WESTERN GOVERNORS UNIVERSITY
Comparing IT Master's Degrees
Ready to Level Up In Your IT Career?
Get started on a master's program of your choice from WGU.
Ready to Level Up In Your IT Career?
If you’re an IT or business professional looking to advance your career in this high-demand field, a master’s degree from WGU can help. We offer specialized master’s degrees in cybersecurity and information assurance, data analysis, and IT management to help you become an expert in your field. This guide compares WGU’s M.S. Cybersecurity and Information Assurance, M.S. Data Analytics, and M.S. IT Management degrees, their courses, and career outcomes, so you can decide which degree to pursue.
Technology
Cybersecurity and Information Assurance – M.S.
Become the authority on keeping infrastructures and information safe....
Become the authority on keeping infrastructures and information safe.
- Time: 63% of graduates finish within 18 months.
- Tuition: $4,655 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 9 total courses in this program.
Certifications in this program at no additional cost include:
- CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+)
- CompTIA PenTest+
- CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+) Optional Voucher
- ISACA Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) Optional Voucher
- (ISC)² Certified in Cybersecurity (CC)
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Cybersecurity Strategy
- Information Assurance
- Incident Response
- Penetration Testing
The curriculum is closely aligned with the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) Workforce Framework. The program was designed in collaboration with national intelligence organizations and IT industry leaders, ensuring you'll learn emerging technologies and best practices in security governance.
Technology
Data Analytics – M.S.
Lead businesses with strong analysis skills:...
Lead businesses with strong analysis skills:
- Time: 61% of graduates finish within 20 months.
- Tuition: $4,520 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 11 total courses in this program.
This program consists of three specialization areas which allow you to gain specific experience and skills that will benefit your future career. You can choose from data science, data engineering, and decision process engineering specializations to enhance your degree.
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Data Modeling
- Big Data
- Business Intelligence
- Data Quality
- SQL
- Python
Technology
Information Technology Management – M.S.
A degree for experienced IT professionals ready to lead....
A degree for experienced IT professionals ready to lead.
- Time: 60% of graduates finish within 18 months.
- Tuition: $4,040 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 10 total courses in this program.
Included in your program—at no extra cost—is the opportunity to earn the valuable PMI Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certification.
- Technology operations and integration
- Sourcing and planning
- Risks and influence
- Solutions development
- Project management
Maximize the opportunities that your IT career path has afforded you—earn your master's and keep moving up.
Technology
Computer Science – M.S.
A degree in computer science can give you critical IT skills for your...
A degree in computer science can give you critical IT skills for your future.
- Time: 61% of graduates finish similar programs within 20 months.
- Tuition: $3,985 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 10 total courses in this program.
The M.S. in Computer Science at WGU has three specializations for students to choose from, giving them the opportunity to focus on an area that is meaningful for their career and life. The specializations are Computing Systems, Human-Computer Interaction, and Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence. You can also accelerate your program and complete both a B.S. in Computer Science and an M.S. in Computer Science together, requiring less courses overall and saving you time and money.
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in the computer science programs include:
- Programming and Logic
- Architecture and Systems
- Data Structures
- AI
- Project Management
Technology
Software Engineering – M.S.
Earn a master's degree in software engineering and boost your career...
Earn a master's degree in software engineering and boost your career options.
- Time: 61% of graduates finish similar programs within 20 months.
- Tuition: $4,085 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 10 total courses in this program.
This program features three specializations that help you focus your studies and boost your résumé with specific skills and experience. The specialization areas are AI Engineering, DevOps Engineering, and Domain Driven Design.
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program include:
- Software design
- Architecture
- Project management
- Testing
- System integration
Technology
Accelerated Information Technology Bachelor's and Master's Degree
Earn both your bachelor’s in IT and master’s in IT management at a faster...
Earn both your bachelor’s in IT and master’s in IT management at a faster pace with fewer courses.
- Time: Approximately 5 years.
- Tuition: $3,835 per 6-month term for the bachelor's degree; $4,040 per term for the master's portion.
- Courses: 42 total courses in this program.
Certifications included in this program at no additional cost:
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Security+
- CompTIA IT Operations Specialist
- CompTIA Secure Infrastructure Specialist
- Amazon AWS Cloud Practitioner
- ITIL®*^ Foundation Certification
- PMI CAPM
- LPI Linux Essentials
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Scripting and programming
- Networking and security
- Systems and services
- Data management
- Business of IT
This program allows students to earn their bachelor's degree in IT and move directly into a master's degree in IT management, cutting down on the total number of courses to complete.
Business
MBA Information Technology Management
Earn the online college degree that can move your career into IT upper...
Earn the online college degree that can move your career into IT upper management:
- Time: Graduates can finish in 12 months
- Tuition: $4,755 per 6-month term
- Courses: 11 total courses in this program
Sample careers and jobs this business degree will prepare you for:
- Management
- Project Management
- Leadership
- Innovation
- Communications
- Information Systems Security
Learn to navigate emergencies, execute strategies, and optimize systems with the competencies within this specialty MBA.
Which IT Master's Degree is Right for You?
With WGU's online IT degree programs, you have the opportunity to earn your degree as well as top industry certs for one price.
M.S. Cybersecurity and Information Assurance
Cybercrimes have become increasingly sophisticated, costing the global economy trillions of dollars each year. WGU’s online Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance degree prepares you with an arsenal of knowledge to outsmart cyber criminals on the front lines, even before they have a chance to attack.
This master’s degree program was designed with input from cybersecurity experts and leading IT employers to meet the most recent U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and National Security Agency (NSA) guidelines. You'll be equipped with real-world solutions to become a leader in the cybersecurity and information assurance fields, plus earn valuable industry certifications at no additional cost.
Program Details
The M.S. Cybersecurity and Information Assurance degree includes two résumé-boosting industry certifications at no additional cost. Test preparation, rigorous coursework, and exam fees are covered by your low, flat-rate tuition.
- CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+)
- CompTIA PenTest+
- CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+) Optional Voucher
- ISACA Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) Optional Voucher
- (ISC)² Certified in Cybersecurity (CC)
Career Paths
Career paths you can take with a cybersecurity master’s degree include:
- Forensic Computer Analyst
- CIO
- Cybersecurity Analyst
- Information Security Manager
- Risk Manager
- Information Security Analyst
- Digital Forensic Investigator
- Security Architect
- Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
Who Should Apply?
To be considered for the M.S. Cybersecurity and Information Assurance degree program, applicants must:
1. Possess a bachelor’s degree in a STEM field or a business degree (in quantitative analysis, accounting, economics, finance), or a degree with a similar quantitative focus.
OR
2. Possess any bachelor’s degree plus one of the following:
- Two years of related work experience
- Relevant and current IT certification
- Related IT coursework
Every industry, including government, relies on cybersecurity experts to protect sensitive data, detect system vulnerabilities, and circumvent cyber crimes. Ideal candidates for the M.S. Cybersecurity and Information Assurance degree program include students who can think critically, analytically, and creatively and who possess excellent problem-solving, technical, and communication skills. This degree is for applicants that hold a bachelor’s degree in STEM or business and are looking to pivot into the cybersecurity field or for experienced IT professionals seeking management roles and career advancement.
M.S. Data Analytics
The M.S. Data Analytics degree prepares programmers, data managers, analysts, statisticians, and other business and IT professionals for rewarding careers in the high-demand field of data analytics. This degree program enables graduates to problem solve through courses in data mining, manipulation, and analysis.
Program Details
The certifications earned in this program are not industry certifications but are WGU certifications designed to demonstrate value on your résumé before graduation.
WGU certificates you will be positioned to earn in the M.S. Data Analytics degree program include:
- Data Preparation
- Data Analytics Fundamentals
- Advanced Data Modeling
Career Paths
Career paths you can pursue with a data analytics master’s degree include:
- Data Scientist
- Automation Architect
- SQL Query Builder
- R Programmer
- Statistician
- AI Trainer
- Business Analyst
- Tableau Report Developer
Who Should Apply?
To be considered for the M.S. Data Analytics program, applicants must:
1. Possess a bachelor’s degree in a STEM field, a business degree (quantitative analysis, accounting, economics, finance), or a degree with similar quantitative focus.
OR
2. Possess any bachelor’s degree plus one of the following:
- Two years of related work experience
- Relevant and current IT certification
- Related IT coursework
Ideal candidates for the M.S. Data Analytics degree program are current IT employees looking to advance into management positions, or STEM and business professionals seeking to transition into the IT field.
M.S. IT Management
WGU’s M.S. Information Technology Management degree is an IT-focused degree for students with a background in technology who want to advance their careers to leadership roles. This degree is a great fit for professionals who have a business background and want to strengthen their knowledge and execution of IT strategies and emerging technology, practices, and methodologies. This degree differs from our MBA in IT Management, which is a more business-focused program that will look more in-depth at the business-management aspect of an IT career.
Program Details
This advanced degree is a great option for professionals in the information technology or business fields or for those with a bachelor’s degree looking to transition into IT management. Business strategists and IT professionals may use this master’s degree program to advance in their careers to upper-level management positions.
The M.S. IT Management degree includes this valuable industry certification:
- PMI Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)
Career Paths
An M.S. in IT Management can lead to rewarding and challenging roles for IT professionals, including:
- IT Manager
- IT Director
- Information Systems Manager
- IT Project Manager
- Chief Information Officer
- Chief Technology Officer
- Scrum Master
- Computer Systems Manager
- Product Owner
Who Should Apply?
The M.S. in IT Management degree program is for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree and are looking to advance their IT career into management. This degree is also beneficial to professionals looking to transition to IT from another field. This program doesn’t have a requirement for IT experience, so it is a great fit for those who have not had that kind of experience or education in the past, but want to move into that field.
If you are looking to advance your career in IT, or move from a different field into a technology industry, this program could be an ideal fit.
M.S. Software Engineering
The M.S. Software Engineering degree prepares programmers, software developers, and IT professionals for advanced careers in the dynamic and ever-evolving field of software engineering. This program is designed to bridge the gap between technical proficiency and the broader skills needed for leadership roles in software development. Graduates will gain expertise in system integration, software design, architecture, and modern coding languages.
Program Details
The M.S. Software Engineering program offers three distinct concentrations, allowing students to tailor their education to their career goals. Each concentration provides specialized knowledge and practical experience to excel in key areas of software engineering.
- Domain Driven Design
- AI Engineering
- DevOps Engineering
Career Paths
Career paths you can pursue with a software engineering master’s degree include:
- Software Engineer
- Software Developer
- Computer & Information Systems Manager
- Embedded Software Engineer
- Machine Learning Specialist
Who Should Apply?
To be considered for the M.S. Software Engineering degree program, applicants must:
1. Possess a bachelor’s degree in a programming-related field such as Software Engineering, Software Development, Computer Science, Data Analytics, or Data Science.
OR
2. Possess any bachelor’s degree plus ONE of the following:
- Completion of a college-level course in Object-Oriented Programming with a grade of B- or better
- At least two years of industry experience as a programmer
- A current and active certification from one of the following:
- PCAP™–Certified Associate Python Programmer
- PCAD™–Certified Associate Data Analyst with Python
- IBM Data Science Professional Certificate
Ideal candidates for the M.S. Software Engineering program are current IT employees who are looking to advance into management or technical leadership roles, programmers and software developers seeking to deepen their expertise in software design and architecture, and professionals aiming to transition into high-level software engineering or AI integration roles.
M.S. Computer Science
The M.S. Computer Science degree equips professionals with advanced computational skills, preparing them for leadership roles in the rapidly evolving tech industry. This program emphasizes problem-solving, innovation, and mastery of cutting-edge technology. Students will explore coding languages, algorithms, artificial intelligence, and other critical areas of computer science. With fully online coursework, graduates will gain expertise tailored to their career aspirations through specialized concentrations.
Program Details
The program offers three concentrations designed to align with your career goals:
- Computing Systems
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
The tuition cost in some of the Master of Science in Computer Science degree programs includes several WGU certificates, as well as some third-party certifications.
- AWS Machine Learning Specialist
(In the Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Specialization) - CITI (In the Human-Computer Interaction Specialization)
Career Paths
Career opportunities for M.S. Computer Science graduates include:
- Software Engineer
- Software Developer
- Computer & Information Systems Manager
- Business Intelligence Analyst
- Machine Learning Specialist
Who Should Apply?
To be considered for the M.S. Computer Science degree program, applicants must:
- Possess a bachelor’s degree from a regionally or nationally accredited institution plus ONE of the following:
- A bachelor's degree in Computer Science (or equivalent) for direct enrollment.
- For non-computer science degrees, completion of WGU’s Foundations of Computer Science course is required before enrollment.
This program is ideal for IT professionals looking to advance, non-technical professionals transitioning into tech roles, and individuals passionate about leveraging advanced computer science skills to solve complex challenges.
Why WGU?
Be Career Ready
Designed with input from industry leaders, our accredited programs give you the skills and credentials today’s employers need. That’s why 97% of employers said they’d hire another WGU grad.1
1: 2023 Harris Poll of 300 employers of WGU grads.
Get and Keep the Job You Want to Have
85% of WGU graduates are employed in their degree fields—and 87% are employed full-time.2
2: 2023 Harris Poll of 1,655 WGU grads.
Save Money
With flat-rate tuition that is 53% lower than the national average3 and generous need-based scholarships, our degrees are an excellent investment that you can afford.
3: National rates reported by the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System in 2023. WGU average rate does not include rates for WGU Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Prelicensure program.
Work as You Need While Going to School
At WGU, you can complete courses, take tests, and graduate on your schedule. In fact, many of our students work full-time while earning their life-changing bachelor’s or master’s degrees.
COST & TIME
An Affordable Master's Degree
By charging per term rather than per credit—and empowering students to accelerate through material they know well or learn quickly—WGU helps students control the ultimate cost of their degrees. The faster you complete your program, the less you pay for your degree.
Prepared for Success on the Job
*From a 2023 Harris Poll of 300 employers of WGU graduates.
100% of employers said that WGU graduates were prepared for their jobs.*
97% of employers said that they would hire another WGU grad.*
98% of employers said WGU graduates met or exceeded expectations.*
