Masters in Information Technology

What Could You Learn in a Masters in Information Technology?

A master’s degree in information technology aims to provide students with up to date and modern skills to use in a range of fields. This type of program offers ample flexibility in terms of how to use those skills in a career path. It mainly focuses on those who are already in the IT environment and want to expand their knowledge but may also offer other avenues of potential study as well. Students pursuing this program typically already have a bachelor’s degree, though several tracks of study may be available.

One of the focuses of this program is helping students to learn about new technology and how it applies to the modern world. It also often focuses on helping students to learn skills to help them take on the challenging and pressing issues in the world today as they relate to technology.

These master’s degree path range widely in what they offer, but many have a focus of developing hands on technical skills, improving communication skills, and boosting problem solving skills. It may also involve helping students to focus on helping organizations overcome challenges. Topics of study often range based on what the student wishes to learn and the career path they select. This may include network forensics, mobile application development, user experience design, and systems administration.

Information Technology Courses May Include

Many times, students spend about 30 credit hours or more completing their master’s degree in information technology. This may be done online or in-person depending on the school’s opportunities and rules. Students may need to meet prerequisites to obtain this education, but often having a bachelor’s in an area of IT may provide access to this program. Here are some of the courses students may complete.

Advanced Information Technology

In this course, students typically focus on the implementation and design of technology systems. Systems planning, systems implementation, and requirements analysis are all topics in this course many times. Software engineering, process design, and interface may be additional areas of study in this course.

Innovations in Information Technology

Typically, this course goes over leadership theory and the ethical framework in technology. Business cases in technology are often analyzed and studied as a part of the curriculum. Workplace transformations as a result of technology may also be included in this course.

Technical Communication

This course is usually designed to enhance communication skills on a technical level. The ability and understanding of how to communicate in this field both orally and in writing is the usual primary focus of this course. Typically, students develop white papers and communicate research findings to demonstrate their knowledge..

Operating Systems

In this course, the architecture of digital computer systems is analyzed. Operating methods, services provided, and software of various operating systems are all topics that may be in this course. DOS, Windows, and UNIX may be discussed and presented.

Telecommunications and Networking

Usually, this course covers the use of telecommunications systems and how they are managed through a business. The analysis, implementation, and design of telecommunication systems may be topics covered in this course. Telecommunications hardware and software may be a part of this program as well.

Principles of Database Design

This course typically covers all aspects of database design. This may include design, management, implementation and development. Students may create and design their own databases to demonstrate what they have learned.

Find Funding

Earning a master’s degree in information technology may create a number of possibilities for students. However, the first step is finding the funding to pay for it. There may be several options available. Financial aid may be available to all those who qualify.

The average cost of a master’s degree during the 2018 to 2019 year was $19,314, according to NCES data. Of course, some students may wish to pursue one or more ways to fund their education, including covering tuition, books, and other costs. Students may wish to consider the following ways to pay for such needs.

Scholarships

One of the routes to consider for paying for college is the use of scholarships. A scholarship is an offer by some organization to provide funds to a student based on their set criteria. This differs from one program to the next. What makes these programs beneficial is that the funds often do not need to be repaid later. Students may wish to apply to potentially receive funding, though limits exist in many cases. Scholarships for a master’s degree in information technology may be available.

Federal Loans

Those interested in using student loans to cover the cost of education may find several options to choose from, including federal loan programs. These loans have the backing of the U.S. federal government. That means that they may be more readily available to some students. Certainly, they have specific terms and conditions in place aimed at supporting those who are completing their education.

Federal student loans may be available to master’s degree students. However, there are fewer programs and they typically have different requirements for graduate students. Here are a few of the programs available:

• Direct Unsubsidized Loans: These are typically available to graduate schools and professional students. Unlike direct subsidized loans, which are made available to undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need, direct unsubsidized loans usually do not have a need based requirement. More students may be eligible for them.
• Direct PLUS Loans: Usually, these loans are made available to professional or graduate level students. They are designed to pay for educational expenses that are typically not paid for through other loans. Eligibility for these loans is not based on financial need, though. However, some require a credit check to be performed, and borrowers may not qualify without meeting other requirements in some cases.
• Direct Consolidation Loans: These loans may enable a student to combine all of their undergraduate and graduate level federal debt into one new loan. This consolidation loan is typically provided after a student completes their education.

Private Student Loans

Another option for some students is the use of private student loans. These are often from third-party lenders rather than the U.S. government-backed lenders. They may still be a valuable investment opportunity for students as they may provide more access to funding than some federal programs. What makes them different is that they may have different types of lending terms and fees. Those who wish to consider this type of loan may need to spend some time comparing options before making a decision. To do that, consider each loan individually based on:

• Credit score requirements
• Income requirements
• Academic requirements, such as GPA or credit enrollment
• Access to the loans based on program of study
• Whether forbearance, consolidation, and refinancing are available
• Type and amount of interest rate
• When the loan repayment process begins

Is database architect a great career?

Working as a database architect may be an option for some people with an information technology master degree. In general, this type of work involves designing strategies for enterprise databases, multi-dimensional networks, and data warehouse systems. It may include setting standards for database operations, query processes, and security. Those working in the field may create and optimize data models for warehouse infrastructure and workflow as well.

Their work may include designing databases to support the needs of an organization, including helping with scalability, security, and performance. It may include developing database architectural strategies at various stages to meet the business or industry need. Also, some may set up database clusters, backup, and recovery process. Further, they could develop data models for applications and metadata tables.

The day-to-day work as a database architect may include creating databases that stores electronic data, developing procedures for data management, and developing models of information and communications systems. In addition, they may also design computer modeling or simulation programs and collaborate with others for various aspects of the work.

• Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
• Judgment and Decision Making — Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
• Reading Comprehension — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

To do this type of work, individuals need to have database management system software and database user interface and query software skills, along with numerous other types of tech skills.

Many of those completing this type of work need to have at least a bachelor’s degree. However, many employers require individuals to have a master’s degree or be working towards one to take on this type of work. In addition, they may need to have a significant amount of work-related skill and knowledge and in some cases, have some experience in the field.

2020 Median Annual Salary for Database Architect

In 2020, the following were the median salaries for those working as a database architect in each state, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics:

Is computer hardware engineer a great career?

Pursuing a career as a computer hardware engineer may be another opportunity for some people with a master’s degree in information technology. In this career, people typically work to research, design, and then develop computer systems for some type of use – scientific, military, industrial, or commercial. They may also supervise the manufacturing and installation of computer systems, including equipment and components.

The work these individuals do may include updating knowledge and skills to meet with the latest developments in computer technology. Then, they may design and develop computer hardware and support peripherals, including CUPs, microprocessors, support logic, and printers. Additionally, they may work with engineering staff and others to evaluate between hardware and software applications, performance requirements of the system, and mitigate risks. Also, they may build, test, and modify product prototypes to improve outcomes.

• Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
• Reading Comprehension — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
• Active Listening — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

The day to day skills may include designing electronic or computer equipment or instrumentation, updating technical knowledge, and conferring with technical personnel to prepare designs and operational plans. Also, they may create physical models and prototypes.

To do this type of work, many employers require applicants to have at least a bachelor’s degree, though some may want a person to be working on or have completed a master’s degree in the field. As well, they may be able to gain work skill from experience in the field. There may be some on-the-job instruction and support provided in some situations as well.

2020 Median Annual Salary for Computer Hardware Engineer

The following is the median salary for those working as a computer hardware engineer in each of the states during 2020, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics: