M.S. in IT Management vs. MBA: Which Program Should You Choose?

Pursuing a graduate degree in information technology (IT) is a significant investment of time, money and effort. However, it can also help shape your career trajectory and open the door to new and exciting opportunities for advancement.

Two popular advanced degree options that you may choose to pursue are a master's in information technology management (M.S. in IT Management) and a Master of Business Administration (MBA).

While both degrees can lead to rewarding careers, they each cater to different interests, goals and career paths. Below, we'll help you determine which program aligns better with your long-term objectives and personal preferences.

Explained: Master's in IT Management vs. MBA

An M.S. in IT Management is a theory-to-practice master's program that combines foundational business and leadership knowledge with IT project management, information security and data management skills.

In contrast, an MBA is a graduate-level degree program designed to prepare you for the managerial responsibilities of businesses across many different areas, such as operations, marketing and human resources.

While an MBA provides a comprehensive understanding of business management, leadership skills and best practices that can help you succeed in high-level roles, an M.S. in IT Management equips you with the technical expertise and managerial skills necessary to lead and oversee the proper use of information technology solutions.

However, it’s worth noting that there is a third program option available if you’re looking to bridge the gap between these two offerings. 

Dr. Alyncia Bowen, dean of Franklin University’s Ross College of Business and executive director of the university’s Leadership Center, encourages prospective students to investigate MBA programs specializing in IT.

"The MBA specializing in IT Management promotes the development of skills in strategic and project management and business analytics as a means of leading organizations,” Bowen says. “This option combines the comprehensive business education of an MBA with a concentrated focus on information technology typically found in an IT master's program.”

What matters most when choosing a master’s program? Compare features, benefits and cost to find the right school for you.

The Ideal Candidate for a Master's in Information Management vs. Master’s in Business Administration 

A master's in IT management program is ideal for IT professionals looking to advance their careers and assume leadership roles in technology.

The MBA program, on the other hand, is a lucrative option if you're a business professional seeking to assume managerial or executive roles. It's also an excellent choice if you have a business background, are interested in entrepreneurship and leadership or want to broaden your knowledge and skills.

The M.S. in IT Management can provide a pathway for non-technical professionals to enter the technology sector, while the MBA can open doors for those seeking to move into business-related roles.

However, if you want to bridge the difference between these two programs, Dr. Bowen notes that an MBA specializing in IT may be your best bet.

"Those interested in and passionate about business and technology will find the MBA specialization more attractive than the general MBA,” she said. “This is because of the ability to advance in technical careers with strong business knowledge. It also gives individuals the opportunity to advance in either discipline."

Technical Skills: Master's in IT Management vs. MBA Programs
 

In M.S. in IT Management programs, you'll gain hands-on experience with various computer systems, tools and methodologies related to information technology. You'll learn to analyze and solve complex computer problems, manage IT projects and implement effective IT solutions within organizations.

These technical skills can be applied in industries such as healthcare, finance, manufacturing and government, where the integration of technology and business processes is essential.

For example, you could utilize your skillset as an M.S. in IT Management graduate to develop and implement a cybersecurity strategy for a hospital, ensuring the protection of sensitive medical data.

While a generalized MBA program may delve less deeply into technical skills (unless you choose to specialize in IT), it does provide opportunities for you to develop proficiency in data analytics, business intelligence and digital marketing. These business skills are valuable across various industries and can be applied in market research, enterprise resource planning, network security, operations management and strategic planning.

For instance, you could leverage your data analysis skills as an information systems manager to identify market trends and consumer behaviors. This would help your organization make informed business decisions and stay competitive in the market.

Which Degree is Better for Cultivating Project Management Skills?

High-level project managerial skills are very valuable in both the business and technology sectors. While both MBA and M.S. in IT Management programs offer management training as part of their curriculums, their approach differs slightly.

In an MBA, you'll learn specifically about project planning, resource allocation, risk management and stakeholder communication.

Dr. Bowen says that these skills can be practically applied across various business functions, such as product development, marketing campaigns and organizational change initiatives.

"The culminating experience gained from this program allows MBA graduates to apply what they've learned across various sectors. This allows you to display project knowledge and management capabilities to current and future employers."

Conversely, a master's in information technology management strongly emphasizes managerial skills within the information technology framework.

Pursuing this educational path will ensure you learn methodologies and best practices specific to IT project management, such as Agile and Scrum, as well as tools and techniques for managing software development projects. This includes IT managerial skills such as system implementations and infrastructure upgrades.

Which is Harder, an M.S. in IT or an MBA?

This is a very subjective experience. What you find difficult, someone else may find easy (and vice-versa). In this way, the perceived difficulty of a graduate program can vary depending on your educational background, experience, interests and strengths.

Admission requirements for MBA programs typically include a bachelor's degree, competitive GMAT or GRE scores, relevant work experience and/or strong academic credentials. Some secondary institutions may also require prerequisite statistics, economics and accounting courses.

Within the MBA program itself, you may find courses in quantitative analysis, finance and economics particularly challenging, especially if you have a non-business background. The program's emphasis on case studies and group projects can also be demanding, requiring strong communication, teamwork and critical thinking skills.

For M.S. in IT Management programs, admission requirements often include a bachelor's degree in a related field (such as computer science, information technology or engineering), relevant work experience and strong academic performance.

The curriculum can be challenging if you have a limited technical background. The most common struggles are with programming, computer engineering, database management and system architecture, and the combination of business and technology concepts can be a steep hill to climb if you still need to become familiar with them.

Are These Graduate Programs Worth It?

Pursuing a graduate degree is a significant investment, both in terms of time and financial resources. As such, it's natural to question whether the benefits outweigh the costs.

In terms of job prospects across all industries over the next 10 years, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a moderate increase of 2.8%. 

However, data from Lightcast™ suggests the job market outlook for business administration and information technology professionals is far more promising.

Jobs in business administration and management are expected to increase by 15.8% through 2032, reflecting the ongoing demand for skilled business leaders and managers across various industries.

Similarly, IT-related jobs are expected to grow by 18.5% during that same time frame, driven by the increasing reliance on technology and the need for professionals who can effectively manage and implement technical solutions.

In terms of earning potential, the average salary for MBA graduates can vary significantly depending on factors such as industry, location and years of experience.

However, according to Lightcast™ data, the advertised median annual salary for individuals with an MBA in the United States is around $74,500. For those with an M.S. in IT Management, the average yearly salary is approximately $98,800.

Do What You Love With a Degree from Franklin

Franklin University understands the importance of pursuing your passions and aligning your education with your career aspirations. That's why the university offers flexible and accessible options to help you achieve your goals.

The M.S. in IT Management program at Franklin is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead and manage technology initiatives within organizations. 

For those seeking a comprehensive business education, Franklin's MBA program provides a well-rounded curriculum that covers essential areas such as finance, marketing, operations and strategic management. With the option to specialize in areas like IT, you can also tailor your degree to align with your specific interests and career goals.

Learn more about our M.S. in IT Management and MBA programs, or apply today to get started!
 

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