If you work in the field of information technology (IT), then you already know what the rest of the world is learning: IT is the future. Every business, large and small, relies on information technology in order to carry on the day-to-day work of producing, recording, processing, manufacturing, and competing successfully. IT professionals know how to incorporate business expertise and knowledge of information management systems. Simply put, to use IT in a business is to apply and manage technology in problem solving. If in the field, you also know that an advanced degree is in demand. Job titles in the IT field that call for a masters include computer systems engineers, applications engineers, database administrators, technology analysts, IT project managers, cyber security analysts, web developers, Java software developers, IT security analysts, computer support specialists, and network engineers/architects. Jobs in demand also tend to pay very well. As an example, the current median salary for Information Systems Managers, a high-demand occupation, is more than $130,000 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). Employment of computer and information systems managers is projected to grow 15% through 2022, faster than the average for all occupations. Professionals already employed in the field of IT who desire to earn an advanced degree are wise to consider an online program. You will be able to fulfill all your usual obligations while meeting the requirements of college classwork and thereby investing in your future. The following list of schools offering online master’s degrees in IT has been researched to help you locate the best fit for you, and they have been ranked according to the following evaluators. In the case of ties, weight is given for lower student tuition.
Hourly tuition rate
- $400 and under- 5 points
- $600 and under- 4 points
- $800 and under- 3 points
- $1,200 and under- 2 points
- Above $1,201- 1 point
Payscale.com Salary Ranking
- Top 100- 5 points
- Top 200- 4 points
- Top 400- 3 points
- Top 600- 2 points
- Top 900- 1 point
Special criteria
- AACSB Accreditation (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) – 5 points
- Regional accreditation – 5 points
- Multiple Tracks – 3 points
#1 – Central Washington University
Ellensburg, Washington
Online MS-ITAM (Information Technology and Administration Management)
Regional Accreditation: Yes
AACSB Accreditation: Yes
Payscale.com Salary Ranking: 486th
Hourly Tuition Rate: $388.89
Points: 20
Central Washington University has a 46 credit hour, online master’s of science in information technology and administration management degree. Students may choose from four specialization areas: administrative management; cybersecurity management; information technology; and structures of data analytics for IT managers. Each specialty is 20 credit hours and calls for a thesis, and each one begins with a two-credit hour ITAM Boot Camp course. Other core courses in Central Washington University’s online MS-ITAM degree are global managerial communications, global project management, and financial analysis in IT and Administration Management. The degree may be completed in one year, with cohorts beginning in the fall.
#2 – Northeastern University
Boston, Massachusetts
Master of Professional Studies in Informatics Online
Regional Accreditation: Yes
AACSB Accreditation: Yes
Payscale.com Salary Ranking: 131st
Hourly Tuition Rate: $797
Points: 20
Northeastern University has a 36 credit hour, online master of professional studies in informatics degree that can be completed in 1.5 to 3 years. Six concentrations are available: information security management; geographic information systems; leading and managing technical projects; analytics; human-centered informatics; and cloud computing applications and management. To ensure the real-world applicability of their online master of professional studies in informatics degree, Northeastern University developed a three-pronged approach: Experiential Learning at Work; Experiential Network; and Full-time Co-op opportunities. The latter opportunity allows students to work in a paid position in their field of study for three to six months.
#3 – New Jersey Institute of Technology
Newark, New Jersey
Online MSIS
Regional Accreditation: Yes
AACSB Accreditation: Yes
Payscale.com Salary Ranking: 53rd
Hourly Tuition Rate: $1,122
Points: 20
New Jersey Institute of Technology has an online MSIS degree that makes “bridge courses” available to incoming students who may have missed some segments of the IS curriculum. The program offers a wide range of specializations: data analytics; business decision making; healthcare informatics; user experience design; security and networking management; systems analysis and design; web systems; and a build-your-own specialization. The curriculum for New Jersey Institute of Technology’s online MSIS degree features the following core courses: web systems development; enterprise database management; and business process innovation.
#4 – University of Massachusetts Lowell
Lowell, Massachusetts
Online MS in IT
Regional Accreditation: Yes
AACSB Accreditation: Yes
Payscale.com Salary Ranking: 38th
Hourly Tuition Rate: $590
Points: 19
The University of Massachusetts Lowell online master of science in information technology degree allows students to count courses from UMass Lowell’s two graduate IT certificate programs in Systems Models and Cybersecurity. The ten-course program focuses on various facets of IT, including operating systems management, large-scale application development, network and systems administration, and managing virtual systems. Intended participants for the University of Massachusetts Lowell’s online MS in IT degree ae systems administrators, network managers, and other IT professionals with bachelor degrees in IT, computer science, or related majors.
#5 – Montclair State University
Montclair, New Jersey
MS in IT Online
Regional Accreditation: Yes
AACSB Accreditation: Yes
Payscale.com Salary Ranking: 367th
Hourly Tuition Rate: $617.19
Points: 19
Montclair State University’s 33 credit hour, online master of science in information technology degree is geared toward working professionals. For applicants with less than ideal backgrounds in computer technology, CSIT Bootcamp is offered in 8-week sessions prior to the start of the program, with online classes in discrete mathematics in computing, Java programming, data structure, and computer systems principles. The online MS in IT degree from Montclair State University has an applied information technology (Professional Science Master’s) concentration, and the program focuses on the management and implementation of IT in order to support business, government, or industry in contemporary work environments.
#6 – Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, Oklahoma
Online MS in MIS
Regional Accreditation: Yes
AACSB Accreditation: Yes
Payscale.com Salary Ranking: 322nd
Hourly Tuition Rate: $634.75
Points: 19
Oklahoma State University boasts of their 34 credit hour, online master of science in management information systems degree that is a merger of the Data Science Option and the Business Analytics Option. Oklahoma State University began this program in 1998, and it now has more than 1,000 graduates. You may opt from among other specializations such as marketing analytics and health analytics. Under Health Analytics, one certificate that can be earned on your way to an online MS in MIS degree is the 9-hour Health Analytics Certification program, which includes these courses: health care administration; descriptive analytics and visualization; and analytics programming (R and Python).
#7 – Florida International University
Miami, Florida
Online MSIT
Regional Accreditation: Yes
AACSB Accreditation: Yes
Payscale.com Salary Ranking: 184th
Hourly Tuition Rate: $1,001.69
Points: 19
Florida International University offers a 32 credit hour, online master’s of science in information technology degree with a security track. Enrollees are permitted to choose up to 20 electives, and electives can be tailored toward IT and networking. Graduates from this program have ended up in jobs in systems analysis and security, social media management, and web development and administration. The curriculum for Florida International University’s online MSIT degree includes the following: usability analysis; management of information organization; large-scale data management; leadership and management; technology and networking; user-centered design; and web design.
#8 – Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Online MSIT
Regional Accreditation: Yes
AACSB Accreditation: Yes
Payscale.com Salary Ranking: 18th
Hourly Tuition Rate: $1,425
Points: 19
Carnegie Mellon University boasts an online master’s in information technology degree that has four focus areas: IT management; business intelligence data analytics (BIDA); information security and assurance; and software design and management. Some tracks have different requirements so you should check the website for each one. Information Security and Assurance, for instance, calls for a successfully completed, object-oriented programming course in Java or Python, and for the BIDA focus, students must have “demonstrated ability to synthesize complex, qualitative analysis.” Carnegie Mellon University’s online MSIT degree, which may also be hybrid, is delivered part-time and asynchronously.
#9 – Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw, Georgia
MSIT Online
Regional Accreditation: Yes
AACSB Accreditation: Yes
Payscale.com Salary Ranking: unranked
Hourly Tuition Rate: $383
Points: 18
While in the online master of science in information technology degree from Kennesaw State University you will pick among four concentrations: data analytics; IT security; health information technology (HIT); and enterprise IT management. Internship and capstone projects are available with Fortune 500 companies, as well as small businesses and start-ups. The program is developed for both those with undergraduate degrees in a computing field and for those with degrees in other disciplines. Kennesaw State University’s online MSIT degree is a 30 credit hour program, with 12 credit hours of core courses, including: IT design studio; IT service delivery; and information security concepts and administration.
#10 – George Mason University
Fairfax, Virginia
Online MS in AIT (Applied Information Technology – Cybersecurity concentration)
Regional Accreditation: Yes
AACSB Accreditation: Yes
Payscale.com Salary Ranking: 172nd
Hourly Tuition Rate: $1,575
Points: 18
George Mason University’s 30-36 credit hour, online master of science in information technology – cybersecurity concentration degree is intended to train people to lead interdisciplinary teams in all the phases required by mega-systems in private and federal sectors. Student support services include online and face-to-face counseling, as well as social and web resources. In addition to an undergraduate degree, applicants to George Mason University’s online MS in AIT – Cybersecurity concentration degree must have several years of professional experience, evidence of strong work performance, working knowledge of the IT field, and leadership roles and responsibilities.
#11 – Murray State University
Murray, Kentucky
Online MSIS
Regional Accreditation: Yes
AACSB Accreditation: Yes
Payscale.com Salary Ranking: unranked
Hourly Tuition Rate: $544
Points: 17
Applicants to Murray State University’s 30 credit hour, 100% online master of science in information systems program may choose from two concentrations: business analytics or information security. By taking two courses a term, including summers, students may finish in five terms. Courses fall under the STEM framework and deal with “understanding and visualizing data, implementing scientific decision making, and using predictive analytics.” Core courses in Murray State University’s online MSIS degree include software development, decision support and expert systems, data management, telecommunications principles, enterprise resource planning (ERP), and a comprehensive project or a graduate internship.
#12 – Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, Michigan
MS in IS Online
Regional Accreditation: Yes
AACSB Accreditation: Yes
Payscale.com Salary Ranking: 878th
Hourly Tuition Rate: $662
Points: 17
The online master’s degree in information systems degree designed by Central Michigan University has three tracks: enterprise systems using SAP software, in which students may take BUS 698 as an elective, earning TERP 10 certification; cybersecurity, for which the knowledge gained here will qualify you to sit for CASP, Security+, and Network+ certifications; project management, for which you can sit for PMP exam. Each track lists its own electives, though cybersecurity has one required course. The webpage for Central Michigan University’s online MSIS states clearly that students do not need a technology background in order to be successful in this program.
#13 – University of Maine
Orono, Maine
MS in IS Online
Regional Accreditation: Yes
AACSB Accreditation: Yes
Payscale.com Salary Ranking: 424th
Hourly Tuition Rate: $563
Points: 16
The University of Maine has a 100% online master of science in information science degree that requires an undergraduate course in algebra as a minimum prerequisite math course. Applicants come from wide-ranging backgrounds, and you do not need a bachelor degree in IS. Featured areas of knowledge and technical skill include IS design, database design and management, computer networks, information law and ethics, and human-computer interaction. The University of Maine provides strong technical support for their MS in IS degree through UMaine Online. Before taking any elective courses, you should get the approval of your academic advisor for your full program of study.
#14 – Colorado State University – Fort Collins
Fort Collins, Colorado
Online MCIS
Regional Accreditation: Yes
AACSB Accreditation: Yes
Payscale.com Salary Ranking: 388th
Hourly Tuition Rate: $867
Points: 15
Colorado State University – Fort Collins boasts more than 10,000 online students each year, and more than 300 are enrolled in the online master of computer information systems program. The 33 credit hour degree can be completed in 1.5 years, and up to 12 credits may be transferred in. The curriculum particularly features IT and project management; application software infrastructure; business visual application development; object-oriented systems; and business intelligence. Students at Colorado State University – Fort Collins’s online MCIS degree have access to several resources, such as the CSU Career Center and the College of Business Career Services Liaison.
#15 – University of South Florida
Tampa, Florida
MS in IT Online
Regional Accreditation: Yes
AACSB Accreditation: Yes
Payscale.com Salary Ranking: 225th
Hourly Tuition Rate: $913
Points: 15
The online master’s of science in information technology degree from the University of South Florida is a 30 credit hour, non-thesis program. The applicant’s bachelor degree should be in IT, CS, or a closely related field, and six courses are listed as prerequisites, each course title ending in the phrase “for IT”): programming fundamentals; object-oriented programming; programming design; database systems; software engineering concepts; and selected topics: IT, data structures and algorithms. A comprehensive exam is required for the University of South Florida’s online MS in IT degree and must be taken the semester before the semester in which you plan to graduate.
#16 – Missouri University of Science and Technology
Rolla, Missouri
Online MS in IST
Regional Accreditation: Yes
AACSB Accreditation: Yes
Payscale.com Salary Ranking: unranked
Hourly Tuition Rate: $1,200
Points: 15
Missouri University of Science and Technology offers a 30 credit hour, online master of science in information science and technology degree that boasts of seven specializations: human-computer interaction; enterprise resource planning; psychology of leadership; project management; computer networks; communication systems; and e-commerce. Four of the specializations lead to certificates in the field. Of the curriculum’s core courses, only four are required. Missouri University of Science and Technology’s online classes for their MS in IST degree are live-streamed, easily accessible online for viewing and utilize Canvas for course management software. Collaborative learning software includes WebEx.
#17 – University of Arizona
Tucson, Arizona
Online MS MIS
Regional Accreditation: Yes
AACSB Accreditation: Yes
Payscale.com Salary Ranking: 261st
Hourly Tuition Rate: $1,332
Points: 15
The University of Arizona has a 100% online master of science in management information systems degree that is a mix of hands-on and theoretical work. Students without experience or knowledge of object-oriented programming should take MIS 501. Courses do not have to be taken in order, and an academic advisor will help you plan your sequence of courses. The 8-week courses are asynchronous with assignments usually given at the start of the week and completed by the end of the week. Students at the University of Arizona’s MS MIS degree program typically spend an average of 10-20 hours on each course per week.
#18 – Florida State University
Tallahassee, Florida
MSIT Online
Regional Accreditation: Yes
AACSB Accreditation: Yes
Payscale.com Salary Ranking: 428th
Hourly Tuition Rate: $1,210.72
Points: 13
The online master of science in information technology degree from Florida State University is a 36 credit hour program intended to prepare students with the basic theoretical background necessary for operating effectively in professional positions. In addition, students will learn foundational principles of the field of information technology. Expected outcomes are that students will develop knowledge of information architecture and technology, information needs and services, general librarianship, as well as the ability to design an individualized program of study. As stated on the department’s website, a goal of Florida State University’s online MSIT program is to “help people locate, use, and understand information.”
#19 – La Salle University
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Online MS in IT Leadership (MSITL)
Regional Accreditation: Yes
AACSB Accreditation: Yes
Payscale.com Salary Ranking: unranked
Hourly Tuition Rate: $920
Points: 12
La Salle University’s fully online master of science in information technology leadership degree consists of 8 week courses delivered synchronously in a suggested pace of two courses per semester. The program is 36-45 credit hours, depending on the student’s academic and professional background. Applicants should have a foundation in information science, information systems, or business administration. The curriculum is comprised of 9 core competency courses, two electives, and the capstone experience. The culminating capstone project of La Salle University’s online MSITL, taken with a cohort group of students, is the opportunity to integrate lessons learned in core and elective courses.
#20 – Metropolitan State University
Minneapolis, Minnesota
MS in MIS Online
Regional Accreditation: Yes
AACSB Accreditation: No
Payscale.com Salary Ranking: unranked
Hourly Tuition Rate: $808.19
Points: 10
Metropolitan State University has a 44 credit hour, completely online master of science in management information science degree with five concentrations: business analytics; database administration; information management; information assurance and safety; and systems analysis and design. This program prepares you for the world of IT in at least 17 ways listed on the website, including customer relationship management (CRM), globalization, information technology strategy, electronic commerce, strategies for organizations, enterprise resource planning (ERP), and internet strategy. Applicants to Metropolitan State University’s online MS in MIS degree must meet these course prerequisites: college algebra and Statistics I.
#21 – Thomas Edison State University
Trenton, New Jersey
MS in IS Online
Regional Accreditation: Yes
AACSB Accreditation: No
Payscale.com Salary Ranking: unranked
Hourly Tuition Rate: $668
Points: 8
Thomas Edison State University offers an online master of science in information systems degree that, among other outcomes, prepares graduates to show high-level comprehension of principles and theories of information technology and to analyze the possible effects that various issues of information technology might have on society. The 36-39 credit hour program can be completed in less than two years on a part-time basis with asynchronous delivery. Non-working professionals must take MSI-501 (Foundations of Information Technology) as part of core requirements. Thomas Edison State University’s online MS in IS degree program allows up to 12 credit hours to be transferred in.
#22 – Concordia University – Wisconsin
Mequon, Wisconsin
MSIT Online
Regional Accreditation: Yes
AACSB Accreditation: No
Payscale.com Salary Ranking: unranked
Hourly Tuition Rate: $740
Points: 8
Concordia University – Wisconsin promises a Christian-based education, and students in the school’s online master’s in information technology program will find an emphasis on ethical computing. Material is delivered in an asynchronous model, and by taking at least three courses a semester, students may expect to complete the degree in 21 months. Elective courses in Concordia University – Wisconsin’s online MSIT degree include networking, data security and information assurance, and applied artificial intelligence. You are required to take the following courses: human computer interaction, database and information management, an IT integrative capstone, and foundations of information technology.
# 23 – The College of Saint Rose
Albany, New York
Online Master’s in IT
Regional Accreditation: Yes
AACSB Accreditation: No
Payscale.com Salary Ranking:
Tuition Rate: $799
Points: 8
The College of Saint Rose offers an online master’s in information technology degree that is a Professional Science Master’s (PSM) program. The weekend hybrid program combines online learning with the reassurance of face-time with professors in evening and online classes. A private, independent college located in Albany, New York, the College of Saint Rose is “a community of scholars.” Significant courses in the 33 credit hour program are: system administration, cloud computing and virtualization technologies, big data, advanced database, and several courses in cybersecurity. A certificate of advanced study is a 15 credit hour program designed for students who are new to the field.
OCR Staff
February 2020
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