Master’s in Information Technology (IT) Management Bridge Program
Work Toward Advancing Your Tech Career With a Master’s in IT Management Bridge Program
GCU’s Bridge Master of Science in Information Technology Management program may be ideal for students who do not hold technology-related bachelor’s degrees and are interested in positioning themselves for possible career advancement in tech or preparing for continuing education. This IT management master’s bridge program lays a foundation for graduate work in business-related IT management. You will have the opportunity to gain knowledge in leadership and business management, exploring best practices in the field. You can deepen your understanding of technology concepts and acquire tech skills that are applicable in modern workplaces.
Master’s in IT Management Bridge Program Course Topics
This information technology management program integrates the Christian worldview into the coursework, which emphasizes the role of ethical decision-making in business settings. Our online learning community welcomes a diverse student body from all faiths.
Because bridge coursework does not lead to a degree, the program is designed to teach you the information needed to pursue a master's degree in IT management. A bridge program can help you prepare for your future IT studies.
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While working through your IT management courses, you’ll complete a blend of classroom instruction and hands-on learning activities designed. You’ll be taught core technology competencies such as the following:
- Foundational concepts and problem-solving in programming and IT, with hands-on activities that include writing code to further explore lecture topics
- Networking in IT, exploring how networks work, how to configure networks and how to conduct scalability planning with routers and switches
- Information systems development within the context of business information systems, exploring cost-benefit analysis, feasibility, traceability and more
- Relational database structures through their lifecycle, from design to implementation and beyond
Next Steps for Graduates of the Master of Science in Information Technology Management Bridge Program
This information technology management bridge program can prepare you to transition into the Master of Science in Information Technology Management program — a degree-conferring program. The bridge program blends strategic management and leadership, information literacy, ethics, technology and reasoning skills to prepare you for graduate-level IT coursework.
Alternatively, you may decide to take your advanced IT skills and enter the workforce right away in an IT-related career.
If you plan to join or advance your skills in the growing field of information technology management, the bridge to IT management master’s program at GCU can help you do that. You’ll have opportunities to be taught knowledge and skills in this field.
Career Paths in IT Management
The IT management courses in this bridge program can lead you into the GCU master’s in IT management program. After completion of your MS degree, you can be prepared to lead and manage IT programs. If you are looking to specialize in this career area, you may benefit from learning business and IT skills.
With advanced skills and IT knowledge, IT professionals have many potential career paths to choose from. They may pursue positions as:
- Computer and information systems managers
- Database administrators
- Computer systems analysts
- Computer and information research scientists
Take Information Technology Courses From an Accredited University
GCU is an institutionally accredited university that strives to graduate students who are critical thinkers, analytical reasoners and ethical servant leaders. Our accreditation speaks to the quality of our programs and our commitment to our students. To learn more about our accreditation, visit our university accreditation page.
Master’s in IT Management Bridge Program FAQs
Before you decide to apply for enrollment into the master’s in information technology management bridge program, you may have some questions about the IT field. Read through some frequently asked questions to find some helpful information below.
Yes, information technology management is part of the STEM — science, technology, engineering and mathematics — field. Information technology is categorized under technology. However, information technology programs are generally not quite as technical as other computer-related programs, as they also incorporate general business competencies.
This information technology management bridge program is not a degree-conferring program. Rather, it provides you with the basis of course knowledge to enable you to pursue a graduate degree or position yourself for potential career advancement.
The three levels of technology management are: macro-level, industry or business-level and program or project-level. Macro-level IT management involves broad trends that affect the global or national landscape. Industry or business-level technology management involves trends that affect one or more specific industries. Lastly, program or project-level technology management is a small-scale concept that involves trends and tech-related factors that can affect a particular project or program.
It takes hard work and dedication to achieve career goals. However, every learner is likely to have a different experience with IT management courses. You may find some concepts relatively easy to grasp, while others may take more work. Advanced-level academic programs are designed to challenge you, yet these challenges may be perceived as valuable opportunities for growth.
In addition, it’s important to bear in mind that academic qualifications are only part of the equation of becoming an IT manager. It’s standard for IT employers to require a bachelor’s degree, and some IT managers may also have a graduate degree. However, beyond academic qualifications, becoming an IT manager often necessitates having at least a few years of work experience in the field.1
If you have a passion for technology and the drive to reach your career goals, an IT management bridge program may be the ideal next step for you. Fill out the form on this page to learn more about the Bridge: Master of Science in Information Technology Management program.
1 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2022, September 8). How to become a computer and information systems manager. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved July 26, 2023.
Core Courses
Course Description
This course provides a foundation for programming and problem solving using computer programming, as well as an introduction to the academic discipline of IT. Topics include variables, expressions, functions, control structures, and pervasive IT themes: IT history, organizational issues, and relationship of IT to other computing disciplines. The course prepares students for advanced concepts and techniques in programming and information technology, including object-oriented design, data structures, computer systems, and networks. The laboratory reinforces and expands learning of principles introduced in the lecture. Hands-on activities focus on writing code that implements concepts discussed in lecture and on gaining initial exposure to common operating systems, enterprise architectures, and tools commonly used by IT professionals. Prerequisite: MAT-154 or MAT-261.
Course Description
This course exposes students to the fundamentals of networks and networking in IT. It then builds deeper understanding of how networks work, including the topics of LANs, WANs, service providers, packets, hubs, routers, switches, and internet protocols. The laboratory reinforces and expands learning of principles introduced in the lecture. Hands-on activities focus on setting up and configuring local and enterprise networks, experimenting with various topologies, and scalability planning with routers and switches.
Course Description
This course introduces key aspects of information systems development within the context of business information systems. Students focus on systems development with an emphasis on the system development life cycle, including requirements analysis and traceability, feasibility, and cost-benefit analysis. Systems development, deployment, and post-implementation processes are also addressed.
Course Description
This course examines the design, development, implementation, and maintenance of relational database structures. Emphasis is on appropriate application and implementation. Prerequisite: BIT-200 or BIT-205 or CST-110, or CST-111 or CST-105 or ITT-111.
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* Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change.