Your Guide to a Master’s Degree in Information Technology

Key takeaways

A master’s in information technology helps you prepare to support, manage, and troubleshoot the computer and network systems organizations rely on.

• Openings for IT professions should grow faster than average between 2024 and 2034, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics [1].

• IT master’s degrees blend technical skills with workplace skills, helping you prepare for roles that require both expertise and leadership.

• You can focus your IT studies on computer science specialties, such as cloud computing, cybersecurity, or other related areas.

Learn more about what you study in a master's in information technology, careers you can pursue after earning the degree, and alternatives to bolster your education.

Master's in information technology: Time and cost

At the master’s level, you can find programs in information technology (IT), information systems, or information systems management. Despite the difference in names, these programs tend to cover a similar curriculum.

The time it takes to earn your master’s in IT will depend on the school you attend. While a master’s degree traditionally takes around two years to earn when you can go full-time, you can find accelerated options for studying information technology. Several online degree programs require 10 courses, or 30 credits total, which can take between 16 and 24 months to complete.

As of November 2024, the average cost of a master’s degree is $62,820, though each school is different [2]. The total cost depends on whether you attend a public or private institution. 

Master's degree in information technology coursework 

Many master’s programs in IT combine theoretical and practical learning, so you understand how to implement the concepts you study. While each school’s requirements will differ, you can expect to take several computer science courses that focus on: 

• IT research methods

• Managing technology

• Database management with SQL

• Information security 

• Algorithms and computation

• System administration 

• Distributed computing

Capstone or thesis

Some IT master’s degrees also require a capstone or thesis. Either of these culminating projects is an opportunity to apply what you’ve learned, develop an original project, or conduct original research. 

IT skills development

Thanks to the practical nature of an IT program’s curriculum, you may get an opportunity to develop or strengthen many valuable technical and workplace skills. You can integrate both types of skills into your resume as you look for new roles or to advance in your current workplace. 

Technical skills

Technical skills are specific abilities related to your role, such as knowing how to use a particular software program or, in the case of IT, installing hardware and software. In an IT master’s program, you may find an opportunity to strengthen some of the following skills: 

• DevOps

• Systems and networks

• Data analysis

• Cloud computing

Workplace skills

Workplace skills are more general because they describe how you do your work. They involve key abilities, like communicating with others and critical thinking. In an IT master’s program, you may be able to refine some of the following skills: 

• Leadership

• Collaboration

• Communication

• Problem-solving 

Learn more: Do I Need an Information Technology Degree? What to Consider

What can you do with an MS degree in information technology?

Many IT professionals pursue a master’s in information technology because they’re interested in advancing their careers in cybersecurity, cloud computing, or a similar specialty, and want more specialized knowledge and credentials. Openings for IT professions should grow faster than average between 2024 and 2034, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics [1]. 

With a master’s degree and additional experience, you may qualify for the following roles:

All salary information represents the median total pay from Glassdoor as of November 2025. These figures include base salary and additional pay, which may represent profit-sharing, commissions, bonuses, or other compensation.

Other ways to accelerate your IT career

If you want to advance your career in IT or pivot from another career into IT, other ways you can gain specialized education include:

• Professional Certificate: Designed for learners who want to move into a different field or excel in their current role, professional certificates typically take around six months to earn and emphasize practical and technical skills development.

• Graduate certificate: Many universities offer graduate certificates, which are similar to professional certificates in that they focus on skills development. However, they tend to cost less and take less time to complete than a master’s degree.

• Individual courses: You can strengthen your IT knowledge by taking individual courses meant to introduce or refine your understanding of various concepts, like data analytics or DevOps. 

• Projects: Completing projects independently can be an excellent opportunity to apply your learning and further develop your skills. You may find IT forums that offer project ideas or YouTube channels that post things to work on. Or complete a Guided Project on Coursera.

Is a master's in information technology worth it?

With a master’s degree in IT, you increase your earning potential, you can more likely find a job in the growing market, and you can more easily move into management positions. Evaluate your career goals to determine if a master’s in IT is worth it for you, keeping in mind that earning a master’s degree is an investment in your skills, education, and career.

Explore our free resources for information technology professionals

Keep your finger on the pulse of the IT industry with our LinkedIn newsletter, Career Chat. Then, check out these resources to keep learning more: 

• Take the Quiz: Career Test: What Career is Right for Me Quiz?

• Bookmark this page: Information Technology (IT) Terms: A to Z Glossary

• Watch on YouTube: Exploring IT Career Paths: Your Guide to a Rewarding Tech Future

Complete your master’s degree with flexible programs from esteemed university partners on Coursera.