What is IT Management?

Here we’ll review what IT management is and why it matters, what IT managers do, and finally, why you should consider getting an online Master of Science Degree in Information Technology Management from CSU Global.

Virtually all modern organizations need leaders capable of evaluating and implementing IT operations to meet organizational objectives—which is exactly what IT managers do.

IT managers are typically tasked with leading IT teams, overseeing and managing the process of utilizing technical skills in programming and technology troubleshooting, recommending software and hardware systems, and guiding both individual IT assets and entire teams to meet technology goals of the organization.

The role of IT manager is a mission-critical one, making professional IT management an excellent career opportunity for anyone interested in utilizing cutting-edge technology to achieve optimal business outcomes.

IT vs. IT Management – What’s the Difference?

There isn’t a huge difference between the role of “IT professional” and “IT manager,” except that the manager title requires more strategy, leadership, and managerial skills and abilities.

Many IT professionals serve as IT managers, and vice versa, but it’s typically much more difficult to achieve a position as an IT manager than it is to get hired on as an IT professional, simply because of the increased importance of the manager role, where both excellent IT skills and abilities, and strong leadership skills are required to be successful.

Many IT professionals are interested in receiving the training, education, and academic credentials needed to move into positions in IT management, and that’s exactly what CSU Global’s M.S. in IT Management program was designed to provide.

Do I Need a Degree to Become an IT Manager?

It’s possible that you could get a job as an information technology professional without a degree in the field, but the odds of landing a good role, and especially a management role in IT are likely to be much better for those with academic credentials.

Getting your Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology or Master’s Degree in Information Technology Management is one of the best ways to develop the skills and abilities you need to acquire a position as an IT manager, as these programs are designed specifically to provide you with career-relevant knowledge and experience.

Completing a bachelor’s or master’s program in the field isn’t just valuable for enhancing your abilities for reviewing IT requirements and designing effective solutions that solve complicated organizational problems, but is also one of the best ways to improve your marketability to hiring managers for related roles.

Earning a degree in IT, and especially your Master’s in IT Management, will help prove that you know how to deploy IT best practices, and that you’re trained in the critical leadership soft-skills required to manage and oversee other valuable IT professionals who will rely on you to set strategies and build policies to deliver success at the enterprise-level.

Simply put, one of the best ways to prove that you can bring value to an organization as an IT manager is to earn your master’s degree in the field.

What Can You Do With a Master’s in Information Technology Management?

Earning your Master’s Degree in IT Management could open up all sorts of excellent career opportunities for you, including a whole series of management-level roles.

The coursework you complete during a master’s program in IT management will enhance your skills and abilities for important positions in the IT industry, like:

• Data Processing Manager.
• Computing Services Director.
• Chief Information Officer.
• Information Systems Manager.

While you can probably secure an entry-level position in IT without completing the master’s degree program, getting a more senior-level role, and especially a managerial level role in the field is likely to require a more advanced degree. 

What Jobs Can You Get With a Master’s Degree in IT Management?

By studying IT management in an academic environment, you’ll build a solid educational background in the field and you’ll develop the leadership skills required for high-level IT operations and planning, preparing you to serve in a managerial role where you’re responsible for evaluating and implementing IT operations to meet organizational objectives.

CSU Global’s IT Management Master’s program also provides the opportunity of specializing in a specific field within the IT industry, like informatics, software engineering, or cybersecurity, further enhancing your skills and abilities and increasing the attractiveness of your resume when it comes time to seek a professional position.

The work you put into your master’s program will help you develop skills and abilities needed to secure a series of excellent positions in IT management, including: 

• Chief Executive / 2021 Median Pay: $213,020
• Computer and Information Systems Managers / 2021 Median Pay: $159,010
• Computer and Information Research Scientists / 2021 Median Pay: $131,490
• Information Security Analysts / 2021 Median Pay: $102,600

Finally, keep in mind that IT management is an excellent career to consider if you’re unsure about what industry you want to work in, since IT managers are required in organizations in every sector of the economy.

Is a Master’s Degree in IT Management Really Worth It?

Yes, getting your Master’s in IT Management is worth it, as completing the program may take time and money, but it’s a valuable investment in your career and one that could play a big role in helping contribute to your long-term career advancement.

No matter what specific niche of IT you want to work in, or what type of organization you want to work for, the M.S. in IT Management is likely to help open doors, providing you with more options for career advancement into senior leadership positions.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics also projects that employment for Computer and Information Systems Managers is projected to grow 16% by 2031, which is much faster than the average for all occupations, making this an excellent industry to get into now.

If you’re passionate about working in the fast-paced technology sector and you want to lead teams of fellow IT professionals, then earning your master’s in IT management may be an excellent idea. 

Should I Get My Master’s in IT Management Online?

If you have demanding family and work responsibilities, and you need to balance them with your educational pursuits, then getting your master’s in IT management online may be the ideal option.

CSU Global’s 100% online Master’s Degree in IT Management—which is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission—was designed specifically to provide the kind of flexibility busy professionals need, as it offers:

• No set class times or physical locations.
• Monthly class starts.
• Accelerated eight-week courses.

Anyone with work or family responsibilities who is looking to improve their academic credentials, learn new skills and abilities, and develop their leadership potential will want to consider getting their IT Management master’s online with us.

Why Should I Consider Studying with CSU Global?

If you do choose to get your master’s in IT management, then you should consider studying with CSU Global, for each of the following reasons:

• Our M.S. in IT Management program is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
• Our Master’s in IT Management program won a #3 ranking for Best Information Technology Degree Programs from Best Value Schools, and also a #5 ranking for Affordable Master’s in Network Management Online Degree from Best Value Schools.
• One year after graduation, alumni from our Master’s in Information Technology Management program report earning a median salary of $96,375, which is 23% higher than the national average for all master’s degree holders.

We also offer competitive tuition rates and a Tuition Guarantee to ensure your rate won’t increase for as long as you’re studying the desired field. 

To get additional details about our fully accredited, 100% online M.S. in IT Management program, please give us a call at (800) 462-7845, or fill out our Information Request Form.

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