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We live in a world of technology. But what happens when things are not running smoothly, or when technology becomes outdated? We look to our Information Technology (IT) professionals of course! The Masters of Information Technology degree is one of the most popular online master’s degree programs thanks to this need for cutting-edge technology and the dependence upon it. Another reason making it so sought after is the financial benefits of having a master’s degree in the field–earning potential goes up when one has tangible proof of more training and more experience, particularly if your degree is from a well-known school. And, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, this field is growing at a much faster than average rate, so there are many jobs out there just waiting to be filled. If you are intrigued, read on to discover some of the amazing schools that offer online master’s in IT programs.
See Also: 10 Best Master’s in Industrial Engineering
Quick Links to Our Top 10
- Virginia Tech
- Admissions website
- Florida State University
- University of Denver
- Illinois Institute of Technology
- Florida Institute of Technology
- University of North Carolina Greensboro
- University of Michigan-Dearborn
- George Washington University
- Kennesaw State University
Methodology: We combed publicly available sources such as the U.S. News and World Report, several accrediting bodies, and the websites of schools that offer online Master of Information Technology or Master of Information Technology Management degrees. In doing so, we noted several recurrent program attributes that enabled us to form a methodology to narrow down the pool of schools to the top 35. Using the methodology and the common program attributes, a point system was assigned to each attribute to then rank the programs. If two or more schools received the same point value we then ranked the school with the lowest out-of-state tuition more highly. The attributes by which the schools were ranked are as follows:
- Degree customization 25%– number of specializations available
- Program flexibility 25%– the extent to which the degree can be completed entirely online
- Faculty achievement and student success 25%– easily accessed information on faculty expertise and recognition and student stories of success and/or achievements
- School reputation and commendation 25%– being ranked or recognized by independent, reputable sources such as U.S. News and World Report
#1. Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech (officially named Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University since 1970) was originally the Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College. Established as a land-grant university in 1872 in Blacksburg, Virginia, the school went through several name changes through the years. The main campus covers 2,600 acres, and a teaching farm nearby sits on almost 2,000 more acres. Additional academic centers are located throughout the state, and 280 academic degree programs are offered to over 34,000 students currently enrolled. The third largest university in the state of Virginia, there are ten schools and colleges at this public research institution of higher education. In addition to being a land-grant university, Virginia Tech is also a space- and a sea-grant institution, and one of only six senior military colleges in the United States. Regional accreditation comes from the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Program Details: The highly-regarded, entirely online Master of Information Technology degree at Virginia Tech (VT-MIT) is an interdisciplinary program enriched by a “learner-centered approach.” Designed and offered jointly by the AACSB-accredited Pamplin College of Business and the College of Engineering, the 33-credit hour program provides eleven focus areas in which students can choose to specialize. Options range from Analytics and Business Intelligence to Cybersecurity Management to Health Information Technology to Software Engineering, and more. The same core curriculum serves for all students regardless of specialization, and classes include relevant topics such as “Web-Based Applications & Electronic Commerce,” “Fundamentals of Computer Systems,” and “Strategic Leadership in Technology-Based Organizations.” The road to student success and achievement recognition is well-trodden, with many examples of students’ experiences detailed, as well as great detail made of the extensive faculty research and industry contributions. VT-MIT students can complete the degree at an accelerated pace within eighteen months, but most graduate in two and a half years.
#2. Regis University
Regis University was christened Las Vegas College when it was first established in 1877. It was located in Las Vegas, New Mexico at that time, but moved to the state of Colorado in 1884 and then to the current campus location in Denver in 1887. The name was naturally changed when the location changed and would become first Regis College in 1921 and then Regis University in 1991. Named for John Francis Regis, a Jesuit saint, the school has a strong tradition as a Roman Catholic university with a distinct Jesuit identity. This private Roman Catholic university currently enrolls more than 11,000 coeducational students both on-campus in Denver and through online programs. There are five academic divisions (Regis College, the Rueckert Hartman College for Health Professions, the College of Contemporary Liberal Studies, the College of Computer and Information Sciences, and the College of Business and Economics) that comprise the institution, and regional accreditation is provided by the Higher Learning Commission.
Program Details: Regis’ College of Computer & Information Science faculty members provide an online Master of Science in Information Technology Management degree (ITM program) that is ideal for those “who aspire to lead technical teams and expand the value teams bring to their organization.” The 36-credit hour program begins with three core requirement courses (“Information Technology Concepts,” “Enterprise Architecture,” and “IT Research Methods”), followed by four major courses focusing on emerging technologies, ethics, and project management. Students then have their choice of electives and one of ten emphasis areas to customize the degree (Agile Technologies, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Database Administration, Database Design, Enterprise Resource Planning, Healthcare Informatics, Information Assurance Policy Management, Software Engineering, and Systems Engineering). Current student stories provide context and information for prospective students, and an Information Technologies Advisory Board made up of “industry leaders who support Regis University and the College of Computer & Information Science” help to keep the program relevant and rigorous.
#3. Florida State University
Florida State University (FSU) holds distinction as being one of the oldest and one of the largest institutions of higher education in the state of Florida. Dating back to 1851, FSU’s roots began as the all-male West Florida Seminary, which went on to merge with the Tallahassee Female Academy in 1858, thus becoming coeducational. After the Civil War it was divided into three distinct schools based on color and gender. The female institution was named Florida State College for Women, but after many decades the school transitioned into the FSU of today, open to all students regardless of race or sex. The public research university is located in Tallahassee, Florida, and the very high research level (as categorized by the Carnegie Foundation) is joined by space- and sea-grant designation. Part of the State University of Florida System, FSU houses nineteen schools and colleges and enrolls almost 42,000 students currently. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools regionally accredits FSU.
Program Details: Distance@FSU allows up to seven years for online students to complete the 32-credit hour Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT) degree program. Provided through the School of Information (iSchool) in the College of Communication & Information, the sought-after program imparts both a “solid foundation” and “expertise” through the rigorous curriculum. Core courses provide the foundation in topics like “Assessing Information Needs” and “Management of Information Organizations,” and electives are varied and offer many opportunities to customize the degree with a selection of classes including “Writing for the Information Professions,” “Information, Technology, and Older Adults,” and “Computers as Persuasive Technology.” The achievements of faculty members, graduates, and current students highlight possibilities for future students, and newly admitted students receive support and resources from the beginning to help them become successful in both their academic and professional journeys. Starting with an online orientation and academic advising, many services are provided to online students.
#4. University of Denver
In 1864, members of the Methodist church desired to calm the wild west attitude that was dominant in the newly established city of Denver, Colorado. They established the Colorado Seminary, which was initially located in the city that had been formed just six years earlier and was mostly a mining camp. The institution of higher education moved after just two decades to a farm just outside the city proper, and though the school is still officially recognized on the institution’s W-9 form as “Colorado Seminary,” the name by which the school is known was changed in 1880 to University of Denver (DU). Over 300 academic degree programs are provided through the ten schools and colleges of DU, and 12,000 students are enrolled both on-campus and online. A research university with a vision to be a “great private university dedicated to the public good,” DU is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Program Details: University College at the University of Denver provides an entirely online MS in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) degree program that can be completed in just eighteen months. The 48-credit hour program has nine dedicated concentration options for students to customize the degree—with choices such as Database Design and Administration, Information Security Systems, Project Management, and Telecommunications Technology among the choices, students can find the path they need to pursue their career goals. All concentrations share the same four core courses: “ICT Business Foundations,” “ICT Technical Foundations,” “Enterprise Architecture,” and either a Capstone Project or a Capstone Seminar, and offer concentration-specific courses and a selection of electives. Online students share their stories to give insight into the program and online learning through University College, and the faculty have a wealth of knowledge and experience to share throughout the program.
#5. Illinois Institute of Technology
In 1890, members of the wealthy Armour family were inspired by the “Million Dollar Sermon” delivered by their pastor Dr. Frank Wakely Gunsaulus in the Congregational Church located in South Side Chicago. This led them to form the Armour Foundation, and three years later the industrial arts-focused Armour Institute welcomed students for the first time. In 1895 another school opened on the west side under similar circumstances. Funded by the estate of Allen C. Lewis, the Lewis Institute provided liberal and industrial arts education to coeducational students. By 1939 the schools were in discussion about merging, and this led to the formation of the Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech or IIT) in 1940. A private, doctoral research university with a main campus in Chicago, Illinois, IIT has several campus locations and now enrolls over 7,000 students in eight schools and colleges, and the Higher Learning Commission has provided full regional accreditation since 1941.
Program Details: The Master of Information Technology and Management (ITM) offered through the School of Applied Technology at Illinois Tech provides students with a general track of study, as well as eight different specialization options. The 30-credit hour program allows students to focus in specializations such as Computer and Information Security, IT Management and Entrepreneurship, and Systems Analysis, just to name a few. The curriculum provides an integrated approach with courses offered that cover “IT disciplines of management, development, technology and theory, operations, and security” with many classes offered online. ITM student projects allow students hands-on experience to display the skills they have learned, as well as preparing them to excel in the job market and the field. The focus on student support and success is evidenced through stories of the experiences of current students, and a dedicated IIT Career Management Center helps not just current students but also alumni with resources and services.
#6. Florida Institute of Technology
During the 1950s, in a time known as the “space race,” when the increase in technology and research in space travel was at its height, a school was established in 1958 in Florida to help provide a location to centralize education in the field. Named Brevard Engineering College, the school would grow to become renamed the Florida Institute of Technology (Florida Tech) in 1966. Founded in Melbourne, Florida classes focused on science and technology. A private coeducational institution, Florida Tech is part of the United States’ space program with a high level of research activity to “prepare students for entering the global workforce.” Almost 6,500 students are currently enrolled on-campus and online in the five academic colleges: College of Aeronautics, College of Engineering and Computing, Nathan Bisk College of Business, College of Psychology and Liberal Arts, and College of Science. Florida Tech is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Program Details: The entirely online Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT) degree program at Florida Tech is a 33-credit hour program that positions students to be leaders of “complex projects from a 21st century information technology perspective.” Required core courses cover topics like “Project Management for Information Technology,” “Organizational Behavior,” and “Advanced Management of Information Systems,” and electives provide customization with a selection of classes that include “Security in the Enterprise,” “Project Tools and Techniques,” and “Strategic Management of Technology & Innovation.” Two specializations are also offered, the MSIT in Cybersecurity program and the MSIT in Database Administration program, and both require 33 credit hours. With the assurance that Florida Tech Online is dedicated to student “success from Day One,” online FAU students have plenty of resources, services and supports from enrollment and beyond graduation. A majority of the faculty members have received the highest level of education in their field, and student success is highlighted.
#7. University of North Carolina Greensboro
Established as the State Normal and Industrial School in Greensboro, North Carolina in 1891, the school has been the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) since 1964. Dr. Charles Duncan McIver, a local educator, advocated for an institution to educate women in the late 19th century, and ten donated acres served as the campus location of the school that opened to almost 200 students in 1892. Changing names multiple times, the school began becoming coeducational in 1962 and was fully so by 1964. In 1971 the institution of higher education joined the unified University of North Carolina System (although the university, as does the other fifteen schools within the System, maintains its own Board of Trustees and Chancellor). The largest public university in the Triad region of the state, UNCG currently enrolls almost 20,000 students in eight schools and colleges and is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Program Details: The AACSB-accredited Bryan School of Business and Economics at UNCG offers a Master of Science in Information Technology and Management (MSITM) degree program that can be pursued entirely online through UNCG Online. Crafted with a focus on “today’s technology-driven business environment,” the 30-36 credit hour program is ideal for IT professionals who want to move into management or for current IT managers who want to deepen their knowledge. In addition to relevant required coursework such as “Organizing Data for Analytics,” “App Design and Programming,” “Designing Secure Computer and IOT Networks for Business,” and “Project Management for Dynamic Environments,” students can participate in an optional concentration in Business Analytics. The faculty are recognized leaders and bring “real-world consulting experience to every course,” and the Information Systems and Supply Chain Management Advisory Board advises and provides current trend information to strengthen the program, which is housed within the Department of Information Systems and Supply Chain Management.
#8. University of Michigan-Dearborn
In 1956 the Ford Motor Company provided the state of Michigan six million dollars and 200 acres in the city of Dearborn for the express purpose of establishing an institution of higher education. The Dearborn campus is one of two regional campus locations for the flagship University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Ford Motor Company was both philanthropic and strategic in funding the school—having a university in the urban sprawl of Detroit would guarantee a supply of well-educated engineers for Ford’s motor car industry. Called University of Michigan–Dearborn (UM–Dearborn), classes began in 1959 for the 34 enrolled students. Three degree programs were provided initially– Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Business Administration were the only choices. Now four colleges provide over 100 academic degree programs to the nearly 10,000 currently enrolled students. A public university, UM-Dearborn is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Program Details: UM-Dearborn offers an MS in Information Systems and Technology (IS&T) degree program that can be completed entirely online through the Rackham School of Graduate Studies. Housed in the Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering department of the College of Engineering and Computer Science, the 30-credit hour program is ideal for “engineers, computer scientists, business people, and other professionals who have responsibility for using, designing, improving, installing, managing, and evaluating integrated enterprise wide information systems.” Five determined concentration options are offered (Information Management Applications, Supply Chain and Information Systems Design, Information Security and Quality, Web Information Management, and Information Systems Engineering), and students can develop a concentration of their own focus area in conjunction with their IS&T Program Advisor. Three core courses are common between all of the concentrations (Database Management Systems, Enterprise Information Systems, and Object Oriented Systems Design). In addition to dedicated advisors, students have the benefit of learning from faculty members with real-world experience and recognition.
#9. George Washington University
George Washington University (GW) began as Columbian College in 1821. The seed had been planted for an institution of higher education in the Capital when Washington delivered his first State of the Union address in 1790. In 1819, Baptist ministers took up the cause and petitioned Congress successfully for the school. The ministers purchased property in the District of Columbia and the first group of students—all three of them—began class in 1822. Now more than 25,000 students are currently enrolled in GW (the school became George Washington University in 1904). Fourteen schools and colleges comprise this private research university, offering over 70 academic degree programs. GW “values a dynamic, student-focused community stimulated by cultural and intellectual diversity and built upon a foundation of integrity, creativity, and openness to the exploration of new ideas,” and regional accreditation is granted by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
Program Details: Promoting a program that teaches “technology for today and management skills for tomorrow,” the Online Master of Science in Information Systems Technology (OMSIST) degree is offered through the AACSB-accredited GW School of Business (GWSB). An optional on-campus orientation kicks-off the 33-credit hour program, and students can complete the degree in just eighteen months if pursued full-time. The final on-campus residency Integrated Information Systems Capstone course completes the degree, and students have the opportunity to customize the coursework with a selection of electives that are either technical-based (such as “Telecommunication and Enterprise Networks” and “Data Warehousing”) or more managerial (like “Technology Entrepreneurship” and “Information Resource Management”). Student support begins prior to enrollment through info sessions that are offered periodically to answer questions for prospective students, and new students are assigned an advisor that remains with them throughout the duration of the program. A collection of articles on the achievements and recognition of faculty and alum provides insight into the world after graduation.
#10. Kennesaw State University
Opened in 1964 as Kennesaw Junior College in Cobb County, Georgia, Kennesaw State University (KSU) had an initial enrollment of just over 1,000 students. Several academic expansions and name changes occurred prior to the school becoming KSU in 1996, and now campus covers almost 600 combined acres in two primary locations: Kennesaw and Marietta, Georgia. Thirteen colleges provide over 150 academic degree programs to more than 35,000 students on the two campuses. There are over 200 student organizations and groups, and as a public, research university KSU “values open, honest, and thoughtful intellectual inquiry, innovative and creative problem solving, professionalism, expertise, collaboration, integrity and ethical behavior, engaged citizenship, global understanding, sustainability, mutual respect, and appreciation of human and cultural diversity.” A member of the University System of Georgia, KSU is the third largest institution of higher education in Georgia with regional accreditation provided by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Program Details: The Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT) degree at Kennesaw State is a 30-42 credit hour program housed within the College of Computing and Software Engineering’s Department of Information Technology. The credit hour variation depends upon whether the student’s undergraduate background allows them to waive twelve credit hours of foundational course requirements. All students participate in the required core classes, which cover subjects like “IT Service Delivery” and “InfoSecurity Concepts and Administration,” and there is a choice between a Thesis or an IT Capstone to culminate the degree. Electives are offered as concentration certificates, with four focus areas available in Data Management & Analytics, IT Security, Health IT, and Enterprise Management. Three start dates a year and an online orientation set the stage for flexibility and convenience, and online student support and experienced faculty (who are recognized for their achievements in online instruction) are more of the benefits of a KSU online MSIT.
#11. Colorado State University-Global Campus
In 2007, Colorado State University-Global Campus (CSU-Global) was established by the CSU Board of Governors to be an online university catering to adult and non-traditional learners. It opened the following year to 200 enrolled students and was legally recognized as an independent institution of higher education in 2009. Part of the Colorado State University System, CSU-Global is connected by governance with both Colorado State University-Fort Collins (the flagship university in the system) and Colorado State University-Pueblo. Administrative headquarters are located in the Denver suburb of Greenwood Village. Nearly 20,000 students are enrolled currently in the two academic schools: School of Management and Innovation and School of Professional Studies. CSU-Global has a mission of being “committed to advancing student success in a global society . . . and enhancing the quality of life for citizens in the state of Colorado and beyond.” Regional accreditation has been provided by the Higher Learning Commission since 2011.
Program Details: As the first fully-accredited, entirely online state university, CSU-Global Campus provides their signature online education with the 100% online Master of Information Technology Management degree program. As with all the master’s programs, students can add to the 24-credit hour MIT degree one or more twelve-credit hour specializations, with choices ranging from Business Intelligence to Healthcare Administration to Human Resource Performance to Strategic Innovation and Change Management. The MIT curriculum is comprised of eight courses, covering topics like “Managing Virtualized Cloud Systems,” “Ethical Considerations in Managing Information Technology,” and “Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery;” a final “Capstone—Information Technology Management” culminates the degree. Students of CSU-Global Campus have praised the “challenging” coursework and the online delivery that “builds skills such as critical thinking, communication, and relating” what is being learned to the real world. All CSU-Global Campus faculty have experience in their chosen industry and are additionally trained specifically as online educators.
#12. Carnegie Mellon University
Andrew Carnegie established the Carnegie Technical Schools in 1900 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in order to provide institutions offering vocational training to the young men and women of the city. He declared “My heart is in the work,” and many of the students were the children of his mill workers. Becoming the Carnegie Institute of Technology in 1912, the school combined with the Mellon Institute of Industrial Research to form Carnegie Mellon University in 1967. Main campus is a few miles from downtown Pittsburgh on 140 acres, and over 140 academic degree programs are available through the seven schools and colleges. Nearly 14,000 students are currently enrolled, and Carnegie Mellon offers a multitude of degree-granting locations all over the world. A private non-profit research university with a vision to “have a transformative impact on society through continual innovation in education, research, creativity, and entrepreneurship,” regional accreditation comes from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Program Details: Heinz College in Carnegie Mellon University presents a highly regarded, completely online part-time Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT) degree program. Designed for IT professionals who want to “add business acumen, management, and targeted problem-solving skills to their portfolios” or professionals in other fields who “wish to pivot toward technology-intensive roles,” the program requires 48 credit hours. Core coursework is determined by the choice of four focus area cores: Information Technology Management, Information Security & Assurance, Business Intelligence & Data Analytics, and Software Design & Management. The elective selection is vast and varied, with choices ranging from “Cryptography” to “Decision Making Under Uncertainty” to “Statistics for IT Managers.” On average, 50 students enter the program each year, and graduates detail the benefits of the online program, both in terms of practical application of the curriculum and the impact it had on their careers. Students additionally benefit from an expert team of faculty members who enhance the learning environment with their own professional accomplishments.
#13. University of Massachusetts Lowell
Two schools opened within a year of one another in Lowell, Massachusetts that would grow to become the one of the largest public institutions of higher education in the state. Lowell Normal School for women opened in 1894, and the Lowell Textile School for men in 1895—these two schools would merge to become the University of Lowell in 1975. In 1991, the institution of higher education joined the University of Massachusetts System and officially became the University in Massachusetts Lowell (UMass Lowell). More than 200 academic degree programs are offered to the over 18,000 students currently enrolled in the six schools and colleges: the College of Fine Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, the College of Education, the Kennedy College of Sciences, the Francis College of Engineering, the Manning School of Business, and the Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences. UMass Lowell is regionally accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
Program Details: Through the Division of Online and Continuing Education, UMass Lowell’s Department of Computer Science presents a fully online Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT) degree program. The online-only 30-credit hour program allows a great deal of customization through choices in several areas of the curriculum. Two courses each are chosen from the within the areas of Systems Infrastructure, Network Infrastructure, and Software Management. Students get their choice of four program electives, and the choices include classes such as “Agile and Iterative Project Management,” “Information Security, Privacy and Regulatory Compliance,” and “Intrusion Detection Systems.” Dedicated academic advisors in the discipline are available to provide support and guidance to MSIT students, and they can be accessed in a number of ways that are convenient to online students. Faculty are specially trained to provide online instruction, and many have won awards for their achievements.
#14. Arizona State University
Originally established as a school to educate teachers for the territory of Arizona, Arizona State University began as the Territorial Normal School in 1855. The following year there was an enrollment of 33 students on the 20-acre campus located in Tempe, Arizona. Having grown into a comprehensive university with five campuses and a collection of extension centers around the Phoenix Metropolitan Area, ASU serves more than 80,000 students currently enrolled. The main campus is still in Tempe, and this public metropolitan research institution houses sixteen schools and colleges offering 350 academic degree programs. ASU has the highest research activity (as designated by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education) and the charter mission of “advancing research and discovery of public value; and assuming fundamental responsibility for the economic, social, cultural and overall health of the communities it serves” still guides the school. The Higher Learning Commission provides regional accreditation to ASU.
Program Details: Offering the MS in Information Technology degree online, the ASU Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering provides pathways for engineering students desiring to “increase their knowledge of today’s cyber system infrastructure” through IT productivity. Mirroring the on-campus program, the online degree program offers ten courses totaling 30 credit hours with classes on a fifteen-week long schedule. Requiring twelve credits of core classes such as “Information Analysis, Modeling, Representation & Communication” and “Software Development for Information Technology,” the program provides customization through two focus areas in which students can concentrate their elective choices: Computer Architecture and Information Security or Information Systems Management and Systems Development. Over 21,000 students are enrolled in programs within the Fulton Schools, and both student success and satisfaction and student achievement are hallmarks of ASU and the Schools. Specific online student support includes extras like success coaches and the ASU Library Resources for Online Students to help online students succeed, and the renowned Fulton Schools faculty hold many distinctions.
#15. Lawrence Technological University
During the economic chaos of the Great Depression, Russell Lawrence established a progressive (students were admitted without regard to race, color or nationality) college of engineering in Highland Park, Michigan. Opening in 1932 with a student enrollment of a few hundred, classes were held in a space rented from Henry Ford next to his manufacturing facility. Originally the Lawrence Institute of Technology, renamed Lawrence Technological University (Lawrence Tech) in 1989, the school moved to its current location in 1955 and now sits on over 100 acres. Four colleges (College of Architecture and Design, College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business and Information Technology, and College of Engineering) offer more than 100 academic degree programs to the over 4,500 students currently enrolled. With a mission to “develop innovative and agile leaders through a student-centric learning environment and applied research embracing theory and practice,” Lawrence Tech is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Program Details: LTU’s AACSB-accredited College of Business and Information Technology offers an online Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT) degree program that provides students coursework that imparts “technical knowledge with problem-solving skills.” A 30-credit hour program that can be completed in two years, the core curriculum is comprised of classes such as “Enterprise IT Infrastructure,” “Systems Analysis and Design,” and “Information Technology Integration.” Two optional concentrations in Cybersecurity and Project Management are offered to customize the degree, and the Project Management concentration prepares students with the educational components needed to gain the Project Management Professional (PMP®) credentials from the Project Management Institute. The “interactive” and “intimate” learning platform used for the online delivery provides rigorous curricular content and engagement with both fellow students and faculty members. Online students receive support through services like academic advising and resources such as the LTU Library (with 75,000 e-books and nearly 100,000 full text e-journals).
#16. University of Texas at Dallas
The founders of the global Fortune 500 company Texas Instruments considered forming an institution of higher education to maintain the technologically-minded and talented individuals in Texas instead of losing them to other universities in other states. They established the Graduate Research Center of the Southwest in 1961, and this Center would grow into the University of Texas at Dallas (UT Dallas) when the school’s assets were transferred to the state. Located in Richardson, Texas—just eighteen miles north of Dallas—the school declares a mission of being “committed to graduating well-rounded citizens whose education has prepared them for rewarding lives and productive careers in a constantly changing world.” Having the highest research activity designation by the Carnegie Foundation, UT Dallas is a coeducational public institution and enrolls more than 26,000 students in almost 140 academic degree programs in its eight schools. Regional accreditation comes from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Program Details: The Master of Science in Information Technology and Management (MS in ITM) degree program at the UT Dallas AACSB-accredited Naveen Jindal School of Management is a 36-credit hour program that can be completed entirely online in eighteen months to two years full-time. The 36-credit hour curriculum requires eighteen credits of core coursework, and students have a choice between five focus area tracks (Enterprise Systems, Business Intelligence and Analytics, Cyber Security Management, IT Consulting and Services Management, Healthcare Systems). Current students share their testimonials as a resource to prospective students, and the many faculty achievements and examples of real-world research assures a meaningful and cutting-edge degree. Additionally, the Information Systems Industry Advisory Board (IAB) serves as a bridge to providing “a mutually beneficial intellectual exchange of ideas between university scholars and their industry counterparts.” And for those considering the program, course demos and other eLearning resources are offered through Education Technology Services.
#17. Florida Atlantic University
The Florida Legislature voted to establish a public university for the southeastern region of the state in 1961. Begun as a senior-level and graduate college, Florida Atlantic University (FAU) started offering classes on a former army base in Boca Raton, Florida in 1964. Almost 900 students enrolled initially—all juniors, seniors and master’s students. In 1984 the school transitioned into a full four-year degree-granting institution, and freshman and sophomores were allowed to enroll. The main campus is still located in Boca Raton, but there are five satellite campuses across Florida to serve the more than 30,000 currently enrolled students. Part of the State University System of Florida, this public university is designated as having a high level of research activity by the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education. Almost 200 academic degree programs are provided through the ten colleges of FAU, and regional accreditation is granted by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Program Details: FAU offers an online Master of Science in Information Technology and Management (MSITM) degree program as a collaboration between two Departments in two different Colleges: the Department of Information Technology and Operations Management (the AACSB-accredited College of Business) and the Department of Computer Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (College of Engineering and Computer Science). This interdisciplinary, 33-credit hour degree program “prepares students for a management career in the area of information technology in business.” Four different concentration areas allow for degree customization; students have their choice of Information Technology Management, Business Analytics, Advanced Information Technology, or Computer Science Data Analytics. Students have three start dates from which to choose, and courses are available entirely online. Faculty in both the College of Business and the College of Engineering and Computer Science are highly regarded experts and have a long list of achievements that can help enhance the online MSITM student’s experience.
#18. Colorado Technical University
The Colorado Electronic Training Center, Colorado Technical University’s precursor, opened in 1965 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Established by two retired members of the military initially as an institution to provide education and assistance to others in the military who were returning to civilian life, the school was a for-profit institution and first offered classes in an old roller-skating rink. Colorado Technical University (CTU) has outgrown the roller-skating rink—becoming a full university in 1995—and now provides mostly online programming to the 30,000 students currently enrolled. A Virtual Campus, utilizing the Intellipath™ learning format developed solely for CTU, houses six academic colleges and has served an alumni network of over 70,000 individuals. With a mission “to provide industry-relevant higher education to a diverse student population through innovative technology and experienced faculty, enabling the pursuit of personal and professional goals,” CTU has full regional accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission.
Program Details: The 48-credit hour Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT) degree program through Colorado Technical University provides the “technical and strategic leadership skills to design and manage IT systems and programs” through relevant coursework. Classes are held in eight-week terms, and core topics in the curriculum include “Strategic Management in Dynamic Environments” and “Enterprise Systems Architecture.” A general track and three concentrations in Network Management, Project Management, or Security Management allow for degree customization, and electives provide further choice with selections like “Digital Forensics,” “IT Governance and Risk Management,” and “Virtual Systems.” Students who do not have a bachelor’s degree in a field related to technology, computer science, systems, or engineering are expected to complete two additional foundational courses. For student support, CTU’s “distinguished faculty focus on “fostering student success and highly interactive student development,” and career resources are offered further through the CTU Career Services department.
#19. Southern New Hampshire University
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) was started by an entrepreneurial husband and wife duo in 1932. Established by Harry A.B. Shapiro and Gertrude Crockett Shapiro as the New Hampshire School of Accounting and Secretarial Science, a for-profit school to train students in business skills, the institution was located in Manchester, New Hampshire. Receiving a charter to become degree-granting in 1963, the school transitioned into a not-for-profit institution in 1968. In 1970 the location was moved to the current campus site on 300 acres on the banks of the Merrimack River, in an area between Manchester and Hooksett, New Hampshire. Several names changes occurred before the school became SNHU in 2001, and now more than 80,000 students are currently enrolled—5,000 on-campus and 75,000 online. There are several satellite campuses and six academic colleges housed within the university, and this private, nonsectarian, coeducational institution of higher education is regionally accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
Program Details: Recognized by the national Professional Science Master’s office as a Professional Science Master’s degree program, the SNHU MS in Information Technology degree is an “innovative degree designed to allow students to pursue advanced training in science or mathematics while developing workplace skills valued by employers.” The 36-credit hour program provides a curriculum rich with core classes like “Object Oriented Application Development,” “Telecommunications and Networking,” and “Innovations in Information Technology.” Seven concentrations are available in addition to a general track; students can choose to focus on Data Analytics, Database Design, Healthcare Informatics, IT Management, Information Security, Software Application Development, or Web Design to customize their degree (as evidenced by the praise of recent graduates). All students complete the degree with a Capstone in Information Technology, and the SNHU online experience promises a great deal of support and guidance to assure that online students reach their goals both academically and professionally.
#20. University of Cincinnati
The University of Cincinnati (UC) can trace its history to two schools that had been established in the early 1800s—Cincinnati College and the Medical College of Ohio. Called Cincinnati College when the two schools incorporated into one in 1870, the school had been in development since 1858, when local wealthy merchant Charles McMicken passed away and left money in his will to fund an institution of higher education. The school has grown to become a comprehensive public research university with nearly 45,000 students currently enrolled in the 350 academic degree programs offered by fourteen schools and colleges. Multiple campuses are spread across nearly 500 acres in the Heights neighborhood of Cincinnati, Ohio. UC desires to “provide an inclusive environment where innovation and freedom of intellectual inquiry flourish” and is one of the largest universities in the United States. A member of the University System of Ohio, UC is granted regional accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission.
Program Details: UC Online presents an entirely online Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT) degree program that can be completed in just one year on a full-time basis or two years part-time. Designed for professionals with a background in computing, (individuals who want to enter the field have the opportunity to join the program once they have successfully completed a selection of IT bridge courses) the 30-credit hour program focuses on relevant coursework, with offerings such as “Human Computer Interaction,” “Enterprise Security and Forensics,” and “Technologies for Social Networking.” Based on the choice of elective classes, a student can “focus on cybersecurity, IT infrastructure, game development or mobile and social development.” Housed in the School of Information Technology within UC’s College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services, the MSIT program is headed up by award-winning faculty and provides plenty of IT-specific support services.
#21. University of Maryland University College
The city of Adelphi, Maryland received an institution of higher education when a satellite of the College of Education from the University of Maryland was established there in 1947. It was known as the College of Special and Continuation Studies (CSCS), and it offered academic programming to non-traditional students, most of whom were working adults. The CSCS was one of several extensions of the University of Maryland, and in 1970 it would gain independence as its own institution as the University of Maryland University College (UMUC). Offering some on-campus programs at the Adelphi location, UMUC is member of the University System of Maryland and specializes in online programs. Also specializing in serving active-duty military students, UMUC has 140 locations across four continents. Around 80,000 students are currently enrolled as undergraduate and graduate students, and regional accreditation is provided to UMUC by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Program Details: UMUC’s online Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT) offers eight specializations through the online learning platform for which they are known. The specialization options range from Homeland Security Management to Project Management to Systems Engineering, and the 36-credit hour program allows up to six transfer credits. The curriculum is comprehensive and timely, crafted with “input from today’s top employers” and leading, in some cases, to prepare for various professional exams leading to certifications. Required course vary for each specialization, but some common classes include “Computer Systems Architecture,” “Information Systems Analysis, Modeling, and Design,” and “Information Technology Project Management.” Faculty for the IT programs have “real-world experience” from a wide range of professional commitments and appointments and bring “career-relevant” coursework to their students. A vibrant alumni community—the UMUC Alumni Association—provides many opportunities for networking and further academic and career-related services and resources.
#22. University of Wisconsin-Stout
In 1891, James Huff Stout established the Stout Manual Training School in Menomonie, Wisconsin. Establishing other educational institutions over the next decade, Stout formed The Stout Institute in 1908 to consolidate administration of the various schools. Upon his death in 1911, the State of Wisconsin took over, and under the leadership of the Board of Regents of the State Colleges in 1955, the school was renamed State Stout College. When the Wisconsin State Universities and the University of Wisconsin merged to form the University of Wisconsin System in 1971, the College was renamed University of Wisconsin–Stout (UW-Stout) and recognized as two of the “special mission” universities in the System offering programs uniquely “related to professional careers in industry, technology, home economics, applied art, and the helping professions.” Three colleges and five schools provide more than 65 academic degree programs to over 9,500 currently enrolled students, and regional accreditation comes from the Higher Learning Commission.
Program Details: The Master of Science in Information and Communication Technologies (MSICT) at UW-Stout is an entirely online 30-credit hour program offering four emphasis areas (some emphasis areas require more credits). Students can choose from a general track, Computer Networking CISCO, Computer Networking Microsoft, Digital Marketing Technology, or Enterprise Technology. All areas share the same core curriculum, with coursework such as “Information and Communication Technologies in Organizations,” “Technology Futures,” and “Technology Adoption and Implications,” and all students complete the degree with a “a portfolio of course-related exhibits to align with the program objectives and the student’s selection of emphasis courses.” The program can be finished in just two years, and students can be assured they are learning cutting-edge technology trends at “Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University.” Additionally, the MSICT Advisory Board is comprised of both private sector industry leaders and online educating experts to keep the program in touch with both important IT developments and distance education advances.
#23. Purdue University Global
The for-profit online university Kaplan University was acquired by the Purdue University System in the spring of 2018. Renaming the institution Purdue University Global, the school is now a not-for-profit institution maintaining many of the same programs and faculty of Kaplan. Two campus sites in Indiana offer both traditional and competency-based programs. Purdue Global educates 30,000 students currently within the seven schools and colleges (School of Business and Information Technology, Concord Law School, School of General Education, School of Health Sciences, School of Nursing, Open College, and College of Social and Behavioral Sciences) guided by the mission to deliver to students “personalized online education tailored to the unique needs of adults who have work or life experience beyond the classroom, enabling them to develop essential academic and professional skills with the support and flexibility they need to achieve their career goals.” Purdue University Global is fully regionally accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
Program Details: Purdue Global has taken the online Master of Science in Information Technology degree previously offered by Kaplan University and made it their own. A comprehensive program, the online MSIT requires a minimum of 60 quarter credit hours with classes such as “Certified Ethical Hacking,” “Windows Enterprise Administration,” “Systems Analysis and Design,” and “Computer Forensics.” Three concentrations are offered in Business Intelligence and Analytics, Information Security and Assurance, and Project Management. Housed within the School of Business and Information Technology, the extensive IT faculty have many combined years of experience in the field and research credentials, which translates into great benefit for the online student. The dedicated student services are numerous for distance learners, including a career services center that extends services beyond graduation, the Purdue Global Library, free tutoring services and more. Additionally, specific IT resources are provided to MSIT students to help enhance their experience.
#24. Liberty University
Religious Right evangelist and Baptist minister Jerry Falwell wanted to steer “the moral and ethical course of America” in the 1970s. With the help and support of the congregation of the church he founded and pastored, the Thomas Road Baptist Church, he established the Lynchburg Baptist College in 1971 for that purpose. Renamed Liberty University (LU), this institution of higher education is located in Lynchburg, Virginia. In 1985, the school began offering distance education programs in order to extend its reach—this has been a successful endeavor, for over 110,000 students are currently enrolled in online programs through LU Online. In addition, 15,000 students are enrolled on campus, making this the largest Christian university in the world. Over 600 academic degree programs are offered through the seventeen schools and colleges, and regional accreditation has been granted since 1980 by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Program Details: For students who desire to “understand the effective and efficient convergence of information technology and business processes and how to design relevant associated IT systems using innovative methods that are consistent with business objectives” from a Christian worldview, the Liberty University Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT) degree program is ideal. Housed in Liberty’s School of Business, the entirely online MSIT requires 36 credit hours to graduate. Students begin with core courses such as “IT Infrastructure,” “Overview of Computer Security,” and “Statistical Analysis & Data Mining” and then choose a concentration in either Software Design and Management or Network Design and Security. Online students are welcomed into the Liberty University community with many services and resources to help support them. From a video library with inspirational videos to a blog where students and faculty can share their stories and perspective, the Office of Online Student Life helps online students succeed at Liberty.
#25. Nova Southeastern University
Conceived of by businessmen in 1964 as an institution to serve graduate students in the physical and social sciences, Nova Southeastern University (NSU) began as the Nova University of Advanced Technology in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The first year, seventeen students enrolled. This number has grown to a current student enrollment of more than 20,000. In 1994, the school merged with the Southeastern University of the Health Sciences to become NSU, and now over 150 academic degree programs are offered to undergraduate and graduate students through the sixteen schools and colleges. The current main campus on the site of a former Navy landing field in Davie, Florida is joined by additional campus locations in Florida and Puerto Rico, and this private research university is designated by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching as having high research activity. Regional accreditation comes from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Program Details: Nova Southeastern University’s College of Engineering and Computing offers an online, 30-credit hour MS in Information Technology degree program that can be completed in just a year on a full-time basis (part-time students generally complete the degree in sixteen months to two years). Designed for individuals with bachelor’s degrees within the disciplines of math, engineering, business, or science, the degree can be pursued by all students if foundational coursework in Programming, Data Structures, and Algorithms is successfully completed. The curriculum offers core courses in topics like “Fundamentals of Security Technologies” and “Telecommunications and Computer Networking,” and students can opt for a general track of elective choices or one of three concentrations (Application Development, Data Analytics, and Information Assurance and Cybersecurity Management). As a glimpse into their possible future, prospective and current students can look to the news page to see the success of both alum and current faculty.
#26. North Carolina A&T State University
North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (NC A&T) enjoys the distinction of being the second institution of higher education that was established as a land-grant university able to benefit from the Morrill Act of 1890 (an expansion of the original Morrill Act of 1862). Founded by the North Carolina General Assembly in 1891, it was the first university for people of color in the state. Located in Greensboro, North Carolina, NC A&T is the largest historically black university and one of the oldest public universities in the nation. More than 12,000 students are currently seeking degrees in this coeducational research institution’s 200-plus academic degree programs, which are housed within the two colleges and seven schools of the university. NC A&T joined the University of North Carolina System in 1971 along with fifteen other state schools, and regional accreditation has been granted since 1959 by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Program Details: Through the North Carolina A&T State University College of Science and Technology, students can pursue an online Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT) degree program from faculty “with high level expertise gained through their research activity, affiliations with industry and professional experience.” With a 30-credit hour thesis option and a 36-credit hour coursework option, students have several ways to customize their degree and their academic experience. Required foundation courses include “Project Management for Information Technology Professional” and “Statistical Methods for Information Technology,” as well as a graduate-level research and writing course. Through elective choices, specializations are provided in Computer Networking and Communications, Computer Security, Database Management, Digital Media Technologies, and Web Technologies. Online student resources are plentiful, and all online programs provide a coordinator as a liaison for students, helping them choose courses, “identifying student services and resources, and staying on the right path to graduation.”
#27. University of South Florida
An institution of higher education for Florida’s Hillsborough County was voted into existence by a Florida House Bill in 1955. Located on the former Henderson Air Field on the outskirts of Tampa, Florida, the University of South Florida (USF) is the first independent state university solely conceived of, designed, and constructed in the 20th century. Main campus in Tampa now covers nearly 2,000 acres, and two other campus locations are combined with USF Tampa to form the USF System (USF St. Petersburg and USF Sarasota-Manatee). Across the system, more than 50,000 students are enrolled in over 100 academic degree programs in the fourteen academic colleges. Also a member of the State University System of Florida, USF is one of the five largest schools in the state. This metropolitan research institution has regional accreditation provided by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Program Details: The Department of Computer Science and Engineering in the USF College of Engineering provides a hybrid (online and face-to-face) Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT) degree program that offers students “broad and integrative understanding of both technology and operational and strategic business and organizational applications.” The 30-credit hour program requires three core courses (“Selected Topics: Penetration Testing for IT,” “Advanced Database Administration,” and “Advances in Object Oriented Programming for Information Technology”). Working with the Graduate Program Director, MSIT students choose their remaining credits and craft their customized degree from electives covering a wide range of topics. The department faculty have extensive research experience and collective achievements, and the quality of the program shines through the students’ academic work. The MSIT is a non-thesis degree, and students gain the advantage of engaging in interdisciplinary classes through taken through the Department of Information Systems/Decision Sciences in the College of Business.
#28. Tulane University
Tulane University started as the Medical College of Louisiana in 1834. Located in the port city of New Orleans, the school was established by physicians in order to try to stem the tide of diseases plaguing the city. In 1847, the Medical College merged with the University of Louisiana and became a public institution of higher learning. Wealthy businessman Paul Tulane offered the school over a million dollars to expand the school further, and it was renamed in his honor. Now ten schools and colleges provide academic degree programs to more than 13,500 currently enrolled students on the 110-acre main campus, at satellite campuses, and online. Tulane’s mission is to “create, communicate and conserve knowledge in order to enrich the capacity of individuals, organizations and communities to think, to learn and to act and lead with integrity and wisdom,” and regional accreditation is granted by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Program Details: Tulane’s Online Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in IT Management combines business and technology to offer a comprehensive, competitive degree program. Offered through the School of Professional Advancement, the 30-credit hour MPS in IT Management program provides relevant required coursework covering “Legal Issues in Information Technology,” “Business of Information Technology,” and “Managing the Information Technology Department.” Elective courses provide choices such as “Software Development Methods,” “Healthcare Informatics,” and “Cyber Threats in Homeland Security,” and if students so choose they can structure their elective class selections to specialize in three specific areas: Healthcare and Business Analytics, Cyber Security, or Software Management. Some of the “most knowledgeable academics and professionals in IT today” serve as faculty members in Tulane’s School of Professional Advancement, and additionally they “serve as passionate mentors, offering personalized academic and career guidance to their online students.” A dedicated IT Management blog offers cutting edge research and resources to online MPS students.
#29. University of West Florida
Founded in 1963 by a vote of the Florida Legislature, the University of West Florida (UWF or “West Florida”) is a member of the State University System of Florida. The school was located in Pensacola, and classes began for the first time in 1967 for junior and senior students. By 1983, freshmen and sophomores were allowed to enroll as the school transitioned into a full four-year school. Campus encompasses a nature preserve and is 1,600 acres, making it the third largest campus and the second largest flagship of the State University System of Florida with almost 13,000 students currently enrolled. A space-grant designated institution, West Florida is a public research university housing five academic colleges and offering many online programs. With a vision to be a “spirited community of learners, launching the next generation of big thinkers who will change the world,” UWF is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Program Details: Although offered completely online, the UWF Master of Science (MS) in Information Technology degree program allows all students the “opportunity to work with faculty mentors on research projects that provide core skills and real-world, problem-solving experiences that will help them succeed in their future career paths.” Through the Department of Computer Science in the Hal Marcus College of Science and Engineering (HMCSE), the 30-credit hour program provides two different specializations options in Database Management (focusing on “designing, implementing, maintaining, and managing databases”) and Cybersecurity (which is recognized by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education). Both specializations share a common MSIT core of twelve-credit hours, focusing on class topics like “Management and Organizational Behavior” and “Database Systems.” All coursework is taught by experienced faculty who hold an impressive array of professional achievements.
#30. Golden Gate University
In the 1800s, the state of California experienced a gold rush—in response to this boon, the YMCA offered classes in San Francisco on such topics as assaying gold and learning English. From these classes, the YMCA Night School was established in 1881, which would in turn lead to a degree-granting school twenty years later. Becoming independent from the YMCA in 1923, the institution became Golden Gate College—and in 1972 Golden Gate University. This private institution of higher education houses four schools (School of Law, Edward S. Ageno School of Business, School of Accounting, and the Bruce F. Braden School of Taxation) and has additional extensions in Los Angeles, Silicon Valley, and Seattle. Over 5,000 students are currently enrolled in this school that desires to prepare “individuals to lead and serve by providing high-quality, practice-based educational programs . . . in an innovative and challenging learning environment.” The Western Association of Schools and Colleges provides regional accreditation.
Program Details: The MS in IT Management at Golden Gate University is offered entirely online through the Ageno School of Business, and students can choose to pursue the degree full or part-time. Due to the rigorous nature of the 36-credit hour program, students are expected to have at least 30 credits of information technology coursework from their undergraduate education or three years of work within an IT department. One foundation course, “Data Analysis for Managers,” may be waived if a similar course was already taken, but all students must take the 24-unit core coursework comprised of classes like “Database Theory & Data Management Tools” and “Budgeting & Finance for IT Managers.” Three courses are either chosen from the electives or students can participate in a Business Analytics Concentration. Webinars provide information for prospective students, and being a pioneer of online education, Golden Gate University provides many services and resources for online students.
#31. Brandeis University
A school founded by the American Jewish community, Brandeis University was established in 1948 and designed to be a secular coeducational institution of higher education. Located in Waltham, Massachusetts, Brandeis was named for the first Jewish U.S. Supreme Court Justice Louis D. Brandeis. Attracting “talented faculty and students of all backgrounds and beliefs,” the school progressively created space for all peoples instead of being sectarian and exclusive as most schools at that time did. Almost 6,000 students are currently enrolled in this private liberal arts university, and the university is comprised of five academic schools: Brandeis University College of Arts and Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Rabb School of Summer and Continuing Studies, and Brandeis International Business School. A member of the Boston Consortium, Brandeis has full regional accreditation provided by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
Program Details: The Brandeis University Graduate Professional Studies (GPS) division provides an entirely online MS in Technology Management for IT professionals who desire to lead “change management and the planning, development and implementation of technology solutions.” The 30-credit hour program provides a solid basis of both technology and business core courses with requirements like “Communication for Effective Leadership” and “Perspectives of Information Technology.” Electives offer coursework choices such as “Information Security and Compliance,” “Legal and Ethical Practices in IT,” and “Managing Technology Professionals.” Students sing high praises for the academics of the online programs, and dedicated and specific support is offered for online students from the beginning to the end of their educational journey. Nearly 300 students have successfully completed the program since its inception in 2004, and the current 30+ students enrolled gain the knowledge and expertise from faculty members who have authored books, served as a guest speaker at NASA events, and helped to develop online programs.
#32. Georgetown University
In 1789 the future Catholic Archbishop of Baltimore, Bishop John Carroll, purchased 60 acres as the beginning of Georgetown University. Named Georgetown College at that time, the school is the oldest Jesuit Catholic university in the nation. Located in the Georgetown area of Washington, DC, the initial enrollment of students in 1792 was only 40, but has now grown to more than 18,500 students currently enrolled. A private metropolitan research institution with five campus locations—Main Campus, Medical Center, Law Center, School of Continuing Studies and the School of Foreign Service in Qatar—there are nine academic schools that offer degree programs on-campus and online. Being classified as having very high research activity by the Carnegie Foundation, the school has a Jesuit-influenced “commitment to spiritual inquiry, civic engagement, and religious and cultural pluralism.” The regional accreditation for Georgetown comes from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Program Details: Georgetown University’s School of Continuing Studies provides an online Master of Professional Studies in Technology Management ideal for professionals who want to become proven leaders in technology management. By “coupling business management acumen with proficiency in emerging business technologies,” this 30-credit hour program empowers students with coursework covering topics like “Ethics in Technology Management,” “Business Intelligence & Data Analysis,” and “Managing Diverse Organizations in a Flat World.” The online MPS in Technology Management faculty all have a wealth of experience both in and out of the classroom, and as they are “adept at balancing and integrating the demands of technology and business,” their students reap the benefits of their expertise. Former students praise the professionalism of the faculty, the alumni network, and the flexibility and comprehensiveness of the program. Most students complete the degree in about two years, but can finish sooner at an accelerated pace or take more time if needed.
#33. Montclair State University
Montclair State University started as the New Jersey State Normal School at Montclair in 1908 to train teachers. Just 45 students were in the first graduating class of this school located in the communities of Montclair, Little Falls, and Clifton, but it would grow and change names several times before becoming Montclair State University (Montclair State) in 1994. Now the campus covers over 250 acres, and more than 21,000 students are currently enrolled in the seven schools and colleges housed within the university. Over 50 majors are available for undergraduates and more than 130 academic graduate programs are offered at this public research university. In 2016, Montclair State was recognized by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education as a Research Doctoral University and by the U.S. Department of Education as a Hispanic-Serving Institution, and regional accreditation is provided by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Program Details: The Master of Science in Information Technology with a concentration in Applied Information Technology at Montclair State is a Professional degree offered entirely online through the Graduate School. A 33-credit hour program, the curriculum is presented in sequence to build upon each course. Required core courses include “Human-Computer Interactions,” “Web Development,” and “Database Systems,” and required Applied Information Technology courses focus on “Cyberlaw,” “Information Technology Project Management,” and “Software Process Management.” A final culminating experience, “Industry Internship in Information Technology Management” completes the degree. This degree program is ideal for professional who have a strong background in computer science or related fields; for those who desire to enter the field, Montclair State offers a Computer Science/IT Bootcamp to help provide the foundation they need and acclimate them to the requirements of the program. The CSIT Bootcamp is provided entirely online just prior to the beginning of the MS in IT program.
#34. Robert Morris University
Established as the Pittsburgh School of Accountancy, Robert Morris University was founded by Andrew Blass in 1921. Located in downtown Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania initially, the school moved to a campus location on 230 acres in Moon Township, a suburb of Pittsburgh, in 1962. The school was able to become a residential campus due to the move and was able to start providing associate degrees at that time. Renamed Robert Morris College in 1969, the final name of Robert Morris University (RMU) was achieved along with university status in 2002. Five academic schools are housed within the university (School of Business, School of Communications and Information Systems, School of Education and Social Sciences, School of Engineering, Mathematics and Science, and School of Nursing and Health Sciences), which offer 100 degree programs to the more than 5,000 currently enrolled students. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education grants regional accreditation to RMU.
Program Details: The RMU MS in Information Technology Project Management degree program is offered fully online through the School of Communications and Information Systems (SCIS) Department of Computer and Information Systems. A 30-credit hour program, students learn “how to apply knowledge, utilize project management software, and provide leadership in a fast-paced, demanding IT environment” through classes such as “Leadership Skills for IT Project Management,” “Quality Issues for IT Project Management,” and “Strategic Planning for IT Project Management.” Past students share their stories of success in the program and after graduation, and current students are given individualized attention from the SCIS faculty members who are “a team of dedicated teacher-scholars, award-winning artists, practitioners, and academics.” Online students at RMU also receive all of the same resources and services as on-campus students—from 24/7 tech support to counselors and advisors offering support in career guidance, wellness, and financial aid, online students have the support they need.