MBAs are degrees designed to help people advance their careers, thereby enjoying greater responsibilities and greater paychecks. One particularly interesting MBA concentration is in Technology Management. This combines technological expertise and management knowledge, creating an entity that helps businesses manage and grow in an ever-changing and increasingly digital world.
What We Do
The industry of technology is dominated by computers and software. This is used to process, store, send, protect and receive data and information. MBA in Technology Management graduates are able to understand why it is so important to always innovate, and also how to innovate in such a way that the impact is maximized. They are able to analyze products looking at it from a financial perspective, have excellent communication skills, understand how to identify and evaluate new trends and how to build teams, to name but a few responsibilities.
Graduates have technical expertise, but they also have knowledge on business strategies. Additionally, they know how to promote business advancement through technological innovation. One of the main challenges in this is communication, particularly when it comes to expressing customer behavior, cost structure and industry trends. A graduate basically is able to liaise between all the different departments of an organization.
Everybody knows that technology impacts our lives in a truly revolutionary manner. All industries have been able to move forward thanks to these developments, from healthcare to transportation and from entertainment to education. However, it may seem impossible to keep track of the new developments, with each piece of technology being virtually outdated the second it is released. Someone with an MBA in Technology Management, however, is able to keep track of this and understands which elements to implement into the business they work with.
As a result, it is quite difficult to describe exactly what technology managers do, as this can vary tremendously from one industry to the other. They may streamline a medical database, or they may build a sturdier car. They can map transportation schedules, or they can design new learning tools for a school for children with learning difficulties. The possibilities are truly endless. Very simply put, however, their role is to manage technology so that is best furthers the industry in which they work.
Why It’s Hot
This degree is hot because graduates are known for their ability to translate goals into reality and to think strategically. They have excellent administrative and leadership skills, which are both needed across the board. Additionally, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS), qualified technology managers will be able to see significant growth in demand between 2012 and 2022. This is also due to the fact the current technological workforce is aging, with many executives in particular reaching retirement age. According to the BLS, average salaries currently stood at $120,950 per year in 2012 and 15% growth is expected.
Those who have the highest levels of education are also in the highest demand. Those who hold an MBA in Technology Management have skills not just on a technological level, but also on a business management and administration level, which makes them particularly desirable. While the recent economic downturn has affected the world of technology quite significantly, those who hold graduate degrees continue to be in high demand.
Work Environment
The work environment of someone with an MBA in Technology Management is very varied, as they can be employed in so many different industries. However, they do almost always have desk jobs, regardless of their exact place of employment. Hours can be long and demanding as well.
How to Do It
The first step towards achieving an MBA in Technology Management is to obtain a bachelor’s degree, which takes four years to complete. A number of different majors can lead towards this particular MBA, including business, technology, IT and more. Admission to MBA programs is highly competitive, and you will almost always have to pass the GMAT exam, the result of which will weigh heavily on your admission. It is also recommended to apply to a number of different schools in order to maximize chances to be admitted to at least one.
Both online and on campus programs exist. One particularly good on-campus option is Cornell Tech’s Tech MBA. This is a one year program that combines business needs and the needs of digital ages. It shows how businesses fit into innovation and technology and how this is changing and shaping the world. Graduates are trained to be true industry leaders for various technological fields, including entrepreneurship, consultancy, program management and more.
Online Technology Management MBA
The following 30 school programs all offer online options for pursuing this degree, and have a wide variety of formats and unique elements, worthy of consideration if this degree is what you are interested in. Some offer periodic weekend residencies, some require summer trips for study abroad, and some require absolutely nothing other that completing required coursework.
- *Online MBA in Technology Management – Colorado Technical University – This program was ranked as a 2012 Top 10 Online MBA Program by CEO Magazine. This program does not require a GMAT test score, and uses the study of IT to teach competitive advantage through the effective use of IT and its benefit to the operations of the company and the decision making benefits the right mix of IT can bring to the strategic thinkers in the executive level.
- *Online MBA in Information Technology Management – Florida Tech University Online – This degree can be earned 100% online in under 2 years. There is no requirement for a GMAT test score for admission, and the flexible scheduling works well for current professionals interested in completing the degree requirements while maintaining their current professional position. The case method is used to teach through examples of real situations and provides opportunities for analysis and insight.
- *Online MBA in Information Technology Management – Southern New Hampshire University – By giving thorough specialized instruction and training on the newest technology available to corporations, graduates of this program will bring highly valued knowledge to the job market. As technology takes on larger roles within corporations and our lives, the people with the expertise to manage them are continually in demand. There is no GMAT score required for admission, and the program can be completed in as few as 18 months. The 39 total credit hours include the MBA courses as well as the specialization ones.
- *Masters of Business Administration MBA – Rutgers University – (Editor’s Pick!) – GRE Required. Get your MBA and be prepared for a career in Accounting. Our 100 percent online and AACSB-accredited M.B.A. program gives you the flexibility to enhance your expertise—and your career—without having to put your life on hold. Top 30 “Public National Universities” (U.S. News & World Report: America’s Best Colleges), No. 10 “Schools Producing the Most Fortune 500 CEOs,” (U.S. News & World Report), No. 21 in the nation, corporate recruiter pick for best graduates (Wall Street Journal).
- *Masters of Business Administration MBA – Northeastern University – (Editor’s Pick!) – Earn your Online MBA from a highly-ranked university that was one of the first to offer its MBA in an online format. The Financial Times ranks Northeastern University’s Online MBA #1 in the U.S. (2014). Northeastern’s D’Amore-McKim School of Business is AACSB accredited. Customize your MBA by selecting a high technology management specialization. Featured as a top online MBA program in America’s Best Online MBA report for 2017.
- MBA in Information Technology Management – Golden Gate University – Advanced studies in planning and design of information systems as well as their implementation is an integral phase of this program in completing expert level competencies. They use teams in order to increase abilities in real employment situations and encourage creative problem solving. There is no GMAT requirement for admission, and provides many options for customizing content for each student.
- *MBA in Information Technology Management – Western Governors University – This program is designed for experienced IT professionals interested in advancing in their career within IT. The total program is 35 credits and includes all relevant areas of the field of information technology management. There is requirement for a GMAT test score for application.
- MBA in Technology Management – State University of New York – This online degree program does require a GMAT score for application. The 48 credit hours include 21 core hours, 18 technology management hours, and 9 hours of specialized concentration courses. Their highly flexible scheduling works well for individuals with previous commitments of time that are interested in advancing their degree and their professional position.
- MBA in Technology Management – Globe University/Minnesota School of Business – This program also uses the case study in order to teach and provide investigations for students to learn to apply techniques learned in class. There is also an offering of a similar doctoral program, which can take many of the credits from the completion of this masters level program. Most students complete this no-GMAT program in 18 months.
- MBA in Information Technology Management – Indiana University – This 51 credit hour program provides options including international experiences, or choosing electives that tailor your education to your particular interests. There is a requirement for a GMAT score for admission to this degree program. The average student studying for this degree had 7.2 years of work experience before beginning the coursework, with an average GMAT score of 621.
- MBA in Technology Management – University of Washington – There is a GMAT required for application to this program. This is designed for current IT professionals interested in advancing their promotion potential within the IT industry. The flexible scheduling makes it compatible with those continuing employment while working towards the degree. This is considered a thorough, comprehensive study, and can be completed in 18 months.
- MBA in Information Technology Management – Schiller University – This program is made up of 15 courses designed to provide thorough groundwork on core MBA business classwork as well as advanced studies into relevant topics in information technology, making up 12 of the hours. There is no requirement for a GMAT test score for application or admission to this graduate program with an international scope.
- MBA in Technology Management – California Miramar University – This no-GMAT online graduate school program is made up of 13 courses, 9 core and 4 specialization. All areas of IT are analyzed in order to teach the students the most effective ways to utilize IT in order to improve operations of the organization. Courses of IT include strategic management, innovation, commercialization of research and development, and internet technology and strategy.
- MBA in Technology Management – University of Maryland – This degree program is broken down into seven 6-credit seminar classes, and consists of all incoming students being divided into cohort groups, that work together for degree completion from the beginning of the program until the end. They do require a GMAT test score for admission. This course caters to current working professionals interested in maintaining their employment while completing the degree requirements.
- MBA in Information Technology Management – University of Massachusetts – Case studies are used in order to develop the skills in the students they need to make similar decisions when they return to the workplace as professionals at advanced positions. The 10 course program requires a GMAT score if coming to the program with less than 8 years of professional work experience.
- MBA in Technology Management – University of Wisconsin at Whitewater – This advanced degree program requires a GMAT test score to be admitted. The same professors that teach the online classes are the ones that teach the campus classes at their well-respected university. Courses cover data analytics, process innovation, disaster recovery, and service management.
- MBA in Technology Management – Stevens Institute of Technology – The flexible schedule offered with this program make a great way to maintain current employment and further your promotion opportunities by completing this advanced degree. This 20 course program involves core MBA breadth with the focus courses of technology management. Courses include strategic management, technology and innovation, new product innovation, and emerging technologies. People applying do need to submit a score from a GMAT test, taken within the last five years.
- MBA in Information Technology Management – Webster University – There is no GMAT test score required for application or admission to this program. A student must complete 36 credit hours to successfully earn this master’s degree. Within this specialization there is a global option which covers the same topics but includes an international scope. There is an international experience required for this specialty, and it does require a few more credit hours. For the professional interested in this particular aspect of the business environment, it is an excellent, highly unique curriculum.
- MBA in Technology Management – North Carolina State University – This degree can be completed in as little as 21 months or as many as 6 years. Their technology focus ties from many of their neighbors at their main campus in North Carolina, which sits in the world-renowned technology hub of Research Triangle Park. There is an option for interested students to participate in a 10-day abroad trip. Earning this degree does require a GMAT test score for application, and consists of 39 total credit hours.
- MBA in Technology Management – Herzing University – Only applicants that completed their undergraduate degree with less than a 2.7 cumulative GPA need to submit GMAT test scores for admission. The 39 credit hours consist of 30 hours for the core and the final capstone project, with an additional 9 credit hours going to specialty courses in the technology management field.
- MBA in Technology Management – California University of Management and Technology – This 48 total credit hour program is normally completed within 1.5 to 2 years. Up to 12 hours can be transferred if completed previously at another approved institution. Each school session last eight weeks, and there are eight of these sessions required to complete all degree courses. There is no requirement for GMAT scores for admission, but submitting the test scores is preferred.
- MBA in Information Technology Management – Rivier University – By adding the modern advancements of e-business and computer security, this MBA program improves a thorough business education for current professionals. The 36 credit hours include specialty courses on quantitative process improvement, in addition to the broad core classes that address other aspects of all business enterprises. There is no requirement for a GMAT test score to apply to this program.
- MBA in Information Technology Management – Trident University – The normal amount of time required to graduate from this degree is 30 months, and 95% of students graduate within that amount of time. A GMAT test score is not necessary for this program, and includes 32 credits of core courses and 12 credits of technology management courses.
- MBA in Operations and Technology Management – University of Wisconsin at Madison – Admission to this program does require submission of a GMAT test score. Unique in these MBA programs is the option to take some of the elective courses required for the degree from schools outside of the business school. This can help them custom design the skills that pertain to the advanced position they are seeking, or in the direction of their interests to fulfill a perceived hole in the market.
- MBA in Innovation and Technology Management – James Madison University – This 48 credit hour program includes 16 courses. Eight of them are from the MBA core, three relate to technology and innovation, leaving five for each student to pick the courses that focus their skills on the desired area. There is a requirement that a GMAT score be submitted with your application to this degree program.
- MBA in Technology and Engineering Management – Dallas Baptist University – For application, prospective students need to demonstrate five or more years of relevant professional work experience as well as a GMAT test score. The 36 credit hour program includes the following topics relating specifically to technology and engineering management. Future trends in technology, knowledge management and intellectual capital, operations and quality management, as well as introduction to project management.
Pros & Cons
There are always advantages and disadvantages to any educational choice and the MBA in Technology Management is no different.
Pros:
- Rapid career advancement from undergraduate positions.
- Respect from peers and colleagues.
- The ability to work on interesting and varied projects, in any type of field or organization.
- The ability to truly change the competitiveness or efficacy of any organization you work for.
Cons:
- The cost of completing a degree is high, both in terms of time and money.
- Hours can be long and the chance of burnout is high.
- The responsibility of the jobs are very high, which you must be able to manage.
Financial Aid
- The Google Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship – A scholarship specifically for women from the Middle East, Europe or Africa who are studying towards technology or mathematics.
- Neil Churchill Memorial Scholarship – A scholarship that commemorates the fantastic work done by Neil Churchill, who was devoted to affordable housing. Graduate students who live in social housing can apply.
- Conference Of Minority Transportation Officials – COMTO has numerous scholarships from $2,500 to $7,500 available to students across the nation. It is targeted specifically at minority groups who study with the intent of improving transportation.
- CIRI Scholarships – CIRI offers full and part time students scholarships, either per term of for the full year.
Career Paths
- Computer Systems Analysts: solving computer problems and identifying and applying new technologies for businesses and organizations. They also help make investment decisions based on technology personnel and equipment. Usually, these professionals have sub-specialized in a certain system, which could be financial, accounting, engineering, business or scientific, for instance. They have fantastic communication skills as well and use their advanced education and practical experience to improve the efficacy of the organization they work for.
- Management Information Systems Directors: overseeing the various information systems of a complete organization. They install and upgrade software, oversee technical help desks, improve information security and more. They usually manage a team of staff, although this depends on how large the organization is. They also often work together with the Chief Information Officer. This job is both technical and managerial.
- Computer Support Specialists: offering assistance, support and advice to clients and customers who have issues with their computers. They interpret problems and help to solve these, be they software, hardware, network or system-related. This can be done over the telephone, face to face or through electronic media.
- Computer Software Engineers: This is supposed to be the fastest growing field of technology management between now and 2020. These professionals develop, test and deliver new pieces of technologies that can help businesses reach for the next level. It is recommended to have additional training in engineering for this position.
- Computer Programmers: Applying, writing and testing new instructions that must be followed by computers in order for them to work the way they should. The goal is to develop out of the box solutions to ensure computers are able to do what they have to do in order to support an organization. This field also requires professionals to constantly update their skills so that they remain up to date with new developments.
Further Reading
Suggested Websites
Six websites with helpful resources for those working in field relevant to an MBA in Technology Management.
