Master of Science
3rd Party Certification Included in this Degree
OVERVIEW
Lead Digital Transformation With a Master's Degree in IT Management
Every organization in every industry needs qualified IT leaders who possess project management and problem-solving abilities to drive change and keep the organization running smoothly. The versatile M.S in IT Management degree program at WGU prepares emerging leaders seeking advancement for IT management and IT executive-level leadership positions in dynamic industries and organizations. This program provides coursework with a global perspective on emerging technologies, practices, and methodologies, including:
- Technology operations and integration
- Sourcing and planning
- Risks and influence
- Solutions development
- Project management
Whether you have a background in technology or not, this program will teach you how to address business needs with IT solutions. WGU’s online M.S. Information Technology Management degree program is designed with input from CIOs, CTOs, industry experts, and leading tech employers. And this degree program applies to all organizations and all industries. The principles you’ll learn apply broadly in and out of the IT industry.
Compare this degree:Also considering the MBA in IT Management degree program?This article can help you understand the differences.
60%of graduates finish within
18Months*
WGU lets you move more quickly through material you already know and advance as soon as you're ready. The result: You may finish faster.
*WGU Internal Data
Flexible Schedule
Tuition per six-month term is
$3,940
Tuition charged per term—rather than per credit—helps students control the ultimate cost of their business management degree. Finish faster, pay less!
Average salary increase
$6,249*
Graduates of this program report an average salary increase of$6,249 after completing their WGU degree.
*WGU Internal Data
Career Outlook
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COURSES
Courses in the IT Management Master's Degree
Program consists of10 courses
At WGU, we design our curriculum to be timely, relevant, and practical—all to help you show that you know your stuff.
Program Guide
This IT management programis composed of the following courses. You will typically complete them one at a time as you make your way through your program, working with your Program Mentor each term to build your personalized Degree Plan. You’ll work through each course as quickly as you can study and learn the material. As soon as you’re ready, you’ll pass the assessment, complete the course, and move on. This means you can finish as many courses as you're able in a term at no additional cost.
The M.S. IT Management degree program is an all-online program that you will complete through independent study with the support of WGU faculty. You will be expected to complete at least 8 competency units (WGU's equivalent of the credit hour) each 6-month term. (Each course is typically 3 or 4 units).
The WGU M.S. IT Management degree program was designed by and is regularly updated with input from the experts on our Information Technology Program Council. This ensures that you learn best practices to address the challenges of today’s IT leaders.
IT Management
Financial Management for IT Professionals
Financial Management for IT Professionals develops learners’ skills in financial management, budgeting, and procurement. This course teaches how to leverage financial know-how to improve workplace decision-making. This course also provides learners with the knowledge and skills necessary to spend money on the right projects and right equipment, while aligning operating budgets with strategic initiatives. There are no prerequisites for this course.
Project Management
Project Management is a thorough exploration of the inputs, tools, techniques, and outputs across the five process groups and 10 knowledge areas identified in the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) Guide. The essential concepts and practical scenarios included enable students to build the competencies required to successfully complete the CAPM certification exam. There is no prerequisite for this course.
Information Technology Management
Information Technology Management
IT Management introduces the key topics and skills needed to lead next-generation technology organizations. This course explores how common applications and innovation drive value and business needs. Ethical and regulatory compliance issues are discussed, including current practices for risk management, disaster recovery, and cybersecurity. Students will also analyze the key leadership skills and traits necessary to lead responsive, competitive, and innovative organizations. This course has no prerequisites.
Technical Communication
Technical Communication examines communication types and strategies that information technology executives will use to communicate effectively within an organization. As leaders, IT executives frequently contribute to business goals by designing and communicating specialized information in a variety of media to customers, clients, and other departments. In this course, students learn to communicate accurately, effectively, and ethically to a variety of audiences. Students choose, design, and deliver the communication product and assess the effectiveness to improve future communication. This course has no prerequisites.
Technological Globalization
Technological Globalization explores information and communication technologies used to meet business needs in global markets. IT executives must analyze their organization’s technological needs, develop internationally-capable strategic plans, and mitigate the operational challenges of each of the countries in which the organization does business. This course provides students with the practical knowledge and understanding of how to plan, evaluate, and successfully integrate effective and efficient technical communication solutions in the global business market. This course has no prerequisites.
Managing Technology Operations and Innovation
Managing Technical Operations and Innovations explores the importance of innovation in the processes of operations management and business competitiveness. From the formulation of tactical operations plans from strategic objectives, IT executives need to create partnerships to drive innovation within an organization. This course provides students with the practical knowledge and understanding of operations management concepts, business models, methods, tools, applications and best practices used by successful organizations to improve their operations. This course has no prerequisites.
IT Sourcing and Development in a Global Economy
IT Sourcing and Development in a Global Economy examines the practice of sourcing and developing global IT projects from a management perspective. In today’s organizations, leaders look for efficient and effective ways to deliver goods and services. This course will allow students to explore the strategic, operational, tactical, and security-related impacts on the organization of sourcing and supporting a global IT project. Students will cultivate a deep understanding of the documents, skills, and stakeholders needed for any given project and develop the ability to leverage these elements to achieve success. This course will also explore the ethical, cultural, and regulatory considerations surrounding sourcing and managing IT projects in a global space. There are no prerequisites for this course.
Current and Emerging Technology
Current and Emerging Technology
Current and Emerging Technologies explores organizational leadership trends, practices, processes, and technology in contemporary technology-intensive organizations. IT executives need to stay informed of technological trends to determine their relevance and implementation within an organization. This course requires students to read and evaluate academic literature pertaining to emerging IT topics. This course has no prerequisites.
Power, Influence and Leadership
Power, Influence and Leadership
Power, Influence, and Leadership focuses on the development of the critical leadership and soft skills necessary for success in information technology leadership and management. The course focuses specifically on skills such as cultivating effective leadership communication, building personal influence, enhancing emotional intelligence (soft skills), generating ideas and encouraging idea generation in others, conflict resolution, and positioning oneself as an influential change agent within different organizational cultures. There are no prerequisites for this course.
Capstone
MS, Information Technology Management Capstone
MSITM Capstone course challenges students to demonstrate mastery of all the MSITM program outcomes. The capstone challenges students to integrate skills and knowledge from all program domains into one project.
10 Courses
Program consists of10 courses
At WGU, we design our curriculum to be timely, relevant, and practical—all to help you show that you know your stuff.
Program Guide
Capstone Project
Special requirements for this program
At the end of your program, you will complete a capstone project that represents the culmination of all your hard work—a project that allows you to take what you’ve learned and apply it to a real-world situation, proposing a solution to an actual issue you face in your place of business. WGU M.S. IT Management students have completed capstone projects on topics including digital transformation, cloud migration, and cloud digital leadership.
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Skills For Your Résumé
As part of this program, you will develop a range of valuable skills that employers are looking for.
- Organizational Leadership: Established core values and operating principles for organizational leadership, fostering a cohesive and values-driven work environment.
- Business Adminstration: Formulated business problem solutions aligned with specific business needs, contributing to strategic decision-making.
- Collaboration: Devised strategies for the development, management, and collaboration of culturally diverse interprofessional teams, enhancing teamwork and productivity.
- Operating Systems: Demonstrated expertise in describing the architecture and components of various operating systems, showcasing comprehensive technical knowledge.
- Information Systems: Conducted in-depth analysis of information systems, evaluating objectives, scope, issues, and organizational impact, informing effective decision-making.
- Technical Communications: Effectively communicated technical details of complex topics to a knowledgeable audience, showcasing strong interpersonal and presentation skills.
“WGU is an excellent choice for obtaining your Master's degree! The tuition includes all books and test fees. It is an "all-you-can-eat" model. With this model, you can finish quickly if you make the time, or take the entire 2 years. The course instructors are excellent. They actually care and give you valuable feedback on your assignments. The curriculum is very applicable to real-life, not just theory. I completed my MS in IT Management in 12 months. This is a great university and not just a diploma mill.”
—Elliott Franklin
M.S. Information Technology Management
WGU vs. Traditional Universities
Compare the Difference
Traditional Universities
AVG. cost
For 3RD PARTY IT CERTIFICATIONS
$350*
Included with your tuition cost
TUITION STRUCTURE
Per credit hour
Flat rate per 6-month term
SUPPORT
Schedule and wait days or even weeks to meet with one of many counselors
Simply email or call to connect with your designated Program Mentor who supports you from day one
EXAMS
Scheduled time
Whenever you feel ready
SCHEDULE
Professor led lectures at a certain time and place
Courses available anytime, from anywhere
TIME TO FINISH
Approximately 2 years, minimal acceleration options
As quickly as you can master the material, typically less than 2 years
*The cost of valuable industry certification exams can range from $150 to $400. At WGU, we offer vouchers for certification exams, so the cost is included in your tuition price. Students may have to pay some fees for membership to complete their certification requirements.
Traditional Universities
AVG. cost
For 3RD PARTY IT CERTIFICATIONS
$350*
AVG. cost
For 3RD PARTY IT CERTIFICATIONS
Included with your tuition cost
TUITION STRUCTURE
Per credit hour
TUITION STRUCTURE
Flat rate per 6-month term
SUPPORT
Schedule and wait days or even weeks to meet with one of many counselors
SUPPORT
Simply email or call to connect with your designated Program Mentor who supports you from day one
EXAMS
Scheduled time
EXAMS
Whenever you feel ready
SCHEDULE
Professor led lectures at a certain time and place
SCHEDULE
Courses available anytime, from anywhere
TIME TO FINISH
Approximately 2 years, minimal acceleration options
TIME TO FINISH
As quickly as you can master the material, typically less than 2 years
*The cost of valuable industry certification exams can range from $150 to $400. At WGU, we offer vouchers for certification exams, so the cost is included in your tuition price. Students may have to pay some fees for membership to complete their certification requirements.
Why WGU?
Earning Potential
According to a 2023 Harris Poll, just two years after graduation, WGU grads report earning $22,200 more per year, and that amount increases to $30,300 four years after graduation.
On Your Schedule
No class times, no assignment deadlines. You are in charge of your learning and schedule. You can move through your courses as quickly as you master the material, meaning you can graduate faster.
Entirely Online
The IT management master's degree at WGU is 100% online, which means it works wherever you are. You can do your coursework at night after working at your full-time job, on weekends, while you're traveling the world or on vacation—it's entirely up to you.
Accredited, Respected,
Recognized™
One important measure of a degree’s value is the reputation of the university where it was earned. When employers, industry leaders, and academic experts hold your alma mater in high esteem, you reap the benefits of that respect. WGU is a pioneer in reinventing higher education for the 21st century, and our quality has been recognized.
IT CERTIFICATION
3rd Party IT Management Certification Included
Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)
In addition to earning your master's degree, you’ll have the opportunity to earn the PMI Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certification. The cost of this certification is included in your tuition, helping you save money on the path to your degree. This gives you the knowledge, skills, and credentials that will immediately boost your résumé—even before you complete your degree program.
The Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certification is for newer, entry-level IT students who have less project management experience. This is a globally recognized certification by the Project Management Institute (PMI) and covers all the basic knowledge and terminology associated with effective project management. Employers will appreciate seeing CAPM on your résumé, and it can be the ideal certification to set you apart from the competition.
COST & TIME
An Affordable Master's in IT Management
By charging per six-month term rather than per credit—and empowering students to accelerate through material they know well or learn quickly—WGU helps students control the ultimate cost of their degrees. The faster you complete your program, the less you pay for your degree.
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Pay less by completing your program faster
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A College Degree Within Reach
There is help available to make paying for school possible for you:
The average student loan debt of WGU graduates in 2022 (among those who borrowed) was less than half* the national average.
Responsible Borrowing Initiative
Most WGU students qualify for financial aid, and WGU is approved for federal financial aid and U.S. veterans benefits.
Financial Aid
Many scholarship opportunities are available. Find out what you might be eligible for.
Scholarships
*WGU undergraduate students have approximately half the debt at graduation compared to the national average, according to theInstitute for College Access and Success (2022).
FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE
A Different Way to Learn: Degree Programs Designed to Fit Your Life—and All the Demands on Your Time
Professional responsibilities. Family obligations. Personal commitments. At WGU, we understand schedules are tight and often unpredictable for adult students. That’s why we offer a flexible, personalized approach to how education should be. No rigid class schedules. Just a solid, career-focused teaching program that meshes with your current lifestyle. You'll be challenged. You'll work hard.But if you commit yourself and put in the hours needed, WGU makes it possible for you to earn a highly respected degree as a busy working adult.
"([I] was able to finish my master's in two semesters. The teachers were always helpful, evaluations were handled timely, and I was able to work at my own pace. The best part is that I feel that I really learned what I need to be able to advance professionally....”
—Cynthia Vega
M.S. IT Management
CAREER OUTLOOK
IT Leadership Careers Start with a Master’s Degree in IT Management
Companies in every industry need skilled, management-savvy IT experts to keep things running smoothly. IT managers understand the critical role that technology plays in an organization’s success and are adept at managing IT needs to support essential functions. WGU’s Master of Science in Information Technology Management is designed to help you become a valuable leader on an IT management team.
Information is the engine that runs almost all industries. When you’ve completed WGU’s online Master of Science in Information Technology Management degree program, you’ll find yourself in demand because of the skills, knowledge, and certifications you’ve gained. In fact, you'll have all the tools necessary for a successful IT career.
Return on Your Investment
On average, WGU graduates see an increase in income post-graduation
Average income increase from all degrees in annual salary vs. pre-enrollment salary. Source:2023 Harris Poll Surveyof 1,655 WGU graduates.
Survey was sent to a representative sample of WGU graduates from all colleges. Respondents received at least one WGU degree since 2017.
16%
Employment of computer and information systems managers is projected to grow 16% from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations.
—U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
IT Managers are the Cornerstones of their Organizations
Our M.S. IT Management alumni are working in jobs such as:
Job Titles
- CIO/CTO
- IT Manager
- IT Director
- Information Systems Manager
- IT Project Manager
Diverse Industries
- Business
- Education
- Finance
- Government
- Healthcare
Major Employers
- Cisco Systems
- Dell
- U.S. Air Force
- Florida Community Health Centers
- Legal Aid of West Virginia
WGU Grads Hold Positions With Top Employers
Explore More
ADMISSIONS
Admissions Requirements Unique to the IT Management Master's Program
To be considered for this program, you must:
- Submit a transcript verifying receipt of your bachelor’s degree from a recognized, accredited institution.
NOTE: You do not need to take the GRE or GMAT to be admitted to this program. Learn why we don't require these tests.
Transfer Credits
Get Your Enrollment Checklist
Download your step-by-step guide to enrollment.
Get Your Questions Answered
Talk to an WGU Enrollment Counselor.
Common Questions About Enrolling in a School of Technology Degree Program
You should speak with an Enrollment Counselor. WGU can often provide advice or resources to help a prospective student fulfill enrollment prerequisites.
When you enroll in a WGU degree program, our goal is to see you through to graduation. Admission requirements are designed to increase your likelihood of success. Years of data and experience with the nontraditional students WGU serves have shown us how various types of academic and professional experience can be highly important in helping a student persist to graduation. Industry certifications are one of many ways a student can meet eligibility.
WGU has an obligation to our graduates—and their current and future employers—to ensure WGU alumni have mastered the most up-to-date, current competencies and skills needed in the workplace. Recency of certifications helps us ensure that students have demonstrated competency in skills as they are needed in today's working world.
As a full-time student, you will be required to maintain a minimum pace of 12 competency units (CUs) per term for undergraduate programs or 8 CUs per term for graduate programs. However, there is no maximum speed—once you complete a course, you move immediately to the next, and you complete a course not by waiting for the syllabus, the professor, or the rest of the class. You progress by learning the material and proving it—so you can move through your coursework at the speed of your own learning and experience.
Instructors are highly educated, experienced experts in the subject matter of a course. Unlike in a traditional university where going to class means listening to an instructor lecture while you take notes and try to learn in a group setting, WGU's Instructors provide one-on-one instruction and support when you need it—tailoring the instruction to your precise needs when you need it. Instructors also provide additional resources, lead topical discussions in online communities, and find countless other ways to bring a specific course to life for students.
Ready to Start Your WGU Journey?
