Post job

Manager information technology specialist education requirements

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read

There are several educational requirements to become a manager information technology specialist. Managers information technology specialist usually study business, computer science, or information technology. 60% of managers information technology specialist hold a bachelor's degree, and 24% hold an associate degree. We analyzed 1,053 real manager information technology specialist resumes to see exactly what manager information technology specialist education sections show.

The most common colleges for managers information technology specialist are the University of Phoenix and the University of Phoenix.

There are also many online manager information technology specialist courses to help get the education required to be a manager information technology specialist.

There are certain manager information technology specialist certifications that you should consider. These manager information technology specialist certifications include IT Information Library Foundations Certification (ITIL) and Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP).

What education do you need to become a manager information technology specialist?

What degree do you need to be a manager information technology specialist?

The most common degree for managers information technology specialist is bachelor's degree, with 60% of managers information technology specialist earning that degree. The second and third most common degree levels are associate degree degree at 24% and associate degree degree at 9%.
  • Bachelor's, 60%
  • Associate, 24%
  • Master's, 9%
  • High School Diploma, 4%
  • Other Degrees, 3%

What should I major in to become a manager information technology specialist?

You should major in business to become a manager information technology specialist. 19% of managers information technology specialist major in business. Other common majors for a manager information technology specialist include computer science and information technology.

Most common colleges for managers information technology specialist

Managers information technology specialist often get their degrees at University of Phoenix, DeVry University, and University of Maryland - College Park. Here are the most common colleges for managers information technology specialist in the US based on their resumes.
Manager information technology specialist common collegePercentages
University of Phoenix17.65%
DeVry University10.92%
University of Maryland - College Park8.40%
Strayer University6.72%
Purdue University5.88%

Best majors for managers information technology specialist

Best colleges for managers information technology specialist

The best colleges for managers information technology specialist are Stanford University, Northwestern University, and University of Pennsylvania.

A manager information technology specialist with advanced education typically earns a higher salary and has access to better jobs. That's why Zippia looked into the best colleges for managers information technology specialist. We based this list on several metrics: admissions rate, retention rate, mean earnings of graduates, the ratio of working vs. non-working students ten years after admission, the average cost of attendance, and median debt for graduates who become managers information technology specialist.

1. Stanford University

Stanford, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$51,354

Enrollment

7,083

2. University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA • Private

In-state tuition

$55,584

Enrollment

10,764

3. Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • Private

In-state tuition

$54,568

Enrollment

8,451

4. University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$56,225

Enrollment

19,548

5. California State University - Bakersfield

Bakersfield, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$7,309

Enrollment

9,142

6. SUNY at Binghamton

Vestal, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$9,808

Enrollment

13,990

7. San Diego State University

San Diego, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$7,488

Enrollment

30,018

8. Boston University

Boston, MA • Private

In-state tuition

$53,948

Enrollment

17,238

9. New York University

New York, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$51,828

Enrollment

26,339

10. Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Worcester, MA • Private

In-state tuition

$50,530

Enrollment

4,571

20 best online courses for managers information technology specialist

Advertising disclosure

1. Information Technology (IT) and Cloud Fundamentals

coursera

In today’s connected world, core knowledge of IT hardware, software, networking, cybersecurity, and cloud technologies is vital for almost every function, or role within an organization. Adding storage, updating an operating system, connecting to a network, recognizing phishing, and setting up Cloud instances are some of the skills employees need or need help with. This five-course specialization provides prerequisite skills for almost all IT careers, including technical support specialist,...

2. Computer Hardware and Software

coursera

This course provides foundational understanding of how computers process information through hardware and software. You will investigate the world of Information Technology (IT) and survey hardware components, mobile devices, operating systems, programs and apps, network fundamentals, the Internet, and touch on security and ethics...

3. Information Technology Essentials

udemy
4.4
(575)

Introduction to Information Technology and Information Systems...

4. Computer Hardware, Operating System and Networking

udemy
4.1
(314)

For Any Graduates/Engineering/Diploma/Arts & Science/Freshers/Home Users/Individuals/Desktop Support/FM/Service Engineer...

5. Managing Network Security

coursera

Almost every organization uses computer networks to share their information and to support their business operations. When we allow network access to data it is exposed to threats from inside and outside of the organization. This course examines the threats associated with using internal and external networks and how to manage the protection of information when it’s accessible via networks. In this course, a learner will be able to: ● Describe the threats to data from information communication...

6. Strategic Technology Management

coursera

The success of modern companies depends critically on their manager’s ability to generate strategic innovationwhich leverages technological and market changes. A key part of the equation is delivering new products that deliver exceptional customer value. Another essential element is implementing innovation initiatives effectively. The Strategic Technology Management specialization is targeted towards aspiring managers, managers at all levels, and entrepreneurs who lookto gaina well-rounded...

7. The Absolute Beginners Guide to Information Technology 2023

udemy
4.6
(1,835)

Gain a solid foundation knowledge of all 4 main branches of Information Technology...

8. Beginner's Guide to Information Technology

udemy
4.5
(357)

Learn the basics of Information Technology and Computer Engineering...

9. Information Systems Auditing, Controls and Assurance

coursera

The course is awarded The Best Free Online Courses of All Time, and Best Online Courses of the Year (2021 Edition) by Class Central (http://www.classcentral.com). --- Information systems (IS) are important assets to business organizations and are ubiquitous in our daily lives. With the latest IS technologies emerging, such as Big Data, FinTech, Virtual Banks, there are more concerns from the public on how organizations maintain systems’ integrity, such as data privacy, information security, the...

10. Certificate Program In Management Information Systems

udemy
4.1
(261)

Learn about the exciting world of Management Information Systems and its impact on the way organisations now function...

11. Active Directory on Windows Server

udemy
4.6
(8,804)

Learn how to deploy and manage all aspects of Active Directory, Group Policy, DNS and many more technologies...

12. Information Security Management Fundamentals for Non-Techies

udemy
4.6
(13,166)

Learn the Fundamentals of Information Security Management for Non-Techies...

13. [Active Directory] Management using Windows PowerShell

udemy
4.5
(1,078)

[Power Shell] Simplified practical knowledge for automation & management of [Active Directory] using Windows Power Shell...

14. Basic Computer Course - Windows 7/10 - IT & Desktop Support

udemy
4.7
(1,213)

Basic computer course with troubleshooting skills -computer hardware and computer networking, for IT support technicians...

15. Desktop IT Support Level 1 & 2 in real life (Troubleshooting

udemy
4.2
(1,443)

Learn everything in real life Troubleshooting for IT Help Desk , Helpdesk , IT Support , System Administration and IT...

16. Computer Network Fundamentals- IT Helpdesk & Desktop Support

udemy
4
(409)

Learn the basic fundamentals of computer networking & OSI model for desktop support and IT service desk technicians...

17. Project Charter Specialist (Accredited) Project Management

udemy
4.6
(552)

What is Project Charter? Components? Template? Example? Document Project Charter? Project Charter Specialist Earn PDUs...

18. IT Support Technical Skills Bootcamp

udemy
4.5
(1,653)

Hands-on Technical skills for IT Support Professionals...

19. ISO/IEC 27005:2022. Information security risk management

udemy
4.6
(878)

Understand the framework proposed by ISO for managing information security risks in an organization...

20. ISACA CISM Certified Information Security Manager

udemy
4
(285)

One of the highest paid certifications! Become a Certified Information Security Manager!...

Top 10 most affordable universities for managers information technology specialist

The most affordable schools for managers information technology specialist are California State University - Bakersfield, suny farmingdale, and brooklyn college of the city university of new york.

If the best universities for managers information technology specialist are out of your price range, check out these affordable schools. After factoring in in-state tuition and fees, the average cost of attendance, admissions rate, average net price, and mean earnings after six years, we found that these are the most affordable schools for managers information technology specialist.

1. California State University - Bakersfield

Bakersfield, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$7,309

Cost of attendance

16,714

2. SUNY Farmingdale

Farmingdale, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$8,306

Cost of attendance

16,091

3. Brooklyn College of the City University of New York

Brooklyn, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$7,240

Cost of attendance

13,991

4. California State University - Dominguez Hills

Carson, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,942

Cost of attendance

14,469

5. Brigham Young University

Provo, UT • Private

In-state tuition

$5,620

Cost of attendance

18,136

6. California State University - Long Beach

Long Beach, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,798

Cost of attendance

18,306

7. University of Puerto Rico - Mayaguez

Mayaguez, PR • Private

In-state tuition

$4,094

Cost of attendance

14,302

8. California State University - Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,749

Cost of attendance

14,823

9. New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology

Socorro, NM • Private

In-state tuition

$7,770

Cost of attendance

21,244

10. Baruch College of the City University of New York

New York, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$7,262

Cost of attendance

14,046

Top 10 hardest universities to get into for managers information technology specialist

The hardest universities for managers information technology specialist to get into are Stanford University, Northwestern University, and University of Pennsylvania.

Some great schools for managers information technology specialist are hard to get into, but they also set your career up for greater success. The list below shows the most challenging universities to get into for managers information technology specialist based on an institution's admissions rates, average SAT scores accepted, median ACT scores accepted, and mean earnings of students six years after admission.

1. Stanford University

Stanford, CA • Private

Admissions rate

4%

SAT average

1,497

2. Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • Private

Admissions rate

8%

SAT average

1,508

3. University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA • Private

Admissions rate

8%

SAT average

1,492

4. University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA • Private

Admissions rate

13%

SAT average

1,445

5. Boston University

Boston, MA • Private

Admissions rate

22%

SAT average

1,420

6. New York University

New York, NY • Private

Admissions rate

20%

SAT average

1,419

7. Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN • Private

Admissions rate

10%

SAT average

1,514

8. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Troy, NY • Private

Admissions rate

43%

SAT average

1,415

9. George Washington University, The

Washington, DC • Private

Admissions rate

42%

SAT average

1,380

10. University of Rochester

Rochester, NY • Private

Admissions rate

29%

SAT average

1,422

Top 10 easy-to-apply-to universities for managers information technology specialist

The easiest schools for managers information technology specialist to get into are Oklahoma Wesleyan University, barry university, and nyack college.

Some schools are much easier to get into. If you want to start your career as a manager information technology specialist without much hassle, check out the list of schools where you will be accepted in no time. We compiled admissions rates, average SAT scores, average ACT scores, and average salary of students six years after graduation to uncover which were the easiest schools to get into for managers information technology specialist.

1. Oklahoma Wesleyan University

Bartlesville, OK • Private

Admissions rate

68%

SAT average

964

2. Barry University

Miami, FL • Private

Admissions rate

91%

SAT average

1,006

3. Nyack College

New York, NY • Private

Admissions rate

98%

SAT average

999

4. La Roche College

Pittsburgh, PA • Private

Admissions rate

99%

SAT average

1,008

5. LIM College

New York, NY • Private

Admissions rate

83%

SAT average

1,061

6. Notre Dame College

Cleveland, OH • Private

Admissions rate

90%

SAT average

994

7. Saint Martin's University

Lacey, WA • Private

Admissions rate

96%

SAT average

1,111

8. Cardinal Stritch University

Milwaukee, WI • Private

Admissions rate

71%

SAT average

1,035

9. Iona College

New Rochelle, NY • Private

Admissions rate

88%

SAT average

1,089

10. Holy Names University

Oakland, CA • Private

Admissions rate

70%

SAT average

849

Average manager information technology specialist salary by education level

According to our data, managers information technology specialist with a Master's degree earn the highest average salary, at $119,037 annually. Managers information technology specialist with a Doctorate degree earn an average annual salary of $113,186.
Manager information technology specialist education levelManager information technology specialist salary
Master's Degree$119,037
High School Diploma or Less$90,710
Bachelor's Degree$102,243
Doctorate Degree$113,186
Some College/ Associate Degree$92,864

Manager information technology specialist education FAQs

Search for manager information technology specialist jobs

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Browse computer and mathematical jobs