Pennsylvania Technology Graduate Degree Programs & Grad Schools

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With the strong interconnection of computers, business and technology, Computer and Technology Graduate Programs comprise a vast selection of potential degree options. Whether you are driven by databases, drawn towards animation and video game design, cyber security, information technology or management, it warrants taking some time to consider your options for advanced study.

Business knowledge and skills are being applied to almost every industry in the business world. This is one reason why business graduate programs may help prepare students for entry into a wide variety of potential career paths. If you aspire to pursue a career as a top executive, financial analyst, marketer, advertising executive, human resource manager, management analyst or accountant, you may benefit from earning a graduate degree in business!

Technology Graduate Degree Programs Essentials

Technology Graduate Degree Programs are offered as masters, doctorates and certificates. In general, prospective graduate students need a bachelor’s degree (either in the same field or related one), professional experiences, and references. Ph.D. students usually need a bachelor's and master's degree, a personal statement and have completed a thesis or a scholarly research document. Masters programs commonly take 2 years, while doctoral programs take 3-7 years. These details vary, so if you are looking ahead, make sure you fulfill the prerequisites in advance, if possible.

Technology is a Broad Academic Term

One of the best things you can do for yourself when looking into your options for Technology Graduate Degree Programs is to consider that ‘technology’ as an academic pursuit encompasses many different subjects. The actual definition harkens back to a two Greek words[i]:

  • Science of craft – techne
  • Art, skills cunning of hand - logia

Technology involves skills (e.g. computer programming)

methods (e.g. database management) and processes (e.g. software development). Furthermore, there are the fruits of technology (innovation, machines, computers), the labor that goes into innovation and upkeep, plus the engineering and scientific research components that are continually evolving.

Technology Programs Career Options

DID YOU KNOW?

Charles Babbage, an English mechanical engineer is called the “father f the computer”. He innovated the first mechanical computer in the early 19th century.[ix]

Your Road Map to Information Technology Graduate Programs

One of the great things about GradSchools.com is that the navigation menus are simple. You find a subject from the directory, open it in your browser, then determine what level of graduate program you are looking for and go from there. Notice that some core areas allow for ‘specialization’ in a concentration area:

  • Business Information Systems Graduate Programs  – Business Intelligence
  • Computational Science Graduate Programs 
  • Computer Science Graduate Programs 
  • Computer Training and Support Graduate Programs 
  • Database Management Graduate Programs 
  • Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Graduate Programs 
  • Information Assurance and Cyber security Graduate Programs 
  • Information Sciences Graduate Programs – Informatics, Information Systems, Library Science
  • Information Technology Graduate Programs 
  • Software & Application Development Graduate Programs 
  • Technology Management Graduate Programs 
  • Telecom & Networking Graduate Programs
  • Video Game Design Graduate Programs
  • Web Development & Design Graduate Programs – Web Design, Web Development

View Technology Programs

Computer Science or Information Technology Graduate Program

Some of the common questions concern differences between Computer Science and Information Technology.

Computer Science focuses on theory and research. Computer Scientists might study computational applications, software, operating systems, or be concerned with innovation and emerging media. Computer science graduate students might study different programming languages, linear and discrete mathematics, software design and development. Their language is mathematics and their concern is how computers process information.

Computer Engineering graduate programs are concerned with the design, development and research of computer equipment. Their language is focused on processors, circuit boards, microchips, and routers. The subjects they study are interwoven: computer science, engineering and mathematics.

Information technology, referred to as IT, is systems based; information systems, systems administration, and solving business problems with technology-related answers, for instance. IT Graduate students are likely to learn management, leadership, and critical thinking, since their area of expertise is trouble shooting. Cyber security is a great example of a field that grew in response to cyber terrorism; how to address this really important issue through technology is an information technology concern.

What Type of Technology Graduate Program is Right For You?

Graduate degrees in Technology range from administration and analysis to engineering, computer science, and visual arts. With all the choices out there, how does one actually choose between a graduate program in computer science, computer engineering or information technology?

Do I Need a Graduate Degree in Computer and Technology Fields?

There are some areas where a Bachelor’s of Science suffices. And then there are others where a graduate degree is required. Here is some recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics:

  • The majority of computer and information research scientists need a Ph.D. in computer science or a related field, such as computer engineering[iii]. 
  • Employers of network architects sometimes prefer applicants to have a Master's of Business Administration (MBA) in information systems[iv]
  • Some employers prefer to hire Computer Systems Analysts who have a master's degree in business administration (MBA) with a concentration in information systems, or for technically complex jobs, a master’s degree in computer science may be more relevant[v].
  • Organizations with large databases may prefer applicants who have a master’s degree focusing on data or database management, typically either in computer science, information systems, or information technology[vi].
  • Information security analysts who have a Master's of Business Administration (MBA) in information systems are often preferred.[vii]
  • Chief technology officers often have an MBA in an area related to their field[viii]

Take Away? Do some legwork by checking what the most appropriate academic path is for you. Use the ‘request info’ button to submit your questions or get in touch with a guidance counselor.

The Different Program Levels: Masters, Doctorate, Certificate

Once you have refined your search enough to know what specific field beyond the general ‘Technology Graduate Programs’ click through to view the program level you need, or are planning ahead for.

Masters Degrees in Technology are often designated Master of Science (e.g. MS in Cyber Security with a Concentration in IT Management, MS in Computer Science), Master of Business Administration (e.g. MBA –Information Systems & Knowledge Management, MBA-Management of Engineering and Technology) or Master of Arts  (e.g. Master of Fine Arts in Art of Game Design).

Doctorate Degrees in Technology range from the Doctor of Philosophy (e.g. PhD in Technology, PhD in Computer Science) to the Doctor of Business Administration (e.g. DBA in Applied Computer Science)

Graduate Certificates often take your education to a focused place by providing specific skill-sets (e.g. Post-Bachelor’s Certificate in Geographic Information Systems, Graduate Certificate: Computer Science Software Design & Development)

Learning Options: Campus, Hybrid or Online Graduate Program?

Narrow down your search for a graduate technology program by determining which learning format is more available or convenient to you. Graduate Schools often have both campus and distance-learning options. You can search for campus programs in your designated field by location; use the city, state and country tabs to browse listings by city, state or country.

Online graduate programs in Technology fields are common since they typically allow students to continue working while pursuing advanced studies. When lots of laboratory or fieldwork is required, there may also be Hybrid programs to look through. These combine on-site with in-person courses and are often referred to as ‘blended online programs.’

Accreditation

Some Technology Graduate Programs are offered through Business Schools. These should be accredited by the AACSB to ensure quality of education, faculty, and standards.[ix]

Sources: [i] en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Technology | [ii] en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer | [iii] bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-and-information-research-scientists.htm | [iv] bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-network-architects.htm | [v] bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-systems-analysts.htm | [vi] bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/database-administrators.htm | [vii] bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/information-security-analysts.htm | [viii] bls.gov/ooh/management/top-executives.htm#tab-4 | [ix] aacsb.edu/accreditation/accredited-members

Take the Next Step

Whether you identify more with science and research, business and project management, design and development or the building element of technology, a graduate degree may be a huge differentiator when it comes to the job hunt. Remember that long before the cash register was the abacus and e-commerce has even changed the way we need to pay for goods and services. Technology is organic; largely due to the village of well-educated professionals in the background. Be prepared; take the next step.

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