Choose specialized cloud computing study when your goal calls for deeper knowledge of cloud-related problems and solutions. Consider a broader IT degree when your interests span organizational systems, infrastructure, and technology decisions across several areas. The better choice depends on the work you want to perform and the academic preparation you already have.
Neither degree title establishes what you will earn. Salary depends on the role, its responsibilities, your experience, and the employer. For an overview of academic levels and fields, read our comparison of network administration, cloud computing, and IT management degrees. This article focuses on choosing between the two graduate directions.
What Does a Cloud Computing Degree Emphasize?
A cloud computing program concentrates study on the concepts and problems associated with cloud environments. The NIST definition of cloud computing describes on-demand access to shared computing resources. Relevant academic work can investigate how those resources support an organization’s requirements and what different design choices imply.
The University of Fairfax Master of Science in Cloud Computing consists of 36 credits and 12 courses. Its published outcomes include applying design and analysis methods, completing research or comprehensive projects, and evaluating cloud computing’s impact on service management. Designing solutions with organizational processes and financial implications in mind is also part of its stated direction.
That focus may appeal to a professional who wants to move from general infrastructure work toward deeper analysis of cloud solutions. Our guide to what degree you need for cloud computing discusses how to assess the appropriate academic level and preparation.
What Does an Information Technology Degree Emphasize?
An IT program can cover a wider range of organizational technology subjects. That breadth may fit professionals whose work involves understanding how different systems and responsibilities connect. A program’s actual content matters, so compare course requirements as well as its general description.
The University of Fairfax Master of Science in Information Technology also consists of 36 credits and 12 courses. Its published outcomes address designing IT solutions and evaluating organizational issues involving systems engineering, networking, databases, governance and strategy, and information assurance. These subjects offer a broader graduate direction than a single-specialty focus.
Consider this option if you want to strengthen understanding across several areas or prepare for responsibilities that require evaluating technology in an organizational context. Identify whether the coursework addresses your needs rather than assume that a broad degree is automatically a management credential.
How Would the Work Differ?
Imagine an organization planning a new service. A cloud specialist might examine how to provide resources that can accommodate changing demand and meet access or recovery requirements. A professional with broader IT responsibilities might evaluate how that service fits existing systems, support arrangements, and organizational priorities.
Those perspectives overlap. A cloud design still affects the rest of the organization, and broader IT decisions may require cloud knowledge. In practice, the distribution of work depends on the employer. Use job descriptions to determine whether a position emphasizes technical specialization, coordination across systems, or management authority.
If you enjoy investigating cloud-specific design questions, specialized study may fit your interests. If you want to examine several parts of an organization’s technology environment, compare the broader IT curriculum. Both decisions should account for your existing strengths and the experience you need to build.
How Do the Education Costs Compare?
The University of Fairfax program pages list the same tuition rate for these two master’s programs for the 2026–2027 academic year: $742 per credit, totaling $26,712 for 36 credits. Published rates are subject to change. Confirm current tuition and any additional required charges before making a decision.
Equal published tuition does not make the academic experience identical. Compare the curriculum, required projects, admission expectations, and schedule. If you expect employer assistance or transfer credit, request an individual evaluation so your financial plan reflects the circumstances that actually apply to you.
Should You Choose a Degree Based on Job Titles?
Job titles are useful starting points, but the responsibilities behind them matter more. A solutions role may require architecture experience, while a management role may require leading people and allocating resources. Graduate education can complement that development without replacing all of the experience involved.
Consider several relevant job descriptions and identify recurring qualifications. Compare them with your background and the learning outcomes of each program. Our discussion of whether an IT degree is worth it for your goals offers a framework for evaluating that connection and the overall commitment.
Choose the Focus You Want to Develop
A cloud computing master’s offers a specialized direction; an information technology master’s offers broader graduate study across organizational technology. Choose the content that best addresses the work you want to understand and perform. Your plan should also include realistic opportunities to apply that learning.
Review the University of Fairfax MS in Cloud Computing and MS in Information Technology, then discuss your academic background and intended direction with admissions. The strongest comparison connects curriculum, experience, and career goals rather than treating a degree title as a prediction of income.