Reviewed by: Earle Charles, Director, Master of Science in Information Technology Programs
When most people think of information technology (IT), they often think of traditional tech support roles. While these positions are crucial, information technology is a fast-growing field with expansive opportunities available.
A Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT) can help you advance beyond entry-level IT positions. With this competitive edge, you’ll be well-positioned for career advancement and benefit from a higher earning potential.
MSIT curricula offer IT professionals the ability to refresh their skills or develop new specialized expertise. With this powerful combination, you can transition into leadership positions or roles in highly technical areas, such as IT project management, data analysis (including AI and predictive analytics) and cybersecurity.
Top 5 Career Paths for MSIT Graduates
Some of the most high-paying and in-demand jobs for Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT) graduates are in highly technical areas or leadership. While these roles are all possible pathways for MSIT graduates, keep in mind that you may need to build up additional experience to be qualified for them.
| Job Title | Median Annual Salary | Key Skills |
|---|---|---|
| Cybersecurity Specialist or Manager | $113,400-$150,300 | Threat detection, compliance, training |
| Cloud Engineer or Architect | $134,900-$154,400 | Infrastructure design, security, DevOps |
| Systems Architect | $149,200 | Enterprise systems, strategic planning |
| IT Project Manager | $117,600 | Agile, cross-functional leadership |
| Data Analyst or Scientist | $86,400-$134,900 | Visualization, modeling, communication |
Source: Lightcast
1. Cybersecurity Specialist or Manager
Median Annual Salary: $113,400-$150,300 (Lightcast)
High-level cybersecurity roles such as these focus on keeping an organization’s systems, data and information secure. It can involve anything from ensuring networks are adequately protected from external threats, providing employees with security training or supporting their organization through cybersecurity emergencies like breaches and hacks.
With the ongoing increase in cyberthreats, these roles are in especially high demand.
2. Cloud Engineer or Architect
Median Annual Salary: $134,900-$154,400 (Lightcast)
These cloud computing careers involve designing, managing and optimizing cloud infrastructure to meet a variety of business goals. Cloud architects and engineers will also be responsible for ensuring that different technologies and models are secure, meet compliance requirements and are implemented appropriately across their organizations.
As businesses become more reliant on the cloud for secure storage and working with remote team members, these roles continue to grow.
3. Systems Architect
Median Annual Salary: $149,200 (Lightcast)
This is a role that blends strategic thinking with advanced technical skills. Systems architects build enterprise systems using IT infrastructure and manage it at every stage, from ideating on the vision to designing the details. It’s important that they have an in-depth technical understanding of how systems work as well as the strategic insight to build systems that support the overall goals of the organization.
4. IT Project Manager
Median Annual Salary: $117,600 (Lightcast)
These project managers supervise cross-functional IT initiatives and make sure that tech projects are consistently contributing to overall business goals. In addition to doing technical work of their own, they usually manage teams of IT professionals and sometimes provide strategic input on what projects their organization should prioritize.
Often holding expertise in key project management techniques like Agile as well as technical implementation, IT project managers have a comprehensive skill set that is highly in-demand.
5. Data Analyst or Data Scientist
Median Annual Salary: $86,400-$134,900 (Lightcast)
Data analytics and data science involves gathering and analyzing data, then communicating what that data actually means to a variety of departments and stakeholders. Communicating highly technical data involves important communication and strategic thinking skills. By translating data into compelling visualizations and actionable insights, data scientists can support leaders in making better business decisions.
Data analysts and scientists are among the most in-demand tech professionals, both in the United States and around the world, as organizations look to make better decisions in an economy steeped in risk.
Industries Hiring MSIT Graduates
As more industries integrate cutting-edge technology and move their operations to remote structures, MSIT graduates benefit from strong growth potential in a thriving field. IT support has always been an essential business function, but this demand for IT professionals is growing as organizations:
- Automate manual processes
- Need to train more individuals on cybersecurity
- Build out digital systems and processes
Alongside the increased demand for IT professionals comes an expanded scope. IT leaders have more responsibilities than ever, allowing them to use their cross-functional expertise and strategic skills to make a larger impact in areas like AI and predictive analytics.
This demand is most evident in industries that are known for their highly sensitive data. Health care organizations place a heavy emphasis on cybersecurity and proper IT management, as they need to stay compliant with regulations like HIPAA. In addition, some of the types of organizations most likely to hire more IT professionals in the coming years include:
- Financial firms
- Government organizations
- Tech-driven private sector businesses
Salary Growth and ROI of an MSIT Degreed Professional
Salary benchmarks for each IT role can vary, but as of 2024, the median salary for all computer and information technology professionals was $105,990 per year, which is more than double the median salary across all occupations.
People with only a bachelor’s degree tend to be on the lower end of the expected salary range as they work in associate roles, which are usually more task-focused. For managers, leaders and specialists — where a master’s degree is preferred or even required — the responsibility expands to strategic decision-making and team management, which come with a higher salary.
According to Payscale’s salary data, the average MSIT graduate’s salary is $14,000 higher per year than those who only have a Bachelor of Science in IT. If your MSIT costs roughly $33,000 per year in tuition and you see that average salary increase of $14,000 per year after graduation, then you will earn back the cost of that tuition in 2.5 years. Beyond that, the exact ROI depends on factors such as specific role, experience, location and industry.
For IT professionals at any point in their careers, going back to school for a master’s degree program can be a great way to set yourself apart for promotions and other career advancement opportunities. An MSIT demonstrates dedication to your career and that you have continued to keep your skills up-to-date as technology advances.
Is an MSIT the Right Next Step for Your Career?
If you’re currently in an IT role and want to take the next step in your career, an MSIT can be a great way to do so. The main things you will want to consider are:
1. Your Current Role: Does your current job offer the kind of flexibility you will need to go back to school for this degree? Some information technology programs are built for professionals and offer more flexibility, but they will still require time and effort to complete.
2. Industry Needs: As the IT industry grows, the exact skills that employers need shift. Will your master’s program curriculum and specialty track help you meet new and growing demands in the industry? Will a master’s degree improve your career prospects in your focus area within the IT industry?
3. Your Career Goals: An MSIT can empower you to achieve promotions to IT leadership roles. If your role is likely to be impacted by artificial intelligence and machine learning, an MSIT can also help you keep your skills relevant in the evolving IT landscape.
If you are a driven IT professional looking to move toward more strategic and influential roles, an MSIT degree can help you achieve those goals. Even if you aren’t sure exactly which area of IT is right for you, a master’s program can offer information and insights from more experienced IT professionals that will help you evaluate your options.
Many programs also offer specialty tracks, such as cybersecurity, data analytics or IT management, that allow you to customize your education to match your career goals while working through core coursework that keeps you adaptable across industries.
Earn Your MS in Information Technology from the Cal Lutheran School of Management
Get the skills you need to stay ahead in the ever-evolving world of IT. With online and hybrid courses designed for working professionals, Cal Lutheran’s MSIT program offers the essential knowledge to stay ahead and the flexibility you need to manage other responsibilities.
The School of Management at Cal Lutheran is dedicated to producing graduates who are well prepared to succeed in their personal and professional lives — who lead, think, communicate and follow through with sustained excellence. As a Cal Lutheran School of Management student, you’ll learn from experienced faculty and benefit from personalized attention in small class sizes.
Download a program brochure or start your application to the MS in Information Technology.
