Online MBA Programs in Computer Science

For students who wish to pursue an MBA, the first thing that they need to consider is the concentration or specialization offered by the MBA program. They would want to choose a specialization that aligns with their career interests and their desired field.

Engineering students may be wondering whether to pursue an MS and MBA, as both these programs can offer various specializations that can combine their interests in business administration and science. One such specialization is an MBA program in computer science that integrates computer science aspects with the management field.

Both these disciplines (business administration and computer science) have intertwined with the arrival of information technology. A computer science MBA can equip students with a detailed understanding of management aspects, software systems, and information technology. Students are prepared to plan, design, and implement different software systems and computer applications in several industries. By obtaining this degree, graduates will be able to apply to a range of positions and can strengthen their business as well as technical skills that are necessary for handling leadership positions within the management field.

The curriculum of an MBA in computer science includes several subjects from both disciplines, including database management, visual programming, programming in Java, enterprise resource planning, e-commerce, management information systems, cyber laws, and programming language, among others.

After completing this specialized degree, graduates will be ready to explore various opportunities. Some popular careers may include database administrators, IT engineers, computer scientists, computer systems analysts, software engineers, technology managers, and information systems managers.

Notably, positions related to computer science are in high demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2022), the field of computer and information systems management is expected to grow 16 percent between 2021 and 2031, adding approximately 82,400 jobs nationwide. The median annual wage for jobs in the field was $159,010.

A host of universities and colleges in the United States offer MBA programs specializing in computer science or other related allied programs. For this specialization, several MBA programs might offer other variants, such as information technology and other related fields. This piece profiles seven such universities that offer MBA programs in computer science.

Featured Schools with MBAs in Computer Science

Campbellsville University’s online MBA offers several concentration options. One such concentration is in computer science. This program will help students sharpen their business and technical skillset to bring maximum value to their organization. Managers who lead teams of software developers, engineers, and computer scientists must have a technical foundation for the smooth progression of projects. This program will equip students with the necessary knowledge to lead teams and develop new technologies.

Made up of 36 credits, the program includes management courses such as managerial accounting; marketing management; management information systems; organizational theory; human resource management; and business ethics, among others. The computer science track includes courses such as web concepts for managers; web 2.0 and beyond; and robotics for managers.

Graduates of this program can expect to take up various positions, such as computer and information systems managers and chief technology officers.

Location: Campbellsville, KY
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC); International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE)
Expected Time to Completion: 24 months
Estimated Tuition: $499 per credit

The University of West Alabama offers an online master of business administration (MBA) program providing students with the advanced skills and knowledge required for taking the next step in their career and increasing their earning potential. This fully online MBA features several concentration options.

This computer information systems emphasis provides students with the educational background required for entering an occupation in applied information systems in government, business, and non-profit organizations toward solving various problems. The concepts included in this program show how managers can be more efficient and effective when assisted by computer-based information systems.

Comprising 33 credits, the program’s core curriculum consists of 24 credits, including coursework in managerial accounting; the foundations of business; comparative business law and ethics; research methods and design; emerging technologies; managerial economics; and financial management. The 9-credit concentration in computer information systems includes courses such as globalization and technology; social and organizational issues in information systems; and knowledge management and business intelligence.

Location: Livingston, AL
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC); Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
Expected Time to Completion: 12 months
Estimated Tuition: $429 per credit
3Southern New Hampshire University (Related – MBA in IT Management)View Full Profile

Southern New Hampshire University’s online master of business administration program in information technology management helps students get ahead in today’s rapidly changing technological environment. The program’s solid technology and business management background positions students for high-level careers in digital commerce, IT management, telecommunications, and e-business.

Consisting of 30 credits, the program includes core courses such as leading people and organizations; organizational strategy in a global environment; innovation and strategy for high-performance organizations; measuring success in an organization; optimizing brands; and leading organizational change. The information technology management concentration includes courses such as advanced information technology; management of information technology; and enterprise resource planning.

Business professionals with IT expertise are in high demand. Graduates of this MBA concentration are prepared for several employment opportunities, including computer and information systems managers, systems analysts, business analysts, data processing managers, directors of information technology, and chief information officers.

Location: Manchester, NH
Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE); Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
Expected Time to Completion: 12 months or more
Estimated Tuition: $627 per credit

The University of Michigan in Flint, MI offers an online MBA in multiple formats to accommodate students’ diverse needs. According to their preference and schedule, students may choose to earn their MBA degree in an online, hybrid, or on-campus format. This program’s MBA classes are centered around team-based projects encouraging teamwork and experiential learning. Through these hands-on projects, students will be empowered to deepen their skills and knowledge and apply practical skills to current business issues.

Just like the University of West Alabama, the University of Michigan also offers a concentration in computer information systems. Focusing on developing students’ specialized knowledge in information system management, advanced software engineering, and project management, this MBA concentration is ideal for students who wish to pursue managerial roles in engineering and IT.

Comprising 33 to 45 credits, the program includes core courses such as financial management; marketing management; operations management; global dimensions of management; and organizational communication and negotiation, among others. Courses in the computer information systems concentration include knowledge management in information systems; advanced data warehousing and business intelligence; and enterprise computing and systems integration.

Location: Flint, MI
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC); Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB International)
Expected Time to Completion: 24 months
Estimated Tuition: In-state ($868.75 per credit); out-of-state ($1,083 per credit)
5DeSales University (Related – MBA in Information Systems)

DeSales University’s online MBA with a concentration in information systems prepares students to become well-rounded business leaders with important digital systems knowledge. Combining core business courses with information systems coursework, the program provides students with an in-depth perspective to achieve positive business outcomes in today’s digital era. The program also includes a capstone course that allows students to integrate what they’ve learned into a culminating activity.

Admission requirements to the program include an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher from an accredited institution, a completed application, official transcripts from all undergraduate institutions attended, a personal statement, two professional references, and a current resume.

The program requires students to complete seven core courses, four concentration courses, and a capstone course. Core courses include financial and managerial accounting; business and society; marketing management; organization management; financial management; executive skills development; and business computing. Courses in the information systems concentration include computer architecture; application development; software engineering; and cybersecurity management.

Location: Center Valley, PA
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE); Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
Expected Time to Completion: 24 months
Estimated Tuition: $880 per credit
6Florida Institute of Technology (Related – MBA in IT Management)

Florida Institute of Technology offers an online MBA with a concentration in information technology management, providing students with high-level business and technical knowledge for meeting complex business and technology challenges. Students in this fully online program will be navigating the issues of data management in a global environment and will also be addressing management and policy issues surrounding information systems, including organizational impact, project management, and strategic use.

The program comprises 36 credits, including core courses such as managerial economics; financial management; managerial accounting; organizational behavior; essentials of business development; and marketing management. Courses in the concentration include management information systems; global information technology management; database management technology; and strategic management of technology & innovation. The program also requires students to complete a capstone course in strategic management.

Graduates will be prepared for positions such as chief technology officers, IT directors, information technology management consultants, and management information systems directors.

Location: Melbourne, FL
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC); International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE)
Expected Time to Completion: 24 months
Estimated Tuition: $896 per credit
7Western Governors University (Related – MBA in IT Management)

Western Governors University’s College of Business offers an online master of business administration program in information technology management that is designed to move students forward in this lucrative and exciting field. The program offers key learning in project management, leadership, technology strategic solutions, financial management, and information technology management preparing students for anything that can come their way as information technology managers.

To be considered for admission, applicants need to submit a transcript verifying the receipt of their bachelor’s degree from a recognized, accredited institution. GRE or GMAT are not required for admission.

The program consists of 11 courses, including a capstone course in information technology management. Other courses include managing organizations and leading people; IT project management; managing human capital; marketing; IT strategic solutions; accounting for decision makers; ethical leadership; financial management; data-driven decision-making; and global economics for managers.

Graduates of the program will be ready to take up roles such as project managers, chief technology officers, computer and information systems managers, directors of IT services, senior systems administrators, and technical services managers.

Location: Millcreek, UT
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU); Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
Expected Time to Completion: 12 months
Estimated Tuition: $4,530 per six-month term

Admissions Requirements for Online MBA in Computer Science Programs

Admissions requirements for online MBA in computer science programs will vary from school to school and program to program. There are many common admission requirements for the programs mentioned above and other online MBA programs in computer science. They include:

  • Completion of prerequisite management, business, and technology courses
  • A competitive GPA from a bachelor’s program in a related field
  • GMAT or GRE scores; some schools require scores, some do not, while others may waive the requirement under certain conditions
  • Letters of recommendation
  • A personal statement of objectives and goals
  • A few years of work experience (preferred)
  • TOEFL or IELTS test scores for international students

Accreditation and State Authorization of MBA in Computer Science Programs

Accreditation affirms that educational programs are teaching relevant and high-quality material. Accrediting agencies perform regular evaluations on accredited institutions to ensure that they meet industry-wide standards of excellence. The accreditation process is performed by a third-party accreditation agency. Several organizations accredit computer science management graduate programs.

The two main accreditation organizations for business education include the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (AABSP) and the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). Both groups verify that correct, industry-relevant information is being delivered, and ensure that business programs (or schools) have other assets such as career placement, qualified faculty, and alumni and community support.

Finally, if a student wishes to enroll in a program offered by an online university outside their state of residence, it is important to ensure that the intended university has the authorization to provide education in their home state. Students can learn this information by checking the program’s website, speaking to an admissions officer, or researching if their intended program participates in universal state reciprocity as delineated by the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA).

MBA in Computer Science (and Related Programs) Faculty To Know

  • Ehimwenma Aimiuwu, PhD Campbellsville University

    Dr. Ehimwenma Aimiuwu is a professor of information technology management at Campbellsville University’s Business Administration department. Teaching at Campbellsville University for the past four years, Dr. Aimiuwu has more than 16 years of experience in teaching information systems courses at colleges and universities. Some of the courses he has taught include management information systems, current & emerging technologies, team management, information systems security, information systems infrastructure, negotiation & conflict management, disaster & recovery planning, and project management.

    Dr. Aimiuwu’s research focuses on augmented reality, artificial intelligence, blockchain, virtual reality, business intelligence, web analytics, and big data. His research has been published in prominent journals such as the International Journal of Business Intelligence Research, Journal of Information Systems Applied Research, Journal of International Business Education, and Information Systems Education Journal. He completed his PhD in management information systems from Walden University and an MBA and BA from Kent State University.

  • Weiqi Li, PhD University of Michigan-Flint

    Dr. Weiqi Li is an associate professor of management information systems at the University of Michigan-Flint’s School of Management. He teaches or has taught courses such as management information systems, information system project management, E-commerce, decision support systems, managerial statistics, economic statistics, operations management, artificial intelligence, and algorithms.

    His research efforts are focused on combinatorial optimization, supply chain management, heuristics, and artificial intelligence. His research has been published in prominent journals such as the Journal of International Information Management, the International Journal of the Information Systems for Logistics and Management, and the Journal of Heuristics. He completed his PhD, MS, and MBA degrees at the University of Mississippi, a BA at the University of International Business and Economics, and a BS at Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics.

  • Jignya Patel, PhD Florida Institute of Technology

    Dr. Jignya Patel joined the Florida Institute of Technology’s Nathan M. Bisk College of Business in 2015 as an assistant professor of information systems. She is the chairperson of the FIT Institutional Review Board and the director of the Business Applied program at the Nathan Bisk College of Business. Jignya Patel’s research interests are in the area of unintended or negative effects of IT use on individuals. She currently teaches courses in management information systems, ERP systems, IT project management, and business analytics and intelligence.

    Her publications have well-known journals such as the Journal of Information Technology Management and Information Technology & People. Her research has also been presented at prestigious conferences such as the International Conference on Information Systems, Southern Association for Information Systems, and American Conference on Information Systems. She earned her MBA from the University of North Alabama and her PhD from the University of Memphis in the area of management information systems.

Farheen Gani
Farheen Gani
Writer

Farheen Gani is an expert in online MBA programs, having covered MBA programs in computer science, economics, healthcare management, and fraud and forensics, among others, since 2018. She writes about healthcare, technology, education, and marketing. Her work has appeared on websites such as Tech in Asia and Foundr, as well as top SaaS blogs such as Zapier and InVision. You can connect with her on LinkedIn and Twitter (@FarheenGani).

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