Technology Management Majors Guide

What Does it Mean to Study Technology Management?

Technology is revolutionary and its impact on our lives and capabilities grows exponentially. Keeping up with the evolution of technology can be daunting for businesses that are hoping to implement more competitive systems. This calls for the skills of a technology manager, who can be employed in a variety of sectors. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor (BLS) reports that employment opportunities for all managers are expected to grow faster than average through 2028, resulting in about 700,000 new management positions — good news for someone considering a technology management major.

Types of Technology Management Degrees

Technical innovation and invention impacts our everyday lives. Influencing the most basic human tasks to the most sophisticated, complex procedures, the need for managers to focus and lead the efforts of technical professionals is apparent. As this need for qualified, well-trained technology management professionals increases, more schools develop training and academic degree programs to meet this demand.

Additionally, as technology continues to advance, more technology management schools offer such degree programs online. Students participate in online sessions, web seminars, and interactive tutorials virtually. Students who enroll in distance learning degree programs enjoy a unique opportunity to tailor their own academic schedule and course load to complement existing commitments.

Online or Campus-Based Technology Management Programs?

Online technology management degrees can be found more readily at the bachelor’s and master’s level than at the certificate and associate tiers. An online degree in technology management can offer multiple start dates, shorter class lengths — such as eight weeks modules — and 100-percent distance-based learning. Online colleges with technology management majors may also allow students to transfer in previous credits, obtain credit for prior learning or even receive military benefits. These options can vary from school to school, but online learning can provide the comfort and convenience of learning from your very own home.

Financial Aid for Technology Management Students

A wide variety of scholarships for technology management majors are available through colleges and universities, tech companies and businesses, technology associations, foundations and more. Benefits to a scholarship are that they do not need to be repaid like a school loan. Of course, being awarded a scholarship depends on your application and overall qualifications. If you are looking for scholarships for technology management majors, you might start with organizations, such as:

• ADOBE Research Women in Technology
• AHIMA Foundation
• Black Data Processing Associates
• Palantir Technology Scholarships
• Project Management Institute Educational Foundation

In reality, a scholarship or scholarships are just one way to help pay for a technology management degree. For other ideas and tips on paying for college, you can navigate to our page Scholarships, Grants, Student Loans and Other Financial Aid Resource.

What Can You Do With a College Degree in Technology Management?

The future is bright for tomorrow’s technology managers, who can enjoy a diversity of career opportunities, such as the ones described below. In fact, information on potential technology management major salary, total employment and annual job growth is provided in the table. Take note that the data comes from the BLS, a federal organization that tracks career and industry data.

Computer Systems Analyst

Technology professionals serving as computer systems analysts are responsible for solving computer problems, identifying potentially beneficial new computer technologies, and applying computer technology to fit the needs and goals of an organization. Additionally, systems analysts guide an organization to get the most out of investing in computer equipment, technology, and personnel.

It is common for a systems analyst to specialize in a particular type of computer system, including business, accounting, or financial systems, or scientific and engineering systems. Working as a computer systems analyst is a viable catalyst to a career in technology management. Technology professionals with analyst experience develop both the technical and communications skills necessary to be effective as a technology manager. Combining this practical experience with advanced education is a solid example of a professional path that can lead to a position as a technology manager.

Management Information Systems Directors

A management information systems director usually oversees the information systems used by an entire organization. This professional’s typical job responsibilities include selecting and overseeing the installation and upgrading of software, overseeing a technical help desk, and work to ensure the security of an organization’s information

Information systems directors may directly manage a staff of information systems technicians, and depending on the size of the organization, he may report to the chief information officer. Technology management training and education is often a prerequisite for securing a position as a management information systems director. Students interested in directing the management of corporate and public information systems would benefit from pursuing graduate level coursework in addition to obtaining multiple years of work experience as a technical professional.

Computer Support Specialist

Many non-technical professionals are not computer experts and are often confronted with computer issues that they cannot correct and address on their own. Computer support specialists offer support, assistance and advice to customers and clients experiencing computer-related issues. A computer support specialist may provide assistance over the phone, work on a site as a consultant, or work full-time for an organization providing troubleshooting, or work as a contractor at a help-desk, support services firm.

It is also common for computer support specialists to assist clients with the selection, upgrade, and installation of a computer security system; choose new technologies to increase production capabilities; and offer support for managing computer technologies.

Computer Software Engineers

Computer software engineers build, test and design software that enables consumers, businesses, and other organizations to utilize technology to perform tasks and solve problems. Students interested in pursuing this path to technology management career opportunities should first earn an engineering and computer science degree.

Computer Programmer

The work of a computer programmer involves writing, applying, and testing various instructions that computers must follow to perform appropriately. Professionals in this field have a strong background in computer science and information systems. Computer programmers develop solutions and enable computers to function optimally through use and understanding of various programming languages.

Computer programming is definitely a field that requires continuously updating and building new skills and capabilities. Professionals in this field are often the first to adopt and master the application of new technology. If a computer programmer is inclined to fuse his technical prowess with management training and communications skills, computer programming is a solid lead into technology management positions.

Technology Management Licensing, Certification and Associations

While most states do not require technology managers to obtain a license, many professionals in this field choose to fulfill the requirements necessary to earn technology certifications. In any profession, certifications designate commitment, ties to the field, and a level of achievement, education, and skill mastery.

There are multiple technology related certifications, and students pursuing careers in a focused area of technology can find specific associations and certification bodies specializing in smaller facets of technology. Usually, advanced training and education is substituted for required licensure and technology management certification. Thus, students hoping to earn employment in technology managerial roles should combine available certifications in their respective, entry-level computer programming, computer systems analyst, information systems, and computer support careers with graduate level managerial training and coursework to optimize their career options.

Technology Management Professional Associations and Related Certification Bodies

• Association for Information Systems
• Information Systems Audit and Control Association
• International Association for Management of Technology
• International Systems Security Association
• Society for Information Management
• Technology Management Associates