Best Master’s in Information Technology Degrees

Stanford University’s master’s in information technology comes as a concentration option in the computer science master’s degree. The information management and analytics concentration deals with the applications side of social media, applying data mining algorithms and techniques, networking, bioinformatics, and many other areas. Example classes include transaction processing and distributed databases, database systems principles, and advanced topics in database systems. The admissions office requires students to submit three letters of recommendation from former professors or employers, transcripts from previously attended postsecondary institutions, and GRE scores. International students who speak English as a second language also need to provide their TOEFL scores.

The University of California Los Angeles’ master’s in information technology curriculum derives out of the master’s in computer science. The school is renown for studies in the computer sciences. The most competitive applicants possess a minimum 3.5 grade point average for their undergraduate studies, though the school boasts an average 3.6 grade point average of applicants it accepts. At minimum, students must hold a 3.0 grade point average. Other requirements include the submission of GRE scores and either TOEFL or IELTS scores for international students. To apply, prospective students should submit three letters of reference, preferably from professors who can attest to the student’s ability during their final two years of undergrad.

The master’s in information technology from Purdue University offers a focus area called “Foundations of Information Security”. Totalling 30 credits, students can complete the degree in one year of full-time study that includes two summer courses. Students take foundational courses, core courses, and elective courses. They study topics such as social, economic, and legal aspects of security; data security and privacy; software security; and security analytics. To apply, students should submit transcripts from previously attended colleges and universities and write a statement of purpose outlining their intentions for joining the program. International students should also submit their English proficiency scores.

The master’s in information technology curriculum from Cornell University can be accessed through the school’s interdisciplinary professional information science program. Students can develop a course of study expected of someone with a degree in information technology. Coursework includes studies in topics such as the structure of information networks; information, technology, and society; interactive information visualizations; and language and information. Prior to graduating, students must complete a capstone project designed to apply all of what they have learned into one experience. Common jobs that graduates find upon completing the program include software engineer, systems administrator, business technical analyst, and usability analyst.

Columbia University offers master’s in information technology-level curriculum through its master of science in technology management program. Students must complete a total of 36 credit hours to graduate, and they may finish the program on either a part-time or a full-time basis. Full-time students typically complete the program in three terms and part-time students typically complete the program in two years. The school only admits students in the fall, so applicants should keep that in mind while gathering materials. Students take core courses and electives in studies such as technology in the business environment, accounting and finance for technology, operations management, and analytics for technology management.

The master’s in information technology from the University of Maryland College Park requires that students complete 30 total credits. Students working full-time through the program can complete the degree in as little as 9 months, though most students take about a year and a half to finish their coursework. Students take courses in business, tech, and analytics. Classes include strategic and transformational IT, data networks and infrastructures, data models and decisions, and managing digital business markets. Students must also complete 12 credits in electives. Graduates go on to work in a variety of different settings, including as consultants for Fortune 500 companies.

The master’s in information technology at Harvard University expects graduates to garner an understanding of the most recent information management tech and to develop their understanding of the relationship between business and growing technologies. Students take a total of 12 courses and have the option of earning a certificate as part of the program in fields such as data science, software engineering, or cybersecurity. All students must complete a capstone project prior to graduating. Course examples include advanced scientific computing: Stochastic methods for data analysis, inference, and optimization; technologies and applications; fundamentals of website development, and dynamic web applications.

The University of Virginia’s master’s in information technology requires the completion of 30 hours of coursework. Students complete the program in one year starting in September and moving through August of the following year. Learners take four different modules: enterprise architecture, enterprise IT and emerging technologies, project and product management, and strategic management. Graduates of the program enjoy multiple advantages upon entering the workforce, including a network of peers and faculty who can introduce them to jobs or serve as references, a portfolio that hiring companies can use to determine a graduate’s worth, and an intellectually mature mind capable of engaging today’s tech problems.

Students in the general computer science track at Yale University can design their program to match what one might find in a master’s in information technology degree. To earn the degree, students must complete at least eight courses at the 500 level. Students unsure of whether they want to go onto Ph.D. work can begin the master’s program and later move into the Ph.D. upon graduation — should they decide to further their education. The on-campus environment also fosters a sense of comradery between faculty and students, enhancing the amount of networking that students can partake in. Prospective students should hold a BS/BA in computer science prior to applying.

Earning a master’s in information technology from the University of California Irvine means participating in a program dedicated to placement support, excellence, networking opportunities, and diversity. Students must opt for either the thesis or the comprehensive exam option, taking required courses such as distributed computer systems, high-performance architectures and their compilers, introduction to embedded and ubiquitous systems, and computer and communication networks. Applicants to the informatics program must make sure to select that specific track during the application process. Those who select the computer science masters will likely be overlooked. Applications should include transcripts, TOEFL or IELTS scores, and GRE scores.

Students earning the computer science degree at the University of Massachusetts Amherst can select master’s in information technology coursework to reflect their interests. Learners must complete a total of 30 credits, of which no more than 18 can derive from 500-level coursework. Grades of a “C” or lower will not count toward the degree, and students may only transfer in a maximum of 12 credits. Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA average. Admission to the program requires a filled out application, GRE scores, and a background related to the field. Only 10% of students earn admission to the program, making it a highly selective degree option.

The University of North Carolina’s master’s in information technology offers specializations in data governance and user experience, user interface design, human computer interaction. Students take courses that cover topics such as programming for information professionals; proposal, preparation, and presentation; the organization of information; and information retrieval. In total, students will complete 48 hours of coursework, 28.5 in core coursework and 19.5 in elective coursework. To gain admission to the program, students must possess at least a 3.5 bachelor’s-level GPA. Prospective students should provide an updated resume, transcripts from previous schools, and three letters of reference from individuals familiar with their academic ability.

The University of Pennsylvania offers its master’s in information technology to students on either a part-time or full-time basis. Full time students should finish their degree within two years; students may not, however, take longer than seven years to complete the degree. Students must take a total of 10 classes, six in the core and four in electives. Examples of classes include introduction to software development, data structures and software design, database information systems, and internet and web systems. Prospective transfer students should possess at least a 3.7 if they hope enter the program.

The master’s in information technology from the University of Minnesota enables students to continue working full time while earning their degree. The program typically takes students 21 months to finish and class sizes are never more than 30. Learners take courses such as managing organizations in a technological environment, technology foresight and forecasting, project and knowledge management, and pivotal technologies. This master’s of technology degree requires applicants to possess at least 5 years of prior work experience in a related area. Some 34% of graduates go on to take executive positions at organizations worldwide.

Students in Rice University’s computer science program can select master’s in information technology classes through the available curriculum. Graduates go on to work at big companies such as Facebook, Microsoft, and Amazon. Students typically take three full-time terms to complete the degree, completing the 30-credit program in about a year and a half. Those hoping to transfer in credit must ensure that the coursework they hope to bring in closely matches Rice’s course descriptions and requirements. Students should note that the school does not offer financial aid to computer science master’s students. To apply, students should fill out the online application form.