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.

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.

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.