According to the Modis staffing agency, there will be 685,000 new technology-related jobs in the U.S. by 2022, causing employment in the tech field to rise by 18 percent.
If you’re interested in a tech-related job, there are a few different avenues you can take to help you get one. The most consistently successful? Getting a graduate degree that will prepare you with the definitive skills needed in a particular industry or position.
But since there are several different technology-related degree programs out there -- each with their own curriculum and outcomes -- choosing the right one can present a challenge. The key to picking a program is to know what you plan to accomplish after you’ve gotten the degree.
To help you narrow down your choices, here are four of the technology programs Bentley University offers, along what you’ll learn and potential career outcomes.
1. Master’s In Human Factors In Information Design (HFID)
A Master’s in HFID encompasses user experience design (UXD), which is the process of enhancing a user’s satisfaction with a product by improving its usability, accessibility and aesthetics to best meet their wants and needs.
Successful UXD starts with a solid understanding of human behavior and is enriched by detailed user research -- this leads to product insights and design innovation. Those in the user experience (UX) field must comprehend and appreciate people and what they value, including their goals, abilities and limitations.
Possible Career Outcome: UX Researcher/Designer
A potential career opportunity for HFID degree holders is in UX research or design. In a position like this, you would research and provide insight into user behavior, needs and motivations to identify potential improvements. You would also drive the development of user design processes. (Find out what it’s like to be a UX designer for Google.)
2. Master’s In Information Technology (MSIT)
Those in the IT sector work with computer storage, networking and infrastructure to create, store, secure and exchange all forms of electronic data. A master’s program in IT prepares professionals to integrate this information systems knowledge with a strong understanding of the global business environment.
IT professionals must have a working knowledge of the theory and current practices in communication networks and database technologies, as well as how to implement them as state-of-the-art business solutions.
Possible Career Outcome: Systems Analyst
As a systems analyst, you would use computers and related information systems to design new IT solutions and modify or enhance existing systems. You would frequently analyze system requirements, undertake product development, and configure and test potential IT solutions.
3. Master’s In Business Analytics (MSBA)
Data analytics, or “big data,” is emerging as an immensely powerful resource for businesses and organizations because of its predictive capabilities -- companies are using big data to learn more about their customers, as well as the needs of their customers.
Read about six industries big data is taking over.
A Master’s in Business Analytics provides students with a firm grounding in the use of analytics to identify trends and patterns and to refine and develop strategies suggested by the data. Business analytics touches a wide range of sectors, including data science, economics, information management, marketing and finance.
Possible Career Outcome: Business Analytics (BA) Strategy Consultant
With a degree in business analytics, you could become a BA strategy consultant. In this position, you would develop new and innovative analytical solutions that meet the needs of an organization, while supporting marketing activities and contributing in research development. On a daily basis, you would lead projects, collect data for analysis and prepare documents to analyze the effectiveness of marketing and strategic campaigns.
4. Master’s In Marketing Analytics (MSMA)
As the approach in marketing shifts from product-focused to customer-focused, marketing professionals need a deep understanding of customer preferences. They must also have a firm grounding in the essentials of strategic marketing and possess the analytical tools needed to thrive in today’s rapidly evolving business environment.
A Master’s in Marketing Analytics teaches students how to become more engaged with consumers, how to design and deliver robust statistical analysis, and how to effectively communicate the resulting insights. The program prepares professionals to be comfortable with numbers and to make marketing decisions based on quantitative analysis.
Possible Career Outcome: Market Research Analyst
As a market research analyst, you would use a variety of techniques (from surveys and focus groups to statistical analysis and data mining) to study consumer preferences and buying habits. You would use the findings from this data to improve companies’ marketing strategies and predict future sales.
Choose Your Path
As you consider the idea of a master’s degree in the field of technology, it’s important not only to consider your interests, but also to think about your strengths, abilities and experience.
If you’d like a free tool to help you identify your technical skills and explain more about degrees in this field, check out our ebook, Which Technology Path Is Right For You? It outlines several technology-related degree program options, gives some background on the students who enter these programs, lists potential career outcomes and explains the skills associated with each degree. Download it now to figure out the path that’s right for you.