Bachelor's vs. Master's: Earning Power of IT Degrees

Are you looking to begin or advance in your IT career? With so many different IT degrees and certification pathways available, you'll need to consider how to equip yourself with the appropriate skills and training.

You might start by asking yourself a few questions: Are you pivoting in your career to IT? How much IT or computer science experience do you have? What are your personal and professional goals? Your answers will help you determine what kind of education you need to point you toward your dream job.

Read on to learn more about the potential that both bachelor’s and master’s degrees can unlock in the world of IT.

The Value of a Master’s Degree in IT

While a bachelor's degree could help you land an entry- or mid-level IT job, a master's degree in IT can equip you with leadership and decision-making skills that you might not learn in a bachelor's program. If you’d like to increase your earnings or qualify for senior-level IT positions, you might consider earning a master's degree and receiving training in areas such as financial and project management, business strategy, and cross-functional collaboration.

No matter the specific IT subject, a master’s degree can set you apart from competition in the job market and signal your commitment to employers.

Why Pursue an Advanced IT Degree?

Completing a master’s program requires hard work and dedication. It may also require a sizable financial investment, depending on the institution. But unlike most IT certifications that eventually expire and need renewing, an advanced IT degree is permanent. A master’s in IT builds on previous knowledge and can equip learners with the specialized skill set needed to thrive in certain roles. It’s also a great credential for those hoping to become organizational and thought leaders in the IT or wider tech industry.

For many employers, a master’s degree indicates a level of intellectual prowess that a bachelor’s degree often can’t confer. More specifically, earning a master’s can help job seekers demonstrate proficiency in advanced research and communication. Professionals who earn advanced IT degrees tend to exhibit tenacity, which often translates to valuable traits like on-the-job endurance and adaptability.

In addition, combining a master’s degree with one or more IT certifications can improve your odds of career success even more.

IT Career Paths and Salary Comparisons

Below is a look at three IT careers, including how much you can expect to earn for each and how a relevant master’s degree might directly affect your paycheck.

Computer Research Scientist

Computer research scientists address complex computing problems and find ways to advance computing technology. They explore and design innovative approaches to how people use computers. These scientists help top tech companies and other organizations develop cutting-edge solutions in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), robotics, quantum computing, and more. Their daily tasks may include writing code, reading academic articles, and designing and running experiments. No matter the specific job, computer research scientists are often at the forefront of technological innovation.

A master's degree is typically required for a long-term career in computer research science. But the pay matches the prestige: Payscale.com reports that while computer research professionals with a bachelor's degree make an average salary of around $72,000 a year, those with a master’s degree earn an average salary of around $113,000 a year.

Software Engineer

Software engineers are trained to build and maintain software and software-related systems for all kinds of industries. These professionals apply and adapt traditional engineering principles to create software products and programs such as operating systems, video games, web applications, and network control systems. Fluency in programming languages like Java, Python, and C++ is often a prerequisite for software engineers to write and edit the code underlying software applications.

Many software engineers lead teams of developers and help direct the overall software development in an organization. Those who hold a bachelor’s degree in software engineering earn an average annual salary of about $88,000, according to Payscale.com. Engineers who go on to earn a master’s degree make an average base annual salary of about $116,000.

Data Administrator

Data administrators—sometimes called “database administrators” or “data systems administrators”—are responsible for developing and organizing systems that store data. They ensure that the appropriate data is made available for authorized users and help to keep sensitive or private data secure.

Most entry-level jobs in data administration don't require a master's degree, but many—if not all—senior-level positions do. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that the average annual salary for database administrators in May 2023 was $101,510. The lowest 10% earned less than $54,320 while the highest 10% earned more than $157,710. Those with a master’s degree in data analytics or another relevant subject are more likely to earn an above-average salary.

Emerging Career Paths in IT

As computing, software, and information systems technologies continue to evolve, more IT career paths emerge and become increasingly common in the industry. Rapid advancements in AI and machine learning have created demand for engineers with specialized algorithmic and modeling knowledge. The need for skilled specialists in cloud computing is rising as more organizations rely on cloud storage to keep their data safe. And keen software architects are becoming indispensable for software companies to successfully meet client and user needs at scale.

Other in-demand IT jobs include:

• Full-Stack Software Engineer
• Cybersecurity Architect
• Automation Engineer
• Data Scientist
• Network Engineer

These roles are filled by professionals with advanced IT knowledge, which can be obtained through completing a master’s program in software engineering, computer science, cybersecurity, or a similar field.

Educational Pathways

As you consider earning a bachelor’s or master’s degree in IT, take into account your interests, strengths, and professional aspirations. Then, choose the degree that aligns best with your needs as well as your lifestyle. Traditional bachelor’s programs typically last around four years, while traditional master’s programs last around two years.

Many online programs, like those at WGU, may be completed faster. WGU’s competency-based learning model lets you progress through coursework as quickly as you master the material. Some accelerated programs may even allow you to earn both a bachelor’s and master’s degree upon completion.

Invest in Your Future

Ready to make a positive impact in the tech world? Enrolling in an online IT program at WGU is the perfect way to start. WGU’s School of Technology offers more than a dozen bachelor’s and master’s degree programs that are designed with input from industry experts.

Plus, you can earn one or more IT certifications at no extra cost in select WGU degree programs. Learn more today.