In the modern world, getting an online degree has become a norm as it is obviously a convenient option for many. Lives are getting busier, and responsibilities keep adding up. At the same time obtaining a higher education has become a necessity to keep up with the rapidly developing world.
Many individuals are bound to take up full-time jobs to support themselves or a family. However, they also wish to attain a Masters level qualification to improve the quality of life. Not everyone has the time and energy to go college and attend classes when they already have their hands full. That's when taking up an online degree program is the most optimum solution.
The 21st century is the century of Information Technology; anyone who has a Master of IT (information technology) management degree is eligible for promising career prospects. Research by the Information Technology Association of America suggests that almost 92% of non-IT organizations require personnel who have expertise in this field. Therefore, joining an online Master program in IT can provide you with a huge advantage and open several new doors of opportunities.
Here's a list of the Top 10 universities that offer excellent online Master degree programs in the area of IT management:
1) Southern Cross University (SCU)
SCU started out as a teacher's college back in 1970. By 1994 it established the status of a University and today it has several campuses all over Australia. SCU entertains students from over 60 countries around the world so that more people can gain access to affordable quality education. This institution employs the finest educators for teaching at both undergraduate and postgraduate level.
Times ranked SCU among the top 500 higher education universities of 2015-16. It offers exceptional online degree programs to provide effective distance learning. More than 5,000 students successfully complete distance courses from here each year. The university presents zero campus-based obligations for all students enrolled in online programs. Students are connected with other persons taking the same course to enhance the experience and provide maximum support. Additionally, a separate Student Success Advisor is dedicated to each student for guidance in all aspects.
SCU has a Master of Information Technology Management program that can be completed in 2 years time by studying part-time. It consists of a 12 units; the study periods each year include February, April, July, September, October and December.
2) Pennsylvania state University
The Pennsylvania state university has an online campus called the Penn state World Campus. In collaboration with the College of Information Sciences and Technology, the online campus offers the Master of Professional Studies in Information Sciences program. The curriculum is very advanced and covers real-world business affairs. Graduates of this university are known to bag the best paying jobs in the country.
The online campus accepts students from anywhere around the world and the program holds 33 credits. According to the U.S News and World Report, it has the number 1 faculty for online training in the field of IT. It was also ranked number 12 on the list of top public schools in the U.S, in 2012.
3) Boston University (BU)
BU is a large non-profit independent institution. It's online Master in Computer Information Systems degree program contains 10 subjects that are taught to distant students in less than 2 years. In 2013, BU obtained the 51st position among national universities in the U.S with the best colleges.
In 2010, the United States Distance Learning Association granted BU a silver best practices award for distance learning programming. Apart from that, this university also received the Sloan Consortium award for excellence in online education the same year.
4) New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT)
NJIT is a public research university in New Jersey that offers an online Master of Science in business and information systems degree program. The courses of this degree program focus on application of IT in private, non-profit and government agencies.
The program also covers finance and business operations, which gives it a vast approach. Hence, this institution is most recommendable for anyone who is required to exercise their IT skills in a business setting. NJIT is ranked number 26 in the list of top online computer information technology programs by U.S News and World Report. Academic analytics includes it the top 10 when it comes to faculty's productivity.
5) Carnegie Mellon University
Carnegie Mellon University's Heinz College provides an online Master of Information Technology Management degree that mainly focuses on information security and assurance. The university's software engineering institute also provides it's assistance in training students for risk management.
In 2013, the University was ranked number 2 in management information systems and included in the "New Ivies" list. It is also ranked the 4th best private university in the U.S.
6) Western Governors University (WGU)
WGU is another non-profit online university that was developed by governors of 19 states in the West. The university has an aptitude-based approach and its online Master of IT degree emphasizes on Network Management. The program prepares students to deal with complex IT networks and build up leadership qualities.
The online course is specially designed for professionals in the field who wish to enhance their management capabilities. The enrolled students have to complete 33 competency units in order to graduate. WGU was given the 'International Distance Learning Award' and the 21st Century Award for Best Practices in Distance Learning' by the United States Distance Learning association in 2011.
7) Drexel University
Drexel University is a private school in Pennsylvania that has contributed generously in the area of science, engineering and technology. It offers an online degree for Master of Science in Information Systems that implies the most up to date knowledge and practices at present.
Students that attain this degree are eligible for high-level jobs related to IT. The curriculum consists of 8 core subjects that focus on controlling large-scale information systems. Drexel made it to the list of top 100 colleges/universities in the U.S in 2011. In 2010, it received the Sloan Consortium Award for Excellence in Institution-Wide Online Education.
8) Brandeis University
The Brandeis University is located in Massachusetts; it is a school of liberal arts and a research university. Its online Master of Information Technology Management program combines technical and managerial elements. The syllabus is a courtesy of the Division of Graduate Professional Studies.
As a distant student you will acquire the skills to solve technological problems and reach management goals. The IT degree has 30 credits and is divided into 7 courses. Brandeis was ranked number 31 in the 'Best Value Schools' and number 38 in 'America's Best Colleges' list by Forbes.
9) Arizona State University (ASU)
ASU is a public school offering an online degree program titled 'Master in Information Management'. It includes topics such as emerging technologies, project management and IT services. Students are encouraged to select a project based on latest glitches in the IT industry. Students are required to complete 10 courses for receiving their degree.
ASU favors its students by introducing them to professionals from their relevant industries. They arrange seminars and panel discussions with industry leaders to help students keep in touch with modern developments. The institution is one of the top-tier U.S universities and is included in 'America's Best College Buys' by Forbes magazine.
10) Creighton University
Creighton Universities is among the Jesuit universities if the U.S. It has a distance learning program of Master in Information Technology Management that is suitable for both IT and business professionals. The university is located in Nebraska and grabbed the top spot in 2013 for 'Best Colleges in Regional Universities' and 'Best Value School for MidWest regional universities
The online Masters degree includes subjects like budget planning and ethics aside from the common courses. The program consists of 33 credit hours and graduates can successfully apply their learning of the IT industry in any part of the world.