Thursday, October 7, 2010

Why Choose Information Technology Management Degree?

Twenty years ago, the personal computer revolutionized how companies did their work. In the last decade, email and the Internet have further altered the ways that businesses do work, make sales, and run their companies. Today even the smallest of companies has a computer network connecting the back of the store to the front, and large corporations have massive computer networks that span the globe. A new management frontier has been created � information technology management. Business schools have acknowledged this need, and a new specialization emerged: the Masters of Business Administration (MBA) in information technology (IT).

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The MBA with an information technology concentration is a standard MBA that blends in additional curriculum specific to business technology. The IT MBA typically begins with computer science, information database management, and networking. Additionally, some programs may also combine the IT specialization with e-commerce and other topics in online marketing and brand building, but general IT specializations usually include studying topics such as project management, enterprise systems and infrastructure, and dynamic electronic strategies that build upon an organization's profitability, efficiency, and value.

While information technology is hardly a new topic in business, its application and purpose have shifted. Networks are in place, and the skilled technicians that have long defined the information technology profession still do the brunt of the work. But information technology has proven to be too slippery a slope for traditional business managers to navigate and manage successfully. They are often relatively unskilled in the technological processes that run businesses, and many are neither qualified nor necessarily interested in the decision-making relative to network, systems, and infrastructures.

This is where individuals with both an IT background and managerial skills can step in. One way for an individual in IT to gain some of the knowledge required for management is to earn an MBA degree. Serious security issues have surfaced along with the explosion of computer networks, and businesses require individuals who know how to manage large networks and keep them safe. IT managers need to have significant knowledge far beyond standard management; they should also be well plugged into the digital world and aware of threats even before they arise.

A bachelor's degree in information technology is a significant achievement with solid rewards. With a bachelor's degree you could become an IT consultant, database administrator or a senior programmer analyst. Individuals in these positions can all do quite well for themselves.

However, an information technology specialist in a managerial position can earn more than those in mid-level positions. In combination with the right experience, a graduate degree can help contribute towards career advancement. An IT specialist with an MBA degree can become a project manager or possibly an information technology manager, with managerial salaries to match. IT specialists can even find themselves in the chief information officer position, with an even higher accompanying paycheck.

As you can see, if you are an information technology specialist, earning an MBA degree with an IT specialty is one way for you to be proactive in trying to further your career. A short-term investment in your graduate level education has the potential to bring you rewards down the line and just might be your key to success in your field.

Among other Topics, you will learn how to:
  • Understand basic concepts of IT and globalization.
  • Identify e-business strategies in a global marketplace.
  • Evaluate the value of emerging technologies and competitive advantage.
  • Examine organizational competencies and capabilities in running a high-tech firm.
  • Identify how new ventures are exploited.

Career Opportunities

Those who obtain MBAs in information systems can expect their career options to grow faster than the average, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Most will take positions as CTOs (Chief Technology Officers), information technology directors, or project managers. Information systems managers serve crucial functions within a company. Duties may include, but are not limited to:
  • Choosing among cutting-edge technology options
  • Ensuring server reliability
  • Managing programmers and software engineers
  • Ensuring security system functionality
  • Overseeing implementation of corporate intranets
  • And developing strategies for technology and technical personnel that dovetail with a company's long-term needs
Information systems managers may also act as liaisons between technical staff and other managers, so having "people skills" is essential.

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Earning Potential

Salaries for information systems managers are competitive--not surprising, given that this field brings together two sought-after skill sets. Median earnings are $101,580, with the middle 50% of information systems managers making between $79,240 and $129,250 per year. Since not all information systems managers have MBAs, those that do can expect wages toward the higher end of the salary spectrum for this field. As of May 2007, the highest-paying industries for information systems managers were securities and commodities brokers, as well as other financial services. Other high-paying industries include telecommunications and computer manufacturing. State and municipal governments also offer competitive wages.

Leading Schools for Online Information Technology MBA

  • Florida Tech University Online offers students a state-of-the-art learning system that allows students to work their studies into their busy work and family lives. Associate's, bachelor, and master's degrees can be earned online in a wide range of fields including Business Administration, Criminal Justice and Computer Information Systems.
  • Saint Leo University Online is one of the largest regionally accredited online universities to offer associate, bachelor, and master programs in the U.S. Saint Leo University Online offers degree programs in the fields of Accounting, Business, Healthcare Management, Criminal Justice and Computer Information Systems.
  • Colorado Technical University's online degree programs provide distance online education with MBA and Master's in Management and doctorate degrees with specialized emphasis. Programs can be taken at a flexible pace as either accelerated (2 courses per session) or decelerated (1 course per session).
  • Founded in 1993, Jones-International University is the first regionally accredited online university providing quality education for busy adults. JIU offers customized degree programs for a Bachelor Degree in Business or an MBA, Masters in Education, and Masters in Business Communication.
  • Founded in 1918, Ashford University specializes in Teacher Education and Organizational Leadership. Students choose from associate and bachelor degrees in business, psychology, criminal justice, and teaching. The accelerated classes will offer you a swift path to program completion.

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