Business and IT management are becoming very close to synonymous as more and more companies rely on automation, networks, databases, and software to produce and delivery services and products. As a result, the concept of a business major from a bachelor’s degree applying for and entering an Information Technology masters degree program is not unheard of. In fact, it’s very common.
The Demand Growth for IT-Savvy Managers
IT knowledge in a company setting, particularly a medium or large-size organization, is expanding far beyond the ranks of the programmers and network administrators. Many business managers ranging from personnel to production and sales are realizing the value of IT knowledge and how it can improve both the performance of their areas as well their own careers. The master’s degree takes advantage of a business undergraduate degree foundation and expands those economic principles into the world of IT tools management.
Expectations When Signing Up
Students who sign up for the masters degree will have an uphill learning curve at first, especially if coming into the program without any prior IT knowledge, either from education or practical experience. However, the learning curve is manageable, and at the masters level the primary focus is far more on managing resources for system planning, theoretical design, system upgrading, and management of digital information through databases and conduit while serving multiple users. A student doesn’t necessary need to have a fluent background in C++ or old languages like Pascal or Kobol to pass classes and achieve the program degree.
Career Options
Career candidates with a Master of Business Information Technology and an undergraduate business degree will often find themselves overseeing major database and digital information project, with a particular focus on financial information, production data tracking, and automation. Some are also finding career opportunities in auditing as well, both for government agencies, consultants, and internal audit offices.
In addition to just IT administration, there are various new fields exploring IT management in cloud as well as compliance and risk management. Both fields are growing significantly as companies seek ways to operate networks with less cost, and regulatory changes are pushing more and more company transparency.
Preparation Thoughts
Business candidates thinking about an IT masters degree should definitely have a strong competency in statistics as well as calculus. Both knowledge skills are necessary for practical application and analysis when estimating data needs and system growth. Most programs will take students on a full-time or part-time status, and a number of schools offer their masters degree as a career advancement product for working adults. In many cases students can start and complete their programs with one to two years, which also makes the degree attractive for personal career enhancement when already working in a company and business environment.
In any case, students with a dual background often stand out in the crowd because they bring more to the table as an employee candidate. So having two different educational backgrounds can be a good thing.
