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Can I Get a Master’s in Information Technology Online?

IT professionals are coming out of the woodwork to secure high-paying roles. Those with advanced information technology degrees have a competitive advantage in the hiring process. Image from https://unsplash.com

Angela Miller January 20, 2023

Obtaining an online master's degree in information technology delivers the same top-level credentials as the brick-and-mortar path. These online programs translate beautifully to e-learning, offering IT professionals opportunities to pursue leadership roles in areas like database management, healthcare, and software development.

In this course, participants learn core principles, concepts, and methods of continuous improvement and explore the history of continuous improvement efforts. In a series of lectures, Master Black Belt in Six Sigma Shane Wentz, Ph.D., enables learners to enhance, optimize, and stabilize business processes and to augment quality control through varied methodologies. Participants gain the skills and knowledge to reimagine internal processes, engage in advanced problem-solving, and empower employees. The course covers high-level foundational principles of Lean, Six Sigma, and DMAIC processes before diving deep into Lean Six Sigma methods. Learners will analyze the tools of process mapping, Kaizen (a continuous improvement method/tool deemed a prerequisite for Lean transformation success), Lean (a continuous improvement philosophy that emphasizes streamlined workflows and reducing waste), and the process improvement methodology driving DMAIC: Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control.

Entrepreneurs fostering new ventures outside of well-developed entrepreneurial ecosystems like Silicon Valley face significant challenges. These markets are unlike Silicon Valley, and they will likely remain so. That doesn't mean they can't nurture and sustain new businesses. In transitioning markets that lack abundant private sector financing, creative approaches from government officials, donors, and business leaders can fill the void to support entrepreneurial activity. Northeast Ohio (where Cleveland and Case Western Reserve University are located) has become a laboratory for such innovative solutions. During our time together in this course, we will explore some of these creative approaches to promoting regional entrepreneurship. Northeast Ohio has seen a massive infusion of government and donor resources for over ten years. In that time, Northeast Ohio has promoted regional development (including job creation and follow-on funding) through alternative methods of financing startups. It has not been easy. The region has made progress, but it remains to be seen whether it has struck upon an enduring formula. A dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem takes many years, even decades, to develop. Government policymakers and donors typically seek quicker returns on their support programs, which makes long-term support for entrepreneurship challenging. This course includes case studies and first-person testimonials from entrepreneurs who have launched products and services ranging from medical devices to LED lights to whiskey. You will learn how these entrepreneurs discovered and procured resources from various programs and intermediary organizations. You will hear from business people still in the process of developing their companies as well as those whose ventures have flourished. Our focus will extend beyond Cleveland to selected markets around the world, including Greece, Vietnam, Tunisia, Argentina, Rwanda and China. You will learn about international incentives and other supports available to developing startups and small businesses across the globe. This course examines how different communities around the world approach implementing strategies and methods to support businesses. I will ask you to reflect on how to apply the principles we learn to growing entrepreneurship where you live. The social interactive features of the online platform will enable students from around the world to share ideas and learn from one another. Most MOOCs rebroadcast professors’ lectures; this course is different. Don’t expect to see me standing in front of the camera, talking and lecturing every module. Instead, the lectures will be relatively short in length. They have more of the feel of an engaging documentary than a static classroom setting. ## __What type of person takes the *Beyond Silicon Valley* course?__ - Active and aspiring businesspeople in communities looking to initiate new startup ecosystems or bolster existing ones - Current and prospective entrepreneurs who want to learn about funding sources, risk management, and the lifecycle of startups - Professionals who work in government agencies, nongovernmental organizations, philanthropic institutions, and various private funds that fund startups - Anyone curious about how to create and grow startup ecosystems outside the major tech hubs - The principles Beyond Silicon Valley teaches have been drawn from and applied to startups worldwide, from small villages to megalopolises. You'll study success stories spanning the globe from Vietnam to Kosovo to Botswana. ## __What will you learn in *Beyond Silicon Valley*?__ - How and where startups can find funding to get their businesses off the ground - What role government can play in encouraging startups and a healthy startup ecosystem - How anchor institutions such as universities and healthcare systems participate in startup ecosystems - How nongovernmental organizations support startups - How to raise funds from venture capitalists, angel investors, and accelerators - How to navigate challenging periods in the startup lifecycle - The importance of mentoring in successful startups

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We're more connected today than ever before. In 2020, Americans had access to an average of more than ten connected devices in their households, according to a Statista study. But with so many gadgets at our fingertips, we’ve become increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks due to poor network security. Issues with hardware and software have become prevalent as well.

Businesses require well-educated information technology professionals to address these problems. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects overall employment in computer and information technology occupations to grow 15 percent from 2021 to 2031, adding about 682,800 new IT jobs to the workforce.

IT professionals are coming out of the woodwork to secure these high-paying roles. Those with advanced information technology degrees have a competitive advantage in the hiring process.

Information technology encompasses the realms of computer systems, hardware, software, and networks related to the processing and sharing of data. IT technicians design, install, manage, and troubleshoot issues related to computers and networks.

If you're interested in building a career in this field, you may be asking can I get a master's in information technology online? This article answers that question and discusses:

Online Master of Science in Information Technology
Related master's degrees you can earn online
Why you should earn your degree online

Online Master of Science in Information Technology

An online master’s program in information technology helps students expand their IT, leadership, and business skills, preparing them to tackle advanced career goals, including senior-level positions in the tech industry. A master’s degree in information technology can lead to fulfilling roles including:

M.S. in Information Technology curriculum

Master’s programs in information technology can take anywhere from one to two years to complete and typically consist of 30 to 36 credit hours. Program lengths vary based on school requirements and areas of specialization. Like on-campus programs, online degrees combine both hands-on and lecture-driven study. Curricular topics include:

Cybersecurity, protection, and prevention
Big data and data analytics
Enterprise solution and database design
Project management techniques and theories
Software development
Database management fundamentals
IT integration and business support
Enterprise digital transformation

In addition to the abovementioned coursework, you’ll typically complete a research project that combines your theoretical and practical knowledge.

M.S. in Information Technology program objectives

A master’s program in information technology provides you with many vital proficiencies. You'll learn how to apply successful data management techniques, implementing methodologies to design, develop, and maintain computer systems. You'll also learn how to analyze information systems to enhance business operations and communicate effectively to lead an IT department.

Best online master’s degrees in information technology

Many factors should influence your program choice, including accreditation status, tuition rate, online versus on-campus, and school ranking. You can pursue an excellent online master’s degree in IT at:

Related master's degrees you can earn online

You don’t need an M.S. in IT to have an IT-related master’s degree. Information technology is a broad discipline with many applications. So, what are some related online master's degree programs?

Master of Science in Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity/ master’s programs prepare students to evaluate and analyze an organization’s cybersecurity needs. They take around two years to complete and comprise 30 to 36 credit hours. They typically include/ courses and electives in:

Digital forensics
Cryptography
Ethical hacking
Network security
Cybersecurity management
Security architecture
Application security
Cybersecurity law and policy
Blockchain and fintech security
Penetration testing

You can enroll in online cybersecurity master’s programs at:

The University of Tulsa offers an online cybersecurity master’s degree designed with the working professional in mind. This program can be completed in just 20 months and provides online students with a comprehensive knowledge of cybersecurity concepts. It includes live discussions and real-world practice using the latest technologies in practice today.

Master of Science in Information Management

Those interested in pursuing leadership positions in IT may consider the M.S. in Information Management. This graduate program equips students with the knowledge to solve organizational problems. It can take anywhere from one to two years to complete; courses may cover the following:

Policy and ethics in information management
Data science
Business intelligence systems
Program management and consulting
Product and project management
Strategic and managerial business intelligence
Foundations of cybersecurity
Systems thinking and problem-solving

The University of Washington iSchool offers an online Master of Science in Information Management (MSIM) encompassing a holistic knowledge of systems thinking, data-driven strategic planning, ethics, and social responsibility. It includes specialization courses and culminates with a capstone project in the form of faculty-sponsored research or an organization-sponsored applied project.

Master of Science in Network Engineering

Interested in building new computer networks and integrating new technology into existing networks? A master’s degree in network engineering may be the path for you. Each college and university approaches this degree uniquely. Topics include:

Network design
Information systems analysis and design
Digital communications technology
Network management
Network protocols
Web technologies
Information security
TCP/IP network administration

The Southern?utm_source=noodle_article_prospect&utm_medium=affiliate_cpl&utm_term=anonymous&utm_content=online-masters-information-technology&utm_campaign=Computer%2520Science?utm_source=noodle_article_prospect&utm_medium=affiliate_cpl&utm_term=anonymous&utm_content=online-masters-information-technology&utm_campaign=Computer%2520Science Methodist University Lyle School of Engineering offers a hands-on online master’s degree in network engineering. Students in this program engage in extensive lab projects using the latest software and strategies in the business. Faculty members design their courses around issues they’ve faced as working professionals. Students get to work with organizations like the Department of Defense and Microsoft.

Master of Business Administration

A Master/ of Business Administration (MBA) is an excellent option for managing an IT team. An MBA can expand your pool of IT job opportunities while enhancing your marketability. Full-time MBAs typically take one to two years to complete. Courses cover topics such as:

Leadership principles
Managerial accounting
Legal and ethical operations of business
Financial/ management
Marketing management and research
Operations/ and supply chain
Economics for global business
Statistical/ and business analytics

There’s no shortage of online MBA programs. For example, Howard?utm_source=noodle_article_prospect&utm_medium=affiliate_cpl&utm_term=anonymous&utm_content=online-masters-information-technology&utm_campaign=Computer%2520Science University’s School of Business offers an online MBA with international immersion opportunities, access to their robust alumni network, and an emphasis on strategic thinking and corporate citizenship.

Butler?utm_source=noodle_article_prospect&utm_medium=affiliate_cpl&utm_term=anonymous&utm_content=online-masters-information-technology&utm_campaign=Computer%2520Science?utm_source=noodle_article_prospect&utm_medium=affiliate_cpl&utm_term=anonymous&utm_content=online-masters-information-technology&utm_campaign=Computer%2520Science?utm_source=noodle_article_prospect&utm_medium=affiliate_cpl&utm_term=anonymous&utm_content=online-masters-information-technology&utm_campaign=Computer%2520Science University’s online MBA offers a flexible, student-focused learning environment. It comprises 38 credit hours and includes the application of real-world business challenges and a capstone project.

The Southern Methodist University Cox School of Business online MBA program comprises 24 months and 52 credit hours. It includes live online sessions and two four-day global and domestic immersion experiences.

Why you should earn your degree online

Online degrees are great for working professionals and students looking to upskill with convenience and flexibility. They can be completed from anywhere and provide students with opportunities outside their direct geographic location.

Due to technological advances, students have access to the same quality of curriculum and education in an online program as they would on campus. They also have opportunities to participate in live discussions and immersion opportunities to enhance their understanding of concepts.

Online programs can also be a more affordable option, as they eliminate the need for student amenity fees, on-campus parking passes, and other resources traditional students may require. Some colleges even offer in-state tuition rates for online students, even if you log in from out of state. And, of course, being able to choose from among many online programs broadens your options to include some that might be less expensive than local on-campus programs.

Years ago, there was only one way to earn a master's in information technology degree—on campus. Now, the possibilities are practically endless if you have a WiFi connection and the right motivation.

Questions or feedback? Email editor@noodle.com