An online MBA in Technology Management can equip you with the skills and knowledge to thrive in your leadership role. However, a multitude of available programs makes that choice complex and overwhelming. This article provides a comprehensive overview of online tech MBAs, highlighting key considerations to help you make an informed decision and propel your career.
As you will see, only one online MBA program is delivered by seasoned technology leaders with a curriculum immediately applicable to daily operations.
General tech management MBAs provide a broad understanding of technology’s role in business. They usually cover IT strategy, innovation management, data analytics and cybersecurity.
These general programs are ideal for professionals seeking versatile skills applicable across various tech-related roles; for example, mid-career technology managers, aspiring technology executives, tech entrepreneurs, tech consultants and tech professionals looking for a career change. However, remember that this is more of an introduction to various subjects than a deep dive.
Examples include: Northwestern University – Kellogg School of Management, University of California, Berkeley – Haas School of Business and University of Pennsylvania – Wharton School
Here, we have five major subcategories:
MBA in Information Systems dives deep into designing, implementing and managing information systems within organisations. It is best suited for technology professionals who want to combine their technical skills with business acumen to take on leadership roles. For example, IT managers and directors, systems analysts, data analysts/scientists and software developers looking to transition to management roles.
Examples include: the University of Maryland – Robert H. Smith School of Business (MBA in Information Systems) and the University of Southern California – Marshall School of Business (MBA in Technology and Operational Management).
Cybersecurity MBA focuses on protecting information assets, managing cyber risks and developing security strategies. You would want to opt in for this type of MBA if you see yourself leading security teams or consulting businesses (you need to learn a thing or two about business strategy and management in general after all).
Some examples are: James Madison University (MBA in Information Security) and Bellevue University (MBA in Cyber Security).
MBA in Data Analytics emphasises using data to drive business strategy, make informed decisions and gain a competitive edge. You should consider these kinds of programs if you work with data and want to enhance your business acumen to take on more strategic roles within your organisation.
Examples: Louisiana State University Shreveport (Online MBA in Data Analytics), University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill (Kenan-Flagler – Online MBA with a Concentration in Business Analytics) and Arizona State University (Carey).
Digital Transformation MBAs equip leaders with skills and knowledge that enable them to navigate digital disruptions and leverage technology for organisational growth and innovation. Choose this if you are:
The most notable program is the Quantic School of Business and Indiana University – Kelley School of Business (Online MBA with a Concentration in Technology).
The last on the list, and as its name suggests, an MBA in Project Management helps improve necessary skills for effective leadership and management of technology projects to ensure successful implementation and delivery. Therefore, if you are on the path to the CPO or CPTO role, this is the type of MBA you should consider.
Example programs: Fayetteville State University – College of Business and Economics (Online MBA in Project Management) and London School of Business and Finance (Online MBA in Project Management).
These Online MBAs in Technology Management are specifically designed to equip current and aspiring CTOs with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in this role.
Curriculums commonly address technology vision and strategy, technology architecture and infrastructure, digital transformation and innovation, technology governance and compliance and overall business management.
The most notable examples in this category are: CTO Academy, Berkeley, Wharton and Cambridge.
Now, what separates CTO Academy from the other three — except for being more affordable and accessible — is that the program (Digital MBA for Technology Leaders) focuses more on practical skills and immediate application. All you need to do to confirm this is to review the faculty.
At CTO Academy, the list of lecturers includes 9 CTOs, 1 Group CTO, 1 Group CIO, 3 VPs of Engineering, 13 CEOs/CIOs/COOs and 13 Senior Leaders as subject experts. That’s a total of 40 lecturers delivering 220 micro-lectures – all currently active in their roles.
Berkeley, Wharton and Cambridge have 7-9 professors delivering all the lectures with only less than five cumulatively with at least some sort of leadership experience – predominantly in institutions.
And that’s an important factor to consider when choosing the best online MBA in Technology Management for your career. Once in the CTO role, you will not have much manoeuvring space. So having a faculty teaching everyday challenges does come in handy; especially when combined with an active community of technology leaders answering every question within a few minutes. For example, #burning-issue-needs-a-call or #ask-the-community channels on the CTO Academy Global Community’s Slack that is accessible to MBA graduates and members.
Selecting the optimal online MBA in Technology Management is an investment in your professional future. By carefully considering your career aspirations, evaluating program features, assessing ROI from the financial and career perspectives and choosing between practice and academia, you can zoom in on just the right online MBA in technology management.
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