Is a Master’s in Information Technology Worth It? Know it All!

A master’s degree program like MSIT can help take your career to the next level. If you’re a professional in the field of information technology, then you may be pondering, “Is a master’s degree in information technology worth it?”

We’re here to share the details about MSIT programs so that you can decide for yourself if a master’s in information technology is worth it.

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What is an MSIT?

A Master of Science in Information Technology is a postgraduate degree that follows a bachelor’s degree. The goal of MSIT programs is to further develop skills in specialized areas, which prepare graduates to obtain high-level positions, such as managerial roles in the field of tech.

While it’s helpful to have a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, software engineering, computer engineering, or a related field, it’s not always required for every MSIT program. For example, if you have a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and wish to change careers and earn an MSIT degree, it can still be possible.

Courses typically span subjects such as data communications, information resource management, business data communications, and systems analysis, to name a few.

Skills You Can Expect to Learn in an MSIT Program

A master’s degree in any subject will endow students with a long list of skills. These skills, along with the degree, aid in making graduates a more attractive candidates to hire for positions.

Some skills you can expect to enhance in an MSIT program include:

• Problem-solving skills
• Customer service
• Research skills
• Writing skills
• Computational skills
• Analytical skills
• Project management

Is a Master’s Degree in Information Technology Worth It?

Earning a master’s degree in information technology will require an investment of time, money, and energy. That’s probably why you’re here reading this to find out if it’s worth it.

The only way to decipher the answer is to weigh the benefits versus the costs. So, let’s take a look at what you can expect to gain from earning your MSIT.

Enhance your knowledge

Whether you’re changing career paths or you have been working in the field of information technology already, an MSIT degree is sure to add to your list of skills. From the practical curriculum, you may find yourself challenged and be able to build upon your prior education and experience.

Grow leadership skills

Since the master’s degree is geared toward preparing you to take on management roles, it is filled with projects and knowledge that boost your leadership skills. You will optimize your time management abilities, learn how to problem-solve, and become prepared to manage and lead others.

Boost your resume

Having a master’s degree makes your resume stand out from the crowd of applicants without a master’s degree. It showcases to employers that you have specific skills that make you ready to take on managerial and high-level roles.

Expand your job opportunities

Given the degree, you become eligible for more positions in the field. The positions that become available to you with a master’s degree tend to be more senior and executive roles, which leads us to the next point.

Higher salary

While you’ve invested time and money in earning your master’s degree, you’ve also made it possible to fill the upper-level positions. Naturally, that comes along with a higher earning potential.

Career shift

As mentioned before, if you’re looking to change career paths, then you can earn an MSIT degree to enter the field of IT.

What Does an MSIT Degree Cost?

Now that you know the benefits of earning an MSIT degree, it’s time to consider if the cost of the program is worth it.

The cost of an MSIT degree varies greatly and depends on factors such as where you earn your degree. According to Educationdata.org, the average cost of a master’s degree ranges between $30,000 to $120,000. As you can see, that’s a very broad range. The length of a program, the major, the institution, and related factors can all impact a degree’s cost.

More specifically, US News reports that for an MSIT degree, the range tends to be between $13,000 and $54,000 (and that’s for online programs). Keep reading to find out how you can earn your degree for much less than that!

Earn Your Master’s Online

The University of the People is an entirely online and tuition-free university that offers an MSIT degree. While there are no tuition costs, it’s important to note that there are some fees associated with the program. Since everything is online, our accredited institution is able to keep overhead costs low, which translates to more affordable higher education programs for our students.

The total estimated fee for the MSIT is $3,660. For students who are enrolled full-time (which is defined as two courses per term with a minimum of 18 months), the program can be completed in just over a year of study. The curriculum consists of three foundations courses, three business electives, three core electives, two program electives, and a capstone project course. You can learn more about the details of the curriculum here.

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Job Opportunities and Expected Salaries

With an MSIT degree, here’s a look at some of the jobs you can obtain and the average annual salaries. Knowing this information can help you compare the cost of your chosen program to what you can expect to earn.

This way, you can even better see if a master’s in information technology is worth it in your case.

(Data Source) 

If you work in a top executive position, you can earn closer to $200,000 per year. 

Closing Words

After learning all this, what would you say if asked, “Is a master’s degree in information technology worth it?”

For anyone who wants to work in the field of IT in high-level positions, we’d say it’s certainly worthwhile. That being said, you want to find a program that works within your budget and expectations. The good news is that universities like the University of the People exist to make programs accessible for anyone, in any location around the world.

If you’re interested in applying for our MSIT program, you can do so here.