Master of Science in Information Technology


Program Description
The MS in Information Technology program is intended to prepare students having undergraduate background in computer science, engineering, information technology, or related fields with the knowledge, skills, and perspective for successful careers in the field of Information Technology.

As the IT field continues its rapid expansion, the shortage of competent professionals will grow even beyond the current 8% vacancy rate for positions in this field. The proposed program is intended to prepare students for employment in growing markets in IT in both the US and, equally important, abroad.

The VU MS IT Program: Fundamental Yet Distinctive
It is not easy to distinguish one IT program from another, as most share generic components. Although the VU program does not offer great depth in any one IT area (cf., IIT), it does offer basic coverage of the fundamental areas of IT and provides moderate depth in three emerging areas: Computer & Information Security; Platform Technologies & Networking; and Management of Data/Information. We therefore have sought other ways to distinguish the VU program from other IT programs. These include:

  1. Interdisciplinary in nature, with contributions from multiple units;
  2. Highly applied, with emphasis on hands-on learning;
  3. Required yearlong rotating internship experience on campus or at a local technology firm;
  4. Opportunity to take coursework in logistics, a NW Indiana regional priority;
  5. Emerging technologies incorporated into all coursework;
  6. Emphasis on collaborative and team work approach;
  7. Development of skills in technology leadership;
  8. Option to elect coursework from other professional based programs, including International Commerce & Policy, MBA, and Engineering Management.

The curricular framework for this 37-credit program (shown below) has been drawn from two primary sources: other master’s level curricula (including IIT’s) and the SIGITE/ACM document. The program as designed involves breadth: students are required to take coursework in 5 core competency areas. It also permits some depth, allowing students to explore specific areas of interest or professional competency in greater detail.

Curriculum
Students should take Introduction to Information Technology during their first semester of enrollment. Core competency coursework should be taken prior to or concomitantly with additional competency coursework. Experiential training should be distributed over at least two semesters to enable rotation through two or more IT focus areas. Social and professional issues may be taken anytime during the program.

Core Requirements & Competencies
14-15 credits
IT 501 Introduction to Information Technology
2 cr
IT 610 Software Development and Programming
3 cr
IT 620 User Interface
2 cr
IT 630 Internet and Web Technologies
2 cr
IT 640 Information Management
2-3 cr
IT 650 Platform Technologies and Networking
3 cr
Additional Competencies
5-6 credits
IT 550 Telecommunications
2-3 cr
IT 720 Integrative Programming and Technologies
2 cr
IT 730 System Integration and Administration
2-3 cr
IT 760 Information Assurance and Security
3 cr
Experiential Training
3-4 credits
IT 686 & IT 687 Internships
up to 4 cr
Social & Professional Issues
2 credits, 9 credits max.
IT 670 Professional Development (includes coursework on professional practices, project management, management of personnel, innovation, consulting, technical writing, etc.).
2-3 cr
Electives
13 credits
Students take up to 13 additional credits from any of the above areas, with limits as noted, or from other IT-approved courses.

 

Criteria for Admission
Applicants must meet the admission requirements of the Graduate Division, which include:

  1. Valparaiso University Graduate Application form;
  2. An equivalent of a minor in computer science, information technology, or a related field (e.g., information and decision sciences). Students without adequate background or preparation will be required to complete a bridge program prior to beginning the MS in Information Technology Program;
  3. Official transcripts of all prior undergraduate and graduate coursework. If you have received an undergraduate or graduate degree from Valparaiso University, you are not required to submit an official transcript from Valparaiso University;
  4. Two letters of recommendation submitted on their behalf;
  5. A reflective essay indicating the reasons for undertaking graduate study in Information Technology;
  6. Application fee: $30 for U.S. citizens and $50 for international applicants.

The MS in Information Technology program features a continuous admission process, so application materials may be submitted at any time. Once received, the admission decision normally takes 2-3 weeks.

Financial Considerations
Students may be surprised to discover the affordable tuition rate at Valparaiso University. Tuition for the 2008-2009 academic year is $450 per credit hour, highly competitive for a private institution of recognized national quality. Students enrolled in graduate courses pay a $80 general fee each semester. Financial aid is available through direct and indirect student loans for students taking 6 credits or more during fall and spring semesters. Because most course offerings are scheduled for the evening, many students hold part- or full-time employment during their study.

For more information about the Master of Science in Information Technology program
Interested students should request an application packet from the Office of Graduate Studies through our website or by e-mailing graduate.studies@valpo.edu.