Master of Business Administration - Accounting
The MBA program at the University of the Potomac typically consists of 12 courses, tota...
Master of Business Administration - Information Technology
Washington, D.C., Virginia
INTAKE: Jan, Mar, Apr, Jun, Sep & Oct
Program Overview
The MBA with an Information Technology concentration at the University of the Potomac typically requires 36 academic credits for completion. The program is structured to provide a comprehensive understanding of core business functions before delving into specialized IT management knowledge. Students first complete eight foundational MBA courses (24 credits) covering essential areas such as managerial accounting, economics, finance, marketing, human resources, and strategic management. Following this, they undertake four specialized courses (12 credits) specifically focused on Information Technology Management. This integrated approach ensures graduates develop not only deep expertise in IT strategy and operations but also the broader business acumen necessary to make effective strategic decisions and lead diverse teams in technology-driven environments. The program is generally designed for completion within approximately two years.
Curriculum: The 36-semester-hour curriculum for the MBA with an Information Technology concentration at the University of the Potomac begins with foundational MBA core courses, providing a solid business understanding. These typically include: "BUS 501 Managerial Accounting," "BUS 502 Managerial Economics," "BUS 503 Managerial Finance," "BUS 510 Strategic Management," "BUS 520 Human Resources and Organizational Behavior," "BUS 530 Marketing Management," "BUS 560 Management and Information Systems," and "BUS 570 Business Ethics." After establishing this foundational knowledge, students then transition to the four specialized Information Technology Management concentration courses. While the exact list may vary, typical courses in this specialization include: "MCAP 520 Enterprise Data Management and Administration," "CBSC 620 Cyber Law and Policy," "COMP 610 Strategic IT: Best Practices for Executives," and "COMP 630 Technology Entrepreneurship." This curriculum is crafted to provide graduates with a robust understanding of IT governance, cybersecurity, data management, and technological innovation from a strategic business perspective.
Research Focus: The University of the Potomac's MBA with an Information Technology concentration is highly applied, emphasizing the practical application of IT principles to solve business challenges, rather than a traditional academic research thesis. The program aims to prepare students to "formulate evidenced-based business solutions founded on stakeholder needs and interests" and to "develop decisions and managerial actions that enhance organizational effectiveness through effective communication and teamwork." Courses focus on real-world scenarios and the strategic use of technology within organizations. For example, "Strategic IT: Best Practices for Executives" would involve analyzing current IT trends and their business implications, while "Enterprise Data Management and Administration" emphasizes practical data governance. The program is designed to cultivate IT leaders who can critically assess technological landscapes and implement effective, data-driven solutions.
Industry Engagement: The University of the Potomac's MBA with an Information Technology concentration demonstrates strong industry engagement by directly aligning its curriculum with the in-demand skills and strategic needs of the IT sector. The inclusion of courses such as "Strategic IT: Best Practices for Executives," "Enterprise Data Management and Administration," and "Cyber Law and Policy" reflects a keen awareness of critical areas for IT leadership in today's business environment. The university highlights that its graduates have gone on to work at prominent companies like AWS, NVIDIA, and Microsoft, indicating a strong connection between the program's outcomes and industry employment opportunities. The program's practical focus on leveraging technology for competitive advantage and its emphasis on managing IT professionals directly address the needs of businesses and government agencies in the tech space.
Global Perspective: The MBA with an Information Technology concentration at the University of the Potomac inherently incorporates a global perspective due to the universally interconnected nature of information technology and digital transformation. While there might not be a specific dedicated course on "Global IT Management" within this particular concentration, the broader MBA framework aims to prepare graduates to "identify problems related to U.S. and foreign businesses and to artfully respond to these challenges." Concepts like global data governance, international cybersecurity regulations, and the challenges of managing distributed global IT teams are implicitly or explicitly integrated into courses like "Cyber Law and Policy" and "Enterprise Data Management and Administration." The University of the Potomac's diverse student body and focus on preparing leaders for various organizational types (including international entities) further contribute to a learning environment that naturally fosters a broader understanding of global IT trends and challenges.
Location
Washington, D.C., Virginia
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 22250
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 60% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 59 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 100.
The University of the Potomac is dedicated to making education affordable and accessible for international students by offering a variety of scholarship opportunities. These scholarships aim to recognize academic excellence, leadership potential, and financial need, helping reduce the overall cost of education for deserving students from around the world.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students demonstrating strong academic performance may qualify for merit-based scholarships. These awards reward high GPA, outstanding achievements, and exceptional contributions in previous educational settings. Merit scholarships can significantly lower tuition fees and encourage students to maintain high academic standards throughout their studies.
Need-Based Scholarships: The university also offers need-based scholarships designed to assist international students facing financial challenges. Applicants are encouraged to submit detailed financial information during the admissions process to be considered for these scholarships, which aim to bridge the gap between the cost of education and the student’s financial resources.
Special Program Scholarships: Certain academic programs at the University of the Potomac provide dedicated scholarships for international students, especially in fields such as business administration, information technology, and cybersecurity. These program-specific awards support students pursuing careers in high-demand industries.
Graduates of the University of the Potomac's MBA with an Information Technology concentration are uniquely positioned to serve as strategic leaders in a technology-driven world. Their comprehensive understanding of core business functions combined with specialized knowledge in IT governance, cybersecurity, data management, and technology entrepreneurship makes them highly valuable assets. They are equipped to drive digital transformation, optimize IT operations, and implement innovative technological solutions that align with organizational objectives and enhance competitive advantage.
IT Director/Manager: Oversees an organization's entire IT department, managing staff, budgets, and strategic technology initiatives to ensure smooth operations and alignment with business goals.
IT Project Manager: Leads complex IT projects from initiation to completion, managing resources, timelines, and budgets, ensuring the successful delivery of software, hardware, or system implementations.
Solutions Architect: Designs and implements technical solutions to meet business requirements, often bridging the gap between business needs and IT capabilities, particularly in areas like cloud computing or enterprise systems.
Cybersecurity Manager/Consultant: Manages an organization's cybersecurity posture, developing and implementing security policies, responding to threats, and ensuring compliance with data protection regulations.
Data Analytics Manager: Leads teams that analyze large datasets to extract actionable insights, inform business decisions, and drive strategic initiatives, often using advanced analytical tools and techniques.
IT Consultant: Works for consulting firms or independently, advising various organizations on IT strategy, system selection, digital transformation, and optimizing their technology investments.
Chief Information Officer (CIO): While often a long-term career goal, an MBA in IT provides a strong foundation for aspiring to this executive role, which involves defining and leading the organization's overall IT strategy and vision.
Technology Entrepreneur/Startup Founder: Leverages both business acumen and IT expertise to identify market opportunities, develop innovative technology products or services, and launch and manage a new venture.
Enterprise Architect: Designs and maintains an organization's overall IT infrastructure and applications, ensuring they are scalable, efficient, and aligned with long-term business objectives.
Product Manager (Technology): Oversees the entire lifecycle of a technology product, from conception and development to launch and post-launch optimization, ensuring it meets market needs and business goals.
