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In the field of IT management, there are more and more courses that you can also complete part-time as a distance learning programme. Here I present all possibilities, both with a bachelor's and a master's degree, comparing the admission requirements of the master's programmes as well as the cost and course content. Additionally, I will discuss the difference between Business Informatics and IT Management.
All courses in the field of IT Management & Digital Transformation at a glance
We have a total of 22 courses in the field of IT Management.
IT management
- European Distance Learning University Hamburg
- 6 Semester
- Hamburg
- German
The distance learning course "IT-Management" leads to a Bachelor of Science degree and spans 36 months. The key areas include basics of business administration such as corporate management, marketing, accounting, …
Business informatics and IT management
- AKAD University
- 4 Semester
- German
With this master's programme, AKAD University combines current IT knowledge, computer science, and business-oriented corporate management in one degree programme. You will acquire high-quality expertise that you need for cross-industry …
Digital Business
- IU International University
- 6 Semester
- German or English
The distance learning programme Digital Business prepares you thoroughly with a solid education in the fields of business administration and computer science for work in companies. As an expert in …
E-commerce
- IU International University
- 6 Semester
- German
The Bachelor distance learning programme E-Commerce at IU prepares you with comprehensive business administration know-how and technical knowledge, such as in the field of web development, for a successful career …
IT management
- Wilhelm Büchner University
- 4 Semester
- German
This master's program is aimed at IT specialists, computer scientists, engineers, natural scientists, and business scientists who need knowledge for the implementation and management of IT services in leadership and …
IT Management
- IU International University
- 6 Semester
- German
The Master IT Management (M.A.) at IU International University is aimed at professionals and graduates of business-related and technical courses who aim for key positions at the interface between IT …
Digital Transformation
- IU International University
- 2 Semester
- German
This master's programme trains you to become an expert in digital transformation. You will learn to combine agile management methods of digitalisation with traditional work processes and apply them in …
Digital Engineering Management
- Fresenius University of Applied Sciences
- 2 Semester
- German
The Master's degree programme in Digital Business Management and Engineering is aimed at professionals and graduates with a technical or business background who want to manage digital business processes and …
Digital Business Management and Engineering
- Fresenius University of Applied Sciences
- 4 Semester
- German
The Master's distance learning programme in Digital Business Management and Engineering is aimed at working professionals and graduates with a first degree or relevant professional experience who want to develop …
Digital Business Management
- SRH Distance Learning University - The Mobile University
- 4 Semester
- German
- Empirical Social Research, Digital Processes, Digital Strategies and Business Models, Digital Economy, Project and Change Management, Data Analysis, B…
Digital management and leadership
- AKAD University
- 4 Semester
- German
The master's programme in Digital Management and Leadership (MBA) from AKAD University prepares for the requirements of the digital economy. The course is fully online and covers current topics such …
Digital Business Management
- European Distance Learning University Hamburg
- 4 Semester
- German
The part-time Master's programme in Digital Business Management at the European Distance Learning University in Hamburg leads to a Master of Arts degree in 24 months. The course focuses on …
Applied digitalization
- University of Neubrandenburg
- 4 Semester
- Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Neubrandenburg
- German
- Technical basics of digitalization, Social challenges of digitalization, Challenge of rural regions, Participation and activation with digital media, …
Digital Business Innovation and Transformation
- University of Duisburg-Essen
- 4 Semester
- German
- Innovation Management, Advanced Concepts of Project, Program and Portfolio Management, Systems Engineering and Modeling, IS Architectures, Big Data an…
Information Technology Management
- IU International University
- 2 Semester
- English
With this English-language master's programme, you train to become an IT manager, depending on your qualifications in just 2 semesters of full-time study or part-time study. You systematically engage with …
Digital Business Management
- European Distance Learning University Hamburg
- 6 Semester
- German
The part-time bachelor's programme "Digital Business Management" at the European Distance Learning University in Hamburg lasts for 36 months and is designed for professionals who want to expand their skills …
Digital Business
- AKAD University
- 6 Semester
- German
This distance learning programme is aimed at digitally savvy individuals who want to combine business expertise with specialized knowledge of digitalization in companies. In 6 semesters of full-time study or …
Digital Business Management
- AKAD University
- 4 Semester
- German
- Key qualifications for study and work in the Digital Age, Project Management, Requirements Engineering and Risk Management, Integrated Master Project …
Digital Leadership
- AKAD University
- 6 Semester
- German
The Bachelor's programme Digital Leadership and Communication (B.A.) at AKAD University prepares you for a leadership position in the digital world. You will acquire comprehensive knowledge in the areas of …
Digital Business Management
- University of Applied Sciences for SMEs
- 6 Semester
- German
- Business Administration, Economics, Marketing & Sales, Principles of Accounting, Personnel Management & Labor Law, Business Mathematics & Statistics, …
Digital Business Management
- IU International University
- 4 Semester
- German
- Digital Business Models, Digital Business Management, Research Methodology, Data Science, Operational Application Systems, Project: Design Thinking, A…
UX Design & Digital Solutions
- FOM University of Applied Sciences for Economics and Management
- 7 Semester
- German
- Mathematical fundamentals of computer science, Programming concepts, UX Design Basics, Media Design, Time and Self Management, Quantitative methods in…
Requirements for a Master's Degree
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For almost all the master's programmes I'm presenting here, a first university degree in computer science or business informatics or in an engineering science is required.
Some distance-learning universities require professional experience. Furthermore, a master's distance learning programme naturally requires a lot of motivation, perseverance, and discipline.
The following table compares the admission requirements of a number of master's programmes in the field of IT management:
| Master's Programme | University | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Business Informatics and IT Management | AKAD University |
|
| IT Management | Wilhelm Büchner Hochschule |
|
| Digital Business Management | SRH Fernhochschule - The Mobile University |
|
| Digital Business Management and Engineering | Hochschule Fresenius |
|
| IT Management | IU International University |
|
| Digital Business Management | European Distance University Hamburg |
|
Course Content
Aside from the costs, the course content should be the decisive factor for deciding on or against a distance learning program in the field of IT management. In terms of content, you will deal with business administration topics, especially with project management. You will also deepen some basic informatics.
Regarding the course content, pay attention to the following:
- How many ECTS do the individual modules of the course have? Modules with more than 5 ECTS are generally somewhat more challenging to complete in distance learning because you have to motivate yourself over a longer period until the final exam and module completion.
- Can I complete the modules in any order? Good distance-learning universities suggest a curriculum, which you are not obliged to follow. This way you can postpone or complete "unpleasant" modules with uninteresting topics or modules early on.
- How many specialisation options are there? Through specialisation modules, you can tailor your course to your profession or desired profession. Therefore, when choosing your distance learning program, make sure there are at least 2 or 3 specialisation modules.
In the Bachelor's Digital Business at IU, you can structure your study plan as follows:
- 1st Semester: Business Administration, Digital Future Commerce, Introduction to Scientific Work, Introduction to the Internet of Things, Economics and Markets, Fundamentals of Industrial Software Engineering
- 2nd Semester: Accounting and Balance, Digital Business Models, Fundamentals of Logistics and Process Management, Marketing, Requirements Engineering, Introduction to Data Protection and IT Security
- 3rd Semester: Statistics, Personal Skills, Cost and Performance Accounting, Database Modelling and Database Systems, Online Marketing, Agile Project Management
- 4th Semester: Elective: Digital Marketing or Data Science
- 5th Semester: Product Development 4.0, Seminar on Current Topics of Digitalization, Financing and Investment, Design Thinking, Business Simulation, Change Management
- 6th Semester: 1 Specialization of your choice, Leadership 4.0, Business Start-up and Innovation Management, Bachelor Thesis
For example, the course content in a master's distance learning program, here the content of the Master IT Management at Wilhelm Büchner Hochschule:
- 1st Semester: Quantitative Methods and Financial Mathematics, Project Management and Management Techniques, Organizational Development, Optional Area, Strategic Information Management
- 2nd Semester: International Management and Intercultural Communication, IT Project and Quality Management, IT Innovation Management, IT Service Management, Collaboration Engineering
- 3rd Semester: Specialization Module 1, Specialization Module 2, Business Research Methods, Specialization Deepening, Project Work
- 4th Semester: Master's Thesis including Colloquium
Costs and Study Fees
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Since almost all distance-learning courses in IT management are offered by private universities, you pay accordingly high study fees. The costs at public universities can sometimes be much higher, such as the Professional IT-Business master's program at the HTW Berlin, which costs a total of 16,500,- Euro and is by far the most expensive master's among the programs I compare here!
At almost all universities, you can pay the study fees in monthly instalments. When choosing your course, also pay attention to whether you pay more for part-time courses than for full-time courses, as is the case at IU.
Here is the total cost of the master's programs in the IT management field in a direct comparison:
And here are the study fees for the bachelor's programs in a direct comparison:
| Course | University | Duration | Fees | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Business Management, Bachelor of Arts Distance learning program | European Distance Learning University Hamburg | 6 Semester | from 13392 € total from 279 € monthly | |
| IT management, Bachelor of Science Distance learning program | European Distance Learning University Hamburg | 6 Semester | from 13392 € total from 279 € monthly | |
| Digital Business Management, Bachelor of Arts Distance learning program | University of Applied Sciences for SMEs | 6 Semester | from 14040 € total from 390 € monthly | |
| Digital Business, Bachelor of Arts Distance learning program | IU International University | 6 Semester | from 15063 € total from 259 € monthly |
Master in IT Management in just 2 Semesters?
Achieving a master's in just one year or even faster is possible, as some distance-learning universities offer corresponding "Turbo Master" programs.
IT Management, Master of Arts, IU International University: The master's program is offered in 2 versions, the 120 ECTS version lasts 4 semesters in full-time study, and the 60 ECTS version lasts 2 semesters in full-time study. To be admitted to the 60 ECTS version, you must present a first university degree with 240 ECTS. If your degree comprises 210 ECTS, you will either take additional modules or participate in an aptitude test. If your degree comprises 180 ECTS, you will take an aptitude test.
Digital Business Management, Master of Arts, European Distance University Hamburg: The Master Digital Business Management at Euro-FH is offered in a short version lasting only 2 semesters. It requires a first degree in economics with 240 ECTS and 1 year of work experience. If the degree comprises 210 ECTS, you need to prove at least 2 years of work experience, or alternatively 1 year of work experience and attend a bridging course at Euro-FH. If the degree comprises 180 ECTS, you would have to demonstrate 2 years of relevant work experience in a managerial position with a minimum of 35 hours per week, or alternatively, prove 2 years of work experience and complete a bridging course at Euro-FH.
Generally, you can further shorten the study time by having previous achievements recognized that you have obtained through vocational training or further education.
IT Management vs. Business Informatics: What's Suitable for Whom?
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What is the difference between Business Informatics and IT Management? Broadly speaking, the focus of a Business Informatics degree is on the informatics field, while an IT Management degree focuses on business administration.
Study Business Informatics if you prefer to work as a developer and want to drive digitization in business and administration with your work. Study IT Management if you want to work, for example, as a project manager in the IT sector, if you prefer to communicate rather than program, or if you want to work entrepreneurially.
Here are the study plans for bachelor's programs in both fields compared:
- B.Sc. Business Informatics, FernUni Hagen: Introduction to Business Economics, Basics of Business Informatics, Business Mathematics, External Accounting, Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming, Algorithmic Mathematics, Financial and Decision-Theoretical Foundations of Business Administration, Introduction to Technical Informatics and Operating Systems and Computing Networks, Modelling of Information Systems, Internal Accounting, and Functional Control, Introduction to Internet Technology and Information Systems, Business Information Systems, Information Management, Theory of the Market Economy or Macroeconomics, two elective modules
- B.A. Digital Business, IU International University: Business Administration, Digital Future Commerce, Introduction to Scientific Work, Introduction to the Internet of Things, Economics and Markets, Fundamentals of Industrial Software Engineering, Accounting and Balance, Digital Business Models, Fundamentals of Logistics and Process Management, Marketing, Requirements Engineering, Introduction to Data Protection and IT Security, Statistics, Personal Skills, Cost and Performance Accounting, Database Modelling and Database Systems, Online Marketing, Agile Project Management, Elective: Digital Marketing or Data Science, Product Development 4.0, Seminar on Current Topics of Digitalization, Financing and Investment, Design Thinking, Business Simulation, Change Management, 1 Specialisation of your choice, Leadership 4.0, Business Start-up and Innovation Management, Bachelor Thesis
The following table lists the study offerings for online bachelor courses in the field of Business Informatics:
The following table lists the study offerings for online master courses in the field of Business Informatics:
| Course | University | Duration | Fees | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business and IT, Master of Science Distance learning program | IU International University | 2 Semester | from 10747 € total from 499 € monthly | |
| Business informatics, Master of Science Distance learning program | Wilhelm Büchner University | 3 Semester | from 6642 € total from 369 € monthly | |
| Business informatics, Master of Science Distance learning program | Institute for Collaborative Studies | 5 Semester | from 2250 € total from 450 € Semester fee | |
| Business Informatics, Master of Science Distance learning program | University of Wismar | 5 Semester | from 11750 € total from 392 € monthly from 2350 € Semester fee | |
| Business informatics, Master of Science Distance learning program | University of Hagen | 4 Semester | from 1156 € total from 215 € Semester fee | |
| VAWi - Virtual Further Education Course Business Informatics, Master of Science Distance learning program | University of Duisburg-Essen | 3 Semester | from 12420 € total |
About the Author Christian Wolf
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