Computer/Information Technology Services Administration and Management, Other.

Degree Overview

Computer/Information Technology Services Administration and Management, Other (CIP 11.1099) is a specialized field focused on the strategic oversight and operational management of complex IT infrastructures. While traditional IT degrees might focus on the act of programming or hardware repair, this "Other" category encompasses multi-disciplinary or emerging management roles. This includes the administration of decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs), the management of high-security government data silos, or the oversight of integrated "smart city" technologies that do not fit into standard business or computer science silos.

This degree is ideal for students who want to be the "bridge" between the technical engineering teams and the executive leadership of an organization. It is a path for those who enjoy the logic of technology but also possess the social and organizational skills needed to lead teams, manage multimillion-dollar budgets, and ensure that technology aligns with the long-term goals of a company.

What Is a Computer/IT Services Administration and Management (Other) Degree?

A Computer/IT Services Administration and Management (Other) degree focuses on the high-level governance of digital services. It prepares students to manage the entire lifecycle of technology within an organization—from the initial procurement and installation to maintenance, security, and eventual replacement. Because it falls under the "Other" category, these programs often specialize in the management of specific, high-stakes environments like healthcare informatics, financial trading systems, or international telecommunications networks.

Schools offer this degree to:

• Train managers who can navigate the legal and regulatory complexities of data privacy (such as GDPR or HIPAA)
• Prepare leaders to manage the shift from physical servers to complex "Cloud" and "Hybrid" environments
• Develop specialists in IT Service Management (ITSM) frameworks that ensure business continuity
• Address the growing need for "Crisis Managers" who can lead a company's technical response to massive outages or breaches

This structure emphasizes operational efficiency, leadership, and the mitigation of technical risk.

What Will You Learn?

Students in these programs learn how to treat technology as a business asset rather than just a collection of tools.

Core Skills You’ll Build

Most students learn to:

• Implement ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) and other service management frameworks
• Create and manage Service Level Agreements (SLAs) with internal and external vendors
• Oversee technical staff and coordinate between different departments (like Dev and Ops)
• Develop disaster recovery and business continuity plans
• Conduct cost-benefit analyses for major technology investments
• Master the administrative tools used to monitor network health and security in real-time

These skills ensure that an organization's digital services are always available, secure, and cost-effective.

Topics You May Explore

Depending on the program's specific focus, coursework often includes:

• IT Service Management and Governance Models
• Enterprise Architecture and Infrastructure Design
• Information Security Management and Risk Assessment
• Strategic Procurement and Vendor Management
• Financial Management for IT Services
• Ethics and Law in Digital Administration
• Agile and Lean Management in Technical Environments
• Change Management (how to introduce new tech without disrupting the business)

This curriculum provides the executive-level perspective needed to run a modern IT department.

What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?

A degree in the "Other" category of IT Management leads to high-responsibility leadership roles across a variety of industries.

Common job roles include:

• IT Service Delivery Manager
• Infrastructure Manager
• Chief Technology Officer (CTO) or VP of IT (often with experience)
• IT Operations Director
• Service Desk Manager
• Compliance and Risk Manager (IT)
• Cloud Services Administrator
• Technical Project Portfolio Manager

These roles are critical in ensuring that technology acts as a support system for the business rather than a bottleneck.

Where Can You Work?

Graduates work in environments where technology is a mission-critical component of daily operations:

• Large Corporations and Multinational Firms
• Government Agencies and Defense Organizations
• Financial Institutions and Investment Banks
• Healthcare Systems and Large Hospital Networks
• Tech-as-a-Service (SaaS) Companies
• Managed Service Providers (MSPs) that manage IT for other businesses
• Universities and Research Centers
• Logistics and Supply Chain Companies

These settings value individuals who can remain calm under pressure and provide clear direction during technical crises.

How Much Can You Earn?

Because this field combines technical knowledge with management authority, it offers some of the highest salary potentials in the IT sector.

• IT Operations and Service Managers typically earn between $95,000 and $135,000.
• Infrastructure and Cloud Managers can earn between $110,000 and $160,000.
• IT Directors often see salaries ranging from $130,000 to over $180,000.
• Executive roles (CTO/CIO) at major companies frequently earn well over $200,000, often supplemented by significant stock options and bonuses.

Earning professional certifications like ITIL Master, COBIT, or PMP can significantly accelerate career growth and salary increases.

Is This Degree Hard?

The academic work is a mix of technical understanding and business theory. You don't necessarily need to be a "coding wizard," but you must understand the logic of systems and how they interact. The "difficulty" lies in the complexity of managing people and technology simultaneously. You must be able to think several steps ahead to prevent technical failures before they happen.

Success in this program requires strong organizational skills, excellent communication, and a high level of accountability.

Degree Levels and Learning Formats

Programs are designed for different stages of a professional career:

• Bachelor’s Degrees provide the foundation for entry-level management or "Team Lead" roles.
• Master’s Degrees (M.S. in IT Management or MBA in IT) are the industry standard for director-level positions.
• Doctoral Degrees (DBA or Ph.D.) are for those pursuing high-level consulting, research, or academic careers.

Many of these programs are tailored for working professionals and are offered in fully online or executive-weekend formats, often using case studies of real-world corporate IT failures and successes.

Who Should Consider This Degree?

This degree may be a good fit if you:

• Like technology but prefer "leading the team" to "writing the code"
• Are naturally organized and good at managing time and resources
• Enjoy solving complex organizational puzzles
• Want a career that offers high pay and significant corporate influence
• Are interested in the legal and ethical sides of data and technology
• Thrive in environments where you are responsible for the "big picture"

It is the perfect path for the "tech-diplomat" who wants to lead the digital transformation of a major organization.

How to Prepare in High School

Students interested in IT management can prepare by:

• Taking classes in Business, Computer Science, and Economics
• Leading a club, sports team, or volunteer group to build leadership skills
• Practicing public speaking and technical writing
• Learning about "systems thinking"—how different parts of a machine or group work together
• Seeking out an internship or part-time job in a local business's IT or administrative office

You do not need to be a technical expert yet. A logical mind, a strong sense of responsibility, and the ability to lead others are the most important qualities for success in IT administration.