Technology management degrees cover a broad spectrum of Information Technology (IT) industry sectors. Students graduating from a technology management program have technical skills and knowledge to apply to a variety of IT systems. Degrees in technology management range from associate degrees, to bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees, and certificate programs. Bachelor’s and master’s degrees are most commonly required to work directly with IT systems. However, some industries with a strong technology presence consider technology management certificates and associate degrees an asset.
Technology management programs often include courses in statistics, business engineering, economics, computer systems analysis, and global information management. The curriculum varies between institutions; however, most programs focus on modern technology practices. Integration of technology and business management is another prominent part of many technology management programs.
Students looking to get an entry level IT job where skills include maintaining information and technology systems, as well as seeking emerging technologies, will find an associate degree to be a good option. Possible classes in an associate degree program include website design, people and technology, applied statistics, data and information management, among others. Tuition costs between $6,447 and $23,100 annually.
Entry requirements for a bachelor’s degree in technology management vary but, at a minimum, a high school diploma or equivalent is needed. The core course load often includes accounting and management courses, as well as IT management courses and fundamental systems courses. There are also required technical courses, general admission courses, and open electives. Students are frequently required to take professional development courses and internships, too. A bachelor’s degree provides students with the knowledge to pursue entry-level positions as project managers and supervisors. Areas of employment include, but are not limited to healthcare, hospitality, manufacturing, and business. Annual tuition ranges from $4,895 to $28,210 depending on the university and campus of choice.
Most master’s degrees in technology management are a one or two year addition to a bachelor’s degree. Admission into the program requires a GPA of 3.0 or higher acquired from an accredited school. Additional requirements differ by institution but can include an application, professional reference letters, and/or a resume submission. Some schools also consider relevant work experience and an entrance essay.
In master's level programs, students take courses in database management, networking, telecommunications systems, and information security. They may also specialize in areas such as cyber security, software engineering, or database design. Students also complete a management capstone project in which they apply program coursework to real world scenarios. What sets a master’s degree apart from a bachelor’s in this field is the mix of practical and modern business courses with advanced IT concepts.
Tuition for a master’s degree in technology management costs anywhere from $8,000 to upwards of $50,000 depending on the institution and whether you are a resident of the state. Some states, like Idaho give substantial tuition discounts for in-state residents. Applicants should research program availability and in-state tuition rates before choosing a school.
As in any profession, a doctorate is a prestigious degree. Students looking to apply must have at least an undergraduate degree in technology or engineering. Many applicants may have master's degrees in a related field, as well. Three years of work experience is usually preferred, but not always required. A 3.5 GPA is often a necessary prerequisite as well. Some schools also require resumes, entrance essays, and exam scores. Non-native English students may need to submit qualifying TOEFL (Test of English as Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) scores as well.
Doctoral level programs feature advanced courses in IT and business designed to create leaders in the technology management industry. Core courses include new venture technologies, mythologies exploration, research design, analysis, and measurement, as well as a dissertation. In addition to core courses, students also choose a specialty area to focus their research, commonly in the field of current and emerging technology or new technology ventures. Doctoral programs in technology management may help students gain experience in communication, collaboration, and strategic planning as well as a foundational understanding of ethical and legal issues within the industry.
Tuition for these programs ranges from $17,00 to $55,000. Rates at the lower end of this range are usually found at state universities for students who qualify to pay in-state tuition rates. Doctorate in technology management programs can be completed on a full- or part-time basis and students are usually allowed up to seven calendar years to complete their degrees.
The Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering (ATMAE) is responsible for setting accreditation standards for technology-related degree programs. Accreditation is important because it demonstrates that the institution is adhering to the accrediting association's standards. ATMAE and other accrediting organizations provide schools with a clear quality expectation and conduct reviews and follow-up site visits to ensure adherence to their guidelines. Initially, accreditation with ATMAE is given for four years, after which, the program must reapply and if successful, will be accredited for six more years. To find out if a school or specific program is ATMAE accredited, search by state or institute name directly on the ATMAE website. Some technology management programs are not accredited by ATMAE but are covered by the college and university's accreditation as a whole. Applicants should check to make sure that their institution of choice is accredited by a regional accrediting agency before they enroll.
Certifications also play a large role in technology management degrees. The completion of common and specialized certifications allow students to seek higher salaries and apply for a wider range of work. According to Rasmussen College, five vital certifications exist for the technology industry. Three of these certifications are as follows:
Certifications outside of technology specialties are beneficial in the workplace as well. Project management certifications, human resources management certifications, and business certifications all enhance qualifications, which help students become well-rounded, successful job prospects.
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