Choosing the Right Master’s Program to Advance Your Career in IT

In today’s digital-first economy, the demand for information technology (IT) expertise is surging across industries and roles. This demand extends even to professionals who don’t come from technical backgrounds. As organizations increasingly adopt digital solutions, IT knowledge has become a critical asset for driving efficiency, fostering innovation, and maintaining competitiveness.

Whether in healthcare, finance, education, or marketing, IT skills—including more advanced artificial intelligence (AI) applications—are reshaping the way professionals work and contribute to their industries. Earning a master’s degree in information technology can play a pivotal role in career advancement. But with rising educational costs, what is the actual value of a master’s degree in IT?

What is the value of a master’s degree in IT?

Earning a master’s degree in IT is more than just an academic achievement; it’s an investment in the practical skills and tools needed to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

“At its core, IT is a fundamental skill that represents everything from everyday use all the way to the very high level, more advanced AI tools,” says Xiaomu Zhou, a teaching professor and lead faculty member in Northeastern’s College of Professional Studies Master of Professional Studies in Informatics program. “Whatever job you’re doing, IT represents a tool and a vehicle for innovation, and the more knowledgeable or trained you are, the more efficient your work will be.”

A master’s degree in IT is especially valuable for those transitioning from non-technical fields. It bridges the gap between existing expertise and the growing demand for digital proficiency. For instance, a leader with a background in strategic planning can use IT knowledge to manage digital transformation projects, ensuring their organization stays innovative and competitive.

The interdisciplinary nature of IT education makes it uniquely adaptable to professionals from various fields. By focusing on the intersection of technology, people, and organizational strategy, these programs prepare graduates to navigate the complexities of today’s digital workplace.

“We train our students to think about people, technology, and information use—all three interacting with each other—so they can implement systems effectively and manage them strategically,” Zhou says.

So the real value of this education lies in its ability to expand career opportunities, enhance earning potential, and provide the tools to lead and innovate in virtually any industry. However, maximizing the benefits of this investment depends on selecting the right program for your goals and circumstances. Let’s explore what to look for when choosing a master’s in IT degree program.

4 Factors to consider when choosing an IT master’s program

1. Alignment with your career goals

Choosing an IT master’s program that aligns with your career aspirations is critical to maximizing the value of your degree. With a wide range of specializations, finding the right focus ensures your education builds on your strengths and prepares you for your ideal role.

For example, a specialization in cybersecurity might appeal to those passionate about data protection, while IT management suits professionals with leadership experience who want to combine technical expertise with strategic planning. Personality and work style can also make a difference.

“I always ask students: Are you an outgoing person or confident in directly interacting with people? Or do you prefer working behind the scenes?” Zhou says. “Your personality and work style preferences can play a huge role in choosing the right IT track.”

Roles such as project management or user experience design often require strong interpersonal and collaboration skills, making them ideal for those who enjoy engaging with others. In contrast, fields like data analytics and big data management are well-suited for individuals who prefer roles that involve independent, detail-oriented data work.

2. Program reputation

When choosing a master’s program in IT, the program’s reputation is a critical factor, especially for professionals transitioning from non-technical fields. A well-regarded, accredited program not only ensures the quality of education but also enhances the credibility of your degree to employers.

Accredited programs often offer innovative approaches to learning that accommodate diverse student needs. For instance, many IT programs now prioritize flexibility, enabling students to tailor their education to their specific goals and backgrounds.

As Zhou explains, “Our program is extremely flexible. Students can customize their education package to align with their career goals, whether combining cloud computing and information security, cloud computing and data management, or focusing on a unique area of interest.”

This adaptability is especially valuable for professionals seeking to leverage prior experience or explore interdisciplinary interests. By choosing a reputable program with customizable options, you can ensure your education aligns with both your current expertise and long-term career aspirations.

3. Flexibility for working professionals

For mid-career professionals, balancing work, education, and personal commitments can be challenging. The flexibility of online master’s programs makes it possible to pursue advanced education without putting your career on hold. Online learning has become a practical solution for professionals seeking to upskill or transition into IT roles while maintaining their current responsibilities.

“Working professionals don’t want to leave their job to come to campus,” Zhou says. “Online programs allow them to balance their work and study, with live sessions offering the same interactive experience as on-ground classes.”

This hybrid approach—combining asynchronous materials with live, interactive sessions—ensures you receive a high-quality education without compromising your schedule. Furthermore, online programs tailored to individual needs provide the flexibility necessary to manage the demands of a busy professional life.

“For master’s degrees, online learning is a very good, practical way forward,” Zhou says. “If the program is tailored to your needs, it can provide flexibility and quality education simultaneously.”

4. Accessibility to professionals from diverse backgrounds

One of the key advantages of pursuing an IT master’s degree is its accessibility to professionals from diverse fields, such as operations, marketing, or HR. These programs are designed to help you leverage your existing skills in strategy, management, and communication while gaining the technical expertise needed to thrive in IT roles.

For instance, project management expertise can translate into roles in tech project management or digital transformation leadership, where managing cross-functional teams and strategic planning are essential. Leadership skills gained in HR or operations can also be applied to IT consultancy or managing large-scale digital initiatives.

“We don’t assume students have IT backgrounds,” Zhou says. “We prepare them through foundational courses, teaching from the ground up while moving quickly to advanced concepts.”

By building on their existing expertise and acquiring IT knowledge, professionals from diverse backgrounds can successfully transition into high-demand IT roles. This combination of prior experience and newly developed technical skills makes for a powerful foundation to help you excel in the ever-evolving tech landscape.

How to maximize your IT degree for career growth

Earning a master’s degree in IT is the foundation for a successful career, but what you do afterward determines how far you’ll go. Building relationships with faculty, advisors, industry experts, and peers is essential—especially for those transitioning from non-technical backgrounds.

These connections can provide mentorship, career guidance, and opportunities to expand your professional network. “Our advisors and faculty work closely with students to help them think through career paths and build connections,” Zhou says. “It’s not about prescribing a path but guiding them to make informed decisions.”

Thriving in IT also requires staying competitive in a fast-evolving landscape. Lifelong learning is critical, with a focus on mastering skills that remain valuable even as automation becomes more prevalent.

In light of advanced AI applications assisting with analytics tasks, Zhou explains, “We teach students how to build a data pipeline—something AI tools are not yet capable of doing. This involves addressing system-level challenges, identifying resources, bridging gaps, and equipping students to remain relevant in an ever-evolving IT landscape.”

To keep pace with industry advancements, attend conferences, pursue certifications, and follow emerging trends. By leveraging your degree and staying adaptable, you can unlock new opportunities, maintain a competitive edge, and ensure lasting success in the IT field.

Find your ideal IT master’s program

A master’s degree in IT has the power to transform your career, equipping you with the skills and confidence to thrive in a digital-first world. The right program does more than teach IT fundamentals—it helps you leverage your existing strengths and experience, even if you’re transitioning from a non-technical background.

The Master’s in Informatics program at Northeastern’s College of Professional Studies is designed with flexibility, accessibility, and innovation in mind. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just beginning to explore the IT field, our program helps you build the expertise needed to meet today’s challenges while preparing for tomorrow’s opportunities. With customizable pathways, expert faculty, and a strong emphasis on practical, hands-on learning, Northeastern provides an unparalleled foundation for your success.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your IT career, start by researching programs that align with your goals and offer the support you need to excel. Explore how Northeastern’s forward-thinking approach can help you achieve your aspirations and position yourself as a leader in the ever-evolving world of IT.