Information on MS Degree Program: Technology Management
This article talks about Master of Science (M.S.) degree programs in Technology Management and their education requirements, coursework, career choices, job and wage outlook, and continuing education choices.
Master of Science (M.S.) Programs in Technology Management
Students enrolled in master’s degree programs in technology management are taught about developing and implementing methods aimed at enhancing business performance in companies. Students learn about evaluating the benefits of emerging technologies and analyzing their uses within businesses. The challenges faced by businesses when they deal with intellectual property are also in the program, along with marketing new products and ensuring safety in the workplace. In some programs, specialization options are featured in areas such as industrial development, telecommunications, facility supervision, and manufacturing.
Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a bachelor’s degree in a related field such as industrial technology or engineering. Applicants with bachelor’s degrees in non-related majors may be admitted provided they have prior work experience in the field. Submission of Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) scores may also be a requirement.
Students can complete degree programs in this field within 1-2 years. Coursework is a combination of studies in product development and technology, and business coursework. In some programs, students are offered opportunities for participating in practicum projects such as marketing of tools, implementation of new products or analysis of manufacturing systems to gain real-world experience. The creation and defense of a thesis may also be a requirement.
Core coursework may cover such topic areas as:
•Managing facilities
•Quality concepts
•Managing energy
•Industrial control systems
Program graduates can seek managerial positions with technical enterprise businesses, production companies, telecommunication companies and manufacturing industries, in addition to government organizations, such as health and safety commissions, or city departments of transportation.
Over the 2012 – 2022 decade, a job growth rate of 15% has been predicted for computer and information systems managers (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). In May 2012, these workers brought in an average annual wage of $120,950.
Program graduates can stay abreast of changes in the field over the span of their careers by enrolling in a graduate certificate program in information technology or strategic management. Alternatively, they may earn doctoral degrees that could lead to careers in research or academia.