By: The Capella University Editorial Team with Lisa Mohanty, Academic Program Director
Reading Time: 4 minutes
Organizations across healthcare, finance, manufacturing, education and other industries rely on information technology to operate efficiently, innovate and protect data. And as AI, cloud computing and cybersecurity evolve, the need for professionals who can connect business strategy and technical expertise continues to grow.
If you’re ready to pursue career opportunities in information technology or want to stay ahead of the curve, you may be considering a graduate degree. Capella University offers two career-focused programs: a self-designed Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Master of Science (MS) in Information Technology.
Both degrees can be valuable, but each helps prepare you for a different kind of leadership in the IT field. So, which one fits your professional goals?
In a nutshell, the difference between the two degrees comes down to focus. The self-designed MBA helps you develop business and leadership skills to manage people, budgets and strategy in technology-driven environments. The MS in Information Technology focuses on technical expertise, helping to prepare you for the design, implementation and management of complex technology systems.
Here’s another way to look at it:
Capella’s self-designed MBA helps you understand how every part of a business connects, from operations and finance to innovation and strategy.
You can tailor your coursework around your professional goals, whether that means digital strategy, analytics or IT management. You’ll learn to lead teams, make data-driven decisions and align technology with business objectives.
Ideal for: professionals with comprehensive knowledge of IT who want to manage teams, budgets, strategy and cross-functional IT projects.
An MS in IT prepares you to understand every function of a technology system, from cybersecurity and data analytics to cloud computing and enterprise networks.
Students can choose from specializations that align with their professional goals. Coursework blends theory with hands-on practice, helping you master today’s most in-demand technologies.
At Capella, students can specialize in:
Ideal for: IT professionals who want to advance their skills in areas like cybersecurity, cloud computing or data analytics and apply them to business challenges.
When choosing between a self-designed MBA and an MS in Information Technology, your learning style may also play a role.
Capella University offers two online learning formats designed to support working adults balancing school with work and personal commitments.
The FlexPath learning format allows students to work at their own pace, moving quickly through material they already know and spending more time on new topics. The self-designed MBA is offered in both FlexPath and GuidedPath, allowing learners to choose between a self-paced or structured learning experience.
The GuidedPath learning format provides a more structured experience, with weekly deadlines and discussion posts, while still allowing you to study online, when and where it works for you. The MS in Information Technology is offered in the GuidedPath format.
Both learning formats provide 24/7 access to the courseroom, academic resources, and student support services. Capella also offers a trial course so you can explore the learning experience before committing.
Both degrees can lead to rewarding career opportunities. Your choice depends on your goals, background and the kind of work that inspires you most.
Choose an MBA if you:
Choose an MS in Information Technology if you:
Whether you choose a self-designed MBA or an MS in Information Technology, Capella’s flexible, career-focused programs can help you develop the business and technology expertise to pursue your professional goals.
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