If you are considering a master’s degree in information technology or computer science, you probably already work in the IT field. Congratulations! You have good timing! According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this industry is projected to have above average growth through the end of this decade, making it an advantageous time to pursue a computer-related graduate degree.
Although not a guarantee, a computer science master’s degree on your resume could potentially result in a promotion or salary increase. The BLS maintains that in 2010 those who have earned a master’s degree, on average, earned a median weekly salary that was 23% higher than those who earned only a bachelor’s degree, which amounted to a median difference of $12,000 dollars annually.
Information technology and computer science master’s degree programs require a bachelor’s degree in a related field and will typically take about two years to complete, although different curricula and personal circumstances may cause this to vary somewhat. The specific IT major you select should be determined by your career goals.
In addition to the more broad-based IT Master of Science degrees—computer science and information technology—you can earn an IT master’s degree in more specialized areas, such as telecommunications, network security, project management, and software engineering. If you hope to enter into a management role, you might consider enrolling in an MBA program with an information technology specialization over a traditional MS degree, which is designed to give you a background in business as it relates to the IT industry.
Many students earn their master’s degree while maintaining a full-time job, and as such, master’s programs are often designed with flexible scheduling to accommodate the busy lives of working professionals—and since you are studying in conjunction with your work, what you learn in the evenings may even help you perform your job better in the daytime, before you have even finished completing your degree.
In addition to evening and weekend classes, your master’s degree in information technology can also be earned online. The advantage of online degree programs is that you can take courses on your home computer and at your own pace without having to worry about specific course times or a campus commute.
Job Prospects with the Master’s Degree in Information Technology
Technology is tied to every aspect of modern life. As computer science and information technology increasingly assume a fundamental role in the business world and the global economy, the demand for qualified individuals with information technology or computer science master’s degrees should increase accordingly. Issues of data transmission, network security, and efficiency of new applications may cause employers to prefer applicants with a computer master’s degree for management positions
Those with graduate degrees might be more competitive than those with only undergraduate degrees, because they have demonstrated their desire to advance through continuing education and their capability to master new technological trends. As Internet applications grow in importance to daily life, a master’s degree in computer science could boost the prospects of those who want to increase their earning power.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that job prospects and salary levels are expected to be among the highest for those with advanced degrees in technology-related subjects. In their list of the fastest growing occupations projected through 2018, the BLS has included network systems and data communication analysts, as well as computer software engineers, in the top 20.
The Next Step to an IT Master’s Degree
Looking to improve your earning capability in this completive growth industry with a master’s degree in information technology? All you have to do to learn more about an IT degree at the graduate level is to start exploring our site. You can research the various graduate programs available, including those offered online, so you can retain your job and earn a computer science master’s degree at the same time. Start planning for your academic future!