What you need to know about the
MSTM program

Lindsey Wilson College's Master of Science in Technology Management offers students the skills they need to be leaders and innovators in the information technology industry. MSTM is a degree for information technology professionals with a wide range of skills and experiences who want to pursue a management or executive level position. LWC's technology management degree provides a broad business and leadership foundation from business strategy to emerging technologies in the context of the information technology field.

LWC's Master of Science in Technology Management degree directly addresses how to achieve success in the technology marketplace and emphasizes technology management and leadership. It focuses on technology innovation, commercialization, introduction, and integration as well as the methods and approaches of systems thinking.

Job Outlook

Technology management is a stable field, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The Bureau projects computer and information systems manager positions to increase by 12 percent between 2016 and 2026.

The MSTM program provides sufficient technical skills to allow graduates to be hired as network administrators or computer systems analysts.

Median salaries for students graduating with a business technology degree range from about $80,000 to more than $135,000, according to BLS data.

What Might I Do as an Information Technology Manager?

Technology management focuses on the use of computers and computer-based systems in business. If you want to work in technology management, you can choose to enter the field of information technology management or you can seek advancement within another field that utilizes technological systems.

In the field of IT management, you can choose to become a computer and information systems manager. In such a position, your responsibility would be to help implement technology within your company while also managing IT employees. This might involve researching your company's technology needs, designing plans to implement new computer systems, assembling teams to handle the set-up of new systems, and monitoring the functions of existing systems. Network security and software development could also fall under your guidance.

What Does it Mean to Study Technology Management?

Technology is revolutionary, and its capabilities and impact on our lives continues to grow exponentially. Advancements in technology have greatly enhanced all industries -- from healthcare, to entertainment, to transportation, to information management, to education.

Just as one groundbreaking advancement is established, another quicker, better technological innovation shatters the shortcomings of its predecessors. Keeping up with the evolution of technology can be daunting for businesses that are hoping to implement more competitive systems. Thus, the work of a technology manager is important.

Technology managers help their companies:

  • Develop safe transaction platforms
  • Design inventory supply systems
  • Streamline medical databases
  • Automate bank transactions
  • Build sturdier cars
  • Map transportation schedules

Technology managers are trained in information technology management philosophy, system development, and business strategy. A technology manager helps businesses utilize available technology and develop technological strategies that suit the needs of the business. Additionally, a technology manager oversees the work of technical professionals to ensure a reliable, productive work environment for clients and employers.

Because the demand for better technological systems increases as rapidly as the development of new technologies, it is common for technology management professionals to rely on distance learning to continually increase their technical skills and managerial training. Online education makes it possible for students to maintain commitments to full-time jobs while completing the requirements necessary to earn a degree. Studying technology management also opens up doors to many other related positions including computer programming, information systems managers, computer software engineers, computer support technicians, and computer systems analysts.

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.

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 benefit from their investment 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, financial systems, or scientific and engineering systems. Working as a computer systems analyst is a viable catalyst to a career in technology management. Professionals with analyst experience develop both the technical and communication 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 ensuring 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, may report to the chief information officer. Technology management training and education are 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 face complicated computer issues that they cannot correct or 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 site as a consultant, 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 a technology management career should first earn an engineering or 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.