Knowledge Management: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Knowledge Management is an interdisciplinary field dedicated to the strategic capture, organization, sharing, and application of information within complex organizations. It equips professionals with the analytical and technical skills needed to transform raw data into actionable insights that drive efficiency, innovation, and decision-making across public and private sectors.
- Information Technology Systems: Explores the foundational digital infrastructures that support data storage, retrieval, and secure transmission across enterprise environments.
- Computer and Information Systems Principles: Covers the design, integration, and evaluation of systems that enable effective data flow and operational continuity within organizations.
- Management Information Systems (MIS): Focuses on aligning information technology with business strategy to enhance performance, reporting, and resource allocation.
- Policy and Regulatory Compliance: Addresses legal and ethical frameworks governing data use, privacy, security, and transparency in both governmental and corporate settings.
- Operations and Personnel Management: Integrates leadership, workflow optimization, and human resource strategies to support knowledge-sharing cultures and effective team collaboration.
Knowledge Management Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Knowledge Management Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Knowledge Management degrees, including Computer and Information Systems Managers and Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 682,210 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Systems Managers 11-3021 | $171,200 | $104,450 - $239,200 | 645,970 | $82.31 |
| Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1021 | $96,690 | $48,910 - $172,380 | 36,240 | N/A |
Knowledge Management Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $83,220 in Montana to $174,395 in California—a 110% difference. The highest-paying states include California, Virginia, and Massachusetts. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 682,210 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Knowledge Management by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 20 institutions offering Knowledge Management programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Knowledge Management is found at Bellevue University (45 graduates), Full Sail University (28 graduates), Washington University in St Louis (WashU) (24 graduates), Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC) (24 graduates), and Framingham State University (FSU) (23 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 226 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bellevue University |
Bachelor's
|
45 | Bellevue, Nebraska | Private | bellevue.edu |
| Full Sail University |
Master's
|
28 | Winter Park, Florida | Private | fullsail.edu |
| Washington University in St Louis (WashU) |
Bachelor's
|
24 | Saint Louis, Missouri | Private | wustl.edu |
| Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
24 | Green Bay, Wisconsin | Public | nwtc.edu |
| Framingham State University (FSU) |
Bachelor's
|
23 | Framingham, Massachusetts | Public | framingham.edu |
| University of Memphis (UofM) |
Postbac Cert.
|
14 | Memphis, Tennessee | Public | memphis.edu |
| The University of Texas (UTSA) |
Master's
|
12 | San Antonio, Texas | Public | utsa.edu |
| University of Massachusetts |
Postbac Cert.
|
10 | Boston, Massachusetts | Public | umb.edu |
| Western Technical College (WTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
9 | La Crosse, Wisconsin | Public | westerntc.edu |
| Fox Valley Technical College (FVTC) |
Associate's
|
6 | Appleton, Wisconsin | Public | fvtc.edu |
| University of Arkansas Grantham (UA) |
Master's
|
6 | LIttle Rock, Arkansas | Public | uagrantham.edu |
| Kent State University |
Master's
|
5 | Kent, Ohio | Public | kent.edu |
| California Intercontinental University (CalUniversity) |
Master's
|
5 | Sioux Falls, South Dakota | Private | caluniversity.edu |
| Moraine Park Technical College (MPTC) |
Associate's
|
4 | Fond du Lac, Wisconsin | Public | morainepark.edu |
| Indiana Wesleyan University |
Master's
|
3 | Marion, Indiana | Private | indwes.edu |
| Syracuse University |
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
2 | Syracuse, New York | Private | syracuse.edu |
| Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) |
Associate's
|
2 | Milwaukee, Wisconsin | Public | matc.edu |
| Northcentral Technical College (NTC) |
Associate's
|
2 | Wausau, Wisconsin | Public | ntc.edu |
| Concordia University (CUC) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | River Forest, Illinois | Private | cuchicago.edu |
| Southwest Wisconsin Technical College (Southwest Tech) |
Associate's
|
1 | Fennimore, Wisconsin | Public | swtc.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Knowledge Management programs
How much can I earn with a Knowledge Management degree?
Salaries for Knowledge Management graduates vary by role and location. Computer and Information Systems Managers earn a median of $171,200 annually, while Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary earn around $96,690. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $174,395 compared to $83,220 in Montana. Approximately 682,210 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Knowledge Management programs?
Currently 20 accredited institutions offer Knowledge Management degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Bellevue University (45 graduates), Full Sail University (28 graduates), and Washington University in St Louis (WashU) (24 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Knowledge Management growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 89 in 2010 to 226 in 2023-24. This represents a 154% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Knowledge Management degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Computer and Information Systems Managers, Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary, . Related occupations employ approximately 682,210 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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