Our Methodology
Key Takeaways
Key Takeaways
- Most online information technology master’s programs run entirely online, but some include required or optional internships.
- Concentrations are common in information technology master’s programs and may improve your skills and employment opportunities in your field of interest.
- Program admission requirements may include professional IT experience or completion of undergraduate prerequisite courses.
Forbes Advisor Best Online Master’s in Information Technology Options
| College | Best For | Average Graduate Tuition and Fees Per Year (in-state) | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for Research Opportunities | $9,992 | 83% | |
| Most Specialization Options | $11,553 | 83% | |
| Best For Career Switchers | $49,450 | 93% | |
| Best for Collaborative Learning | $18,013 | 86% | |
| Best Per-Credit Cost | $4,560 | 46% | |
| Most Selective Admissions | $28,100 | 90% | |
| Best for Experiential Learning Opportunities | $15,137 | 64% | |
| Most Start Dates Offered | $9,062 | 62% | |
| Best Accelerated Option | $17,446 | 69% | |
| Highest Acceptance Rate | $12,432 | 56% |
Why Purdue University – Main Campus Ranks as No. 1
Purdue University’s consistency throughout the evaluation process is a key reason why it tops our list. The school scored in the upper half of the ranked institutions in several metrics, including lowest average tuition, student loan default rate, graduation rate, median earnings for alumni 10 years postgrad and student-to-faculty ratio.
A national leader in research, Purdue also has the highest number of graduate assistants among ranked schools.
Purdue University – Main Campus
Best for Research Opportunities
Purdue University – Main Campus
Program Tuition Rate
$800/credit (in-state)
Overall Graduation Rate
83%
$800/credit (in-state)
83%
At Purdue University, the online Master of Science (M.S.) in computer and information technology aligns with standards set by the Project Management Institute and the International Institute of Business Analysis. Along with three concentrations, students can pursue stackable graduate certificates through the program.
Available to IT professionals with at least one year of experience, the program offers fully online and asynchronous eight-week classes that students can complete in two years.
While Purdue offers lower tuition rates for Indiana residents, out-of-state students only pay $25 more per credit than their in-state classmates.
- Flexibility Rating: Learn on your schedule
- School Type: Public
- Institutional Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Application Fee: $60
- Degree Credit Requirements: 34 credits
- Example Major-Specific Courses: IT policy, law and ethics; interpersonal and group skills for leaders
- Concentrations Available: Business analysis IT; data literacy, visualization and analysis; IT project management
- In-Person Requirements: No
Florida State University
Most Specialization Options
Florida State University
Program Tuition Rate
$544-$579/credit (in-state)
Overall Graduation Rate
83%
$544-$579/credit (in-state)
83%
Florida State University (FSU) is one of the most selective schools on our list, and its online M.S. in information technology (M.S.I.T.) is no different. Eligible candidates need a minimum of 12 information technology credits or two years of professional experience for admission into the program.
FSU’s M.S.I.T. program doesn’t have formal concentrations, but students can follow focused study pathways in several disciplines to carve out their own niche. There’s also a Juris Doctor joint degree program for learners who want to pursue a dual law and IT degree.
Among our ranked schools, FSU also has some of the lowest median federal student loan debt and highest graduation rates.
- Flexibility Rating: N/A
- School Type: Public
- Institutional Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Application Fee: $30
- Degree Credit Requirements: 32 credits
- Example Major-Specific Courses: Information behavior, usability analysis
- Concentrations Available: Large-scale data management, leadership and management, technology and networking, user-centered design, web design
Carnegie Mellon University
Best For Career Switchers
Carnegie Mellon University
Program Tuition Rate
$600/unit
Overall Graduation Rate
93%
$600/unit
93%
Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) designed its online M.S.I.T. with working students in mind. The part-time program offers flexible asynchronous classes to fit around work schedules, and it requires three years of professional experience for admission.
CMU has the highest average tuition among ranked schools, but it also has the lowest student loan default rate and the highest median earnings for alumni 10 years after graduation. The private, Pittsburgh-based school’s 93% graduation rate and 5-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio topped our list in those categories as well.
- Flexibility Rating: Learn on your schedule
- School Type: Private
- Institutional Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Application Fee: Free
- Degree Credit Requirements: 144 units
- Example Major-Specific Courses: Managing digital business, advanced business analytics
- Concentrations Available: Business intelligence and data analytics, information security and assurance, information technology management
- In-Person Requirements: No
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Best for Collaborative Learning
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Program Tuition Rate
$1,075/credit
Overall Graduation Rate
86%
$1,075/credit
86%
Students pursuing the online Master of Information Technology (M.I.T.) from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) enjoy a flexible asynchronous schedule and a customizable curriculum. Along with their degree, learners can earn up to two graduate certificates from a choice of 10, selecting from areas including big data, cybersecurity policy and health information technology.
Virginia Tech’s M.I.T. program may run optional live sessions for students who want more classroom interaction. The school also charges the same tuition rate to in-state and out-of-state students.
In our ranking, Virginia Tech has one of the top graduation rates and median earnings for alumni 10 years after graduation, and one of the lowest student loan default rates.
- Flexibility Rating: Learn on your schedule
- School Type: Public
- Institutional Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Application Fee: $75
- Degree Credit Requirements: 33 credits
- Example Major-Specific Courses: Information systems design and database concepts, software engineering
- Concentrations Available: N/A
- In-Person Requirements: No
University of the Cumberlands
Best Per-Credit Cost
University of the Cumberlands
Program Tuition Rate
$355/credit
Overall Graduation Rate
46%
$355/credit
46%
The University of the Cumberlands has the lowest average tuition rate on our list and the second-greatest proportion of online students.
Learners pursuing the online M.S. in information technology enjoy flexible eight-week classes but rigid pricing. That’s because the Kentucky-based Christian private school offers the One Price Promise, which includes free textbooks and no hidden fees. This upfront pricing allows students to plan their finances in advance of their studies.
- Flexibility Rating: Learn on your schedule
- School Type: Private
- Institutional Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Application Fee: $30
- Degree Credit Requirements: 31 credits
- Example Major-Specific Courses: Business intelligence, cloud computing
- Concentrations Available: N/A
- In-Person Requirements: No
Northeastern University
Most Selective Admissions
Northeastern University
Program Tuition Rate
$750/credit
Overall Graduation Rate
90%
$750/credit
90%
Students can complete the online M.S. in information systems (M.S.I.S.) from Northeastern University (NU) in as little as 18 months. The program combines technical and business expertise and offers four concentrations. Students can prepare for the program with the M.S.I.S. Bridge specialization from Coursera or get a jump on their credit requirements with the Fast App pathway, a performance-based admissions process.
NU reports strong numbers in several of our ranking metrics. Its 90% graduation rate is second highest on our list, its student loan default rate is tied for second lowest and its median earnings for alumni 10 years postgrad is second highest. The private, Boston-based university is also the most selective among our ranked schools.
- Flexibility Rating: Learn on your schedule
- School Type: Private
- Institutional Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
- Application Fee: $100
- Degree Credit Requirements: 32 credits
- Example Major-Specific Courses: Application engineering and development
- Concentrations Available: Cyber and information security, general, product management and DevOps leadership, software testing and quality assurance
- In-Person Requirements: No
Montclair State University
Best for Experiential Learning Opportunities
Montclair State University
Program Tuition Rate
$720/credit
Overall Graduation Rate
64%
$720/credit
64%
At Montclair State University, the online M.S. in information technology with a concentration in applied IT is a STEM-designated and nationally certified Professional Science Master’s program. The curriculum adheres to industry standards set by the Association for Computing Machinery and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.
Among our top-ranked schools, Montclair has the second-largest percentage of Pell Grant recipients, indicating socioeconomic diversity. With an 87% acceptance rate, the New Jersey-based school is also one of the most accessible.
While Montclair accepts students with no IT background, these learners need to complete additional computer science fundamental courses during their time in the program.
- Flexibility Rating: Learn on your schedule
- School Type: Public
- Institutional Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Application Fee: Free
- Degree Credit Requirements: 33 credits
- Example Major-Specific Courses: Web development, human-computer interaction
- Concentrations Available: N/A
- In-Person Requirements: Possibly, for internship
The University of West Florida
Most Start Dates Offered
The University of West Florida
Program Tuition Rate
$425/credit (in-state)
Overall Graduation Rate
62%
$425/credit (in-state)
62%
Aspiring IT leaders can enroll in the online M.S. in information technology degree program from the University of West Florida (UWF). In this flexible program, learners have a choice of a thesis- or project-based capstone track and multiple start dates. They also pay the same tuition rate, regardless of where they live.
UWF scored some of our ranking’s highest marks for its low average in-state tuition rates, low median federal student loan debt and large proportion of students enrolled in online classes.
- Flexibility Rating: N/A
- School Type: Public
- Institutional Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Application Fee: $30
- Degree Credit Requirements: 30 credits
- Example Major-Specific Courses: Digital media analytics, programming for information technology
- Concentrations Available: N/A
- In-Person Requirements: No
George Mason University
Best Accelerated Option
George Mason University
Program Tuition Rate
$950/credit (in-state)
Overall Graduation Rate
69%
$950/credit (in-state)
69%
Students pursuing the online M.S. in applied information technology from George Mason University can complete their degree in just 18 months. The program features three specialized tracks and a fast-track option for eligible George Mason engineering alumni.
The Virginia-based school stands out on our list for its low student loan default rate and high median earnings for alumni 10 years postgrad. George Mason also has an acceptance rate of 89%, which is second highest among our ranked schools.
- Flexibility Rating: Learn on your schedule
- School Type: Public
- Institutional Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Application Fee: $75
- Degree Credit Requirements: 30 credits
- Example Major-Specific Courses: Fundamentals of computing platforms, database management systems
- Concentrations Available: Cybersecurity, data analytics and intelligence methods, machine learning engineering
- In-Person Requirements: No
Bellevue University
Highest Acceptance Rate
Bellevue University
Program Tuition Rate
$680/credit
Overall Graduation Rate
49%
$680/credit
49%
At Bellevue University, 100% of graduate students take at least some online classes, which is the most on our list. The private, Nebraska-based school also has an open admission policy and a 100% acceptance rate, the highest among all our ranked schools.
In Bellevue’s online M.S. in computer information systems program, students can develop in-demand technical skills through hands-on training and an optional internship. Learners also enjoy a flexible asynchronous schedule and have four concentrations to choose from.
- Flexibility Rating: Learn on your schedule
- School Type: Private
- Institutional Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Application Fee: $75
- Degree Credit Requirements: 36 credits
- Example Major-Specific Courses: IT strategy and policy, systems development and deployment
- Concentrations Available: Cybersecurity, database, data science, software development
- In-Person Requirements: No
How To Find the Right Online Master’s in Information Technology for You
A concentration can turn a general information technology program into a specialized track tailored to your career interests.
The best online master’s program in information technology for you depends on several factors, including your location, schedule and learning style. Your ideal program should prepare you for a specific postgraduate pathway at a price that makes sense for your financial situation.
Consider Your Future Goals
A master’s degree in information technology offers broad career and advancement opportunities, but the program and pathway you choose can make your education more suited to your specific goals.
For example, a concentration can help you develop specialized skills in an IT subfield such as data, engineering, systems management or cybersecurity. Some programs offer IT certificates as well, which can bolster your credentials. You might also look for a program that helps you create a portfolio to demonstrate your abilities in your target discipline.
If you hope to land a career soon after graduation, a program with an internship component or a school with hiring partners in your desired field may help. If it’s an information technology Ph.D. program you’re seeking, a research-heavy master’s program with a thesis requirement can prepare you.
Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options
Before you apply to any program, you should have a clear picture of your annual and total expenses. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average graduate student in the U.S. paid $20,513 in tuition and required fees during the 2021-22 academic year. That’s more than $41,000 for a two-year program.
The information technology programs on our list range between $355 and $1,075 per credit, which translates to between $11,005 and $35,475 for the full programs. However, not all programs charge by credit. The highest tuition on our list belongs to Carnegie Mellon, which charges $600 per unit or about $86,400 for the full program.
As an online student, you can save on expenses related to commuting or relocating to campus, but you may incur online learning and technology fees. Schools might package all fees (even textbook costs in some cases) into a single price, while others require you to do the math before you commit.
If you need help paying for school, consider applying for financial aid. The FAFSA will help you determine your eligibility for government loans and grants. It may also be a requirement for scholarship applications through your school, a government program or a third-party organization. You might also check with your employer to see if they offer tuition reimbursement as a benefit to employees pursuing relevant degrees or credentials.
Should You Enroll in an Online Master’s in Information Technology Program?
Factor your learning needs into your decision because your academic experience can impact your outcomes.
As you weigh your program options, think about your learning style and optimal study environment. Online learning provides a unique experience that doesn’t suit every student, but works well for some. Consider some of the pros and cons of online programs:
Pros
- Complete coursework anytime (asynchronous) or during the evenings and weekends (synchronous)
- Independent learning at whatever speed you need (as long as you meet deadlines)
- Reduced or eliminated commute times and costs
- More accessible for long distance students and learners with disabilities
- Access to online resources, including the library, academic support and career services
Cons
- Less structure and classroom interaction than in-person classes
- Decreased access to campus facilities and technology
- Requires self-discipline, time management and organization
- Less immediate assistance for academic and technical issues
- Fewer experiential learning opportunities
What To Expect From an Online Master’s in Information Technology
In a broad field like information technology, the makeup of a master’s program depends on the school. These programs typically comprise between 30 and 36 credits and take between one and two years to complete, but their admission requirements and curriculums can vary considerably.
Admission Requirements
Many master’s in information technology programs have fairly standard admission requirements, such as a bachelor’s degree, a minimum 2.5 GPA or higher, a personal statement or essay and reference letters.
Some programs may have more demanding admission requirements, however. For example, Purdue, Florida State and Carnegie Mellon require applicants to have between one and three years of relevant professional experience. Many schools include undergraduate information technology prerequisites as part of the application requirements, while some incorporate bridge courses into the curriculum for inexperienced applicants.
Common Courses
The courses you take depend on your program’s focus, your electives and your chosen specialization, but common core courses that many curriculums integrate cover topics such as:
- Systems management
- Database management
- Leadership and management
- Business and data analytics
- Systems design and development
- Programming
- IT strategy
Concentrations
In the expansive information technology discipline, program concentrations allow you to differentiate your studies and credentials from those of your peers. Many information technology master’s programs, including most of the programs listed above, offer specializations, such as:
- Business analysis information technology
- Business intelligence
- Data management
- Information security
- Information technology management
- Machine learning
- Software development
What Can You Do With an Online Master’s in Information Technology?
A master’s in information technology can position you for many computer and information technology careers, including design, development, administration and management roles. You can also continue your education with a doctoral degree or pursue professional IT certifications.
In the following table, we highlight some of the job opportunities for which you could qualify. While most of the careers below report a bachelor’s degree as the minimum educational requirement, employers may prefer or even require a more advanced degree for these positions.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary | Level of Degree Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and information systems manager | $171,200 | Bachelor’s degree |
| Computer and information research scientist | $140,910 | Master’s degree |
| Database architect | $135,980 | Bachelor’s degree |
| Software developer | $133,080 | Bachelor’s degree |
| Computer network architect | $130,390 | Bachelor’s degree |
| Information security analyst | $124,910 | Bachelor’s degree |
| Computer systems analyst | $103,790 | Bachelor’s degree |
| Network and computer systems administrator | $96,800 | Bachelor’s degree |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About an Online Master’s in Information Technology Degrees
What master’s in information technology jobs are in demand?
Many information technology jobs are in high demand, but information security analysts and computer and information research scientists top the list. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects more than 25% growth between 2023 and 2033 for both fields, making them two of the fastest-growing occupations in the country.
How much can you make with a master’s in information technology?
A master’s in information technology’s salary potential is one of the most appealing aspects of the degree. According to the BLS, the median annual salary for computer and information technology occupations was $105,990 in May 2024.
Is a master’s in information technology worth it?
A master’s in information technology can be worthwhile for IT professionals looking for meaningful job opportunities. The BLS projects approximately 356,700 job openings each year for computer and information technology roles, much faster growth than the projected average for all occupations.
