What Can You Do With a Technology Management Degree in 2025?

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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What are the top technology management degree career opportunities?

A technology management degree empowers graduates to bridge technical expertise with business leadership. Graduates actively lead teams, implement strategies, and align digital tools with long-term business objectives rather than simply managing systems. For students exploring the best technology management online programs, these degrees provide flexible pathways to build the skills needed for leadership in modern organizations.

With technology shaping nearly every industry, professionals in this field build stable careers with strong potential for upward mobility. Some of the technology degree graduates’ career opportunities include:

• IT Project Manager: Directs technology projects, ensuring delivery on time, within scope, and on budget.
• Chief Technology Officer (CTO): Shapes long-term technology strategy and innovation for organizations.
• Technology Consultant: Advises businesses on digital transformation, system integration, and process improvement.
• Information Systems Manager: Oversees IT infrastructure, ensuring smooth operations and security.
• Product Manager (Tech-Focused): Manages the development lifecycle of new digital products or platforms.
• Data Analytics Manager: Translates data insights into business strategies and competitive advantages.

What is the salary potential for recent graduates of technology management degrees?

Graduates entering the technology management field often earn competitive pay because organizations value leaders who understand both business and technology. These professionals not only guide digital transformation but also ensure that systems align with long-term strategic goals. For those exploring pathways into this field, pursuing the easiest IT certifications and programs can provide a fast, accessible entry point to build foundational skills and credibility.

In the US, the average annual salary for technology management professionals is $96,781. Salaries typically range from $51,500 at the 25th percentile to $121,000 at the 75th percentile, with top earners in the 90th percentile reaching $172,500 annually.

Some cities pay technology managers above the national average due to local demand and living costs. In Nome, AK, professionals earn around $120,057 per year due to high demand and a limited talent pool. In Berkeley, CA, the average pay reaches $118,503, boosted by its closeness to Silicon Valley. Sitka, AK, also offers strong pay at $116,590, showing that even smaller markets value skilled technology leaders.

This chart from ZipRecruiter shows the cities with above-average salaries for technology managers. 

What is the job outlook for recent graduates of technology management degrees?

The career outlook for technology management graduates is not only promising but also reflective of broader economic and technological shifts. For those interested in defense and strategic leadership, programs like military studies online provide specialized knowledge that complements technical management skills.

According to US BLS projections, employment in STEM-related management roles is expected to grow by 10.4% from 2023 to 2033, adding more than 1.1 million jobs to the market.

Technology management jobs are growing due to digital transformation, rising cybersecurity needs, and greater reliance on data. Employers need leaders who combine technical skills with management, giving graduates strong long-term career prospects.

What concentrations can you choose in a technology management program?

Technology continues to shape every major sector, from finance to healthcare. This drives demand for leaders who can blend technical expertise with strategic management skills. Industries such as business services, manufacturing, transportation, financial services, and IT are hiring aggressively, often competing for the same pool of talent. This competition is reflected in remarkably low unemployment rates across tech roles. 

In May 2025, a Robert Half report shares that software developers reported a 2.8% unemployment rate, while systems analysts (1.8%), security analysts (2.3%), IT support specialists (2.5%), and database administrators (2.6%) experienced even lower rates compared to the national average of 4.2%. These trends underscore the need for graduates who not only understand technology but can also lead innovation and organizational change.

Technology management programs address this need by offering concentrations that let students tailor their expertise to specific career paths. These specializations provide a competitive edge by combining leadership training with advanced technical knowledge.

Here are the popular technology management concentrations to choose from:

• Cybersecurity Management: Learn to design strategies that protect networks, data, and systems from increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.
• Data Analytics and Business Intelligence: Develop skills in interpreting complex data sets and applying insights to support evidence-based decisions.
• Project Management: Gain expertise in leading cross-functional teams, managing agile workflows, and delivering technology projects on time.
• Health Information Systems: Focus on healthcare IT, electronic records, and compliance standards critical to modern medical organizations.
• Cloud Computing and IT Infrastructure: Build knowledge in scalable digital ecosystems, virtualization, and cloud service deployment. Enrolling in an online bachelor's degree in cloud computing allows technology managers to gain structured expertise in cloud architecture, platform management, and emerging cloud technologies, preparing them to lead digital transformation initiatives effectively.
• Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Prepare to launch or scale technology-driven ventures with an emphasis on creativity and market readiness.

What are the technological skills taught in technology management degree programs? 

Businesses continue to rely heavily on technology for growth and innovation. Given so, professionals who can combine technical fluency with leadership are in high demand. For those looking to expand their expertise in language education alongside leadership skills, a masters in TESOL online can complement technical management knowledge and broaden career opportunities.

Employers increasingly expect managers to understand not only the language of business but also the language of technology. As such, 77% of organizations identify data analysis as a critical skill gap, while 75% report a need for stronger data visualization capabilities. This reflects the urgent demand for managers who can interpret complex information, support strategic decisions, and bridge the divide between technical specialists and executive leadership.

Technology management programs address these needs by teaching students a balanced mix of hands-on technical knowledge and strategic application skills. While graduates are not trained to code like full-time developers, they gain enough technical depth to oversee projects, evaluate emerging tools, and lead teams effectively.

Some of the common skills taught in technology management degree programs include:

• Data Analytics: Applying data visualization, predictive modeling, and dashboards to guide decision-making.
• Cybersecurity Fundamentals: Managing risks, ensuring compliance, and developing security strategies to protect digital assets.
• Artificial Intelligence Basics: Understanding AI applications in automation, customer experience, and operational efficiency.
• Enterprise Systems Management: Overseeing ERP, CRM, and cloud-based platforms that drive organizational processes.
• Coding Foundations: Learning introductory programming languages such as Python or SQL to better communicate with technical teams.
• Technology Lifecycle Management: Planning system upgrades, integrations, and replacements to maintain long-term efficiency.

This chart from CompTIA shows the most in-demand data skills in the IT industry. 

What soft skills can you learn from a technology management program?

The digital economy is rapidly evolving. Today, organizations no longer look solely at technical expertise when choosing leaders. About half of HR professionals (49%) see a skills-based approach as a new and effective way to manage talent. For students exploring broader business knowledge, understanding what are the main subjects for business administration can provide a strong foundation for leadership in technology-driven environments.

Technology management programs emphasize these critical soft skills alongside technical training, so graduates can both understand emerging technologies and inspire teams to use them effectively. Technical skills may spark innovation, but soft skills are what transform good managers into outstanding leaders.

These are the soft skills you will learn from a technology management program:

• Leadership and Team Management: Inspiring, organizing, and guiding diverse technical teams toward common business objectives.
• Communication: Translating complex technological concepts into clear, business-focused messages for stakeholders at all levels.
• Critical Thinking: Analyzing problems from multiple angles and anticipating long-term impacts before making decisions.
• Negotiation: Securing favorable vendor agreements and balancing internal resources to maximize organizational value.
• Adaptability: Adjusting quickly to industry disruptions, new technologies, and evolving business priorities.
• Problem-Solving: Leading organizations through operational or technical crises with practical, results-oriented solutions.

Can you switch careers into technology management from non-tech backgrounds?

Professionals from diverse fields are moving into technology management as organizations rely more on digital systems. Success depends on leadership, analytical skills, and adaptability, rather than advanced coding. 

Completing certifications or bridge programs, like the best CCNA online training, gives career changers essential networking knowledge and the confidence to lead in technology-driven roles.

Below are some of the common career pathways into technology management:

• Business Managers: Some business managers step into IT project leadership, where their organizational and strategic skills drive successful system implementations.
• Healthcare Professionals: Professionals in the healthcare sector can transition into health informatics or system management, applying clinical expertise to improve digital healthcare delivery.
• Operations Managers: Those with experience as operations managers can move into overseeing digital workflows and automation, streamlining processes through technology adoption.
• Finance Professionals: Professionals with a background in finance can pursue roles in data analytics or fintech project management, leveraging their financial knowledge to support tech-driven innovation.
• Educators and Trainers: Educators can shift into e-learning technology and platform management, guiding digital transformation in education and training. Many also design and deliver online IT training, helping learners build technical skills in flexible, accessible formats that meet modern workforce demands.
• Entrepreneurs: These professionals expand their ventures with tech-driven business models, integrating innovation to scale and remain competitive.

What are the types of technology management degrees?

Technology management degrees are available at different levels, giving professionals the chance to choose programs that fit their career goals. These programs combine technical knowledge with business strategy, preparing graduates to manage systems, lead teams, and support digital transformation.

In the broader field of computer and information technology, most students focus on Computer Science (60%) or Computer and Information Systems (24%), showing how technology management connects both technical skills and organizational insight. From this base, students can pursue a variety of degree paths to match their experience and ambitions.

Technology management degree options include:

• Associate Degree in Technology Management: Equips students for entry-level positions such as IT coordinator or junior project manager, with a focus on applied skills.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Technology Management: Builds a solid foundation in leadership, IT systems, and data management, preparing graduates for supervisory and mid-level roles.
• Master’s Degree (MS or MBA with Tech Management focus): Expands strategic and managerial expertise, enabling professionals to advance into senior leadership positions.
• Doctorate in Technology Management (PhD or DBA): Focuses on research, policy, and academic leadership, suited for professionals shaping the discipline’s future direction.
• Executive Education and Professional Diplomas: Designed for experienced managers seeking specialized skills without committing to a full degree program.

This chart from the US BLS details the various types of computer and information technology. 

Are there specific certifications that are essential for technology managers?

Certifications validate expertise and boost career mobility for technology managers. As for technology managers, certifications give them a competitive edge. These certifications highlight a leader’s ability to guide teams, manage resources, and align technology with business goals.

While the right certification often depends on the industry and role, earning recognized credentials builds credibility, opens career opportunities, and demonstrates commitment to continuous learning. Below are the widely recognized certifications for technology managers:

• Project Management Professional (PMP): Regarded as the gold standard for leading projects of any scale, across industries.
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): Proves deep expertise in designing and managing secure IT systems.
• Certified ScrumMaster (CSM): Validates agile project leadership, ensuring teams deliver flexible and efficient results.
• AWS Certified Solutions Architect: Confirms advanced skills in building and managing cloud-based infrastructures.
• ITIL Certification:  Focuses on optimizing IT service delivery and aligning technology with organizational needs.
• Certified Analytics Professional (CAP): Demonstrates proficiency in applying data analytics for smarter business decisions.
• CompTIA Network+ Certification Training: Provides foundational networking knowledge essential for managing IT systems effectively.

For professionals looking to start or strengthen their networking skills, enrolling in the best CompTIA Network+ certification training online can provide structured guidance, practical labs, and exam preparation, making it an ideal choice for aspiring technology managers.

What are the biggest challenges facing technology managers in today's digital landscape?

Technology managers face an environment where innovation moves faster than many organizations can adapt. A Deloitte report shows that 55% of companies avoid certain AI use cases due to data concerns, while an equal share are actively working to strengthen data security. 

As businesses accelerate digital growth, technology managers take on increasingly demanding roles. They introduce new tools, ensure seamless integration with existing infrastructure, maintain regulatory compliance, and align systems with long-term business goals. Balancing these responsibilities creates recurring challenges, such as those below, that require practical solutions and decisive leadership.

• Cybersecurity Threats: Escalating attacks demand constant monitoring, stronger defenses, and proactive risk management.
• Rapid Technological Change: Emerging tools like AI, blockchain, and cloud services require continuous learning and quick adaptation.
• Digital Transformation Pressure: Leaders must guide organizations through cultural and operational shifts as new systems are adopted.
• Talent Retention: Competition for skilled IT professionals makes it difficult to attract and keep top talent.
• Regulatory Compliance: Complex data privacy and security laws require careful oversight and consistent adherence.
• Budget Constraints: Managers must drive innovation while working within limited financial resources.
• Remote Work Infrastructure: Supporting distributed teams calls for secure networks, reliable collaboration tools, and clear policies.

What Technology Management Degree Graduates Say About Their Careers

Other Things You Need to Know About Technology Management Degrees

How much math is required in technology management studies?

Technology management programs usually require applied math skills, including statistics, data analysis, and quantitative decision-making. The focus is less on advanced theoretical math and more on using numbers to solve real-world business and technology problems.

What capstone or final project is typical in a technology management degree?

Most programs include a capstone where students design a technology solution or strategy for a real or simulated organization. These projects often involve research, data analysis, and presenting actionable recommendations to demonstrate leadership and problem-solving skills.

How does a technology management degree prepare you for AI and automation?

Students learn how to evaluate, implement, and manage AI and automation tools within business environments. The degree emphasizes both technical understanding and strategic decision-making, helping graduates integrate emerging technologies into organizational goals effectively.

Can a technology management degree help you work in emerging tech like blockchain?

Yes, many programs introduce blockchain concepts through courses in digital innovation, cybersecurity, and data management. This foundation prepares graduates to understand and manage blockchain applications in areas such as supply chain, finance, and secure data exchange.