Students who complete an online master’s in information systems and technology will learn more about this field of computer studies and the communication and problem-solving skills necessary to attain a senior-level position within the IT field. Because these online programs typically take 30 to 36 credits, full-time students can complete coursework within two years, and select accelerated programs are available for completion in only one year.
According to U.S. News & World Report, this online degree costs $13,000 to $54,000. It could be cheaper or more expensive than an undergraduate degree, with an average cost of $26,000. Once students graduate, they may qualify for a computer and information research scientist job and expect an average salary of $131,000.
How to Choose an Online Master’s in Information Systems and Technology Program
Choose your area of study
Depending on the online master’s in information systems and technology, students may be able to choose a specialty area of study. These concentrations typically include information security, data analytics, smart technology, IT management, and web design and application.
While all of the online programs will provide students with a strong foundation of knowledge regarding information systems and technology, these specific areas of study can help students customize their education and better prepare themselves for a particular career after graduation. The concentrations are particularly effective at preparing students for their ideal careers because of the opportunity for hands-on practice in some narrow fields.
Research schools and programs
There is a wide array of online master’s in information systems and technology degree programs available, so students must develop specific criteria to determine which schools they are likely to apply to.
One primary concern is accreditation — if the online program does not come from a properly-accredited school, it is not worth applying to. Another concern is cost — if students wish to avoid graduating with lots of debt, they should focus on programs that are reasonably within their budget. Beyond these criteria, students may want to focus on programs that offer the schedule flexibility they need to succeed in their remote coursework.
Prepare for tests and applications
Some of the online master’s in information systems and technology degrees available require students to submit GRE test scores. It’s essential to review online applications to discover whether these test scores are required and, if so, what the minimum score requirements are for each section. Students who haven’t taken the GRE before should know they may need up to three months to study for it and may have to wait up to 15 days before receiving test results.
Additionally, students should review the application to determine if other paperwork may be required, typically including undergraduate transcripts, a cover letter, and letters of recommendation.
Select your program
Students may wish to apply to multiple online master’s in information systems and technology programs, but it’s still important to be selective.
To determine which schools to apply to, students should consider the cost and whether they can afford the program. Students may also consider other factors, including the program’s job placement rate and the school’s reputation within the IT industry. Students may focus on programs taught by influential figures in the field. Such professors may offer a better education, and they can also help students establish a professional network.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
Students can always fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each academic year if they need help paying for their online master’s in information systems and technology degree. By filling out this application, most students will automatically qualify for federal student loans, and the FAFSA is sometimes a prerequisite for other forms of aid. These aid forms include most grants and select scholarships, though both are harder to obtain for graduate students. Beyond this, students should contact the school’s Financial Aid office to inquire about extra aid available through either the state or the school.
Best 50 Accredited Online Master’s in Information Systems and Technology Programs
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How We Rank Schools
Since information systems is a STEM field, advanced degrees in the subject are typically Master of Science (MS) degrees. However, you can also earn a Master of Professional Studies (MPS). MS degrees emphasize technical skills and research, while MPS degrees are more oriented to practical applications of knowledge.
All of the programs we reviewed are regionally accredited schools to ensure the quality of the programs. Many also have additional accreditations through the Association for the Advancement of Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) or the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
The programs we reviewed are delivered in various formats, including on-campus, online, and hybrid or blended programs. We evaluated the programs’ cost, course strength, reputation, faculty, and flexibility to rank them. Then, we gave them an Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. For a more extensive explanation, check out our ranking methodology.
What Can You Expect from an Online Master’s in Information Systems and Technology Program?
Students taking an online master’s in information systems and technology degree can expect coursework emphasizing hands-on learning and collaborative projects in which they work closely with fellow students. The courses build on students’ computer and IT knowledge while providing them with the knowledge and experience necessary to attain a senior-level position within the industry upon graduation.
Specific programs will require students to complete a capstone course that helps to demonstrate their mastery of previous academic concepts and readiness to enter the workforce in a leadership position. Fortunately for remote students, most of these programs do not require any on-campus labs.
If students can attend such a program full-time, they should be able to complete all of the necessary coursework in two years, and part-time students should expect to take three years. Students who enroll in an accelerated program can complete the coursework in only one year.
Potential courses you’ll take in an online master’s in information systems and technology degree program
- Advanced Database Management Systems. This course builds on existing database management systems knowledge and helps students learn more about skills such as cover indexing, concurrency control, information modeling, database security, and transaction and locking. After this course, students can manage existing databases and, if necessary, create and maintain databases.
- Information Systems Development. This course offers students extensive experience with every step of information systems development. It takes students through the development life cycle as a whole, all while providing hands-on practice with specific methodologies and techniques relevant to the field, including agile and structured analysis.
- Analyzing Big Data. This course helps students learn about analyzing big data to discover information relevant to specific business interests. To do this, the class uses numerous examples from real business cases, allowing students to learn the most effective analytical tools and techniques.
- Data Visualization & Reporting. This course walks students through using data visualization tools such as Tableau and Python Bokeh and how these tools can help in visual presentations that are both powerful and persuasive in assisting people to understand data.
Online Master’s in Information Systems and Technology Degree Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to an online master’s in information systems and technology degree program?
Students can apply to an online master’s in information systems and technology program by accessing the application on the university website. The application should specify the requirements, including undergraduate transcripts, GRE scores, and a cover letter. Some applications may require students to submit letters of recommendation and application essays.
To verify that the application is complete, students should strongly consider contacting the admissions office for the school(s) they are interested in. The counselor who answers should be able to handle any additional questions regarding the application or the school.
How much does an online master’s in information systems and technology degree cost?
U.S. News reports that the cost of this online degree ranges from $13,000 to $54,000. Generally, private schools will be more expensive than public schools. Similarly, out-of-state students will almost always have to pay more than in-state students. And the exact cost of a degree may be affected by other factors, including how long the student takes to complete classes and how many credit hours the degree requires. Fortunately, the online cost should be lower than the cost of taking the same courses on campus because students won’t have to worry about things like campus fees and the overall cost of relocating to a new town.
How long does it take to earn an online master’s in information systems and technology degree?
Students attending full-time can usually complete their online master’s in information systems and technology degrees in two years. Part-time students may need about three years to complete everything. Students may be able to find accelerated programs that are designed to be completed in one year, which may seem attractive to students trying to finish the degree quickly.
Ultimately, students need to be honest about how much time they can devote to their studies and choose the appropriate program. That way, the student won’t have to worry about accidentally falling behind in their studies.