How to Become a vArchitect

Virtual machines allow for more effective virus protection, access to older software and test new configurations with ease, and vArchitects are the people who make it all possible. Becoming a vArchitect involves getting the training necessary to run virtual machines and a high level of education, including a master’s degree, in computer and information systems.

Why vArchitects are in Demand

As servers have become an integral part of government, business, and personal use, server hardware has become increasingly complicated. With upgrade budgets often ballooning outward, any method that allows a company to save on hardware is useful. During your degree program, you will learn how to use VMware, also known as virtual machine software, to use older hardware as what is called a thin client. This allows you to run more advanced operating systems and modern software on older "legacy" hardware, which can save your company millions of dollars.

Having the training necessary to invoke these types of savings is in high demand for obvious reasons. When you learn the techniques that will allow you to be more creative with setting up virtual operating systems, the knowledge you gain could make you highly sought after.

Salary and Career Outlook for a vArchitect

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), vArchitects with titles such as information systems managers earned a median annual wage of $131,600. With every significantly-sized company in the developed world using a website, and more companies going into portable device-enabled servers each year, the income potential and utility of having your degree has a high likelihood of continuing to be in demand for the foreseeable future.

Not only that, but the field is expanding. The BLS predicts there will be a 15% increase in employment for computer and information systems managers between 2014 and 2024. This considered much faster than average, with all occupations averaging only 7% growth.

Educational Requirements for vArchitects

A bachelor’s degree is required for the vArchitect position, but many companies are looking for individuals with master’s degrees to fill these positions. Since it’s a managerial position, it’s common for managers to have a combination of a graduate degree and multiple years of experience working with computers.

Degree Program Duration

There are several routes you can travel amid your degree track. Traditionally, courses would be run across two semesters per year, and you could expect to spend two to three years to attain your masters. However, accelerated programs now exist that allow you to take courses for as little as 15 months during non-working hours, while continuing to work in the field and tend to family obligations.

Where to Apply Your vArchitect Degree

Typically, the career path of a CIS master’s degree graduate involves getting into an IT management position. This involves managing the more complex projects in the IT field, as well as designing computer and server systems that can even involve custom hardware and software architecture. Once the design is complete, you are then responsible for primary testing and overall implementation of your designs.

Steps On the Path

The curriculum for getting your master’s in CIS begins with object-oriented programming and information security, along with mobile applications and cloud computing courses. You will also be expected to complete coursework in system design and software engineering. Information systems project management and virtualization cloud computing round out your degree program.

If you’re interested in becoming a vArchitect you’ll need to have the right educational background. You could take the next step in your career path by earning your Master of Science in Information Systems degree from ECPI University. If you’d like to know more about our degree program, be sure to contact an admissions advisor today to see if ECPI University is a good fit for you.  

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