Is a master's degree in IT worth it?

A bachelor’s degree in IT is a great foundation, but it may only get you so far. Earning a master’s degree in information technology, on the other hand, can help graduates enhance their existing career prospects because it provides opportunities to gain a more advanced skill set within the field. Let's take a closer look.

Is there a need for those with a master's degree in IT

Having a master’s degree can give a potential employer confidence that a job candidate has in-depth knowledge of and dedication to the field. For example, when hiring managers see a master’s degree on a job application, it’s a good indicator that the applicant has not only studied at a more advanced level but that he or she is also committed to growing within the profession.

For those who already have a job as an IT professional, earning a master’s degree may help with advancement within an organization by showing management a commitment to learning and growing. It also shows not just an interest in getting paid more,  but also a desire to learn more about the field to improve work.

Below are some additional benefits of earning a master’s degree in IT.

Improved salary potential

IT professionals with an information technology degree at a graduate level may earn more than those with a bachelor’s degree. 

As of May 2024, computer and information systems managers earned between $104,450 and $239,200, with a median wage of $171,200 , according to BLS.

Salary ranges are not specific to students or graduates of University of Phoenix. Actual outcomes vary based on multiple factors, including prior work experience, geographic location and other factors specific to the individual. University of Phoenix does not guarantee employment, salary level or career advancement. BLS data is geographically based. Information for a specific state/city can be researched on the BLS website.

Enhanced opportunities

A bachelor’s and master’s degree in IT may help with job placement since employers are generally looking for highly skilled workers with the latest knowledge and training.

Many companies, meanwhile, see value in continuing education programs that give existing employees access to new technologies, skills and knowledge. Master’s degree programs often accomplish all those things. For example, a Master of Science in Information Technology offers several avenues to build knowledge of new technologies and desired skills.

In the end, an advanced degree can offer a competitive advantage to those beginning or continuing their careers.

Professional relevance

The ever-changing landscape of information technology makes it important for professionals to keep up with the latest trends and technologies. A master’s degree can help IT professionals keep their skills relevant, which can be attractive to potential employers looking to deploy cutting-edge technologies and methods. 

Development of management skills

One reason people pursue an information degree at the master’s level is that it bridges the gap between client needs and technical applications. A master’s in IT can provide the necessary tools for using technology to problem-solve and optimize processes. However, it’s important to note that IT goes beyond simply supporting a business and its goals. IT is often fully integrated into business strategy. Leaders with IT experience are now needed in various roles throughout a company, including in the C-suite.

Since successful IT projects require workers’ input at all levels, from technicians to project managers, having strong project management skills is essential. A master’s IT degree with built-in leadership training can help you build the necessary project management skills for leading a team through complex challenges.

Knowing how to manage team members can help get work done quickly without sacrificing quality or effectiveness — which means less time spent doing busy work and more time innovating!

Before enrolling in an IT master’s program, students should consider their career goals. Are they interested in pursuing a management position, working for a large company or starting a business? Are they looking for opportunities in research and development? Is there an interest in specific industries?

Next, consider the current job situation. For someone who already has a job, does their employer offer tuition reimbursement? Is there room for advancement with the company? Does management encourage employees to pursue higher education?

Other important considerations include if paying for school is in the budget and whether there is a willingness to make the necessary time commitment. Before enrolling in an IT master’s program, it’s important to consider the pros and cons carefully. Here are some questions prospective students should ask themselves before enrolling:

• Will I be able to pay off my student loans?
• How much time will I have to devote to the program?
• Do I have other obligations to work around, like family or professional commitments?
• Can I handle the demands of an advanced academic program?
• Do I have a clear idea of what I want to do with my master’s degree?
• Do I want to continue working full time while I pursue my degree?
• What is my budget?

When selecting an information technology master’s program, do research. Look at the school’s accreditation status, see what kind of experience the faculty members have and check out the curriculum. Also, consider how often the program updates its courses with new computing technology and industry standards.

Ultimately, pursuing a master’s degree in IT is a personal decision. As with most fields, success in the IT industry depends heavily on an applicant’s experience, abilities and credentials. 

If you’re curious to learn more about an online master’s degree in technology , University of Phoenix offers a variety of flexible programs.

• Master of Information Systems  
• Online Data Science Master's 
• Online Cybersecurity Master's 

Contact University of Phoenix for more information .