Online master’s programs in technology are designed for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree and want advanced training. Programs may emphasize specialized practice areas, leadership, or advanced methods depending on the school.
This page explains how master’s programs are structured, what coursework typically includes, and what to compare across schools.
$175,140
IT Manager Median Salary
BLS, May 2025
82.9%
Doctoral Programs Online
College Scorecard
15.2%
IT Manager Job Growth
BLS, 2024-2034
Figures shown are medians from the cited public data sources (such as the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) and reflect previously reported outcomes. They are estimates, not a guarantee of future earnings, debt, cost, or results. Individual outcomes vary by program, institution, location, enrollment status, and personal circumstances.
Quick answers
What is an online master’s in technology?
It is a graduate-level program that builds advanced technology knowledge through online coursework.
What degree titles are common?
Common options include MS or MA, depending on the institution and focus.
What types of master’s-level technology programs are common?
Common options include general master’s programs, specialized tracks, and programs with elective concentrations.
What is typically included in the curriculum?
Most programs include a shared core before electives or concentrations, plus a capstone or thesis option.
What do admissions requirements usually include?
Most programs require a completed bachelor’s degree. Common elements include transcripts, a resume, and written statements.
Programs may use standard term schedules, accelerated shorter terms, or part-time options with lighter course loads.
At a Glance
- Degree type: Master of Science (MS) or Master of Arts (MA)
- Typical duration: 1.5-2 years full-time
- Credits: 30-36 semester hours
- Top career: Computer and Information Systems Manager – $175,140 median (BLS, May 2025)
- Job growth: IT Managers projected +15.2% through 2034 (BLS)
- Accreditation: ABET programmatic accreditation available for some programs
Schools to compare
How We Rank Schools
Every school list on this site is ordered by the BOC Score, computed from the most
recent school-level data published by the U.S. Department of Education (College Scorecard and IPEDS).
To qualify, a school must be currently operating and accredited by an agency recognized by the
U.S. Department of Education. Each eligible school is then scored on five measures, percentile-ranked
against schools at the same credential level:
BOCSCORE
- Graduation rate 30%
- Median earnings, 10 years after entry 25%
- Average net price (lower is better) 20%
- Retention rate 15%
- Fully online availability 10%
Schools without enough outcome data appear after ranked schools, without a score.
Advertising never affects these rankings. Read the full methodology.
Graduation rate
93%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry
$102,772
Avg net price
$12,116/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Key stats
- Retention rate: 98%
- Programs offered: 64
Source:IPEDS · College Scorecard
Graduation rate
97%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry
$124,080
Avg net price
$13,807/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Key stats
- Retention rate: 98%
- Programs offered: 100
Source:IPEDS · College Scorecard
Graduation rate
89%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry
$71,588
Avg net price
$6,541/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Key stats
- Retention rate: 97%
- Programs offered: 172
Source:IPEDS · College Scorecard
Graduation rate
85%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry
$83,847
Avg net price
$13,269/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Key stats
- Retention rate: 92%
- Programs offered: 8
Source:IPEDS · College Scorecard
TuitionContact school for pricing
Key stats
- Retention rate: 99%
- Programs offered: 9
Source:IPEDS · College Scorecard
Graduation rate
80%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry
$78,466
Avg net price
$12,319/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Key stats
- Retention rate: 86%
- Programs offered: 39
Source:IPEDS · College Scorecard
Graduation rate
85%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry
$75,790
Avg net price
$15,564/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Key stats
- Retention rate: 90%
- Programs offered: 193
Source:IPEDS · College Scorecard
TuitionContact school for pricing
Key stats
- Retention rate: 95%
- Programs offered: 52
Source:IPEDS · College Scorecard
Typical topics in a master’s program
| Course Topic |
What You Learn |
| Advanced Systems Architecture |
Enterprise infrastructure design and optimization |
| Cybersecurity Strategy |
Organizational security policy, risk management, and compliance |
| Cloud & Data Strategy |
Cloud migration planning, data governance, and analytics |
| IT Leadership & Management |
Project management, team leadership, and strategic planning |
| Applied Capstone Project |
Integrative project applying advanced concepts to real scenarios |
| Research Methods |
Research design, data analysis, and evidence-based decision making |
Skills and outcomes to compare
Outcomes vary by program, but you can compare:
- Depth of specialization or practice area coverage
- Applied project or practicum requirements
- Research expectations or thesis options
- Leadership, policy, or advanced method focus
For pacing and delivery comparisons, see: Online Course Formats
How to compare online master’s programs
- Identify the program type (general, specialized, or concentration-based).
- Review the core curriculum and capstone requirements.
- Check concentrations and electives that fit your interests.
- Confirm admissions expectations and prerequisites.
- Compare online format and pacing options.
- Verify institutional accreditation before applying.
Verify that any technology program you consider holds recognized institutional accreditation. ABET accredits some graduate-level technology programs. A master’s degree can qualify you for senior roles such as IT Manager, with a median annual wage of $175,140 (BLS, May 2025).
Admissions requirements
Requirements vary by school, but most programs require a completed bachelor’s degree. Common elements include transcripts, a resume, and written statements. Some programs may request prerequisites or professional experience.
Master’s vs other technology degree levels
| Level |
Typical Credits |
1yr Median Earnings |
5yr Median Earnings |
Median Debt |
| Certificate |
15-30 |
$46,815 |
$57,494 |
$9,105 |
| Associate |
60 |
$43,896 |
$52,772 |
$14,321 |
| Bachelor’s |
120 |
$56,372 |
$83,443 |
$22,796 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, latest academic year.
Technology careers by salary
| Career |
Median Salary |
Employment |
Projected Growth |
| Computer and Information Systems Manager |
$171,200 |
645,970 |
+15.2% |
| Software Developer |
$133,080 |
1,654,440 |
+15.8% |
| Computer Network Architect |
$130,390 |
177,010 |
+11.9% |
| Information Security Analyst |
$124,910 |
179,430 |
+28.5% |
| Network and Computer Systems Administrator |
$96,800 |
318,570 |
-4.2% |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
Next Steps
Data verified: June 7, 2026.
Salary, employment, and tuition figures on this page are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS May 2025; Employment Projections 2024–2034) and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (2023 cohort). The source agency and data year are cited inline with every statistic.
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