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Online Master’s in Information Technology MS in IT Degree

Irem Bat, who earned a degree in information technology.

Cost per credit $637

Total courses 12

Term length 10 weeks

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Program Overview Why get an online master’s in information technology?

Organizations in every industry need IT professionals who can think beyond traditional technology support functions. And with a Master of Science (MS) in Information Technology degree from Southern New Hampshire University, you'll gain marketable technical skills — so you can serve as a bridge between IT and your organization’s management.

Skills you'll learn:

  • Appropriate steps for ensuring information security
  • Collaborative problem-solving
  • Computer-based solutions to business challenges
  • Ethically sound, technology-informed compliance procedures
  • Risk assessment that informs change management processes
Alaine Garcia, who earned her degree from SNHU in 2019, typing on her laptop computer.

Courses & Curriculum Online IT courses built for the modern workforce

Learn to identify and implement technologies that drive growth and provide competitive differentiators for organizations in SNHU's online master's in information technology curriculum.

From developing computer-based solutions to business problems to collaborating and communicating effectively, you'll investigate current IT topics and their applications. Your courses will emphasize practical skills, too, like analyzing business needs, determining information systems requirements and applying current technologies.

Concentrations

Online information technology concentrations

Master a specialized skill set with one of our 7 industry-driven concentrations.

By earning an online Master of Science in Information Technology degree with a concentration in Data Analytics, you’ll have the specialized intelligence to collect, organize and interpret statistical information while leveraging the power of big data. In this concentration, you'll examine the concept of data analysis and how it influences business decisions.

Career outlook:

The need for data analysts is on the rise as companies turn to big data to drive important business decisions. With a concentration in data analytics, you can fulfill a number of roles including:

  • Operations research analyst
  • Market research analyst
  • Computer systems analyst

Those interested in advancing a career in this field may also be interested in a fully online master's in data analytics.

Courses may include:

  • Foundations of Data
  • Decision Methods and Modeling
  • Presentation and Visualization of Data
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Databases are the backbone of almost every business, and with the Master of Science in Information Technology with a concentration in Database Design degree, you’ll develop the skills necessary to successfully design databases.

SNHU's master’s in database design program focuses on the design and development of database applications, client/server systems and data warehouses within the context of a business environment. In this program, you’ll learn how multi-user database applications are created and manipulate data in a shared database environment. You’ll also explore the principles of design, development and implementation of data warehouse database management systems (DBMS).

Courses may include:

  • Database Application Development
  • Data Warehouse Concepts and Design
  • Client/Server Systems
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Use your aptitude for technology to make a measurable difference in people's lives with the Master of Science in Information Technology with a concentration in Healthcare Informatics.

SNHU's healthcare informatics program will help you understand how to use information systems integral to the success of the evolving healthcare industry. You'll study electronic medical records (EMR), laboratory and radiation systems and more to determine new trends and practices, as well as how they function in various healthcare settings.

Career outlook:

Health information technology will play a major role in the future of healthcare. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates this field will grow 16% through 2032.1 The expertise you'll gain with a focus in health informatics could help prepare you to become a valued professional in the workforce. Upon completion of this program, you'll have the knowledge and skills needed to pursue management positions in a wide range of healthcare-related organizations.

Courses may include:

  • Healthcare Informatics
  • Social & Organizational Issues in Healthcare
  • Management of Information Technology
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As information technologies evolve, so does the need for cyber security roles. Students in the Master of Science in Information Technology with a concentration in Information Security will examine the current landscape of vulnerabilities, risks and security disciplines – and how these relate to the field of information security.

This ever-growing field involves managing and evaluating internal and external threats to security, system integrity and networks. This program equips you with the foundational knowledge and analytical skills necessary to prevent, mitigate and respond to cyber security threats.

You'll learn to develop best practices for planning, implementing and managing security and system integrity while developing organizational policies and procedures to evaluate and manage potential security threats. You'll also learn to investigate human factors present in cyber security related to ethics, integrity, practices, policies and procedures.

Plus, through our Cybersecurity Center of Excellence, SNHU proudly supports cybersecurity students across the globe. With highly experienced faculty, global networking events and experiential learning opportunities, it's no surprise SNHU has been designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) by the National Security Agency (NSA). The Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity is our validated program of study.

If you're interested in advancing your career in this specific field, you may also want to think about an online master's in cybersecurity.

Courses may include:

  • Foundation in Information Assurance
  • Human Factors in Security
  • Network Assessment and Defense
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Advance your expertise with an exploration of topics that support managing enterprise-level information technology when you earn an online Master of Science in Information Technology with a concentration in Enterprise Technology Management.

In this concentration, you'll focus on managing key aspects of information technology, including the relationships between structure and process in project management and the management of IT functions for a variety of organizations. You'll also explore enterprise resource planning, as well as the implications of cyber law and ethics.

From learning how to manage IT functions and interrelationships within an organization, to justifying recommendations for enterprise resource planning technology solutions, to managing the overall flow of information and integration, you can develop the skills you need to problem solve and propose future enhancements.

Those interested in advancing into IT leadership may also want to consider an online MBA with an information technology management concentration.

Courses may include:

  • Cyberlaw and Ethics
  • Management of Information Technology
  • Enterprise Resource Planning
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The Master of Science in Information Technology with a concentration in Software Application Development provides a hands-on introduction to designing and developing software applications. Learn the software development process, from considering the initial customer needs to designing and testing the product. Topics include software design methodologies, developing mobile applications and distributed software applications.

Courses may include:

  • Mobile Application Development
  • Distributed Application Development
  • Software Design and Modeling
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Our online Master of Science in Information Technology with a concentration in Web Design focuses on the design and development of interactive websites, web applications and methods for driving traffic to websites. You can gain experience with HTML/XML, scripting, embedding rich media and database connectivity, audience analysis, branding, page layout, templates and content organization. Other topics include e-commerce techniques, online security, privacy and ethics.

Courses may include:

  • Website Construction
  • Interface Design for Websites
  • Website Optimization
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Apply for free in minutes

Our no-commitment application can help you decide if SNHU is the right college for you and your career goals. Apply up until 2 days before the term starts!

Upcoming term starts: March 24, 2025 | June 9, 2025

Next term starts:
Jan. 6, 2025

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Online Student Experience What’s it like going to SNHU?

Attending college online at SNHU can be a life-changing experience. In fact, 93.2% of online students would recommend SNHU according to a 2023 survey with 21,000+ respondents.

What to expect:

10-week terms

Learn around your schedule

24/7 online support

Online Classroom

What does an online course look like?

You’ll take your courses within SNHU’s Brightspace platform. This is where you’ll find your:

  • Schedule of weekly assignments
  • Discussion boards
  • Grades
  • Instructor announcements
How to Take an Online Class at SNHU
5 ways SNHU makes the admission process "easy-peasy" #shorts

Admission Applying to SNHU is fast and free

No application fee. No test scores. And no college essay. Just a simple form with basic information. It’s another way SNHU helps you reach your goals sooner.

All it takes is 3 simple steps

It's easy, fast and free.

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Whether you're applying for an undergraduate or graduate degree, you’ll fill out a form to verify your previous education experience. As part of our admissions process, we'll help you request transcripts from your previous school(s) to see if you can transfer any credits into your SNHU program! (Also for free!)

After reviewing your official evaluation, you can decide if SNHU is right for you! If you choose to enroll, just pick your start date and get ready for classes to begin.

Talk to an admission counselor: 888.327.SNHU | enroll@snhu.edu

Accreditations

SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The university also carries specialized accreditations for some programs.

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Tuition Cost & Savings College can be more affordable than you think

As a nonprofit university, SNHU offers some of the lowest online tuition rates in the country. And when you work with our Financial Services team, we'll explore ways to help you save even more on your education – and customize a payment plan that works for you.

Online graduate tuition

Student
Cost per credit
Cost per course
Cost for 36-credit degree*
Full- and part-time students
$637
$1,911
$22,932
Active-duty military and spouses | Full- and part-time students**
$470
$1,410
$16,920

*before previously earned credits are applied

Tuition rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually.

**Note: Students receiving this rate are not eligible for additional discounts.

Additional costs: Course materials (price varies by course). Foundational courses may be required based on your undergraduate course history, which may result in additional cost.

Transfer credits and lower your cost by:

$1,911 $3,822 $5,733 $7,644
Transfer credits and lower your cost by:

If 3 of your prior learning credits ($637/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $17,199

If 6 of your prior learning credits ($637/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $15,288

If 9 of your prior learning credits ($637/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $13,377

If 12 of your prior learning credits ($637/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $11,466

How we estimate your tuition cost:

We look at the cost per credit multiplied by the number of credits you need to earn for a master's degree. Most master's degrees require 36 credits. SNHU allows you to transfer in up to 12 credits, requiring a minimum of 24 credits to be taken at SNHU. This is only a tuition estimator and doesn't account for other fees that may be associated with your program of choice.

Career Outlook What can I do with an online master’s in information technology?

With the growing demand for more business professionals with IT expertise, graduates of this program will be prepared for a variety of employment opportunities, including leadership roles. As businesses increase cybersecurity measures and integrate automation to perform repetitive tasks, IT professionals continue to be sought in high demand.1

SNHU’s online master's in information technology program is designed to help you change careers and break into the IT field. It's also a great choice for those already in the industry who are looking to advance their role. No matter what your goals are, you'll leave this program with the skills needed to take your next step.

Industries

Computer and information technology professionals can find roles in a wide array of industries, including:

Develop and improve secure, effective software and hardware. Work in collaboration with engineers and other specialists to solve problems, test solutions and build new systems.

Design and build high-performing, efficient databases to house important information. Plan and implement strategies for maintaining database security.

Install, maintain and upgrade network hardware and software to fit the needs of a particular organization. Train staff to use systems properly.

Support students, faculty and staff by troubleshooting and fixing computer or other technology problems.

Plan and execute experiments to test new software. Identify risks, and create innovative solutions to mitigate those risks.

Use computer languages, like C++ and Java, to write, test and fix programs. Use programming knowledge to make necessary updates and changes.

377,500

The number of computer and information technology job openings projected each year, on average, through 2032 by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).1

$104,420

The median annual salary for computer and information technology jobs as of May 2023, according to the BLS.1

Understanding the numbers
When reviewing job growth and salary information, it’s important to remember that actual numbers can vary due to many different factors—like years of experience in the role, industry of employment, geographic location, worker skill and economic conditions. Cited projections do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.

What SNHU students are saying

Aaron Guyett '20G
Aaron Guyett '20G
The experiential learning course allowed me to get real-world experience that led to a certification that will help me advance my career. The presentation of course material and support from the instructor helped to give me and my peers the tools to become a cloud professional.
Aaron Guyett '20G

Frequently Asked Questions

Computer science is focused on the underlying theories of computer systems. When studying for a computer science degree, you can focus on developing programming skills and becoming adept at creating and refining algorithms. Information technology studies are focused on the practical application of information systems and systems administration. Studies of information technology also include learning about databases, networking and gaining an overview of cyber security.

When it comes to career paths in information technology, examples run from tiny consulting firms to huge multinational corporations, and from highly technical specialties to management ladders that demand strong people skills.

Ben Steinbach with the text Ben Steinbach

And since it's an evergreen industry that's rapidly evolving, there's a wide range of career options available in the industry. “Everything that you touch, everything that you wear, everything that you interact with, anything that you order online, it’s all IT,” said Ben Steinbach, a career outreach specialist at SNHU. “It’s going to be with us every step of the way until the end of human civilization."

Ricardo Scarello with the text Ricardo Scarello

Our Career Services team can even help guide you along the way. After embarking on his master’s in IT online, Ricardo Scarello ‘19, who is also visually impaired, began working with the university’s career services team and participated in a virtual career fair. He credits SNHU with giving him the ability to be an equal to any other student. Now, he uses his skills and knowledge to allow others to experience the same through the work he does as a senior software developer.

“This was something no other school has done for me before,” he said. “Whatever came up, they said, ‘We’ll figure it out.’”

Here are some examples of career routes you might choose:

  • Computer support specialist: A good entry role if you are new to IT and enjoy answering questions about computer software and hardware, setting up equipment and training computer users.
  • Network and computer systems administrator: Daily tasks in this job could include maintaining computer network hardware and software, backing up data and troubleshooting network problems.
  • Computer systems analyst: Strong computer skills, often including programming tools, database management software and development environment software are a must for this type of role, which requires an understanding of both IT and business systems.

If you're looking to progress in the IT field, earning an information technology master's degree at Southern New Hampshire University is an excellent choice. After learning the foundations of information technology through SNHU's 4-year bachelor program, the online MS in IT degree could help you advance your career.

Earning a master's in information technology can be done in as few as 15 months, depending on your schedule. At SNHU, you'll work closely with your academic advisor to develop a flexible timeline that works for your lifestyle.

While it depends on a number of factors, according to the BLS, the median annual wage for computer and information technology occupations was $104,420 in May 2023.1

According to information pulled from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the IT jobs that paid the most in May 2023 include:1

  • Computer and information research scientist: $145,080
  • Computer network architect: $129,840
  • Software developer: $130,160
  • Database administrator: $117,450
  • Information security analyst: $120,360

Note: Additional education and certifications may be required in these roles.

Related Articles

Sources & Citations

1The Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet, at:

  • https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/health-information-technologists-and-medical-registrars.htm#tab-1 (viewed April 22, 2024)
  • https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/computer-and-information-systems-managers.htm (viewed April 22, 2024)
  • https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/home.htm (viewed April 22, 2024)
  • https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/database-administrators.htm#tab-5 (viewed April 22, 2024)

Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.