Masters in Technology Management vs MBA

MBA vs Masters in Technology Management. Choosing between the postgraduate programs is tricky for many professionals. To the untrained eye, the master’s degrees may seem similar. After all, they’re both about business management, right? However, key differences exist.

An MBA focuses on leadership as well as business skills, such as marketing and finance. On the other hand, a Master’s in Technology Management is centered around technology. It gets more into technical aspects of achieving business success.

Let’s explore the differences and similarities further. We’ll examine what each program has to offer, the career opportunities they unlock, and what salaries you might expect.

What is a Masters in Technology Management?

A Masters in Technology Management (MTM) examines tech systems that help companies manage their data efficiently and effectively. For example, companies adopt systems for enterprise resource planning, customer relationship management, and complex point of sales. Specialisations include data analytics, digital strategies, artificial intelligence, cyber security, and project management.

A Master of Technology Management gives students the ability to provide tech solutions, from inception through to deployment. Courses explore technology systems development. A background in a relevant STEM field such as IT, computer engineering, or computer science may be an admission requirement.

The degree is good for professionals already working on IT solutions who want to add a business perspective to their career. But an MTM may also allow people from a business background with technical aptitude to build knowledge of emerging technologies.

What is an MBA?

A Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a degree for learning leadership, management and business skills. Although centered around “business”, an MBA can be equally as useful for professionals in the public sector or working with non-profit agencies. You also don’t need to have studied business at university or college before.

Students who opt for an MBA qualify for senior managerial positions. They may also gain entrepreneurial knowledge with which to start their own business. The curriculum can be somewhat generic, though programs often offer hands-on experience via team activities. Students are given latitude to develop coordination, problem-solving and innovation skills.

MBA studies allow you to choose your major by selecting the appropriate program or electives. For example, MBAs can concentrate on leadership, public health, finance, economics or marketing. Technology management is also available as a specialization, with specific majors such as data analysis and cybersecurity.

MTM Career Opportunities

With continuous technological advancement, new career opportunities emerge every day. Graduates of a master’s degree in tech management can expect career paths in data analysis, information systems, network security or cybersecurity. An average salary for related careers is around $96k. 

Here are some of the most popular career paths for Master of Science (MS), Information Technology (IT) graduates.

Chief information officer

A CIO, or sometimes referred to as a chief technology officer (CTO), oversees a company’s IT and computer systems. They manage tasks and coordinate technology teams.

Database administrator

Database administrators manage a company’s database servers. They optimize server performance and make information secure and accessible.

Information security analyst

Information security analysts protect computer networks from threats like cyberattacks and data breaches. Their role is to implement IT security measures and keep them updated.

MBA Career Opportunities

Depending on your MBA specialization, there are different career paths and salaries. MBAs offer more generic knowledge; therefore, they are attached to a broad aspect of professional opportunities.

Some of the job opportunities with an MBA include general manager, operations manager, product manager, and project manager. An average salary for an MBA graduate is around $118k. For MBA graduates in the IT field, some of the more lucrative roles include:

Chief technical officer

A CTO oversees technological activities in a company. Unlike the chief information officer, their focus leans more towards innovation and developing new technologies.

Computer & information systems manager

Computer & information systems managers handle computer-related operations in a company. They set technical and business objectives.

Information technology director

Information technology directors manage IT personnel. They enforce IT policies and ensure goals are met.

Masters in Technology Management vs MBA

Both degrees enhance careers by building skills and creating new opportunities. An MBA prepares students for diverse management roles. A Master in Technology Management equips you to lead in emerging technology fields poised for growth.

Deciding between the two degrees will largely depend on the career path you wish to follow. For individuals with professional pursuits more focused on technical and scientific fields, a Master in IT Management may be more suitable. If your goal is to occupy managerial or leadership positions, overviewing different business sectors, an MBA may be a great fit.

Ultimately, the choice comes down to your educational background, professional interests, career aspirations, and experience. Both degrees offer high salaries, to be sure, but picking the right one to follow is a matter of balancing different factors.

FAQs on Choosing Between the Programs

How much does it cost to take each program?

Although costs can vary from school to school, there’s an average of roughly $45,000 USD for an MBA and a Master’s in Technology Management. Online accelerated programs cost less than full-time campus-based masters. Apart from cost, further advantages of online degrees worth considering are: (a) you can continue working full-time while studying and (b) your choice of programs expands far beyond your local area.

Which program is harder, an MBA or an MTM?

There’s not really an inherently harder option. It comes down to a student’s background. A Master’s in Technology Management focuses more on technical business aspects, so might be harder for a student with a solely business background. On the other hand, for a business professional with 5-10 years of experience, an MBA might seem a lot easier. The same MBA course might feel tough to a technology professional without extensive management experience.

How long does it take to finish each program?

Most MBA programs can take up to 12 months to complete full-time or 24 months on a part-time basis. Similarly, a Master’s in Technology Management can take anywhere from one to two years to complete. For both masters, there are also accelerated programs available for faster completion. Accelerated study means learning steadily throughout the year, without extended breaks.

Is a Masters in Information Technology Management worth it?

A Master’s in Information Technology Management is highly valuable for those looking to extend their tech expertise and build leadership skills. This degree is especially advantageous when you are aiming to strategize and lead teams or projects within the tech sector. You not only understand the technical solutions to problems, but also gain the ability to leverage the skills and efforts of others in a leadership capacity.

Can I do an MBA and a Tech Management Masters at the same time?

Yes, you can! But keep in mind that each program has a different emphasis. An MBA with a technology management major is still an MBA at the end of the day, meaning the amount of technical content will be limited. You may see that as a good thing if you’re intent on being a true technology manager and not a technician or analyst.