This 37-credit program is intended to prepare students having undergraduate backgrounds in computer science, engineering, information technology, or related fields with the knowledge, skills, and perspective for successful careers in the field of information technology in both the U.S. and abroad. Along with a rigorous core curriculum, students have the option of pursuing one of two tracks of study, management or computing. Both tracks are distinguished from other IT programs in a number of ways, including:

  • A highly applied approach, with emphasis on hands-on learning
  • Requirement of an internship experience or research-based project on campus or at a local technology firm
  • Incorporation of emerging technologies into all coursework
  • Emphasis on a collaborative and teamwork approach
  • Development of skills in technology leadership
  • Deeper specialization in either management or computing
  • Elective coursework from other professional-based programs, including MBA and ICP

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To be admitted, applicants must meet all Graduate School admission requirements and have the equivalent of a minor in computer science, information technology, or a related field (e.g., engineering or information and decision sciences). Students proficient in programming may opt to take the programming exam upon arrival. Students who pass this exam will be able to replace the Introduction to Programming requirement with a suitable elective. Admission will be considered for any semester, but students benefit most by beginning their coursework in the fall semester. Depending on the availability of seats, applications will be accepted up to six weeks prior to the start date of the next semester.

Students are required to take coursework in the IT Core and in management areas. All students complete a 300-hour internship or a major research project.

IT Core Requirements (15 credits)
IT 502 Introduction to Programming 3 Cr.
IT 510 Introduction to Information Technology 2 Cr.
IT 533 Data Mining 3 Cr.
IT 600 Ethics in Information Technology 3 Cr.
IT 603 Information Management 3 Cr.
IT Management Core Requirements for Computing Track (6 credits)
IT 604 Project Management 3 Cr.
One course from the following options
ENGL 502 Introduction to Professional Writing 3 Cr.
ENGL 511 Introduction to Technical Writing 3 Cr.
LS 604 Intensive English Language 4 Cr.
LS 605 English for Business 4 Cr.
LS 608 Professional Writing and Research 3 Cr.
IT Capstone Experiences for both Management and Computing Tracks – (4 credits)
GRD 683 Professional and Career Development 1
IT 686 Internship 1-3 Cr.
IT 792 Research Project 1-3 Cr.
IT 789 AND IT 799 Thesis Proposal and Preparation and Thesis (two separate classes, minimum two semester commitment) 6 Cr.

Along with the core requirements, students interested in the IT-management competency area must complete elective coursework.

IT-Management Track (12 credits)
IT Management Core
IT 604 Project Management 3 Cr.
IT 644 Technology, Law, and Policy 3 Cr.
IT 648 Risk Management 3 Cr.
One course from the following options
ENGL 502 Introduction to Professional Writing 3 Cr.
ENGL 511 Introduction to Technical Writing 3 Cr.
LS 604 Intensive English Language 4 Cr.
LS 605 English for Business 4 Cr.
LS 608 Professional Writing and Research 3 Cr.
Management Elective Track Elective Credits (6 credits)
COMM 500 Graduate Digital Media 3 Cr.
COMM 512 Leadership Communication 3 Cr.
COMM 572 Intellectual Property 3 Cr.
COMM 601 Social Networking 3 Cr.
ICP 612 International Business Relationships 3 Cr.
ICP 614 International Marketing 3 Cr.
ICP 620 Cross-Cultural Management 3 Cr.
ICP 621 Global Leadership and Team Development 3 Cr.
ICP 670 Law and Legal Principles 3 Cr.
IT 535 Networking 2 Cr.
IT 540 Web Programming 2 Cr.
IT 560 Mobile Computing 2 Cr.
IT 630 User Interface 2 Cr.
IT 640 System Integration and Administration 3 Cr.
IT 642 Information Security 3 Cr.
IT 654 Internet and Web Technologies 3 Cr.
CS 545 Artificial Intelligence 2 Cr.

Additional graduate courses may be approved by the adviser from the management concentration, computing concentration, IT, or CS.

Along with the core requirements, students interested in the IT-computing competency area must complete elective coursework.

IT-Computing Track (12 credits)
IT 530 Operating Systems 2 Cr.
IT 535 Networking 2 Cr.
IT 540 Web Programming 2 Cr.
IT 558 Software Development and Programming 3 Cr.
IT 560 Mobile Computing 2 Cr.
IT 590 Topics in Information Technology (as approved) 1-3 Cr.
IT 630 User Interface 2 Cr.
IT 632 Instructional Design in Information Technology 3 Cr.
IT 640 System Integration and Administration 3 Cr.
IT 642 Information Security 3 Cr.
IT 644 Technology, Law, and Policy 3 Cr.
IT 646 Hacking Techniques and Counter Measures 3 Cr.
IT 648 Risk Management 3 Cr.
IT 652 Integrative Programming and Technologies 3 Cr.
IT 654 Internet and Web Technologies 3 Cr.
IT 664 Natural Language Technologies 2 Cr.
IT 670 Professional Development 3 Cr.
CS 545 Artificial Intelligence 2 Cr.
AMOD 565 Integrative Computer Graphics 3 Cr.

Additional graduate courses may be approved by the adviser from the management concentration, computing concentration, IT, or CS.

This concentration is available to students in both the management track and computing track. Students must take three of the following four courses: IT 642, IT 644, IT 646, and IT 648. Students in the management track who start the program without sufficient programming background might need to take 38 total credits to complete the concentration in security.

Students should take IT 500, 501, and 602 during their first or second semester of enrollment. The Capstone Experience should be taken after at least the first semester of study.

Up to six credits can be substituted or, in rare cases, waived based on prior coursework or work experiences. The decision to substitute or waive is made by the dean of the Graduate School on the recommendation of the program director.

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