MS in Information Technology Management

[ss20ts]

I am considering applying to WGU for the MS in Information Technology Management program once I graduate from UMPI next spring. I am earning my BLS with minors in Management Information Systems and Project Management. At this time, I am looking at going into project management. I don't have a ton of IT experience. Most of my experience is in building websites with shopping carts and academia. I plan on getting my CAPM and the PMP once I have the required project experience PMI requires. I was wondering if anyone has earned this degree and WGU and if they could give me any insight into it. I've read the course descriptions, but was hoping for more info. The courses, for the most part, have IT in their name, but don't seem like they're focused on any particular aspect of IT such as programming, databases, analytics, etc.

[bjcheung77]

You can try WGU, but you may also want to take a look at Walden's MBA with a Project Management concentration. Especially since Walden has the 50% off life of the program for their Tempo Learning Competency Based... That is probably more suited for you.

[Merlin]

I am considering applying to WGU for the MS in Information Technology Management program once I graduate from UMPI next spring. I am earning my BLS with minors in Management Information Systems and Project Management. At this time, I am looking at going into project management. I don't have a ton of IT experience. Most of my experience is in building websites with shopping carts and academia. I plan on getting my CAPM and the PMP once I have the required project experience PMI requires. I was wondering if anyone has earned this degree and WGU and if they could give me any insight into it. I've read the course descriptions, but was hoping for more info. The courses, for the most part, have IT in their name, but don't seem like they're focused on any particular aspect of IT such as programming, databases, analytics, etc.

I did WGU's MBA in IT Management though I considered their MS ITM program. In fact I and went back and forth on which one I wanted to do for a while before settling on the MBA.

The MS ITM doesn't focus on any specific area of IT since it is a management degree that focuses on management as it applies to working in an IT field. Think of it as a cross between an IT generalist degree and a degree in management/leadership.

If you're looking for something that focuses more on a specific discipline of IT, then you should look at their specialized IT degrees. Currently, the only masters-level specialist degrees that WGU offers are in Cybersecurity and Data Analysis, but they are working on an MS in Computer Science that will probably open up sometime in 2021.

[allvia]

I did start the MS ITM through WGU (just not where my 'professional passion' lies).  As Merlin said it is more a management degree than hands on IT based. However, without having some solid work experience in IT some of the courses could be a challenge; some are very IT problem driven (not everything can be related back to a once read over of The Phoenix Project).  I would recommend the WGU MS ITM program to someone with existing hands on IT experience who was looking to move up in IT Management - including IT project management.

With that said, I too working in Project Management and did also begin Walden MBA Project Management (Tempo) that bjcheung77 mentioned as well - in the end I just don't have any interest in an MBA (I already have a BSBA, and it was more of the 'same old stuff' to me). I also decided that I already have the PM experience and can study for the PMP on my own, so that is the route I'm taking. I will say this program seems a better fit for you based on the posts you've made throughout this forum to date. You will get very good mileage out of an MBA; and it will align with your PM goals (without limiting you to only the IT Field).  In the end getting your PMP will outweigh any Project Management specific degree you may pursue.

Another option you may want to look into is Amberton; they have global accreditation for PM from PMI (the best you can get for PM). They offer very affordable programs including an MBA in Project Management and a MS Agile Project Management.

Like my bachelor degree it took me a few tries (and unfortunately more than a few 'wasted' dollars) to find my match and getting it done. I'm glad to say that it has taken me less years (2) to find my niche for my master than it took for my bachelor (25+). What I've learned is that when it comes to your master you need to choose wisely; not just for professional goals but truly study the path that fills you on a personal level. Any bachelor may 'check a box', but a master degree is part of what defines you.

[ss20ts]

I did start the MS ITM through WGU (just not where my 'professional passion' lies).  As Merlin said it is more a management degree than hands on IT based. However, without having some solid work experience in IT some of the courses could be a challenge; some are very IT problem driven (not everything can be related back to a once read over of The Phoenix Project).  I would recommend the WGU MS ITM program to someone with existing hands on IT experience who was looking to move up in IT Management - including IT project management.

With that said, I too working in Project Management and did also begin Walden MBA Project Management (Tempo) that bjcheung77 mentioned as well - in the end I just don't have any interest in an MBA (I already have a BSBA, and it was more of the 'same old stuff' to me). I also decided that I already have the PM experience and can study for the PMP on my own, so that is the route I'm taking. I will say this program seems a better fit for you based on the posts you've made throughout this forum to date. You will get very good mileage out of an MBA; and it will align with your PM goals (without limiting you to only the IT Field).  In the end getting your PMP will outweigh any Project Management specific degree you may pursue.

Another option you may want to look into is Amberton; they have global accreditation for PM from PMI (the best you can get for PM). They offer very affordable programs including an MBA in Project Management and a MS Agile Project Management.

Like my bachelor degree it took me a few tries (and unfortunately more than a few 'wasted' dollars) to find my match and getting it done. I'm glad to say that it has taken me less years (2) to find my niche for my master than it took for my bachelor (25+). What I've learned is that when it comes to your master you need to choose wisely; not just for professional goals but truly study the path that fills you on a personal level. Any bachelor may 'check a box', but a master degree is part of what defines you.

Thank you so much for your response! I am looking to get into project management. I have an AAS in Business Administration with a concentration in accounting and have no desire to repeat those courses for a MBA. Kind of how you weren't interested in a MBA because of your bachelor's degree. I am currently looking at SNHU and Bellevue at their master's in project management. I will give Amberton a look as well. I'm gathering that maybe just going for the master's in pm might be the better route.