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Top 4 Online MBA Programs in Technology

  1. 1University of Phoenix

    Similar to the University of Phoenix's other progressive online MBA programs, the school's online MBA in accounting provides an extensive staff of knowledgeable academic advisors to prepare its students for management-level accounting work. Focusing on contemporary economic conditions, Phoenix's program will give MBA graduates a cutting-edge understanding of current accounting technology and tools, as well as an understanding of financial statements, cost behavior, budgets, and how to make informed executive decisions. Along with CPA test prep courses, students will be required to take a graduate-level accounting course and courses, such as Applied Business Research and Statistics, Corporate Finance, Economics, and Strategic Planning and Implementation.

  2. 2Capella University

    As the brainchild of a former CEO, Capella University has become one of the most well respected online educational institutions for adult learning. Capella today offers 136 specialized areas of study, including an online MBA in accounting. Capella\’s online master\’s of business administration in accounting pairs general business courses such as Applied Managerial Statistics, Leading for Results, and Leading Teams with specialized accounting courses such as Budget Planning and Control, Accounting Information for Decision Making, and Advanced Accounting. All students in the MBA accounting online program are also required to take an accounting capstone course in their final quarter to tie all of their new skills and knowledge together.

  3. 6Benedictine University

    The online MBA program in advanced accounting offered by Benedictine University is designed to provide students with a solid background in high level corporate financing and advanced accounting methods in particular. All facets of accounting theory and practice are covered as part of the program. There are both standard and advanced accounting courses to choose from, and the popular courses, including Financial Accounting and the Theory and Practice of Financial Reporting, are perfect examples of these different levels offered within the program. For individuals who are considering a full-fledged MBA at some point in the future, the credits accrued as part of this program may be applied toward that degree.

  4. 9Jones International University

    Jones International University prides itself on creating an accounting program specifically designed to meet the American Institute of Certified Public Account's 150 credit hour requirement. This includes an excellent program for an online MBA in accounting. The accounting MBA online includes courses in accounting and management, as well as business administration courses, such as Making Ethical Management Decisions, Economic Theory and Applications, Managerial Accounting, Financial Management, and Marketing Management. There are also accounting-specific courses in Auditing, Advanced Accounting, and Forensic Accounting. The online MBA in accounting requires prior coursework in accounting and an understanding of strategic management. A capstone course and five specialization courses are also required before graduation.

  5. 10Grand Canyon University

    Grand Canyon University's accounting MBA online program seeks to help transform students into community leaders who are dedicated to enacting change and improving both their professional and business lives. Students enrolled in the program will develop their skills through a comprehensive course series, including classes in Organizational Behavior, Accounting Practices, Finance Principals, Applied Business Probability and Statistics, Economics, Quantitative Methods, Marketing Management, Managerial Accounting, Operations Management, Managerial Finance, and Strategic Management. Students who do not work full-time are encouraged to participate in internships during their course of study, and consult with the advisors at Grand Canyon University to find and apply for these opportunities.

  6. 11Strayer University

    Strayer University has developed a reliable reputation with employers as an institution that produces quality graduates and valuable employees through its strong curriculum and quality of instruction. Students seeking an online MBA in accounting from Strayer University will find that they have many excellent job opportunities upon graduation. Courses for this program include Financial Accounting, Contemporary Business, Leadership and Organizational Behavior, Strategic Management, Managerial Economics, Financial Management, Law, Ethics, Corporate Governance, Quantitative Methods, and Marketing Management. Accounting students are also encouraged to take additional courses that focus on accounting, like Managerial Accounting, Accounting Information Systems, and Organizational Tax Research and Planning.

  7. 12Florida Tech University Online

    U.S. News & World Report ranks Florida Tech University as a Tier 1 Best National University, making programs such as its online MBA accounting programs highly respected and successful. As part of the program, students will complete five core business courses, including Managerial Accounting and Managerial Finance. They will also complete the specialized accounting curriculum, which includes Advanced Problems and Current Topics, International Accounting and Reporting, Advanced Governmental and Nonprofit Accounting, and Strategic Cost Management. Before graduating, students are required to complete a strategic management capstone course in addition to satisfying other degree requirements, which allows them to explore their individual interests and demonstrate their learned skills.

  8. 13Saint Leo University Online

    An online MBA in accounting from Saint Leo University provides graduates with quality skills in all areas of accounting. The program also uses innovative and creative delivery tools and was voted into the Top 100 Degree Producers in Diverse Issues in Higher Education. Students at Saint Leo University complete courses in advanced business practices, including Managerial Economics, Marketing, Entrepreneurship, and Decision Support Systems. They also take accounting-specific courses, such as Financial Accounting, Corporate Finance, and Global Business Management. The program focuses on managerial skills and the courses are designed to fit into an 8-week term in order to give students focused, specific skills to implement in their current and future careers.

  9. 15American InterContinental University

    American InterContinental University prides itself on providing a culture of diversity and acceptance to each student's individual goals through carefully designed degree programs. Students pursuing an online MBA in accounting from American InterContinental University take core MBA courses, including Strategic Management, Global Finance Management, and Business Research in order to strengthen their fundamental business skills. Specialized courses, such as Accounting for Managers and Public & Not-for-Profit Accounting, help students focus on their training on important skills. Students use real-life case studies and business plans in their classes, and also have the opportunity to earn credits for internships or work experience in order to further hone their practical skills and increase their potential for career success.

Online MBA in Technology

An online MBA in technology is a valuable asset for both professionals and recent undergraduates seeking higher level positions in IT. In this two year, rigorous program, you will learn about managing an organization’s information technology, leading the people working in IT departments, and innovating new programs to make operations run more efficiently. Furthermore, you will learn how to manage products and customer/client relationships. Enrolling in an online MBA in technology will give you the comfort and convenience of completing these courses from your own home, at your own pace. Most programs require you to complete around 36 credits for the degree program, and you could complete the course work at an accelerated pace as well.

What Does an MBA in Technology Cover?

An MBA in technology is a standard MBA program that combines both general business courses with technology courses. Companies are placing increasing importance on technical skills as well as leadership and management qualities for their IT managers. An online technology MBA program specializes in providing students with high level IT skills such as: managing networks, systems, and large technology infrastructures. The goal of most programs is to help mold well-balanced technology professionals, who have insight into the business and big picture goals of various organizations. In addition to project management courses, you will be required to take advanced computer science, IT specialization, and electronic strategies courses. Due to the greater impact of online marketing and branding, you will also learn about brand building and its profitability and efficiency. Of course, with the internet’s global capacity and power, there are also greater security threats for company data and information systems. A technology MBA online will provide you with ways to handle security issues and threats. When looking for a program that is right for you, you should look at the courses offered as well as the title of the particular program. There are programs titled MBA in technology management, MBA in informations technology, and MBA in technology commercialization. Although most of these programs provide a set of similar courses, there are subtle differences based on what you would like to do after completing the degree. For example, an MBA in technology commercialization will be more helpful for those looking to innovate tools and concepts at an entrepreneurial capacity. An MBA in technology management would give you the skills to essentially manage the IT or technology departments of existing organizations.

Getting Into a Technology MBA Program

Those who are interested in pursuing a technology MBA program should first complete a bachelor’s degree program and earn their undergraduate degree from an accredited school. A business bachelor’s degree in particular is not necessary because those with a bachelor’s degree in art, science, or humanities are eligible for admittance into an operations management MBA program. However, students who did not pursue a business-related undergraduate degree should make sure that they have mastered basic business and mathematical skills before applying so that they can get an idea of what to expect during their MBA career. Those who possess a bachelor’s degree in a discipline other than business may be asked to complete several courses before submitting an application, including:

  • College Algebra
  • Foundations of Business
  • Business Law & Ethics

A minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 is typically necessary for entry into technology MBA programs as well, such as the case with Northeastern University. Some schools, including Northeastern, require additional documents aside from an official transcript and completed application form. These forms consist of letters of recommendation, an application essay, GMAT scores, and an updated professional resume. However, because all schools have varying guidelines, applicants should check directly with their prospective schools to ensure what they do and do not need to submit.

Why Should I get an AACSB Accredited Technology MBA?

The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) plays a vital role in ensuring your traditional or online technology MBA degree meets both international and American program criteria. There is an increasing number of degree mill programs, which claim to hold online MBAs in technology programs based on experience rather than actual course work. Employers are becoming skeptical because of the influx of these fraudulent providers. AACSB accreditation is something you should look for in an MBA program to ensure that you are getting a top level business education. The association accredits schools through an application process, where mentors, review committees, and actual businesses monitor business school programs and their course work. The goal of this accreditation is to maintain standards and curriculums that will enhance student placement and utility in the business sector. After a traditional school is accredited, the AACSB does a standard reevaluation within five years. This reevaluation is meant to ensure programs are keeping up with prior standards as well as making improvements (in line with market demands). If you enroll in an MBA in technology online, which is accredited by the AACSB, employers can be reassured that the program had adequate resources and faculty members. Both of these are important factors in providing you the skills to succeed in IT management or broader technology leadership positions. Accredited technology MBA programs online will provide you with core technical courses such as information technology and systems, computer science, Java programming, and IT security issues. In addition to these courses, you may be required to take additional computer science courses or elective courses based on your field of interest. Most programs also require you to complete a final/senior project, in which you can apply both learned leadership methods and technical information. To find out more information about types of accreditation and general aims of the association, you can visit the AACSB website.

What Jobs Can an MBA in Technology Get Me?

  • Information Technology Specialist: An information technology specialist has the responsibility to maintain and troubleshoot all of the computers and computer systems in the company. They install software, update drivers, maintain databases, and oversee other IT specialists if they are in a management position. Those in management positions also work with upper-management individuals to develop goals for the IT department. In addition, specialists create the infrastructure of business networks and strive to maintain that network’s ease of use and security. As more and more businesses are converting from paper records to digital ones, the need for information technology specialists will increase.
  • Information Systems Manager: Information systems managers work with IT professionals to meet the goals set forth from upper management officials. They coordinate all of the actions that must take place to meet those goals. In addition, business networks are maintained and kept secure by these managers, and as downtime can cause major losses for a company, all information systems managers must also be prepared to fix networks as quickly as possible to minimize downtime. These managers also assess what type of computing power the business needs and plans the technology that way.
  • Chief Technology Officer: The chief technology officer makes sure that the company has the best technology possible. For example, CTOs for banking businesses will ensure that they are updated regularly with the latest in banking software, whereas CTOs for publications may ensure that they are fitted with the best graphics and word-processing hardware and software available and within budget. The CTO also works to keep the company technologically up-to-date and also to keep the staff trained on how to use it. Many CTOs who work for high-tech companies develop ideas for new products that could change the face of user electronics.

Top Earning Industries for Jobs

Information Technology Specialist:

  • Government: $$54,314 – $84,925
  • Financial Services: $48,436 – $81,514

Information Systems Manager:

  • Information Technology Services: $64,003 – $103,470
  • Retail: $67,407 – $102,498

Chief Technology Officer:

  • Financial Services: $108,556 – $197,155
  • Internet and New Media: $99,192 – $193,579

How Do I Find Online Technology MBA Programs

If you are interested in finding out more about the available online technology MBAs programs, you may want to compare online curriculums to the best traditional programs as well. Start with these sources:

  • Business Week provides a wealth of information about various technology MBA schools online. The online technology MBA rankings vary, based on type of program and scope of its courses. Some lists also focus on job placement after obtaining the degree.
  • Kaplan website

Keep in mind that many traditional schools also have distance learning programs as well. For example, the Minnesota School of Business grants technology MBAs online and through a traditional, in-class program. It is also a good idea to talk to potential companies or organizations you would like to work for after you complete your MBA online, in technology. You can call their human resources department or send them an email. If you are working for an employer you’d would like to come back to after completing your coursework, talk to your human resources department as well, or directly to your supervisor. Find out which accreditations, credentials, and resources the organization requires for management positions. Also ask them about the prospects for technology MBA holders, in terms of both careers and salaries.

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