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Online MBA in information technology (IT) management

Technology is becoming more intertwined with our lives every day

For those excited by innovation and entrepreneurship, an IT-focused MBA may be a better fit than a traditional business credential.

Earning a professional graduate degree in information technology management can help you get noticed by employers and set yourself apart from the competition. As the world’s learning company, we’ll be here to guide you from enrollment through graduation.

What is an MBA in information technology management? 

An online MBA in IT management combines a general business administration curriculum with specialized courses in information systems management. In addition to learning about information technology and project management, you will take coursework in leadership and business. 

Pursuing this degree path can arm you with the knowledge to design more efficient technology workflows for businesses across industries. It can also prepare you for high-level roles such as chief information officer (CIO) and chief technology officer (CTO).

This degree may also be referred to as:

  • MBA in Management Information Systems
  • MBA in Information Systems Management

What is the difference between an information technology management MBA and a master’s in information systems? 

While there’s certainly some overlap between these two degrees, an online MBA in IT management is primarily geared toward those with an interest in business principles and managerial decision-making.

You will examine the role of technology in supply and demand and global markets. You will also learn how to develop business strategies, analyze data to make industry predictions, and advise shareholders on how to leverage technology to achieve their objectives.

In an information systems master’s program, you will explore the intricacies of big data, cybersecurity, and web design and development. You may also study artificial intelligence and learn how to maintain databases. A Master of Science in Information Systems is built more closely around the daily management of systems and data than the overall operation of the business itself.

What does an MBA in information technology management focus on? 

An MBA in IT management examines the strategic role of information technology systems in an organization through the lens of leadership, business, and project management. 

Core courses

Most MBA programs, whether general or specialized, require students to complete foundational courses in business theory and practice, including: 

  • Managerial economics
  • Business law and policies
  • Accounting and finance
  • Strategic planning
  • Change management
  • Applied marketing 
  • Human resource management 
  • Ethics
  • Advanced skills

Earning your MBA in information technology management affords you the opportunity to go beyond the fundamentals taught in a bachelor’s program and delve into more advanced subjects. 

Database management

Over the course of your studies, you’ll examine the design, development, and management of relational databases and the integration of these databases with applications across an enterprise.

You’ll build a niche set of skills in the following areas:

  • Database tools
  • Emerging database technologies
  • Structured Query Language (SQL)
  • Design trade-offs
  • Middleware
  • Database server architectures
  • Web-enabled technologies
  • Enterprise systems

An IT MBA program allows you to investigate the major categories of enterprise systems, factors driving software adoption, and keys for successful implementation. You’ll also learn best practices for implementing enterprise systems and addressing common organizational challenges.

Emerging technologies

Expanding your knowledge of IT management will also equip you to assess, evaluate, and implement cutting-edge technologies such as:

  • Artificial intelligence
  • Blockchain
  • 5G
  • Virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR)
  • Internet of things (IOT)
  • 3-D printing
  • Design methodologies

By studying iterative project-management methodologies such as SCRUM, Kanban, and Lean, you’ll be better able to manage product life cycles and facilitate faster product deployment at lower costs and with fewer mistakes.

Data analysis

You’ll explore techniques for creating effective data visualizations that inform business strategy. Upon program completion, you’ll emerge with a closer understanding of how data, quantitative analysis, and modeling can be utilized to drive business decisions.

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MBA in IT and management concentrations and electives

Some MBA programs allow you to further specialize by taking electives and choosing a specific area of concentration in IT management. Your choice of concentration can help position you for certain careers.  

Common concentrations and electives include: 

  • Cybersecurity
  • Data mining
  • Web applications
  • IT governance
  • Business data analytics
  • Supply chain management
  • Human resource management

Choose your coursework wisely — it should map to your career goals to help increase your job opportunities and starting salary.

Online vs. on-campus: What you can expect

Is an online MBA program the same as campus-based programs at most universities?

The course content will be largely the same, but the delivery method will be different. Some programs offer 100% online coursework.

How is coursework delivered on an online platform?

Your lectures will likely be presented through video calls or prerecorded sessions with discussions over message boards. All course materials will be accessed online.

Are there hybrid online and on-campus-based program options?

Yes. Some institutions offer programs that blend elements of on-campus learning with online delivery. Examples of this might be a predominantly online course which also includes:

  • Residencies
  • Internships
  • Labs
  • Seminars
  • Networking events

If I graduate from an online program, will my diploma have “online” before the degree?

No. Your diploma will have just the full program name featured, just like any on-campus degree.

Compare your online IT Management degree options

 

How long will earning my information technology management degree take? 

You can finish a typical MBA program in about two years if you choose to study full time. Accelerated programs are also available to help you finish more quickly.

Online MBA in IT management programs tend to offer flexibility suitable for students who choose to study part time. This option will likely extend your time to completion, but it can allow you to study while fulfilling your familial, social, and professional obligations.

MBA in information technology management accreditation

There are two types of accreditation — regional and specialized.

Regional accreditation

Regional accreditation is the most prestigious type of accreditation that an online or traditional college or university can receive. Regional accreditation confirms that the provider has met and maintained adherence to a minimum set of academic standards.

Most regionally accredited schools will only accept credits from other regionally accredited institutions of higher learning.

Specialized accreditation

Schools often apply to gain specialized accreditation for specific areas of study, departments, or degree programs. The leading accreditation for business schools — including those with MBAs in IT management — is the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, or AACSB. Enrolling in an accredited program makes you more marketable to employers and can affect your career growth over the long term.

Other business accreditations include:

  • Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
  • International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE)

An additional accreditation for specialized technology degree programs is offered through the Association of Technology, Management and Applied Economics (ATMAE). This organization provides an initial four-year accreditation for IT programs and requires subsequent reevaluation to attain a longer accreditation.

Enrolling in an accredited program makes you more marketable to employers and can affect your future career growth.

Why accreditation matters

Accreditation is key if you want to:

  • Transfer your credits, as most schools will only accept transfer credits from accredited institutions
  • Apply for financial aid, as federal aid is only granted to students who are studying at recognized accredited institutions

Check for both national and regional accreditation at your university of interest. You may also find that your degree program or academic department of interest has additional and specialized accreditations.

Many employers put a lot of stock in the accreditation of an MBA program when interviewing applicants. While there are no guarantees when it comes to finding a job, your choice of institution and its accreditation could end up being the tiebreaker when competing against other qualified candidates.

You have goals. We have a path.

Now more than ever, businesses need professionals with formal training who can implement technological systems that deliver sustainable value for their organization. We’ve forged longstanding relationships with universities to offer students an array of choices for pursuing their graduate studies. If you are interested in furthering your education in information systems management, let us help you find the right path.

Find your path

  • What is an MBA in information technology management?
  • What is the difference between an information technology management MBA and a master’s in information systems?
  • What does an MBA in information technology management focus on?
  • MBA in IT management concentrations and electives
  • Online vs. on-campus: What you can expect
  • How long will earning my information technology management degree take?
  • MBA in information technology management accreditation

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