Studying Computer Information Technology: Master's Degree at a Glance
Computer information technology is a field that is closely related to computer science and information science. When you enter a degree program in computer information technology, you'll study computer networking and communications, Web technologies and database management. As you gain theoretical and technical knowledge, you may hone in on a subject of particular interest in the field and attain specialized expertise.
Graduates work in a variety of fields, including business, education, and information technology. You may find yourself pursuing a career as a Web developer, data communications analyst or IT manager. In a society that relies more and more on computers and technology, there are many careers with have bright futures that put your computer information technology skills to use. For example, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicted a 22% increase in job openings for computer systems analysts from 2010-2020 (www.bls.gov).
| Master's | |
|---|---|
| Who is this degree for? | Students who wish to pursue high-paying IT careers or prepare for doctoral studies |
| Common Career Paths (with approximate median salary) | - Computer Systems Analyst ($79,000)* - Computer and Information Systems Manager ($118,000)* - Information Security Analyst ($78,000)* - Network and Computer Systems Administrator ($71,000)* - Database Administrator ($75,000)* |
| Time to Completion | 1-2 years of full-time study |
| Common Graduation Requirements | - Core courses in computer information technology topics - Specialization electives - Master's thesis or directed project |
| Prerequisites | - Bachelor's degree in a related field - Computer and programming coursework taken at the undergraduate level - GRE scores |
| Online Availability | Yes |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2011 figures).
Master's in Computer Information Technology
Whether you are a student looking to increase your computer information technology knowledge or a professional already working in the field seeking to advance your career, a master's degree program in computer information technology may be a good way to achieve your goals. You'll build foundational knowledge through your core courses, followed by specialized learning from your electives. Some schools may offer thesis and non-thesis options, while others may require you to complete a supervised project towards the end of your studies.
Admission requirements tend to vary between schools. You'll usually need to have your GRE scores for admission, although some schools will waive GRE requirements if you have a specific undergraduate degree. You'll need to have a bachelor's degree in a computer-related field; otherwise you'll need to take additional courses or complete a certificate program before you can be admitted.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- A graduate degree may be needed to compete for management-level computer systems and IT positions
- May be useful in a number of growing job fields (the BLS estimated that database administrators would see a 31% increase in jobs between 2010 and 2020)*
- Full-time and part-time programs are available, making this program more accessible to working professionals
Cons
- Some master's degree programs may require prior knowledge in the field and may not permit enrollment until competence in these areas is acquired
- A master's degree is not required for many jobs in the field; bachelor's degree holders will have the same opportunities as master's degree holders for most non-management positions
- You'd spend 5-6 years in school (bachelor's plus a master's) and have to find a way to pay for it
- An MBA may be preferred for some positions
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Common Courses and Requirements
Core courses usually cover computer programming languages, data networks, e-commerce, multimedia and information security, which are designed to give you general knowledge of information technology and its applications. Many programs allow you to choose a specialization track; your options may include software engineering, project management, database administration and network administration. You might also have the option to take some business courses, depending on which electives your school offers for your master's program. Here is a sample of courses you may be able to choose from:
- Network security
- Data mining techniques
- Information privacy and ethics
- Web design technologies
- Social networking
- E-business
- Bioinformatics
Additionally, some programs may require you to complete a master's thesis or a comprehensive project. Take note that some courses taken at the undergraduate level might fulfill some of the core requirements at the graduate level, which may reduce the amount of time needed to complete a master's program.
Online Degree Options
Online master's degree programs in computer information technology are available and typically offer the same courses as campus-based programs. These programs may be offered completely online or in a hybrid format that requires on-campus coursework in combination with online coursework. Hybrid programs are more common and allow students to take advantage of resources located at the school. Online programs in computer information technology prepare you for the same careers as traditional programs.
Getting Ahead with This Degree
Computer information technology is always evolving, so keeping up with the newest innovations is a great way to stay current in the field. As your career progresses, you may find that obtaining a certification from a product vendor or software company like Microsoft or Cisco may be a huge benefit. There are certifications for software programs, programming languages and technology systems, so you'll want to see which one would fit your job the best before pursuing it.
Another way that you can stand out with this degree is to take business courses during your studies. You may be involved with many business aspects while working in this field, and completing additional business courses might give you an advantage when seeking a job. The BLS mentioned that computer systems analysts, information security analysts and computer systems managers typically have taken some business courses during their postsecondary studies. Some master's degree programs allow you to take courses in business and communications through your elective choices.
