A Master of Science in Information Technology Online from Emporia State University is a powerful catalyst for tech professionals seeking to gain valuable skills and insights. The AACSB-accredited curriculum equips graduates with high-value advanced technical knowledge, practical experience and strategic thinking skills.
Designed for working professionals, the STEM-based, interactive classwork promotes practical expertise and insights. In a career market where demand continues to outpace the supply of qualified candidates holding advanced degrees in information technology, the degree is welcomed by prospective employers.
In 2024, the National Association of Colleges and Employers found that nearly 90% of companies hired candidates with online degrees. “Moreover, there is no difference in starting salary as 100% of these employers reported that they pay new hires who earned online degrees the same as those with in-person degrees,” it continued.
The financial incentives for pursuing an online master’s in IT are significant. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that demand for computer and information research scientists will grow by 26% through 2033 as employers expect to add approximately 9,400 information technology jobs annually. It reported the median annual wage in the sector in 2024 was $140,000. Those numbers led Money.com to rank MSIT among its Top 15 Best Returns on Investment. “A greater emphasis on cloud computing, data collection and storage, and information security is going to drive serious demand for people with training in this area,” it notes.
How Does an ESU Online Master’s in IT Jumpstart an Information Technology Career?
The program’s learning objectives include developing coding proficiency with business-critical programming languages (PHP, Python and Java). The curriculum also explores enterprise IT architecture, equipping graduates with the skills to design and implement IT frameworks that drive organizational value and efficiency.
It also emphasizes project management. By encouraging students to apply proven processes and tools, graduates enter the job market with insights into the deployment of IT innovations from concept to completion. This hands-on experience is essential for managing complex projects in real-world business environments. System design and implementation are also central to the curriculum, enabling students to master the techniques and tools necessary for delivering robust, scalable IT solutions.
Business intelligence is another cornerstone of the ESU program. Students learn to leverage data visualization and reporting tools to transform raw data into actionable insights that support performance and strategic decision-making. The focus develops technical proficiency as well as soft skills such as advanced communication, collaboration and leadership.
By integrating these multifaceted learning objectives, ESU’s online master’s in IT ensures graduates are technically skilled, strategically minded, ethically grounded and ready to excel. Harvard University cited a World Economic Foundation report that found investing in learning ranks among the most valued strategies to deliver organizations’ business goals. “A learner mindset is absolutely critical. People with fixed mindsets are going to struggle,” the Harvard article concludes.
What Leading-edge Tech Does the ESU Online Masters in IT Cover?
The program prepares students for interesting roles such as Cloud Solutions Architect, Security Analyst and Systems Engineer. The ESU MSIT curriculum provides in-depth expertise through courses that include studies in:
- Cloud Computing develops an in-depth understanding of cloud technologies and architecture. Coursework involves interactive projects in designing, deploying and managing scalable cloud solutions in simulated real-world contexts to provide practical, hands-on experience.
- Data Collection and Storage introduces students to advanced technologies that collect, store, organize and analyze digital information. Case-based assignments immerse students in enterprise demands and solutions for efficient data storage and retrieval. By emphasizing the technical and strategic aspects of data management, it equips graduates with expertise required for leadership roles in data infrastructure and analytics.
- Information Security explores strategies for securing digital assets, identifying vulnerabilities and deploying cybersecurity best practices. Coursework integrates technical instruction with hands-on labs and research.
The Emporia State MSIT provides technical expertise and strategic insights to succeed in an ever-changing digital landscape. Its holistic approach, which combines theory and practice with experiential learning, is designed to give graduates an advantage in the competition for roles that are shaping the future of information technology.
Learn more about Emporia State University’s online MS in IT.
