What Education Do I Need To Become an IT Manager?

IT managers oversee an organization's IT department or the IT teams within the department. They need strong technical skills, and a range of soft skills, and one of the best ways to develop that skill set is through a degree program.

Although there are no set educational requirements for IT managers, a bachelor's degree is usually the minimum. Keep reading to discover more about the education requirements to become an IT manager.

Educational Requirements for IT Managers

While some IT managers may work their way up without a degree, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), most IT managers need a bachelor's degree in information technology or a related field. Some organizations require their IT managers to hold graduate degrees. Below, we've explored some of the common educational requirements for IT managers.

Bachelor's Degrees in Information Technology

Bachelor's degrees are undergraduate degrees that usually take four years to complete. A bachelor's degree in IT covers the fundamentals of information systems and teaches students the necessary technical skills for careers as IT professionals.

Below, we've featured a few online bachelor's degrees in information technology.

Arizona State University ?BS in Information Technology

Arizona State University is a public research university in Tempe, Arizona. It offers many online programs, including a Bachelor of Science in information technology.

Students learn skills like designing and developing viable information technology solutions, managing big data and computer networks, and improving the security of technology assets. The program offers three areas of focus: cybersecurity/network security, information systems, and network administration.

University of Phoenix ?BS in Information Technology

The University of Phoenix is a private, for-profit university out of Phoenix, Arizona. It offers a Bachelor of Science in information technology online.

The curriculum teaches career-relevant skills in operating systems, cybersecurity, programming, and more. Courses cover topics like information security, software engineering, and database frameworks.

Bellevue University ?BS in Information Technology

Bellevue University is a private university in Bellevue, Nebraska. It offers an online Bachelor of Science in information technology that prepares students for roles in the IT field.

Students gain foundational knowledge and develop hands-on skills in areas, such as network administration, data security, and cloud computing. All students must complete a faculty-approved IT project, research study, certification, or internship.

Information Technology Certifications

Aspiring IT managers can pursue IT certificate programs to gain relevent skills. The Computing Technology Industry Association, or CompTIA, is an organization that provides professional certifications for those in the IT field. We've listed a few of their common certification programs below.

CompTIA A+

The CompTIA A+ certification is CompTIA's basic IT certification. Holding this certification proves that you have the technical skills and decision-making skills to perform critical IT support tasks.

There are two exams that you'll need to take to earn this certification. The first covers mobile devices, networking technology, hardware, virtualization, and cloud computing, while the second covers operating systems, security, software, and operational procedures.

CompTIA recommends having at least nine months of work experience before pursuing this certification.

CompTIA Network+

The Network+ certification validates the core skills to establish, maintain, troubleshoot, and secure networks in any environment. It's a great option for those who want IT manager jobs in network administration or cybersecurity.

The exam for this certification covers topics like network connectivity, network security, and network frameworks. CompTIA recommends holding the A+ certification and having a minimum of nine months of hands-on experience working in a junior network administrator/network support technician job role.

CompTIA Security+

The Security+ certification focuses on cybersecurity, including network security and data security. It's primarily for those wanting roles in securing IT systems.

The exam covers various cybersecurity topics, including general security, risk management, and security frameworks. CompTIA recommends that those who want to take this exam have two years of experience in IT security roles.

Master's Degrees in Information Technology

Master's degrees are graduate degrees that usually take about two years to complete. Master's degrees in IT management will provide a more in-depth look at information technology and project management. Below, we've highlighted a few online master's degrees in IT.

Arizona State University ?MS in Information Technology

In addition to a bachelor's in information technology, ASU also offers a Master of Science in information technology online. It's designed to hone your technology skill set and teach leadership skills.

This degree covers database management, computer systems security, data analytics, and data security. Students can choose from two areas of focus: information systems management, which focuses on IT manager skills, and information technology security, which focuses on cybersecurity.

California Baptist University ?MS in Information Technology Management

California Baptist University is a private Baptist Christian university in Riverside, California. It offers an online Master of Science in information technology management specifically for aspiring IT managers.

This degree program covers IT and business management and also includes a concentration in information systems structure that focuses on cybersecurity and system frameworks. The degree requires 30 credits and takes as little as one year to complete.

Virginia Tech ?Master of Information Technology

Virginia Tech is a public research university based in Blacksburg, Virginia. It offers a flexible Master of Information Technology online.

This program offers eleven concentrations, including cybersecurity, healthcare information technology, and software development. Additionally, students can pursue ten different graduate certificates during their degree program.

FAQs About the Educational Requirements for IT Managers

Below, we've addressed a few frequently asked questions about the educational requirements for IT managers.

What Experience Do You Need To Be an IT Manager?

There are no blanket experience requirements to become an IT manager, but most employers require several years of experience. Most IT managers start in entry-level roles within IT departments and work their way up.

These years of experience are needed not only to help IT managers develop technical skills, but also to help them develop soft skills like communication skills, problem-solving skills, and project management skills.

How Long Does It Take To Become an IT Manager?

The time it takes to become an IT manager depends on the organization you work for and the specific IT manager role you're pursuing. According to the BLS, lower-level management roles in IT may only need a few years of experience, but roles like IT director usually need at least five years of experience.

What Do IT Managers Do?

IT managers oversee IT teams within an organization's IT department. They also plan, coordinate, and direct initiatives to meet a business's IT needs.

There are several types of IT managers, each with different roles. For example, an IT project manager oversees specific projects, while a network security manager oversees an organization's cybersecurity.