Information Technology, M.S.

Minimum number of credits required to complete the program:  32

Minimum cumulative GPA required:  3.0

School: Engineering and Computational Sciences

Learn more about the program

The Master’s of Science in Information Science program, designed for career changers, blends foundational knowledge with advanced concepts, emphasizing the integration of cybersecurity across all modules. Our hands-on approach ensures theoretical understanding and practical proficiency, preparing graduates for immediate impact in the IT sector. With an ever-present focus on cybersecurity, this program shapes novices into well-rounded IT professionals adept at leveraging and safeguarding technology in an interconnected digital landscape.

The MS in IT program has been designed for career changers to penetrate the ever-evolving domain of information technology. The curriculum, rooted in foundational knowledge, unfurls across a series of courses offering depth and breadth, ranging from computer programming essentials to specialized IT territories. A distinguishing facet of the program is its consistent emphasis on cybersecurity. Each course, recognizing the modern challenges of digital threats, is interlaced with cybersecurity principles, ensuring that students are adept at leveraging technology and proficient in safeguarding it. From the intricacies of database management, web development, and system design to the overarching paradigms of IT project management, learners are equipped with a holistic skill set. The program culminates in an elective, allowing students to delve into advanced topics, reflecting contemporary trends and their interests. Furthermore, a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application ensures that graduates are industry-ready and prepared to address current and emergent IT challenges. 

Graduate students in this program will be constantly challenged to think critically and creatively. For instance, while learning about case studies and scenario-based projects will stretch their intellectual capacities, pushing them to think beyond the obvious and consider the multifaceted implications of IT decisions. While the program is geared towards career changers, the graduate program has a faster pace in the foundational topics and moves towards inherently advanced issues. Moreover, each course has cybersecurity modules that enhance the material beyond undergraduate classes. For example, while an undergraduate might learn the basics of databases, our graduate students explore complex database architectures, ensuring robustness and security in real-world applications. The emphasis on cybersecurity across modules challenges them to always consider the broader implications, risks, and ethical challenges of IT solutions, a depth of consideration beyond typical undergraduate expectations.

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

1. Evaluate complex IT problems and apply computing principles and other relevant disciplines to design solutions.

2. Design, implement, and evaluate a secure computer-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements, emphasizing a robust cybersecurity framework.

3. Articulate complex IT concepts, designs, and solutions effectively to a range of audiences, both verbally and in writing.

4. Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the IT domain, fostering collaborative dynamics and managing project challenges.

5. Recognize the need for and show the ability to engage in continued professional development and lifelong learning in the ever-evolving field of IT.

6. Analyze the local and global impact of computing on individuals, organizations, and society, and recognize the ethical, legal, and social responsibilities associated with IT solutions.

7. Utilize modern IT tools, software, and methodologies to create solutions, keeping abreast of the evolving technological landscape.

8. Apply user-centered design principles to develop intuitive, accessible, and efficient IT solutions.

9. Collaborate with stakeholders to determine organizational IT requirements, ensuring solutions align with business objectives and user needs.

10. Demonstrate awareness of current and emerging IT trends, assessing their potential advantages and challenges to organizations and society.