Best Online Information Technology Management Degree Programs

IT Management bachelor’s degree programs vary widely in overall cost, depending on a variety of factors. First, your choice of school will be the main determining factor for overall price. Tuitions and fees, in general, can swing anywhere from about $6,000 to over $50,000 a year in the US, with most students paying somewhere between $6,000 to $12,000 a year.

Second, many institutions will also charge differing amounts for state residents from what is charged for students coming from outside of the state, often a substantially higher tuition charged for out-of-state students. For this reason, keep your residency in mind when deciding where you’d like to study.

Finally, the cost of schooling can be greatly reduced through various types of financial aid. Scholarships of all varieties abound for higher education, with money being awarded for everything from high school academics, ACT or SAT scores, and socio-economic status, to extracurricular achievements, group memberships, and contests. You can also use multiple scholarships at once, so take the time to look around and apply for the scholarship opportunities that are best equipped to help you achieve your goals. You can also use FAFSA to find federal grants to help fund your education based on your socio-economic status. The best part about scholarships and grants is that you aren’t required to pay them back, so they’re a risk-free venture.

The titles of courses and exact coursework expected of students in an IT Management major program will vary depending on your particular institution. But overall, after covering their general education classes, IT Management students will tend to study a mix of business and IT courses. These courses will cover topics like:

Business

IT Management majors will need a thorough understanding of running, managing, and financing a business. Accounting, marketing, and business strategy should all be covered, and perhaps most importantly, business management will be a particular point of careful study.

Human Resources

In addition to business-oriented studies, IT Managers should also have a thorough grounding in human resource practices, with knowledge of organizational behavior and employment laws as well as the fundamentals of workforce planning (recruitment and hiring of new talent).

Network and Security

Unsurprisingly, IT experts are required to master the structures, communication protocols, and categorical classifications of all different types of computer networks. Students will take a close look at how each of these networks are used, their strengths and weaknesses, concepts related to network security, and the best practices involved in keeping networks safe from threats.

IT Management

These courses will bridge the critical gap between the world of IT and that of business. Students will address the unique challenges of management in the Information Technology space, learning not only how to manage people, but also how to manage IT as an organizational resource that requires planning and structure to best meet the needs of a business’s operational strategy.

Data Management

Organizations take in a lot of information and data to run, and the more business they take on, the more physical and virtual infrastructure they will need to keep track of all of their data. Data management strives to make sure that all of this data is accurately captured, and remains available to anyone in the organization that needs it, all while using the data in ethical ways and keeping the system secure to data breaches.

Computer and Information Systems Manager

Also called an “IT Project Manager”, this role is in charge of all of an organization’s computer-related concerns. By taking a close look at their company’s technology needs and goals, Computer and Information Systems Managers determine what information technology will best help the company to meet those goals, strengthen current systems, and implement new systems.

Chief Information Officer (CIO)

This executive position, also sometimes called an “Information Technology Director”, is the top person responsible for a company’s IT and computer systems. They oversee the processes the company is currently using, and recommend software upgrades. CIOs also counsel the rest of the executive team on important IT matters.

Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts are tasked with planning and executing the security programs and protocols that keep a company’s computer systems and networks safe from external and internal threats.

Computer Systems Analyst

Analyzing and testing their organizations computer systems, Computer Systems Analysts develop and suggest new solutions that can improve the system, increasing efficiency.

IT Security Manager

IT Security Managers head IT security departments, analyzing potential vulnerabilities of their organizations information security system, planning new security measures to bolster those weak points, and leading their team to execute security measures that prevent cyberattacks.

Computer System Engineer

These professionals design, build software and computer systems in order to develop the most secure, stable, and robust tech systems for their organization or a client. They may also offer enhancements or recommendations for already-existing systems.

• Information Technology Bachelor’s Degree
• Information Technology Management MBA

As a high-growth field, IT Management majors have great career prospects and typically receive high pay. For especially tech-savvy individuals, it’s a fulfilling, if sometimes challenging career that can be rewarding in more ways than strictly financial.

High Market Demand & Stability

Most organizations need IT professionals in some capacity, so finding a job candidate who is not only proficient in IT but also trained and experienced in leadership roles is an attractive prospect for employers. Students learning IT Management are privileged with an in-demand skill set and a job market that is welcoming to their expertise. They also tend to be stable in their positions, with less susceptibility to downsizing.

Above-Average Pay

IT professionals, especially those in management, enjoy higher than average compensation for their work, with a median salary around $88,000. Make sure, though, that if you choose this career path, it’s for reasons other than just the pay. While IT work is a fulfilling and stimulating career for certain individuals, for those who don’t feel an intrinsic motivation or draw to computer science and problem solving, the work can feel tedious and challenging. If the prospect of IT Management does draw you in, you can be assured that it will most likely be a lucrative career path.

Problem-Solving

If you’re the type of person who is observant and enjoys problem-solving and working out detailed puzzles, IT management careers are a good career option, offering interesting complexities and stimulating work for a person with the right kind of mindset.