Online Technical Management Degree Programs

Technical management consultants are well sought after, but must possess a wide range of business and computing expertise. They are hired to help problem-solve and lead teams of employees toward a common, often operational, goal.

Growing a Career in Technical Management

In the technical management field, the combination of business knowledge and computer skills can lead to a variety of career opportunities. Many companies use a common operational model linking manufacturing, information technology, finance, and sales together. Technical managers assist companies in their effort to keep cross-departmental projects running on-time and on-budget.

These professionals have expertise in operational, IT, and financial systems. They are often hired on a consultant basis, and often by manufacturing firms, some of the most common employers of technical managers. Management analysts evaluate a company's structure, operations, technology, profits, and future competitive potential, recommending changes where appropriate.

Earning Your Degree in Technical Management

Education in technical management is available both online and on-campus, focusing on a variety of topics within science, business, and computing:

• Programming
• Personnel
• Data management
• Communications
• Finance operations
• Project management

If you're interested in technical management, you traditionally need a bachelor's degree or an MBA with a technology management emphasis. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that competition for jobs in this field will be significant, suggesting that candidates with the most education and experience should find the most job opportunities. While this versatile degree lends may lead to different job opportunities, they all typically require managerial skills and technical know-how.

Management Analysis and Career Potential

According to the BLS, management analysts work in several industries such as:

• Management, scientific, and technical consulting firms
• Computer systems design and related services firms
• Federal, state, and local governments

The field of management analysis is expected to grow faster than average between 2016 and 2016. The BLS predicts at least 22 percent growth in job opportunities for management analysts during that time.

Earnings can vary for individuals working in the technical management industry. Many technical managers are consultants and not full-time employees, so salaries and hourly rates can vary. However, according to the BLS, management analysts earned an annual median salary of $71,150 in 2007. That same year, business operations specialists earned $57,090.

The best job opportunities in 2007 were in management and consulting services, computer systems design, as well as state and federal government agencies. Yet, the highest paying industries in 2007 include foundries, real estate, and rental centers. For individuals with career training in technical management, they may want to look to the District of Columbia, Virginia, and Maryland for employment--they represent the states with the highest concentration of management analysts in 2007.

The top paying states for management analysts in 2007 included New Hampshire, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Colorado. Armed with a degree or career training in technical management, you should have numerous employment opportunities throughout the country.

• Technology & IT Programs