Information Technology, Master of Science
The Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT) is a 33-credit online degree program designed to attract IT professionals in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields who wish to advance their career opportunities in information technology industries. (An additional 3 credits may be required for applicants who are unable to demonstrate competencies in the foundation areas.) The mission of the MSIT program is to equip students with the advanced knowledge, skills and IT competencies required to be effective leaders in diverse, multi-disciplinary IT enterprises. This MSIT program offers an in-depth understanding of information technology and cyber security, as well as social, legal, and managerial issues in the field.
The program is ideal for those working or planning to work in the following areas:
- Information Security
- Web Technology
- Digital Forensics
- Web Programming
- Client and Server Site Technology
- Cyber Security
PROGRAM DESIGN
This program is delivered through online instruction, providing flexibility and convenience for busy individuals balancing work, family and personal obligations. Students may complete the program on a full-time or part-time schedule. Full-time enrollment for students who want to complete the program in 20 months requires enrolling in 9 credits per term and in 3 to 6 credits during the summer terms. Part-time students may complete the programin 24-27months.
It is preferred that applicants for the MSIT have a bachelor’s degree in information technology/systems, computer science, web technology, math/science, technology, business, library science and any range of educational and professional backgrounds in related fields. Applicants must demonstrate foundation knowledge in computer programming and computer networks. Applicants who are lacking these prerequisites will take the one 3-credit MSIT foundation course:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| INFT 6122 | Essentials of Information Technology | 3 |
Application
Please see the Graduate Admissions pages of this catalog for a complete listing of materials required to complete a graduate application.
Program Curriculum
The MSIT, at its start, will have four core courses and two concentrations from which to choose. The core will emphasize fundamental information technology skills in computer security, and web technology, including a project based capstone and hands-on, real-world practices in the student’s field of interest. The Cyber Security concentration will allow students to focus on information security and digital forensics skills, while the Web Technology concentration offers instruction in web programming including client and server site technology, and cyber security. The MSIT program may be completed within two years.
All concentrations follow this curriculum and the enrollment sequences below:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation Course | ||
| INFT 6122 | Essentials of Information Technology 1 | 3 |
| Core Courses | ||
| INFT 6127 | Information Technology in Organizations | 3 |
| INFT 6132 | Network Administration | 3 |
| INFT 6137 | Enterprise Systems Architecture | 3 |
| INFT 6142 | Computer Systems Security | 3 |
| Concentration Courses | 12 | |
| Students take the 4 designated courses of the Cyber Security or Web Technology concentrations. See the full enrollment sequencing for each concentration below. | ||
| Electives | 6 | |
| Students choose two elective courses to reflect their interests and to reinforce the individual focus of their degree. | ||
| Capstone Course | 3 | |
| The capstone a student is required to take will depend on the concentration they have chosen. See the full enrollment sequencing for each concentration below. | ||
Total Credits 33-36 1 | ||
| 1 | Applicants to the MSIT program who can not demonstrate foundation knowledge in computer programming and computer networks will be required to take the additional 3-credit course INFT-6122 Essential of Information Technology. |
Enrollment Sequences
Cyber Security Concentration (part-time schedule)
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| INFT 6122 | Essentials of Information Technology 1 | 3 |
| INFT 6127 | Information Technology in Organizations | 3 |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Spring | ||
| INFT 6132 | Network Administration | 3 |
| INFT 6137 | Enterprise Systems Architecture | 3 |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Summer | ||
| INFT 6142 | Computer Systems Security | 3 |
| INFT 6147 | Enterprise Information Security Management | 3 |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| INFT 6045 | IT Security Policies & Procedure | 3 |
| INFT 6157 | Data and Application Security | 3 |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Spring | ||
| INFT 6055 | Digital Forensics | 3 |
| INFT 7005 | Cyber Security Integration Strategies (Capstone) | 3 |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Summer | ||
| Electives | 6 | |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 36 | |
| 1 | Applicants to the MSIT program who can not demonstrate foundation knowledge in computer programming and computer networks will be required to take the additional 3-credit course INFT-6122 Essential of Information Technology. |
Web Technology Concentration (Part-time Schedule)
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| INFT 6122 | Essentials of Information Technology 1 | 3 |
| INFT 6127 | Information Technology in Organizations | 3 |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Spring | ||
| INFT 6132 | Network Administration | 3 |
| INFT 6137 | Enterprise Systems Architecture | 3 |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Summer | ||
| INFT 6142 | Computer Systems Security | 3 |
| INFT 6152 | Enterprise Web Systems | 3 |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| INFT 6040 | Advanced Internet Application Development | 3 |
| INFT 6060 | Cyber Security | 3 |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Spring | ||
| INFT 6050 | Mobile Systems Development | 3 |
| INFT 7010 | Web Systems Integration Strategies (Capstone) | 3 |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Summer | ||
| Electives | 6 | |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 36 | |
| 1 | Applicants to the MSIT program who can not demonstrate foundation knowledge in computer programming and computer networks will be required to take the additional 3-credit course INFT-6122 Essential of Information Technology. |
Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to:
- Disciplinary Knowledge: Identify and apply IT principles, method and frameworks for the business enterprise and the relevant technology;
- Professional Decision Making: Strategic analysis, design, implement and evaluation of computer technologies, systems, processes, components and/or programs appropriate to a defined task, while analyzing the impact on existing systems and potential future applications;
- Master of Methods and Tools: Critically evaluate relevant technical and business information and emerging industry trends from multiple sources;
- Capacity for Innovation and Collaboration: Implement effective IT solutions that demonstrates appropriate consideration of alternative computer technologies, including networks, servers, programming languages and database systems; Develop, analyze and defend solutions to networking and security problems that demonstrate an appropriate balance among security needs, business concerns, confidentiality, availability and system integrity; and
- Ethics and IT Compliance: Acknowledge and adhere to the Law and Policy Regulation, standards of ethics, including relevant industry and organizational codes of conduct, in the design of technology.