Career Management
Graduates with a Master of Science degree in Information Technology (IT) and Management find positions such as business analyst, consultant, program analyst, database administrator, IT project manager and IT specialist, depending on prior experience. They are employed in every conceivable industry, including consulting, financial services, retail, energy, transportation and consumer goods. Most companies have a well-defined career path for their IT professionals. The typical top-level positions within the IT function of a firm include chief information officer (CIO), chief security officer (CSO), partner, senior vice president and director of technology.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, "Employment of computer and information systems managers is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2014. Opportunities for obtaining a management position will be best for those with computer-related work experience; an MBA with technology as a core component, or a management information systems degree; and strong communication and administrative skills. Despite the downturn in the technology sector in the early part of the decade, the outlook for computer and information systems managers remains strong."
Earnings
Earnings for computer and information systems managers vary by specialty and level of responsibility. Median annual earnings of these managers in May 2004 were $92,570. The middle 50 percent earned between $71,650 and $118,330. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of computer and information systems managers in May 2004 were as follows:
- Software publishers, $107,870
- Computer systems design and related services, $103,850
- Management of companies and enterprises, $99,880
- Insurance carriers, $97,900
- Depository credit intermediation, $86,450
According to Robert Half International, a professional staffing and consulting services firm, average starting salaries in 2005 for high-level information technology managers ranged from $80,250 to $112,250. According to a 2005 survey conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, starting salary offers for those with an MBA, a technical undergraduate degree and one year or less of experience averaged $52,300; for those with a master's degree in management information systems/business data processing, the starting salary averaged $56,909.
