Careers: Master of Science in Information Technology

Career Outlook

Careers

For people who already work in IT — or for those who want to join this booming industry — the opportunity to earn a decent living, while doing work that is in demand, is within reach. That is because IT careers are among the highest paying today.

While it’s hard to predict the technologies that will shape the Information Age in the future — or if this period will continue to be defined this way — skilled IT workers with experience in current and new technologies will continue to be in demand.

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Companies’ demands for qualified IT workers who can manage their systems, protect their data, and create new products are increasing. With nearly five million people working in the U.S. in IT roles, according to a Census Bureau report, the job market can be competitive.

IT professionals with an advanced degree, such as a master’s, can use their education to distinguish themselves from others in the workforce.

Career Paths

High-paying roles and annual salaries cited by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)report include:

• Computer and information research scientist – $118,370. This IT professional typically invents and designs new approaches to computing technology and finds innovative uses for existing technology. Professionals working in this role also study and solve complex problems in computing for business, medicine, science, and other industries.
• Computer network architect – $109,020. Computer network architects design and build data communication networks, such as local- and wide-area networks and intranets. These networks range from small connections between two offices to next-generation networking capabilities supported by a cloud infrastructure serving many customers.
• Information security analyst – $98,350. This role typically plans and carries out security measures to protect computer networks and systems. Their responsibilities continually expand as the number of cyberattacks increase.

Executive roles in IT

With the computer and information industry’s presence dating back three decades now, more IT-focused roles reside in the C-suite — the executive-level IT-focused leaders who work alongside chief executive officers and chief operating officers.

According to Payscale.com, three of the top-paying C-level roles and their typical responsibilities include:

• Chief data officer (CDO) – $180,458. A CDO oversees all data-related roles and functions, such as data management, data quality and business intelligence. Desired skills include an understanding of big data analytics, strategic project management and organizational change management.
• Chief information security officer (CISO) – $160,964. The CISO, as its name suggests, oversees information systems and security. The role may also manage the people and processes that help organizations adhere to global and national privacy regulations, such as the California Consumer Privacy Act that went into effect January 1, 2020.
• Chief information officer (CIO) – $159,295. A CIO’s primary focus area is the technology framework and the people and systems that power IT operations. Key skills for a CIO include a well-rounded mix of expertise in strategic planning, finance, and leadership.

To learn more about our curriculum, we encourage you to request information about the MSIT program today.