Technology-Management Master’s Programs in DC, Maryland & Virginia
The Washington–Baltimore–Northern Virginia region offers a useful mix of AI-forward business programs, traditional information systems, public-sector/enterprise technology pathways and flexible online study.
| Program | Format / length | STEM | Current emphasis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maryland Smith – MS Information Systems & AI | 30 credits; about 3 semesters; College Park | Yes | AI-integrated information systems, Python/database work, applied practicum |
| George Washington – MSIST | 30 credits; online or in person | Yes | AI foundations, business applications of AI, GenAI, technology management |
| George Mason – MSIS | 30 credits; Northern Virginia | Verify current exact-program designation | Technically oriented enterprise systems, big data, prototyping and AI/ML electives |
| Virginia Tech – Master of IT | 33 credits; fully online | Verify current exact-program designation | Working-professional IT degree with AI/ML and other pathway options |
| UMBC – MSIS | 39-credit residential profile; separate online option | Yes | Information systems with AI, data science and UX specialization options |
Which regional programs should you compare?
- AI-forward business/IS: Maryland Smith and GW deserve a close look if required AI integration matters.
- Technical enterprise systems: George Mason is more computing-oriented than many business-school MSIS programs.
- Keep working full time: Virginia Tech’s online MIT is explicitly designed for working professionals; GW and UMBC also offer flexible alternatives.
- Career changer: compare prerequisite structures carefully—Maryland welcomes varied academic backgrounds, Virginia Tech says prior IT experience is not required, while Mason is more technically demanding.
- International applicant: verify the exact STEM designation and delivery-mode eligibility before relying on an online/flexible pathway.
Cost and career evidence differ substantially
Maryland publishes current residential per-credit tuition and a detailed 2025 employment report. Virginia Tech publishes an estimated total program cost and a career-advancement metric for working professionals. UMBC publishes broad alumni-market salary data rather than a single graduating-cohort report. GW publishes external earnings/ROI context rather than a current MSIST cohort placement report. These statistics answer different questions and should not be flattened into one salary ranking.
Compare all 50 programs → | Career outcome evidence → | Cost & admissions →
Regional head-to-head comparisons
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Last reviewed: September 18, 2026.
