Technical Management Degrees: A Diverse Education for a Diverse Field

Smart businesses are using their computer resources to drive competitive advantage in every industry from food service to financial services, manufacturing and transportation to education. Think about how much less time it takes per transaction at fast food drive through windows, the convenience of online banking, the efficiency of robotic manufacturing, geographic-information system assisted routing of planes and trucks, and college courses delivered over the Internet.

Technical Management Employment Outlook

It is no wonder that the job outlook for technical managers who design, deliver, and support the systems that keep our world running should be good between 2006 and 2016. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 42,000 new computer technology managers are expected to join the workforce during that time--an 18 percent rate of growth.
If you have good technical, management, and communications skills, or the willingness to learn them, a career in this field offers job satisfaction and a good paycheck.

Technical Management Degree Program Availability

The typical minimum preparation for a career as a technical manager is an associate's degree, with most companies requiring entry-level workers to have a bachelor's degree. Positions as chief technology officer and chief information officer often require an advanced degree plus work experience.
You can prepare for or advance your career with a technical management degree program. Various degrees (such as an associate's or bachelor's) are offered through online education programs. The availability of online degree programs may be an important consideration if you cannot take time off from your present position to attend a campus-based program. Online education also can eliminate the time and expense of commuting. Numerous programs are available, so you are likely to find one that fits your schedule and budget.

Technical Management Career Options and Potential Salary

Businesses that employ more than a handful of people traditionally need technical managers. Technology services firms employ the most technical managers, with financial services, insurance, and government following close behind. The median annual salary for technical managers, particularly in computer and information systems was $112,210 in 2008, according to research from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Sources:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, Computer and Information Managers
Bureau of Labor Statistics, Computer and Information Managers, Wages

Lorraine Watkins is a freelance business writer and marketing consultant. She is a graduate of California State University, East Bay with an MA in English.