According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the supply of computer and information systems managers far exceeds demand, with a job growth rate estimated at 17% (or 107,000 jobs) per year through 2033. This outlook bodes well for graduates of Murray State University’s online Master of Science in Information Systems program who are entering a job market where project managers (PMs) — especially in Information Technology (IT) — are well-positioned for career growth. This accredited program equips students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to thrive in the IT field.
Globally, the outlook for IT project managers is even more promising. A May 2025 Global Project Management Talent Gap report released by the Project Management Institute projects worldwide demand for IT project management professionals will increase by nearly 70% by 2035. “Those who invest in modern project talent today will have a competitive edge tomorrow,” the report states. “The future is built on projects, but the world faces a critical shortage: skilled project professionals.” Organizations are looking for more IT project managers, and Murray State’s program is an excellent place to start.
What is Project Management in IT?
As the economy grows increasingly dependent on digital assets, organizations are constantly innovating to gain competitive advantage. Whether the goal is to address strategic business needs, respond to customer or stakeholder requests, comply with legal or regulatory requirements or improve products, leveraging advancements in technology is business critical.
Investment in IT projects illuminates the innovate-or-perish nature of the IT evolution. A recent report from global management consulting firm IMARC Group estimates annual spending on IT in the U.S. will increase at a rate of 3.8% per year, reaching $1.9 trillion by 2033. This report echoes the PMI findings that a shortage of skilled IT professionals combined with the high costs of deploying advanced technologies are hampering growth.
At the center of the dynamic IT sector are project managers: skilled leaders responsible for defining clear objectives, developing plans, allocating resources and setting realistic schedules and budgets. Project managers provide direction, coordinate team efforts, communicate with stakeholders, manage risk and resolve issues. By strategically aligning project goals with organizational strategy and effectively monitoring and executing projects, project managers ensure organizations deliver value to customers on time and on budget.
What Distinguishes IT Project Management from Other Types of Project Management?
The main skill that differentiates IT project managers from PMs in other fields is technical proficiency. Rapidly changing technology and the need for specialized expertise in software, hardware and networks place unique demands on IT project managers. They often oversee distributed teams, which can complicate dependencies and timelines.
Cybersecurity is a major focus for IT project managers, as are data integration, maintaining system functionality and managing IT-specific risk throughout the project lifecycle. This blend of technical and managerial expertise sets IT project managers apart from those in other fields where projects may not require such a high degree of technical adaptation and integration.
The talent gap in the IT field is reflected in project failure rates, which various sources estimate run as high as 70%. Budget overruns, missed deadlines and unmet business objectives emphasize the critical need for strong leadership and robust processes. “Project failure comes down to poor project management,” Runn states, citing unclear objectives, shifting requirements (also known as scope creep), technical complexity and skills issues as underlying causes of failed projects.
Why Earn Your MS in Information Systems From Murray State?
Murray State University’s online MSIS program equips students with in-demand skills in IT and project management. The curriculum integrates both theoretical and practical knowledge, ensuring students are ready to address complex business problems through effective project management. Graduates complete the program prepared to:
- Describe key concepts of project management: define project framework and assign roles and responsibilities to tracking progress, as well as address and make adjustments.
- Work effectively as part of a team on projects using the Scrum project management framework: this emphasizes collaboration, iterative progress and adaptability.
- Create a comprehensive project management plan: outline project scope, schedule, resources and risk management.
- Evaluate Agile and data science methodologies: ensure students are prepared for modern, fast-paced IT environments.
- Communicate effectively in written form in the context of project management: a critical skill for documentation, stakeholder engagement and project success
The curriculum also explores data analytics, enterprise systems, software development and information security, all of which are essential for IT project managers. Graduates are trained to plan, implement and manage IT projects, ensuring they are well-prepared for in-demand roles such as product manager, software engineer, data analyst, technical program manager or IT consultant.
Learn more about Murray State University’s online Master of Science in Information Systems program.
