An online Master of Information Technology is a versatile degree. Studying for a masters can help you start an IT career or shift technology fields. You can also upgrade professional credentials and, especially with an IT management masters, qualify for leadership roles.
You may want to study for an IT masters online if you:
- have a university degree of any kind and want to formally study information technology for the first time, or
- have an established IT career and are keen to improve your knowledge and academic qualifications.
A good online masters program (a) allows you to achieve your personal learning and career goals and (b) provides an enjoyable study experience along the way.
For information technology candidates with some work experience, a master’s degree holds the promise of advancement. It can pave the way to jobs in management or senior-level technical jobs as well as consulting positions.
~ Bentley University
Beauty of an Online IT Masters
You should know that IT masters are available 100% online. That's powerful. You can access any of the courses we list no matter where you live. And you are able to combine study with other things, including full-time work.
For coursework programs (as opposed to masters by research), you study as part of a virtual group.
- Fellow students work through the same content on a weekly basis. They should be available online for discussing the course and anything else you want to chat about.
- You're also able to interact with instructors online.
Studying online allows you to manage your time effectively. For example, lectures are recorded and always available online. That saves you from having to ever turn up for lectures at particular locations and times.
Why a Master of Information Technology?
A Master of Information Technology (MInfoTech) represents a different kind of learning experience for most IT professionals. It's a big single investment in study. You cover a selection of topics in depth.
University study can be a change from regular professional development, where you might keep up with technology through internet research, self-training and micro courses.
Benefits
Working through a graduate program offers distinct benefits. You:
- finish with a recognised qualification, helping you better compete for IT jobs
- have the opportunity to become a new or better-rounded IT professional, or to go from novice to expert in a particular specialisation
- may learn useful things that weren't previously on your radar
- are able to indulge in learning for enjoyment and general development.
Job examples
The kinds of roles available to Master of Information Technology graduates include: algorithm engineer, android/iOS developer, big data engineer, business intelligence consultant, data infrastructure engineer, data scientist, front-end developer, IT consultant, programmer, project manager, python developer, quantitative analyst, software engineer/developer, virtual reality developer, web developer. Source: UniMelb
Study Periods vs Semesters
Online IT programs can be structured into semesters or study periods, which mean different things for your learning experience.
Semesters
You'll be familiar with semesters if you've studied at a university campus.
- It means 2-3 start dates per year and taking multiple units simultaneously.
- The online course is normally an adapted version of a course being run concurrently at a campus.
- Exam time can be intense, with up to 4 finals scheduled.
Study periods
Study periods are popular for online degrees and can be as short as 6-8 weeks.
- Typically, you complete a single unit from start to finish within each period.
- Assessment is continuous (using assignments and short tests), with less reliance on final exams.
The top graduate programs in Information Technology each offer something different.
- CSU has one of the biggest IT academic programs, especially online, and is able to cater to most graduate needs.
- If you want to get ahead as an IT manager, you have some excellent options shown in Part B. The leadership masters from Deakin University gives experienced IT professionals formal recognition of achievements. You also have a traditional IT management masters from SCU and an MBA from the University of Adelaide.
CSU Master of Information Technology
Charles Sturt University offers a flexible Master of Information Technology degree. Available specialisations include business analysis, computer networking, IT management, network security, software design and development, and systems analysis. You can choose to do a general program, or specialise by doing 1 or 2 majors. CSU has Australia's largest online computer science faculty.
Master of IT Management Courses
A huge boost to your IT career is possible by doing an online Master of Information Technology Management degree. Similar results are also achievable with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with an information technology major.
These management masters are not meant to develop your IT skills as such and you're assumed to already be well developed technically. The point is to build business management competencies, especially in areas such as leading, directing and supervising.
Management courses develop you as a leader by teaching management principles and practices and by strengthening communication and business skills. You graduate better able to lead complex projects of any kind.
Management credentials
Management qualifications — such as a master’s degree in information technology management or business administration (MBA) — distinguish IT managers who have both leadership and technical skills. An MBA with a technology concentration is a popular option.
~ reciprocality.org
Deakin University Master of IT Leadership
Deakin University offers this innovative masters degree for experienced IT managers who are looking for formal recognition of their skills. The affordable, 100% online program helps you demonstrate your existing capabilities and build on them through practice-based learning to make you a better leader.
Students combine workplace-based research with credential units, where you present evidence to evaluate and certify your skills. Study while you work and complete in a minimum of 12 months fast-tracked. An excellent program for IT professionals who could benefit from a leadership degree.
Southern Cross University Master of IT Management
Southern Cross University provides a flexible and affordable path to becoming an IT leader. The 100% online Master of Information Technology Management degree consists of 12 units: 6 core units, a 2-unit research project and 4 units you choose from the MBA and Project Management programs. You have the ability to study year-round, completing each unit over a dedicated 7-week teaching period.
Committing to the full masters program is not required up front. You can start with a 4-unit Graduate Certificate course, do another 4 units to complete a Graduate Diploma and continue to do the remaining 4 units required for a masters degree. Subjects include data management, emerging technology in business, information systems (analysis, design, management and security) and managing digital enterprises.
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