Computer technology has become an essential part of everyday life and business success. Given the critical importance of technology for nearly every organization, many employers today are looking for leaders with both strong tech and business management skills. Earning an MBA in IT online can help you grow in both areas in a flexible format that works with your busy schedule.
With the wide selection of schools to choose from, you probably have lots of questions, like:
- Which schools offer the best programs?
- How much will my education cost
- What are the requirements for admission?
- What is earning a degree online learning like?
We answer those and many other questions below, so keep reading to start your path to earning your online MBA in information technology.
B-School Spotlights: Best Online MBA Information Technology Programs in 2023
Prospective students looking to earn an online MBA information technology degree have a lot of great programs to choose from. To help you start your online degree search, we have identified three standout online information technology MBA programs and spotlighted them below. These spotlights also offer a preview of our full programs list coming later, so be sure to check back.
Maryville University
Students who enroll in Maryville University’s ACBSP-accredited Online Master of Business Administration in Information Technology program will enjoy maximum study flexibility and affordability. This flexibility starts at the admission process, where applicants do not need to submit GRE or GMAT scores, nor is there an application fee. Once classes start, students can transfer in credits for previously completed coursework to satisfy their MBA program requirements. As a result, some students will be able to graduate in as little as 14 months.
The program’s course of study is delivered 100% online, and there are no visits to campus required. This means no on-campus visits are necessary to graduate. Students enjoy a number of support services as they progress through the program, including academic and career counseling, the ability to collaborate with peers and professors, and easy access to online technical support. Six start dates are available annually.
Western Governors University
Western Governor’s University is a major leader in distance education, offering dozens of online programs, including this ACBSP-accredited Master of Business Administration Information Technology Management. One of its key features is a competency-based learning format. This means students will progress through the program based on what they know, not what they complete. The curriculum is comprised of 11 courses, but students can forego coursework by taking and passing a course assessment. The program is self-paced, meaning that students can move through their studies at their own chosen speed.
For further flexibility, the classes are offered in an asynchronous format. This allows students to complete their coursework at those times and places most convenient to their busy schedules.
University of Wisconsin Whitewater
Students interested in management roles in the design and implementation of technology should strongly consider the AACSB-accredited MBA in Information Technology Management from the University of Wisconsin Whitewater. The 36-credit curriculum combines IT-focused classes with core business and management coursework in leadership development, quantitative analysis, and project management fundamentals. Students can complete their coursework entirely online, entirely on campus, or through a combination of both online and on-campus classes
Boasting a 100% placement rate, UWW’s online MBA in Information Technology Management fully prepares graduates for careers in positions such as:
- IT Manager
- Project Manager
- Business Analyst
- Systems Analyst
What to Expect from an Online MBA in Information Technology Program
Depending on their individual backgrounds, students in online information technology MBA programs may be required to complete one or more courses in finance, marketing, or accounting prior to starting their program’s core curriculum. Core course subjects typically include, among others, managerial economics, leadership, ethics, and business policy. Students additionally complete a series of required courses in IT-specific subjects, as well as a small number of electives. Most students will complete their courses of study with a capstone project that allows them to apply what they’ve learned in the program through the creation of a strategic plan-based project.
Many online MBA IT programs are presented 100% online, often in an asynchronous format that allows students to access and attend coursework at any time. Additionally, many programs offer both part-time and full-time study options. The self-paced study may also be available.
Regardless of format, business schools understand the importance of collaborative learning and networking and, therefore, include synchronous components like live-streamed lectures and real-time group sessions in their program structure.
Common MBA IT Online Courses
Economic Analysis
This class addresses marketing challenges and management strategies for maintaining a productive team environment resulting in effective marketing plan design and implementation. Coursework includes the use of real marketing plan case studies.
Optimizing Brands
Examination of the fundamentals of building and maintaining product and service brands. Topics covered include brand identity, identifying market trends, conducting market research, and how consumers build trust with a brand through the use of customer experiences.
Ethics in the Marketplace
A comprehensive review of the legal parameters and ethical considerations relevant to how organizations conduct business. This includes examining how to target consumers, fairly price products and services, and protect privacy rights. Course materials include essays and case studies.
Data Analytics and Business Intelligence
This course instructs students on the basic concepts related to data analytics their application in the business decision-making process. Specific subjects covered include data warehousing and business intelligence.
Data Mining
Big data has become a major component in the growth of most businesses. As a result, businesses must find efficient and effective ways to gather the large amounts of data needed to compete in today’s marketplace. This course teaches students about the different strategies and techniques employed today in the acquisition and implementation of big data.
What You Can Do with an MBA in Information Technology
The MBA IT online degree provides students to the business and management skills needed to better understand and use computer technologies. Given the critical importance of computer hardware and software in efficient business operations, combining information technology coursework with MBA coursework offers a synergistic benefit. The result is a strong and growing demand for MBA graduates with IT training. Below are descriptions of some of the most common occupations available to MBA IT graduates.
Chief Information Officer
The CIO is responsible for the information technology operations of an entire organization. This requires an understanding of the underlying technical concepts and practices that support the IT infrastructure of a company and how IT operations fit into an organization’s overall mission. Through the knowledge and skills gained in their MBA IT program, CIOs can improve information systems and organizational efficiency.
| 10th Percentile | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
$62,290 | $184,460 | $208,000+ |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021
Computer Systems Manager
Computer systems managers handle the major computer-related operations in an organization. This may include the designing and planning of new computer systems, as well as the maintenance of existing systems. MBA in IT graduates are adept and all components of computer systems, making them particularly attractive prospects to employers for computer systems management positions.
| 10th Percentile | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
$87,480 | $146,360 | $208,000+ |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2019
Database Administrator
The role of a database administrator is to oversee the operations of database systems. These are computers and software that store and organize large amounts of data. A bachelor’s degree is usually needed to fulfill this role, but in larger organizations where databases play an integral role in operations, the advanced skills of an IT MBA graduate are essential.
| 10th Percentile | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
$51,800 | $93,750 | $148,060 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2019
Computer Systems Analyst
A computer systems analyst finds ways for organizations to operate their computer and networking systems more efficiently and effectively. This requires a full understanding of both how computer systems work and how an organization operates. That’s why employers prefer to hire MBA in IT degree holders for their computer systems analyst positions.
| 10th Percentile | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
$55,180 | $90,920 | $147,670 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2019
Costs and Financial Aid for Online MBA Degrees in Information Technology
To make an online MBA in information technology degree affordable, most students will need the help of one or more financial aid resources. Common financial aid options include grants, scholarships, student loans, fellowships, and employer tuition reimbursement benefits. This latter option is promising for MBA students because many of their current employers are happy help pay for the graduate educations of their most valuable employees. For more information about the financial aid options available for your MBA online information technology degree, visit OMD’s financial aid page.
How Much Your Online MBA in Information Technology Might Cost
| School Name | No. of Credits | Cost/Credit | Est. Total Tuition Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
36 | $514 | $18,504 | |
36 | $648 | $23,328 | |
36 | $1,350 | $48,600 |
FAQs About Online Information Technology MBA Programs
What are the typical admissions requirements for an online MBA in information technology?
Each online MBA program with an information technology concentration will have its own unique admissions requirements. However, most of them will require the following:
- Application
- Application fee
- Recommendation letters
- Official transcripts, including those showing possession of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Statement of purpose or personal statement
- Resume or curriculum vitae
Most differences in admissions requirements concern GRE and GMAT scores. Many programs do not require them at all, while those that do typically offer waivers to applicants meeting certain qualifications.
Are there any online IT MBA programs that don’t require the GMAT?
As we said, many online MBA information technology programs no longer require the GMAT or GRE. These include schools like Southern New Hampshire University and Western Governors University. Other programs offer GMAT or GRE waivers. For example, Lawrence Technological University waives their GMAT requirement for applicants with a previously earned master’s degree or undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher.
How long will it take to complete my MBA in information technology online?
The majority of online MBA in IT students (like those at Texas Tech University) will complete their programs with around one year of full-time study. Part-time students (like those at Rivier University) typically complete their programs in one to two years.
Can I earn my MBA in information technology 100% online?
Because most MBA students intend to continue working full-time while in school, most MBA information technology online degree programs are offered 100% online. Depending on the school, some programs allow online students the option of attending some of their courses on campus.
What’s the difference between an MBA in information technology and a master’s in information technology?
Both the master of science in information technology and the MBA in information technology prepare individuals for management positions in the IT field. There are differences between the two degrees, however, primarily in terms of subject emphasis.
An MBA IT online degree curriculum consists of mostly business, management, accounting, and leadership courses, with information technology classes secondary. A master of science in information technology degree curriculum includes far more computer and technology-related coursework.
The MBA IT online degree, therefore, is better suited for individuals who want to work in a business organization’s IT department. In contrast, the master of science in information technology is ideal for individuals with strong information systems, IT, or computer science backgrounds who desire to take on leadership roles in an information technology company or related organization
.
If a master’s in IT sounds like the better path for you, be sure to check out OMD’s guide to the best online master’s in information technology programs.