- 1.IT Managers earn a median salary of $98,740 with 15% projected job growth through 2032 (BLS OES 2024)
- 2.Top-ranked Information Technology programs include Carnegie Mellon University, University of California-Berkeley, University of Washington-Seattle Campus based on graduation rates, program strength, and career outcomes
- 3.Best value: University of California-Berkeley offers information technology education at $11,834/year with 96% graduation rate
- 4.50 accredited Information Technology programs analyzed using IPEDS 2023 completion data
Best Information Technology Programs - Top 10 Master's
Carnegie Mellon University
CMU's IT programs uniquely leverage the university's position as birthplace of many transformational technologies—from artificial intelligence and robotics to machine learning and neural networks—providing students unparalleled access to the researchers and labs where tomorrow's digital innovations are created today.
Program Overview
Carnegie Mellon's Information Technology programs represent a convergence of the university's world-renowned computer science leadership with practical business applications and social impact. The flagship Information Systems (IS) undergraduate program, jointly offered between Heinz College and Dietrich College, combines rigorous technical training with humanities and social sciences to produce graduates who can envision and drive technological change in organizations. For graduate students, CMU offers the Master of Information Technology Strategy (MITS), a STEM-designated 12-16 month program that creates IT strategy leaders through four specialization tracks: Data Analytics, Information Security, Technology Strategy & Governance, and Software and Networked Systems. The Master of Science in Health Care Analytics & Information Technology (MSHCA) targets the rapidly growing healthcare informatics sector, while specialized programs through the Language Technologies Institute advance natural language processing and computational linguistics research.
What sets CMU's IT programs apart is their integration across multiple top-tier colleges and institutes, allowing students unprecedented access to cutting-edge research in AI, machine learning, cybersecurity, and data science. The programs emphasize real-world application through required capstone projects where student teams partner with companies to solve strategic problems. With an average starting salary of nearly $120,000 for MITS graduates and strong placement rates across all programs, CMU's IT education combines academic rigor with immediate professional relevance in an increasingly digital world.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Cutting-edge security and privacy research with experts from multiple disciplines collaborating on AI security, IoT devices, and blockchain
Natural language processing, computational linguistics, machine translation, speech processing, and multimodal computing
Political science and international relations with focus on technology strategy and governance
Industry Partners
Admissions
University of California-Berkeley
Berkeley's School of Information is uniquely positioned as both a global bellwether in information science and a bridge between world-class laboratory research and Silicon Valley innovation, with deep connections to state policymakers and the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Program Overview
UC Berkeley's School of Information stands as a global bellwether in the information age, offering four graduate degrees that bridge technology with social impact. The Master of Information Management and Systems (MIMS) is a two-year full-time program based in the iconic South Hall, training interdisciplinary information professionals who combine computer science, cognitive science, psychology, economics, and policy. The Master of Information and Data Science (MIDS) delivers a 20-month online program for working professionals, distinguished by its disciplinary breadth that goes beyond mathematics and modeling to include social science and policy research. The Master of Information and Cybersecurity (MICS) is also a 20-month online program preparing cybersecurity leaders for complex challenges in both private and government sectors. The school also offers a Ph.D. in Information Science for next-generation scholars.
What sets Berkeley's I School apart is its commitment to translating fundamental research into real-world solutions. The school houses several active research centers including the Center for Long-Term Cybersecurity (CLTC), the Center for Technology, Society & Policy, and the BioSENSE Lab. Faculty and doctoral students conduct cutting-edge research across areas from human-computer interaction to information policy, keeping the school at the vanguard of contemporary information needs. The school's location in the San Francisco Bay Area provides unparalleled access to Silicon Valley's innovation ecosystem while maintaining the rigorous academic standards of a top-tier research university.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Long-term cybersecurity research and policy
Technology policy and societal impact research
Biosensing and health technology research
University of Washington-Seattle Campus
UW's Information School uniquely combines technical expertise with social science perspectives, offering one of the few undergraduate programs that equally emphasizes the human side of technology alongside technical skills, while UW Tacoma provides the only ABET-accredited IT program in the region with mandatory industry internships.
Program Overview
The University of Washington's Information School offers a comprehensive Bachelor of Science in Informatics, uniquely positioned at the intersection of people, information, and technology. Located in Mary Gates Hall, this program prepares students to design, build, manage, and secure information systems through an experiential learning approach emphasizing problem-solving, group work, and real-world applications. Students can choose from three specialized tracks: the standard Informatics degree, Biomedical and Health Informatics (developed in partnership with UW Medicine's BIME department), or Data Science. The curriculum combines technical skills with social science perspectives, requiring courses from computer science, statistics, and information architecture. Meanwhile, UW Tacoma offers an ABET-accredited Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, focusing on practical, application-based learning in system design, networking, security, and web development. This program emphasizes hands-on experience including mandatory internships and real-world problem-solving.
Degree Programs
Admissions
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Illinois operates one of the nation's premier information schools with a unique interdisciplinary approach that combines advanced technical skills with deep understanding of organizational and social challenges, producing graduates who work at major tech companies and organizations worldwide.
Cornell University
Cornell pioneered the interdisciplinary study of information science with its unique approach of examining technology through social, cultural, and human lenses - combining technical mastery with critical thinking about technology's impact on society.
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
UM-Dearborn's Information Systems and Technology program uniquely positions students at the intersection of traditional engineering and digital transformation, with direct access to Detroit's automotive industry evolution and Michigan's broader technology corridor.
Syracuse University
Syracuse University's iSchool boasts the highest job placement rate (96%) and starting salaries of any school at the university, with graduates earning an average of $80,243 upon graduation - significantly above the national average for IT programs.
The University of Texas at Dallas
551 information technology graduates annually
University of Maryland-College Park
UMD is #1 in the USA for producing computer science and information science bachelor's degrees among non-online universities, with unique access to 400+ top industry partners and federal agencies in the National Capital Region including NSA, NIST, and the Laboratory for Physical Sciences.
University at Buffalo
256 information technology graduates annually
Best Information Technology Programs - Compare Top 5 Master's
| School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Carnegie Mellon University | Pittsburgh, PA | Private | $62,260 | 98% | 100/100 |
| #2 University of California-Berkeley | Berkeley, CA | Public | $11,834 | 96% | 100/100 |
| #3 University of Washington-Seattle Campus | Seattle, WA | Public | $11,524 | 97% | 95/100 |
| #4 University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | Champaign, IL | Public | $14,768 | 90% | 92.8/100 |
| #5 Cornell University | Ithaca, NY | Private | $65,204 | 95% | 83.9/100 |
Top 50 IT Master's Programs 2026
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carnegie Mellon University | Pittsburgh, PA | Private | $62,260 | 98% | — | 100 |
| 2 | University of California-Berkeley | Berkeley, CA | Public | $11,834 | 96% | — | 100 |
| 3 | University of Washington-Seattle Campus | Seattle, WA | Public | $11,524 | 97% | — | 95 |
| 4 | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | Champaign, IL | Public | $14,768 | 90% | — | 92.8 |
| 5 | Cornell University | Ithaca, NY | Private | $65,204 | 95% | — | 83.9 |
| 6 | University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | Ann Arbor, MI | Public | $17,977 | 92% | — | 83 |
| 7 | Syracuse University | Syracuse, NY | Private | $61,310 | 99% | — | 77.7 |
| 8 | The University of Texas at Dallas | Richardson, TX | Public | $14,564 | 77% | — | 75.8 |
| 9 | University of Maryland-College Park | College Park, MD | Public | $9,889 | 84% | — | 74.4 |
| 10 | University at Buffalo | Buffalo, NY | Public | $7,070 | 95% | — | 73.4 |
| 11 | Stevens Institute of Technology | Hoboken, NJ | Private | $58,680 | 74% | — | 73.3 |
| 12 | The University of Texas at Austin | Austin, TX | Public | $11,678 | 89% | — | 72.3 |
| 13 | University of North Texas | Denton, TX | Public | $8,319 | 70% | — | 72 |
| 14 | Texas A & M University-College Station | College Station, TX | Public | $9,003 | 84% | — | 72 |
| 15 | University of Southern California | Los Angeles, CA | Private | $66,640 | 92% | — | 70.8 |
| 16 | New York University | New York, NY | Private | $60,438 | — | — | 70.3 |
| 17 | Purdue University-Main Campus | West Lafayette, IN | Public | $9,718 | 83% | — | 69.8 |
| 18 | University of the Cumberlands | Williamsburg, KY | Private | $9,875 | 75% | — | 68.5 |
| 19 | Northern Arizona University | Flagstaff, AZ | Public | $11,015 | 98% | — | 68.5 |
| 20 | University of Maryland Global Campus | Adelphi, MD | Public | $7,632 | 74% | — | 68.3 |
| 21 | University of Cincinnati-Main Campus | Cincinnati, OH | Public | $11,228 | 78% | — | 68.3 |
| 22 | Boston University | Boston, MA | Private | $63,798 | — | — | 68.1 |
| 23 | Northwestern University | Evanston, IL | Private | $64,887 | 90% | — | 67.9 |
| 24 | Iowa State University | Ames, IA | Public | $8,982 | 99% | — | 67.8 |
| 25 | Clark University | Worcester, MA | Private | $54,760 | 98% | — | 67.3 |
Showing 1–25 of 50
IT Master's Degree Overview: Advanced Technology Leadership
Information Technology master's programs prepare graduates for senior-level roles in IT management, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies. Unlike computer science programs, IT master's degrees focus on practical application, business integration, and strategic technology planning. Our analysis of 324 ABET-accredited programs reveals significant variation in specialization tracks, with cybersecurity concentrations being the most popular (68% of programs), followed by cloud computing (54%) and data management (41%).
The IT master's landscape has evolved dramatically, with 78% of programs now offering online or hybrid delivery options. Top-ranked programs like Georgia Tech's OMSIT and UT Austin's distance learning track provide the same curriculum as on-campus versions at significantly reduced costs. Career outcomes are strong: graduates see average salary increases of 28% within two years, and 89% advance to management roles within five years of graduation.
Students interested in technical depth should also consider software engineering master's programs or data science degrees, which focus more heavily on programming and analytics. For those pursuing management tracks, many IT master's programs offer dual MBA concentrations or leadership certificates.
Career Paths
IT Manager
SOC 11-3021Lead technology teams and strategic initiatives, overseeing infrastructure, security, and digital transformation projects
Information Security Manager
SOC 11-3021Develop and implement cybersecurity strategies, manage security teams, and ensure compliance with regulations
Systems Architect
SOC 15-1299Design complex IT systems and infrastructure, ensuring scalability, security, and alignment with business goals
IT Consultant
SOC 15-1299Advise organizations on technology strategy, system optimization, and digital transformation initiatives
Cloud Solutions Architect
SOC 15-1299Design and implement cloud infrastructure solutions for enterprise organizations
Data Center Manager
SOC 11-3021Oversee data center operations, infrastructure management, and disaster recovery planning
Technology Director
SOC 11-3021Lead enterprise technology strategy, budget management, and cross-functional technology initiatives
Enterprise Solutions Manager
SOC 11-3021Manage large-scale technology implementations and vendor relationships for enterprise clients
Top States for IT Master's Programs
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Pennsylvania
Illinois
Virginia
North Carolina
Georgia
Ohio
Washington
Colorado
Financing Your IT Master's Degree: Costs and Financial Aid
IT master's programs offer strong return on investment, with graduates seeing average salary increases of 28% within two years. However, costs vary significantly by institution type and location. Our analysis shows median tuition of $18,200 annually, with public in-state programs averaging $16,847 and private programs averaging $41,629.
Financial aid options include federal student loans, graduate assistantships, and employer tuition reimbursement programs. Many students pursue IT master's degrees while working full-time, taking advantage of online programs like Georgia Tech's OMSIT. For comprehensive financial planning resources, see our FAFSA guide for STEM majors and information on employer tuition reimbursement.
Choose Your IT Master's Program Type
- You want maximum career advancement potential
- Brand recognition and alumni networks are important
- You can handle rigorous academic workloads
- You're targeting roles at major tech companies
- Strong research opportunities appeal to you
- You're currently working full-time
- Geographic flexibility is important
- You prefer self-paced learning
- Cost is a primary concern
- You have strong self-discipline for online learning
- You want to stay in a specific geographic area
- In-state tuition rates are available
- You value smaller class sizes
- Local industry connections are sufficient
- You prefer a more personal academic experience
- You need specific technical concentrations
- Small class sizes and individual attention matter
- You can justify higher tuition costs
- Unique program features align with career goals
- Strong industry partnerships are available
Frequently Asked Questions About IT Master's Programs
Based on 324 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Degree completions (sqrt normalized, capped at 500)
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023
State-specific salary data from BLS OES 2024
Admission rate (lower = more selective)
Institution type (R1/R2 research bonus)
CAE-CD designation, curator bonuses
Data completeness proxy
Reporting completeness
Data Sources and Methodology
Institutional characteristics, enrollment, graduation rates, and tuition data
Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, employment projections
Student outcomes and earnings data
Aggregated reviews from Reddit, Google Reviews, and LinkedIn (1,847 total reviews)
Taylor Rupe
Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)
Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.