With the higher prevalence of cloud computing, data storage networks, and technology on the Internet affecting our lives, modern companies rely on workers who are experienced in business and technology.
Sponsored School(s)
This is the reason more colleges and universities are offering more bachelor’s and master’s programs in business technology. The aim is to prepare students with the skills needed to deal with the complex ways that new technology is affecting business and consumers, efforts in marketing, distribution and production practices, internal organization and structure and other critical aspects of business operations. Some of the critical areas that a business technology degree may focus on are:
- Remote and global communications
- Management strategies
- How tech growth may affect the future of the company
- How technology can boost efficiency
Business Technology Degree Opportunity
The Bureau of Labor Statistics at the US Department of Labor reports job demand for computer and information technology jobs will rise by a healthy 13% through 2026, faster than average for all other occupations. These occupations should add at least 557,000 new jobs. Demand for these workers will stem from more need for cloud computing, the storage, and collection of big data and the greater importance of information security.
Business Technology Degree Career Paths
Job opportunities in the business technology and management field are many when you have a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Some of the most popular career paths in this area are:
- IT project manager: Tasked with planning various types of technology and business projects in a company, and ensuring they are executed on time and budget.
- Cybersecurity expert: In charge of keeping security protocols in many types of companies. Responsible for devising strategies to boost network and Internet security related to a variety of technology and business projects.
- IT program manager: This position features elements of business technology and managerial work, with the professional directing a team of specialists in the IT department on key projects.
- IT executive: A senior IT executive in charge of a group of IT employees that are responsible for working on technological and computer problems in offices and in the field, to keep the business technology of the company running smoothly.
- Chief information officer: Make all of the major decisions regarding the organization’s information framework. Make all final decisions about the selection and purchasing of IT equipment, and also decides how the equipment will be installed and what will be upgraded.
- Strategic director: A senior manager in charge of planning the overall business technology and related goals for a company. Works with other managers to achieve goals with planning, research, and evaluation.
Business Technology Degree Salaries
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the median salary for all computer and information technology occupations is $84,500. Salaries according to Payscale.com are:
- IT project manager: $85,800
- Cybersecurity expert: $75,900
- IT program manager: $111,500
- IT executive: $143,000
- Chief information officer: $155,000
- Strategic director: $126,000
Business Technology Online Degrees
Professionals and students who want the convenience of earning their master’s degree at home may consider the Master’s in Technology Management offered online by Georgetown University. This program is entirely online and has a rigorous and comprehensive curriculum that is made to increase your abilities in significant areas, such as leadership development, business innovation, IT project management and security, and organizational change via technology deployments.
Required courses for this online degree are:
- Ethics in Technology Management
- Managing Technology
- Systems Requirements
- Financial Analysis for Technology Managers
- Project Management
- Business Intelligence and Data Analytics
- Enterprise Modernization
- Information Security
- Managing Diverse Organizations in a Flat World
Business Technology Bachelor’s Degrees
Students with a keen interest in starting their business technology career can earn a Bachelor of Science in Business Information Systems from Southern New Hampshire University. This program provides students with the foundational knowledge and skills they need in key areas such as client systems, enterprise information, SQL programming, data and information management, and business intelligence.
Required courses in this business technology bachelor’s program include:
- Introduction to Structured Query Language
- Introduction to Data and Information Management
- Client Systems and Support
- Enterprise Information Systems and Database
- Business Intelligence and Reporting
Business Technology Master’s Degree
Students and professionals interested in a rigorous on-campus master’s program in technology management and business technology can earn their Master of Science in Technology Management from Columbia University. This program prepares professionals with the IT and business management skills to be leaders in business initiatives and major projects to assist organizations to effectively manage change brought on by disruptions from innovations in technology.
The technology management faculty are highly accomplished executives from major organizations around the world and from Columbia faculty. Each professor brings ample experience, management and leadership skills and will serve as a useful resource for those who are just starting or want to enhance their career.
Business Technology Degree Admission Requirements
Typical admission requirements for a master of science degree in business technology are:
- GRE scores may be required
- Undergraduate transcripts
- Resume
- 3.0 or higher GPA
- Prerequisites in sciences, computer science, and mathematics may be required
Business Technology Degree Curriculum
Required courses for the Columbia Master of Science program include:
- Accounting and Finance for Technology
- Strategic Advocacy
- Behavioral Challenges in Technology Management
- Technology and the Law
- Operations Management
- Leading Disruptive Change in a Digital Economy
- Analytics for Technology Management
- IT and Operations Management
- Knowledge Management
Business Technology Degree Financial Assistance
Do you need financial assistance for your business technology degree? The scholarships below could be good options. Also, make sure you explore the options offered at your particular school of business or technology:
- AACE International Education Board Scholarships
- Adobe Research in Women in Technology Scholarships
- Asia SiVon Cottom Memorial Scholarship
- Bosch Automotive Aftermarket Scholarships
- Cognizant Making the Future Scholarship
- ExxonMobil Bernard Harris STEM Scholarship
- Google Lime Scholarship for Students with Disabilities
- HENAAC Great Minds in STEM Scholarships
- Johnson & Johnson Technology Scholarship
- Liberty Power Bright Horizons Scholarships
Business Technology Degree Associations
Review the following list of associations if you want a career in business technology:
- Business Technology Association
- Technology Services Industry Association
- Global Business Technology Association
- Small Business Technology Council
Business Technology Degree Certifications
Business technology professionals who want to jumpstart their careers could benefit from earning one of these certifications:
- Cisco Certified Network Association
- CompTIA A+ Technician
- Network+
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional
- Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer
References
- Top 10 Technology Scholarships for Technology Students. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.top10onlinecolleges.org/scholarships-for/technology-students/
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration/Management Information Systems. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.snhu.edu/online-degrees/bachelors/bs-in-business-administration/management-information-systems
- Online Master’s in Business Technology. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://landing.scsonline.georgetown.edu/scs-af/online-masters-29224I-104122V.html
- Master of Science in Technology Management. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://sps.columbia.edu/technology-management/master-of-science-in-technology-management
- Computer and Information Technology. (2017). Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/home.htm
- Program Manager Salary. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Program_Manager%2C_IT/Salary
- Business and Technology. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.aiuniv.edu/blog/2016/march/business-and-technology
- Information Technology Executive Director Salary. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Information_Technology_(IT)_Executive_Director/Salary
- Chief Information Officer. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Chief_Information_Officer_(CIO)/Salary
- Director of Strategy. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Director_of_Strategy/Salary
- 5 IT Certifications to Get Your Foot in the Door. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/technology/blog/5-it-certifications-to-get-your-foot-in-the-door/
