Master's Degrees for Technology Lovers

You know exactly who you are. When someone calls you a "geek," you thank them. Your friends phone at odd hours, asking you to help them trouble-shoot their computer software or understand the higher functions of their cell phones. You know deep down in your bones that you can do a better job than 80 percent of the hardware or software companies around the country.

So, why not get paid for it? Unless you plan on sitting around the help desk for the rest of your days, you're going to need additional certifications and a master's degree in information technology, applications, or system engineering to get people to sit up and listen to your ideas.

Or, you may want to complete an online master's degree in business administration (MBA) program to step into a leadership or consulting role. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that jobs for computer systems analysts should grow by at least 20 percent between 2008 and 2018 as the demand grows for experts in systems management and security.

Career and Master's Degree Options in Technology

If you're looking for an accredited online graduate degree program to reboot your geek quotient, there are many options available. With a little research, you're sure to find a master's program with the perfect array of courses to match your professional goals. An advanced master's-level IT program should interface directly with your specialties, whether your focus is on:

• Business intelligence
• Network architecture
• Security and assurance
• Database management
• Systems analysis
• Hardware
• Operating systems
• Project management

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 30 percent growth in jobs between 2008 and 2018 for qualified computer network, systems, and database administrators. A projected 50 percent increase in jobs for network systems and data communications analysts ought to get your heart pumping. Openings for web administrators and web developers are also expected to experience strong growth through the decade.

Computer systems design is another hot field for geeks completing their master's degrees in technology. The BLS forecasts a 45 percent increase in openings during the 2009 through 2018 decade, adding 656,400 jobs, boosting the specialty among the top-five industries with the largest employment growth.

The BLS has projected a 17 percent increase in jobs for computer and information systems managers during the 2008 through 2018 decade, with the fastest growth in the systems design, data processing and hosting, scientific, and health care consulting sectors. To grab hold of one of these jobs, you may need to earn your MBA.

Online MBA Programs & Distance Learning MBAs in Information Systems

If becoming a technology or information systems manager gets your geek propeller spinning, why not pursue a flexible online MBA that allows you to keep your day (or night) job while you complete the necessary coursework?

Graduate degree programs in technology business administration build on your experience and core technology skills while providing fresh expertise in the fields of financial analysis, marketing, management and leadership, economics, and business strategy. MBA programs in IT project management or security management can get you up to speed to qualify for in-demand roles across the global economy.

If E-Commerce spikes your interest, online MBA degree programs in E-Business can help you apply your technology skills and work with leading corporations, entrepreneurs, or startup businesses as they journey into the digital frontier. Coursework in site development, security, marketing, supply-chain management, change management, and human resource management help you round out your expertise.

Should You Choose an Online Master's Degree Program?

IT professionals tend to gravitate toward distance learning graduate degree programs because they already understand the online environment and have made multi-tasking a way of life. While online degree programs are flexible and asynchronous, you must still develop routine log-on habits or you may fall behind. Many students appreciate the opportunity to integrate their new-found classroom skills directly with their digital workplace.

Moreover, online degree programs help professionals build career relationships and friendships with like-minded geeks, networking for career advancement and knowledge transfer. Online degree programs are fast-paced and challenging, but time-to-degree can be accelerated over traditional, campus-based graduate school programs.

If you enroll in a program and suddenly realize that you can probably improve the classroom interface or tweak the discussion board, you're in just the right place!