Tech MBA programs cover general MBA knowledge, including marketing, finance, and leadership topics, with an additional focus on technology. Students who wish to lead technical projects while utilizing business knowledge may benefit from an MBA in technology management. Program graduates can pursue roles to create, lead, and budget the next generation of technological advancements.
Corporations increasingly rely on advanced technologies, including big data, AI, and blockchain. Individuals who understand these technologies from a business standpoint may be well-positioned to pursue engaging careers. The article below provides tech enthusiasts with information on the top tech MBA programs, admission processes, and popular classes.
Popular Online MBA Programs in Technology
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top Tech MBA Programs
Why Get a Technology MBA?
Increase Skill Set Technology MBA enrollees can learn multiple skills, including in accounting, leadership, and data analytics. Due to their unique skill set, graduates may have additional job security.
Boost Earnings According to Payscale, a bachelor's degree-holder in technology management received an average base salary of $80,000 per year, as of May 2024. MBA in technology management degree-holders earned more: an average of $121,000 per year.
Gain Recognition Employers may view MBA tech graduates as well-educated and qualified for leadership roles. Degree-holders who wish to pursue business management or leadership roles may have additional advancement opportunities.
Further Your Education MBA graduates can use their knowledge to pursue advanced certifications and degrees. Potential certificates include the Chartered Financial Analyst, Financial Risk Manager, and Project Management Professional certifications.
Jobs for MBAs in Technology Management
MBA in technology management graduates often pursue management, financial, or analytical roles within technology departments and companies. However, tech MBA programs teach flexible skills that can be employed at non-technical corporations.
Job seekers often pursue roles as project managers, computer and information systems managers, and financial managers. Individuals who gain experience or additional education may qualify for advancement opportunities, including chief technical officer roles.
Project Manager
Project managers must communicate with clients to understand project scope, description, and requirements. These professionals then oversee the technical team to schedule, budget, and monitor progress. Managers may require flexibility to incorporate client changes and deal with technical issues.
Job Outlook (2022-2032): +6%
Median Annual Salary (May 2023): $98,580
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Computer and information systems managers help corporations plan and meet their technology goals. They review corporate needs, create a budget, and submit a plan to executives. Systems managers may also be responsible for project headcount and hiring additional technical talent.
Job Outlook (2022-2032): +15%
Median Annual Salary (May 2023): $169,510
Source: BLS
Financial Manager
Financial managers create financial plans for organizations, including discussing, planning, and implementing budgets. These financial experts should understand financial statements, forecasts, and corporate needs. Managers may need to review data, analyze trends, and optimize spending.
Job Outlook (2022-2032): +16%
Median Annual Salary (May 2023): $156,100
Source: BLS
Read MoreDiscover careers that fit your MBA
What to Expect From MBA in Tech Management Programs
Technology management MBAs attempt to create business professionals who have the ability to review, analyze, and operate technological products. Different curriculums may focus on various business and technological principles, including quantitative analysis, database management, or telecommunications systems.
Full-time students can complete a tech MBA within 18-24 months. Curriculums may consist of 36-48 credit hours. Programs may offer predetermined course schedules or elective opportunities.
Certain MBA programs allow enrollees to transfer 6-12 credits from other institutions. Transfer credits must originate from an accredited institution. Each school has its own rules for transfer credits. An institution may require students to have maintained a B average or attended a U.S. school, for example.
Degree and Format Options
Tech MBA programs teach students how to lead technology teams but may focus on various technologies and business principles. Students can pursue an MBA in technology management, information technology management, or digital technology management. Each has a different technological focus.
Attendees can also choose an MS in technology management or information technology management. MS programs may focus on technology and management skills, while MBA in tech programs spend additional time teaching business and finance skills.
Once applicants have chosen their ideal degree, they can compare differences between similar programs. The following list highlights key program characteristics to consider.
Class Location
Online
In-person
Hybrid
Flexibility
Asynchronous courses
Synchronous courses
Program Timeline
Accelerated
Part-time
Bachelor's-to-master's five-year program
Admissions Process
MBA program admission requirements and processes vary by school. Most institutions require applicants to hold a bachelor's degree and submit an online form, fee, and official transcripts. Programs may give priority to early applicants. The list below represents additional prerequisites and documents that schools may require.
Admissions interview to learn about a prospective student's professional or educational goals
Resume
Letters of recommendation
Possible prerequisites include:
A 3.0 GPA (schools may accept a personal statement for students with a GPA below 3.0)
Schools may follow the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business's recommended admission guidelines:
Minimum 1,000 points based off of 200x undergraduate GPA + GMAT score
Minimum 400 GMAT score
Relevant work experience
Popular Courses
MBAs in technology management offer various curricula, which mix core, elective, and capstone courses. The list below includes common courses found in tech MBAs.
Managerial Accounting Managerial accounting courses cover how to analyze financial data to make managerial decisions. Enrollees may learn about overhead allocation, cost behavior, and working capital management.
Ethical Leadership Ethical leadership enrollees study the ethical responsibilities of corporate leaders and managers. Courses may cover complex examples and explore how to resolve ethical issues.
Entrepreneurship and Innovation Entrepreneurship courses provide an overview of the entrepreneurial process, including the ideation, creation, and implementation phases. Professors may focus on real-life examples through case studies, guest lecturers, and articles.
Data Analytics Data analytics classes provide hands-on analytics experience via datasets and analytics tools. Courses may focus on specific data types, including accounting or marketing figures.
Capstone Course Capstone courses require attendees to apply their knowledge to complete a case study. Students may need to utilize business, leadership, and technology management skills to complete the project.
Program Costs
Tech MBA tuition can range from $22,500-$97,000 for the entire program. Program price depends on multiple factors, including school prestige, class sizes, and graduation timeline. Attendees should budget for additional costs, including books, housing, and transportation.
Students can reduce fees by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and pursuing additional financial aid opportunities, including scholarships, grants, and loans.
Financial aid: Financial aid refers to any monetary aid that can be used for studies
Scholarships:MBA scholarships may have various requirements and do not require repayment
Loans: Public and private institutions may offer loans, which require repayment in the future
Grants: Grants usually have need-based requirements, but offer financial aid that does not require repayment
Read MoreCheck out the top affordable MBAs
Should You Get a Tech MBA or a General MBA?
General MBAs and tech MBAs prepare students to pursue leadership roles within companies. Both types have similar prerequisites and application procedures. Due to the additional concentration courses, tech MBAs may have fewer elective choices.
Prospective students may be conflicted about which MBA type to pursue. Individuals who wish to pursue leadership roles in a technology division may be better suited for a tech MBA program, while other professionals can apply to general MBA programs.
| Factor | Tech MBA | General MBA |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 18-24 months | 12-24 months |
| Class Topics | Accounting, economics, information technology management, data analytics | Accounting, economics, marketing, leadership |
| Focus | Prepare graduates for leadership roles in technology departments or companies | Develop leadership and business management skills for multiple industries |
| Concentrations | Information technology management, technology management, digital technology management | Accounting, business analytics, entrepreneurship, finance, healthcare management, and more |
| Course Types | Core, concentration, capstone | Core, elective, capstone |
| Admission Requirements | Bachelor's degree, application, fee, GMAT, resume, letter of recommendation | Bachelor's degree, application, fee, GMAT, resume, letter of recommendation |
Sources: Various schools
Read MoreLearn more about MBA concentrations
How Do You Select the Right MBA in Tech Management?
Individuals should consider many variables when selecting an MBA program, including cost, curriculum, and location. Students should also ensure their chosen institution is accredited. Accredited institutions demonstrate that they have met a certain standard of learning.
Below are a few more considerations:
Your career aspirations: Program curriculums vary by school. Individuals with a planned career path should identify helpful courses and apply to schools that can maximize relevant knowledge.
Student-teacher ratio: Each school has different class sizes and student-to-teacher ratios. A lower student-to-teacher ratio indicates smaller class sizes and additional opportunities to talk with professors.
Cost/financial aid: Tuition varies — one school may cost 3-4 times more to attend than another. Applicants should compare total prices, including any financial aid benefits.
Delivery method: MBA programs may offer in-person, online, or hybrid options. Attendees should consider which delivery method works best for them.
Alumni network: MBA programs may offer networking opportunities, including events, conferences, and work fairs. Graduates can utilize alumni networks to gain industry knowledge and potentially secure job opportunities after graduation.
Frequently Asked Questions About MBAs in Technology Management
Technology MBA graduates can pursue leadership roles in technology departments or companies. Tech companies can hire technology management MBA graduates as project managers, information technology directors, or CTOs.
