Masters in Information Technology in USA: Top Universities, Deadlines, and Requirements

Content Writer - Study Abroad

Highlights:

You need a minimum 87% marks in your bachelors for Masters in Information Technology.
Boston University, Cornell University offer GRE waivers for this program.
The IT and Computer job market is projected to grow by 15% in coming years.
After completing MS in IT, you can work 20 hours per week in part-time jobs.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the computer and information technology job market is going to grow 15% by 2031 in the USA. Moreover, Graduate Management Admission Council's Corporate Recruiters Survey suggests, employers seek leadership, management and interpersonal skills in candidates. A master of science in information technology in USA can get you that. It is a two-year degree program, involving concepts of the IT sector. The minimum requirements to get into a Masters in Information technology in USA are as follows

Bachelor degree in related field with GPA of 3.5 or higher in a 4.0 scale (87%)
English language proficiency in IELTS, TOEFL or PTE
SOP
2 to 3 LOR
Resume
Valid passport
US student visa

USA universities allow students to particularly enroll for Fall and Spring semesters and most of the universities have their admission deadlines marked for February and March. After graduation students can expect a decent average salary package of 96,000 USD per year and avail their dream job in top companies like Amazon, Deloitte, EY, Dell and more.

Table of Content

Best Universities in USA
Why Study MSIT
Admissions
Cost of Pursue
FAQs

Best Universities in USA for MS in Information Technology

According to QS ranking 2024, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Harvard University, and Stanford University are among the top universities in USA for this course. Latest ranking, annual tuition fees and application deadlines of the best universities in USA for MS in Information Technology are tabulated below

QS Ranking	University	Tuition fees	Application Fee
#1	Massachusetts Institute of Technology	64,800	75
#5	Harvard University	35,364	105
#52	Carnegie Mellon University	54,925	No application fees
#28	Johns Hopkins University	88,000	100
#10	University of California Berkeley	43,015	155
#13	Cornell University	68,380	105
#29	University of California, Los Angeles	33,238	135
#38	New York University	54,516	80
#63	University of Washington, Seattle	49,588	85
#93	Boston University	66,670	85

Note: 1 USD= 83.50 INR as of May 15, 2024

Why Study Masters in Information Technology in USA

You might be wondering why a Master's in Information Technology is important to study in today's business landscape. The fact is that there is almost no business in the world that is not touched by technology. But why USA? Consider the following

The computer and information technology job market is projected to grow by 15% by 2031 in the USA. Hence, a masters in information technology in USA can be beneficial for your career.
There are around 2,11,000 new job openings in technology sectors for potential graduates.
It is reported that MS in information technology management in USA graduates earn 96,000 USD per year. It clearly shows that IT is a high paying sector.
Upon degree completion, you are allowed to work 20 hours per week in part-time jobs in USA. This helps you to pay timely tuition fees and other expenses.
Global companies like Dell, Mantech International, Cerner Corporation, Deloitte are among the popular recruiters for IT professionals.
The gender pay gap is also less for MS in IT in USA graduates. Male graduates earn an average annual salary between 60,000 to 156,000 USD, female graduates earn an average annual salary between 58,000 to 146,000 USD
According to QS ranking, the universities in USA for MS in information technology are top ranked. MIT, Harvard, Cornell are among the top universities in USA for MS

Masters in Information Technology Subjects in USA

There are many subjects in which you can specialize, while studying MS in Information technology in the USA. These are

Cyber Security
Computer Science
Information systems
Data Analytics
Networking
Computing
Software Development
Informatics

Masters in Information Technology in USA Admissions

Masters in Information Technology in the USA is offered by various universities, and students are required to apply online through the university portal. Most of the universities in the USA offer both Fall and Spring intake admissions for this course. The academic and score requirements of exams to study in USA for masters in information technology in USA for international students are as follows. You can study MS in information technology in USA without GRE at Cornell University, Boston University.

Universities	Degree Requirements	Professional Experience	English language requirements	Additional Requirements
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)	BS in Engineering, Science, or Technology	5+ years of professional technical experience, 3+ years of experience for students with relevant MS degree	IELTS: 7.5 TOEFL: 90	Product or system development initiative experience, demonstrated team leading responsibility GRE or GMAT score
Harvard University	4 year accredited US bachelor’s degree or equivalent	Not mandatory	IELTS: 7.0 TOEFL: 100	Answer to Harvard Supplement questions,Teacher evaluations GRE or GMAT required
Carnegie Mellon University	Bachelor’s degree in a related field	At least 3 years of professional experience	IELTS: 7.0 DET: 130 TOEFL: 25 in each section	2-3 LORs (1 LOR from professional contact),professional resume, essay (1000 words), Optional essay (250 words), Optional video interview
Johns Hopkins University	Bachelor’s degree,3.9 GPA out of 4.0 is expected (93-96%)	Not mandatory	IELTS, TOEFL, DET accepted	Statement of academic purpose, resume or CV GRE/ GMAT optional
University of California Berkeley	4 year bachelor’s degree or equivalent	5 years of experience	TOEFL: 100 IELTS: 7.0	Competitive GRE/GMAT score required
Cornell University	Bachelor’s degree	Not mandatory	IELTS: 7.0 TOEFL: Speaking: 22 or above Reading: 20 or above Listening: 15 or above Writing: 20 or above	Personal statement, 2 LORs, GRE is not required
University of California, Los Angeles	Bachelor’s degree or equivalent	Minimum 2 years of work experience	IELTS: 7.0 TOEFL iBT: 87	2 LORs, professional resume, SOP, competitive GRE or GMAT score
New York University	Bachelor degree in related field	Average 5 years of work experience	IELTS: 7.0 TOEFL: 90	1 SOP (relevant academic and professional experience,personal history essay,Short answer essay (300 words),3 professional LORs,current resume,interview
University of Washington, Seattle	Higher grades in Bachelor’s	1 year of full-time experience, evidence of leadership and management potential, Evidence of professional ability	IELTS: 7.0 TOEFL: 100	Statement of academic purpose, 3 LORs, GRE scores (160 quants, 4.0 in New Analytical Writing), CV, deep knowledge in C, subject oriented knowledge in Java or C++, windows and Unix, Data Structures and Mathematics
Boston University	Bachelor’s degree	Post undergraduate professional experience is appreciated, but not mandatory	IELTS: 7.0 TOEFL: 92 DET: 120	Average GRE verbal: 154, average GRE quants: 162 or equivalent GMAT score (waivable), demonstration of exposure to basic IT infrastructure, databases, data networking, object-oriented development environment

Cost of Pursue MSIT USA

The average tuition expense for Masters in Information Systems in US ranges between 33,238 to 88,000 USD per annum. Apart from this, you also need to cover the yearly cost of living in USA, ranging between 30,000 USD to 42,000 USD. Refer below for the estimated bifurcations of the cost of living in USA.

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Note: 1 USD= 83.50 INR as of May 15, 2024

Scholarships for Masters in Information Technology Management in USA

To cut down the high cost of living, students can apply for various scholarships in USA. These scholarships are offered as tuition fee waivers, one-time stipend or living expense support. You can apply for these scholarships at the time of university application. Most scholarships have deadlines months before application deadlines, so check before applying. Some of these scholarships with value are tabulated below:

Name of Scholarship	Value
Fulbright Foreign Student Program (Government)	Funds tuition, airfare, a living stipend, and health insurance.
Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program (Government)	Pay tuition and fee, Pre-academic English Training, living allowance, accidental insurance
Next-Gen Scholarship	1,000 USD
United States South Pacific Scholarship Program (USSP)	Tuition Fee, hall room cost, books, health insurance, airfare
Community College Initiative Program(Fully Funded)	Tuition fee, living allowance, airfare, health insurance

Note: 1 USD= 83.50 INR as of May 15, 2024

Job Opportunities Masters in Information Technology in USA Universities

After completing an MS in Information Technology, you can earn an average annual salary of 96,000 USD. The highest paying salary is 155,000 USD and the lowest is 49,300 USD. Some of the popular jobs in USA with average salary packages are presented below for IT graduates

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Note: 1 USD= 83.50 INR as of May 15, 2024

ROI After Masters in Information Technology in USA

You can get a maximum ROI of 141% at University of California Los Angeles for this program. The tuition fees of this university is the lowest for MS in IT in USA. Then comes Harvard University, University of California Berkeley, offering 136% and 125%, respectively. The ROI of other universities after Masters in Information Technology in USA are as follows.

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You can consider the aforementioned details for a masters in information technology subjects in USA. USA is currently the best place to pursue MS in Information Systems, considering the numerous top ranked universities in the USA offering the course. The top universities in USA for masters in information technology offer good ROI as well.

FAQs

Ques: What are the prerequisites for applying to a Master's in IT program in the USA?

Ans: Most programs require a bachelor's degree in a related field, such as computer science, engineering, or IT. Additionally, you may need to submit GRE scores, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a resume. Some programs might also require prior work experience in the IT field.

Ques: How long does it typically take to complete a Master's in IT in the USA?

Ans: Full-time students can usually complete a Master's in IT in 1.5 to 2 years. Part-time students or those balancing work and study may take up to 3 to 4 years to finish the program.

Ques: What is the cost of pursuing a Master's in IT in the USA?

Ans: Tuition fees vary widely, ranging from 20,000 to 60,000 USD per year, depending on the institution. Additional costs include housing, books, and other living expenses, which can add another 30,000 to 40,000 USD annually.

Ques: Are there online Master's in IT programs available, and are they credible?

Ans: Many reputable universities offer online Master's in IT programs. These programs often offer the same curriculum and are taught by the same faculty as on-campus programs, making them credible and flexible options for working professionals.

Ques: What career opportunities are available after completing a Master's in IT?

Ans: Graduates can pursue various roles, including IT manager, systems analyst, cybersecurity specialist, data analyst, and software developer. The tech industry’s demand for skilled IT professionals remains high, offering robust job prospects.

Ques: What is the average salary for someone with a Master's in IT in the USA?

Ans: Salaries vary by role and location, but the average starting salary for graduates is typically between 80,000 and 100,000 USD per year. Experienced professionals can earn significantly more, especially in high-demand areas like cybersecurity and data science.

Ques: What are the key differences between a Master's in IT and a Master's in Computer Science?

Ans: A Master's in IT focuses on practical applications of technology in business and management, emphasizing areas like systems management, cybersecurity, and IT strategy. In contrast, a Master's in Computer Science is more theoretical and research-oriented, concentrating on programming, algorithms, and advanced computing topics.

Ques: Is work experience required for admission to a Master's in IT program?

Ans: While not always mandatory, having relevant work experience can strengthen your application and may be required by some programs. It also helps you better understand the course material and apply it practically.

Ques: Can international students work while studying for a Master's in IT in the USA?

Ans: International students on an F-1 visa can work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during the semester and full-time during breaks. They may also be eligible for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT) opportunities, which allow for work experience related to their field of study.

Ques: What scholarships or financial aid options are available for Master's in IT students?

Ans: Many universities offer scholarships, assistantships, and fellowships based on merit and need. Additionally, international students can explore external scholarships from private organizations and government bodies in their home countries. Financial aid options may also include student loans and employer tuition reimbursement programs.