirements etc.
IT Management Degree Admission Requirements
The admission requirements vary for each degree program and university. However, the application materials are quite similar with a few variations. For example, if you are interested in applying for Master of Management at the University of Michigan, you must submit the application with the following documents,
- Transcripts from the bachelor’s degree
- GMAT/GRE scores
- CV/Resume
- An essay (as instructed on the official website)
- 2 letters of recommendation
- IELTS/TOEFL scores (for international students)
For more details, please visit the official website of your desired university.