Online Information Technology (IT) Programs

Online Master’s Degrees in Information Technology (IT)

Liberty University

Liberty University offers an online master of science (MS) in information technology. This fully online program equips students to become IT leaders, teaching them to understand the efficient and effective convergence of business processes and information technology. The faculty includes professors who are well-experienced in the field.

Consisting of 36​ credits, the program has two specializations: network design and security, and software design and management. Core courses are systems analysis, modeling and design; ethics and legal issues; IT infrastructure; and software development. The network design and security specialization courses include telecommunications and network security; applied network security; and network architecture and design. Courses in software design and management specialization include secure software engineering; software development management; and software design.

Through the program, students gain a deeper understanding of information technology, develop critical thinking skills, learn how to apply database management, and develop skills to become successful in the information technology field. Graduates of the program can pursue roles such as network security managers, application designers, software programmers, security analysts or auditors, and database administrators or analysts.

The major admission requirements for the program include a bachelor’s degree from a regionally or nationally accredited college or university, a grade point average of 3.0 or above, a completed admission application, official college transcripts, and proof of English proficiency.

• Location: Lynchburg, VA
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
• Expected Time to Completion: 18 months
• Estimated Tuition: $565 per credit

Pace University

Pace University’s Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems offers an online master of science in information technology with a concentration in networking administration or cybersecurity. This fully online program provides students with the option of continuing to work while earning their degree. The faculty includes distinguished professors who are not only influential researchers but are also available to interact with students.

The program comprises 30​ credits. Students develop knowledge of basic IT infrastructure to secure assets against cyber threats and gain hands-on experience with information security management tools. The curriculum explores topics such as database management systems; systems development & project management; telecommunications management; network security; web and internet security; an introduction to cloud computing technology; and computer and internet forensics. Graduates of the program will be well-equipped to work in various information technology settings.

To be accepted into the program, applicants must have a four-year undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution, complete an online application form, and submit transcripts from all institutions attended along with a current resume and TOEFL, IELTS, or Pearson PTE academic scores for international students. The GMAT/GRE is not required for admission.

• Location: New York City, NY
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
• Expected Time to Completion: Full-time (16 months), part-time (24 months)
• Estimated Tuition: $1,085 per credit

University of Cincinnati

The University of Cincinnati offers an online master of science in information technology program. US News & World Report (2022) has ranked this entirely online program at number 9 in the country. The program helps students kickstart a successful career in information technology with its focus on social media tech and systems administration.

The program consists of 30​ credits. In addition to developing research, problem-solving, systems analysis, and reasoning skills, students also foster soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and empathy toward the customer. Some of the course topics include information technology research methods; human-computer interaction and usability; the principles of cybersecurity; enterprise security and forensics; technologies for social networking; technologies for mobile applications; and IT infrastructure sustainability. Students become adept at user experience design and the creation of mobile applications.

Additionally, the program can open up several opportunities for graduates. They can take up roles such as application developers, game designers, game creative directors, computer security specialists, information systems security analysts, distributed systems engineers, software architects, network architects, and information technology directors.

Admission requirements for the program include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, an undergraduate grade point average of 3.0, official transcripts of all college or university grades, a current resume, three letters of reference, a goal statement, and TOEFL or IELTS scores for international students. GRE scores are required but can be waived for qualified candidates.

• Location: Cincinnati, OH
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Expected Time to Completion: Less than 24 months
• Estimated Tuition: Resident ($746 per credit); non-resident ($761 per credit)

California State University, Fullerton

California State University, Fullerton offers an online master of science in information technology. This distance-based program offers two concentrations: IT management and data science. IT students at Cal State gain an understanding of telecommunications and data communications, cloud computing services, and e-commerce and programming concepts.

The program is made up of 30​ credits. Some of the topics include the principles of business intelligence; issues in business information technology; programming concepts for information technology; statistics for data science; data warehousing and foundations of business intelligence; and business databases.

The major admissions requirements include a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution (or the equivalent), a minimum grade point average of 2.5, an essay, and TOEFL scores for international students. Work experience in IT is recommended, while GRE or GMAT waivers are available for applicants with a 3.0 GPA or better.

• Location: Fullerton, CA
• Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
• Expected Time to Completion: 20 months
• Estimated Tuition: $396 per unit

University of Massachusetts, Lowell

The University of Massachusetts, Lowell offers an online master of science in information technology program. The program prepares students to become managers in the field of computer and information technology and is ideal for students with bachelor's degrees in information technology, computer science, information systems, or related majors, as well as for professionals who wish to advance their education and skills.

Comprising 30​ credits, the program focuses on the management, deployment, and design of networked systems of computers. The curriculum includes courses such as ​network and systems administration; operating systems foundations; network infrastructures; digital forensics; cloud computing; managing large data sets; and designing and building a cybersecurity program.

The program teaches students how to manage software, train other IT professionals, and oversee the working of networks in local and metropolitan areas.

Graduates of the program can take up consulting and management positions at software and technology companies and work in the government. Some possible roles include business analysts, hosting and managed systems directors, network managers, systems analysts, IT consultants, chief technology officers, and project managers.

Applicants to the program must have an undergraduate BA or BS degree from an accredited institution and have completed a minimum of one semester of precalculus mathematics, one semester of discrete mathematics, and one semester of statistics as part of their undergraduate studies. Students with qualifying experience in C programming and data structures are also welcome to apply. Application requirements include a completed online application, a statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, official transcripts, and a current resume. GRE scores are not required for admission.

• Location: Lowell, MA
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
• Expected Time to Completion: 18 Months
• Estimated Tuition: $600 per credit

Western Governors University

Western Governors University offers an online master of science in information technology management degree program preparing emerging leaders who are seeking advancement into IT executive-level leadership and IT management positions in today’s ever-changing and fast-growing global organizations and industries.

This 10-course program includes courses such as financial management for IT professionals; current and emerging technology; project management; technical communication; information technology management; technological globalization; power, influence, and leadership; and managing technology operations and innovation. At the end of this program, students will complete a capstone project.

Applicants to this program must submit a transcript verifying receipt of their bachelor’s degree from a recognized, accredited institution. GRE or GMAT scores are not required for admission.

• Location: Millcreek, UT
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
• Expected Time to Completion: 20 Months
• Estimated Tuition: $3,940 per six-month term

Grand Canyon University

Grand Canyon University offers an online master of science in information technology program, preparing students for a wide range of positions within the IT field. Designed to provide candidates with real-world leadership abilities and hands-on technical skills, the program allows students to develop the required abilities necessary for making an impact as technology leaders.

This 34-credit program includes courses such as innovation in information technology and data management; cyber warfare and applications; enterprise security infrastructure design; technology implementation of security solutions; policy management for security solutions; IT development and cloud computing; and IT project management and the global economy.

Graduates will be ready to take positions such as analytics managers, senior computer systems analysts, data science managers, database administrators, information security analysts, and IT project managers.

• Location: Phoenix, AZ
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Estimated Tuition: $565 per credit

George Mason University

George Mason University’s online master of science program in applied information technology prepares students to lead multidisciplinary teams for successfully supporting IT strategic initiatives. Students in this program will learn how to design, justify, manage, sustain, and develop mega-systems as they gain extensive knowledge of the top information technology fields such as cyber security, data analytics, machine learning, intelligence methods, and IT management. Notably, this online MA offers three concentrations in data analytics & intelligence methods; cyber security; and machine learning engineering.

The program comprises 30 credits and includes courses such as algorithms and data structures essentials; database management systems; fundamentals of computing platforms; cloud computing security; big data essentials; and applied machine learning.

Applicants to the program must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited US institution with a GPA of 3.0, experience in the fundamentals of IT and quantitative methods, and TOEFL scores for international students. Application requirements include official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, a goals statement, two letters of recommendation, and a current resume. GRE or GMAT scores are not required for admissions.

At the end of the program, graduates can pursue opportunities such as information security analysts, cybersecurity managers, security systems administrators, database administrators and architects, computer and information research scientists, and software developers.

• Location: Fairfax, VA
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
• Expected Time to Completion: 24 months
• Estimated Tuition: $950 per credit

The University of Texas at Dallas (Hybrid)

The UT Naveen Jindal School of Management offers an online master of science in information technology and management. While all the courses in the program are not available online, students can complete the degree requirements by taking only online courses. The program provides students with a holistic view of information technology, and students can choose from the following tracks:

• Business intelligence and analytics
• Enterprise systems
• Cybersecurity management
• IT Consulting
• Healthcare IT
• Digital product management
• Cloud Computing

Students develop foundational knowledge in information technology and management practices to understand the complex issues that occur at the interface between IT and business. ​The program consists of 36 credits and explores topics such as object-oriented programming in Java; data management; systems analysis & project management; operations management; managing IT in the analytics age; data communications; and business data warehousing. The program prepares graduates for industry opportunities such as consulting, retail, financial services, energy, consumer goods, and transportation. They occupy roles like business analysts, program analysts, consultants, database administrators, IT specialists, and IT project managers.

To be accepted into the program, applicants must submit GMAT or GRE scores, unless they hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a grade point average of 3.5 or higher. Applicants must also submit transcripts from any school, college or university attended; a current resume; one professional letter of recommendation; an essay on academic interests and goals; and English proficiency for students whose native language is not English.

• Location: Richardson, TX
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
• Expected Time to Completion: 18 to 24 months
• Estimated Tuition: Resident ($1,651 per credit); non-resident ($2,437 per credit)