The Top IT Management MBA Online Programs

Today, virtually every business utilizes a computer system to keep data organized and operations efficient. Many businesses also rely heavily on computers and the Internet to communicate with their customers. Since the daily operations of a business rely so heavily on this information technology (IT), the business community has a great need for professionals who can oversee and manage computer systems and networks. An IT management MBA online degree, sometimes referred to as a technology management MBA, can provide the knowledge necessary to secure a professional job in this field.

The best online MBA IT management programs teach students to successfully integrate technology into everyday business practices. In addition to basic business topics, most students pursuing an online Master of Business Administration in IT Management will be trained in essential IT skills such as computer programming, network security and data recovery. Individuals who pursue this online MBA will also learn about current trends in information technology, how to evaluate new technology for use in an organization and how to identify and take advantage of e-business opportunities. Essentially, those who earn an MBA IT management online will be trained to oversee all of a business’s technology needs.

How can I tell if an online MBA IT Management degree is right for me?

Individuals interested in information technology, creating and maintaining business value and management and strategy may want to consider pursuing an IT management MBA online.

Some additional characteristics that are common amongst many online MBA information technology management students are:

• A capacity for interacting with computers
• A knack for thinking creatively
• A flair for updating and using relevant knowledge
• A propensity for establishing and maintaining interpersonal relationships
• A capacity for getting information

How long does it take to earn an MBA online IT management degree?

The time it takes to earn an information technology management MBA degree online is comparable to the time it takes to earn other MBAs online. To earn this degree it typically requires 2 years of full-time study. However, part-time or accelerated programs are offered by some colleges to allow students to complete the MBA under a timeframe that suits their schedule.

What are the prerequisites and admission requirements for MBA IT management schools online?

Prior to enrolling in online MBA information technology management programs, business schools require students to have a bachelor’s degree. While having a bachelor’s degree in related fields like information systems, business administration, information security, and organizational management may be ideal for those considering enrolling in a good MBA information technology management online program, it is generally not required.

In addition to requiring students to have a bachelor’s degree, many online MBA in information technology management programs base admission on the following criteria:

• Work experience
• Academic transcripts
• Essays
• Personal interviews

What courses will I take in IT management MBA programs online?

Most schools with top online IT management MBA rankings are structured in a similar way. Generally, the first half of the program covers basic business subject matter such as managerial economics, financial accounting, operations and supply chain management, leadership skills development and analytical decision making. These classes provide students with a practical business foundation before continuing to the second year of their online MBA in IT management program.

IT management MBA schools online normally include more information technology coursework in the second half of the degree program. A student can expect to take classes such as database management technology, global information technology management, technology forecasting, and analysis of emerging technology, among many other options.

Many students enrolled in online information technology management MBA programs do an internship during the course of their education. Such an internship can prove important in that it not only gives students an opportunity to practically apply the business and information technology management skills they are gaining in an actual business setting, but it can also serve as an introduction into a particular business or company.

What are the best online MBA in IT management books I should consider reading?

Some books students interested in information technology management MBA careers may find insightful include:

1. Adventures of an IT Leader (Robert D. Austin; Richard L. Nolan; Shannon O’Donnell) –This novel, which is based on true events, follows a new IT manager named Jim Barton through a challenging first year, a topic of interest to any new IT graduate.

2. Technical Impact: Making Your Information Technology Effective, and Keeping it That Way (Al Kuebler) – Author Al Kuebler offers IT lessons designed to teach IT professionals and general managers to work together to make a business successful.

3. IT Savvy: What Top Executives Must Know to Go from Pain to Gain (Peter Weill, Jeanne W. Ross) – This book teaches managers to effectively utilize IT professionals in order to take a business to the next level and gain an edge on competitors.

4. The One Page Project Manager for IT Projects: Communicate and Manage Any Project With A Single Sheet of Paper (Charles A. Campbell) – This is a project management guide specifically for IT professionals, which focuses on streamlining the process and using minimal resources.

5. IT’s Hidden Face: Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Information Technology (Claude Roeltgen) – Students enrolled in accredited online IT management MBA schools will find this insider’s look at the world of information technology intriguing and informative.

What are my future job prospects if I pursue IT management MBA jobs?

An online Master of Business Administration in IT Management provides a lot of opportunity when looking for a job. With over 800,000 related jobs in the market, earning an MBA online IT management degree can be the ticket to a successful career. The IT management MBA salary averages for some of the most popular jobs are as follows:

• Computer Systems Analyst: $77,740
• Network and Computer Systems Administrator: $69,160
• Database Administrator: $73,490
• Computer and Information Systems Manager: $115,780

Overall, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the demand for computer and information systems managers is expected to grow by about 18% over the next ten years, which is somewhat faster than average for occupations in the United States. This growth is attributed to the rapid expansion and growth of technology, as well as the increasing threat of cyber attacks on businesses.

Many employers want graduates who have earned their degrees from a program that has been accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. AACSB accredited information technology management MBA programs are thought to provide students with a quality education.

What are the top online schools to pursue an online IT Management MBA degree?

• Western Governors University
• Florida Tech University Online
• Jones International University
• WGU Indiana
• Kaplan University