Masters in IT - Degree Programs: Master of Science in Information Technology

Note: For certain locations, program enrollment is onsite with online instruction.

Cedar Rapids Map — Graduate Scott Shenberger on "Cutting-Edge IT"

Master of Science in Information Technology

A master's degree in information technology could prepare you with the communication skills, critical thinking abilities, and technical competencies to help advance your career.* You will have the opportunity to apply appropriate technologies in the analysis and design of information systems, as well as assess ethical, legal, and social issues.

The Master of Science in Information Technology program is designed to provide you with an integrated design and technology background that may help you advance your career.* You will have the opportunity to study:

The theory, principles, and practices of information systems
How to employ project management skills
How to analyze data to solve complex problems

Who Should Take This Program?

This program is designed for students with a bachelor's degree from a regionally or nationally accredited college or university with a major in information technology, computer science, information systems, management of information systems, or a similar field of study.

What are the Career Opportunities?

Graduates may choose to pursue a career as a consultant or start their own technology services business. You can focus on an area of study that best fits your career and educational goals.

Click here to review career profiles.

Elective courses and descriptions for the Master of Science in Information Technology

Areas of Specialization and Electives

This information technology degree gives students the opportunity to focus on one of four specializations.

Business Intelligence: Focus on the business side of technology and study analysis and development of decision support systems, business intelligence, knowledge acquisition and representation models, data mining concepts, algorithms, and applications.
Information Security and Assurance: In today's world, protection of data is serious business. Explore everything from fundamentals such as viruses, worms, and other malicious software to more high-level aspects of IT security like network defense, ethical hacking, and computer forensics.
Project Management: Focus on strategic project management with an emphasis on planning, executing, and controlling phases of a project life cycle. Utilize current software to achieve project goals and objectives. Explore the principles, tools, and techniques for controlling project cost and scheduling. Analyze project risk, quality, and legal and ethical considerations in contracting and procurement. Study to develop skills to help increase the bottom line for organizations in a variety of industries.

Career Profiles and Program Information

Zedy Aroche Profile
Mariana Craft Profile
MS Information Technology Brochure
Graduate IT Programs Overview

Core

IT 500: CRITICAL CONCEPTS AND COMPETENCIES FOR THE IT PROFESSIONAL
IT 510: SYSTEM ANALYSIS AND DESIGN
IT 511: INFORMATION SYSTEMS PROJECT MANAGEMENT
IT 520: DATABASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
IT 530: COMPUTER NETWORKS
IT 540: MANAGEMENT OF INFORMATION SECURITY
IT 590: LEGAL AND ETHICAL ISSUES IN IT
IT 599: APPLIED IT MASTER PROJECT

IT 500: CRITICAL CONCEPTS AND COMPETENCIES FOR THE IT PROFESSIONAL (4 Credits)

This course provides students with a foundation in the concepts and paradigms that shape information technology today. Students will distinguish between current competing ideologies to expand their technological knowledge and make informed business decisions. A focus will be placed on Internet technologies, hardware and software components, and networked environments, as well as ethical and social issues in information technology. Students will also be introduced to the Master of Science in Information Technology learning team model, which will be built upon throughout the program.

Total Core Credits: 32
Total Program Credits: 56

IT 510: SYSTEM ANALYSIS AND DESIGN (4 Credits)

This course provides an in-depth overview of system analysis and design methodologies. Students examine techniques to develop systems more efficiently using the system development life cycle (SDLC). Students use object-oriented approaches to develop information systems using the Unified Modeling Language (UML).

Total Core Credits: 32
Total Program Credits: 56

IT 511: INFORMATION SYSTEMS PROJECT MANAGEMENT (4 Credits)

This course focuses on the key factors in effectively managing information systems projects. Students study project management techniques for information systems projects through detailed case studies and exercises. Students learn how to manage information systems projects through the use of the five project management process groups integrated with the nine project management knowledge areas. Approaches for information systems project management and examples relevant to information systems projects are used throughout the course.

Prerequisites Required:

IT 500

Total Core Credits: 32
Total Program Credits: 56

IT 520: DATABASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS (4 Credits)

This course discusses the design, implementation, and operation of databases using a principal relational database management system (DBMS). The course covers many fundamental topics including: data modeling using entity-relationship diagrams; data storage, manipulation, and queries using structured query language (SQL); functional dependencies, normalization concepts, and algorithms; primary and index file organizations; and transaction processing. The course will also introduce students to advanced topics in database management.

Total Core Credits: 32
Total Program Credits: 56

IT 530: COMPUTER NETWORKS (4 Credits)

This course introduces data communications and networking technologies from the business perspective by heavily utilizing case studies and the decision-making process. Topics consist of network operating systems, local and wide area networks, and voice and wireless networks, as well as security and the Internet. The focus will be on practical applications of these concepts, including support issues, administration, and management.

Total Core Credits: 32
Total Program Credits: 56

IT 540: MANAGEMENT OF INFORMATION SECURITY (4 Credits)

IT professionals must focus on a wide range of security-related issues and develop security systems that address constantly changing threats. This course takes the approach that security components and business functions work in tandem. Topics like asset identification, human factors, compliance with regulations, personnel security, risk assessment, and ethical considerations are covered, as well as computer and network security tools and methods.

Prerequisites Required:

IT 530

Total Core Credits: 32
Total Program Credits: 56

IT 590: LEGAL AND ETHICAL ISSUES IN IT (4 Credits)

This course provides a detailed discussion of the legal and ethical issues associated with the information technology age. Topics covered in this course include: ethical theories related to information technology, protection of intellectual property, privacy, computer and network security, cybercrimes, and ethical behavior for working in the computer industry.

Prerequisites Required:

IT 500

Total Core Credits: 32
Total Program Credits: 56

IT 599: APPLIED IT MASTER PROJECT (4 Credits)

The Applied IT Master Project demonstrates a synthesis of knowledge gained in the degree plan. In this course, the student will implement an approved IT project. The project should emphasize the student's ability to make use of the knowledge gained in the Master of Science in Information Technology program. The student will investigate a topic, evaluate alternative approaches, and present a proposed solution in a professional manner. The student will reflect upon his or her learning experiences in the Master of Science in Information Technology program and what he or she offers to the industry.

Prerequisites Required: Last term of permission of the Program Chair and/or Dean of the School of Information Systems and Technology

Total Core Credits: 32
Total Program Credits: 56

Specialization Courses

SPECIALIZATION COURSES*

SPECIALIZATION COURSES* (24 Credits)

*Students entering the program who do not possess a bachelor's degree in information technology or a comparable field of study must take IT 501: Principles of Information Technology their first term in place of an IT elective.

Total Specialization Courses Credits: 24
Total Program Credits: 56

Business Intelligence Specialization

IT 521: DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEMS
IT 522: KNOWLEDGE-BASED MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
IT 523: DATA WAREHOUSING AND DATA MINING

IT 521: DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEMS (4 Credits)

This course provides a detailed overview of decision-making systems, models, and support in business. The course covers many fundamental topics including: analysis and development of decision support systems, business intelligence, knowledge acquisition and representation, knowledge management, intelligent systems over the Internet, and advanced intelligent systems.

Prerequisites Required:

IT 520

Total Business Intelligence Specialization Credits: 12
Total Program Credits: 56

IT 522: KNOWLEDGE-BASED MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS (4 Credits)

This course provides a detailed overview of knowledge-based systems techniques and applications. Topics include symbolic structures and semantics, knowledge representation models, search techniques related to problem solving, knowledge engineering, knowledge and domain classification models, configuration models, and diagnosis and troubleshooting methodologies.

Prerequisites Required:

IT 521

Total Business Intelligence Specialization Credits: 12
Total Program Credits: 56

IT 523: DATA WAREHOUSING AND DATA MINING (4 Credits)

This course discusses data warehousing and data mining concepts and algorithms. Topics covered in this course include: data mining functionalities, data preparation and preprocessing, data warehousing architectures and implementations, data cube computations, data generalization and conceptualization, pattern recognition, association rules and correlation analysis, classification and prediction techniques, analysis of data clusters, and data mining application to business, text, spatial, and Web data.

Prerequisites Required:

IT 521

Total Business Intelligence Specialization Credits: 12
Total Program Credits: 56

Information Security and Assurance Specialization

IT 541: COMPUTER AND NETWORK SECURITY
IT 542: ETHICAL HACKING AND NETWORK DEFENSE
IT 550: COMPUTER FORENSICS AND INVESTIGATIONS

IT 541: COMPUTER AND NETWORK SECURITY (4 Credits)

In today's world, protection of data is serious business. This course explains the concepts and techniques involved in keeping computers and networks secure. The course examines fundamentals such as viruses, worms, and other malicious software; authentication and encryption security; file security and shared resources; firewalls and border security; and physical and network topology security.

Prerequisites Required:

IT 540

Total Information Security and Assurance Specialization Credits: 12
Total Program Credits: 56

IT 542: ETHICAL HACKING AND NETWORK DEFENSE (4 Credits)

An ethical hacker is a security expert who attacks a system on behalf of the system's owners. This course focuses on discovering network vulnerabilities that a malicious hacker can exploit. The course explores penetration testing, footprinting and social engineering, scanning and enumeration, operating system weaknesses, and the methods used to hack Web servers and wireless networks. Students complete hands-on projects using state-of-the-art hacking tools and techniques.

Prerequisites Required:

IT 541

Total Information Security and Assurance Specialization Credits: 12
Total Program Credits: 56

IT 550: COMPUTER FORENSICS AND INVESTIGATIONS (4 Credits)

From a network break-in at a remote office to potential national security threats, this course explores the expertise required to conduct forensic investigations. Topics include investigation methods, problem-solving techniques, current forensic analysis tools, digital evidence acquisition and control, and preparation for testimony and prosecution. Student projects assess scenario-based investigations.

Prerequisites Required:

IT 542

Total Information Security and Assurance Specialization Credits: 12
Total Program Credits: 56

Project Management Specialization

GM 591: STRATEGIC PROJECT MANAGEMENT
GM 592: PROJECT INITIATION, PLANNING, AND EXECUTION
GM 593: PROJECT COST AND SCHEDULE MONITORING AND CONTROLLING
GM 594: PROJECT RISK, QUALITY, AND PROCUREMENT MONITORING AND CONTROLLING

GM 591: STRATEGIC PROJECT MANAGEMENT (4 Credits)

This course covers project management from a strategic perspective. The course emphasizes the life cycle project phases and processes advocated by the Project Management Institute (PMI) and defined in the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK). It stresses the planning, executing, and controlling phases of a project life cycle. The course also covers how these phases relate to the initiation and closing phases, and further examines the impact of various project management techniques on schedule, budget, and performance constraints.

Prerequisites Required: Completion of all core courses

Total Project Management Specialization Credits: 16
Total Program Credits: 56

Note: Students who choose the project management emphasis area will need to move to an alternate calendar track to complete the courses required. Students may experience a delay of two weeks or more between the end of the term and the beginning of the next available term in the alternate calendar track.

GM 592: PROJECT INITIATION, PLANNING, AND EXECUTION (4 Credits)

This course provides an analysis and evaluation of the theories and practices for managing projects in effective organizations. The student will analyze and evaluate strategies, tools, software, and management approaches to effectively complete and evaluate the effectiveness of projects. Topics in this course include: setting project goals and objectives; preparing a project plan; conducting feasibility studies; measurement tools, including the most current and best software tools; strategies for effective human resource allocation; and approaches to gauging the worth of the project deliverables and the effectiveness of the project management process.

Prerequisites Required: Completion of all core courses

Total Project Management Specialization Credits: 16
Total Program Credits: 56

Note: Students who choose the project management emphasis area will need to move to an alternate calendar track to complete the courses required. Students may experience a delay of two weeks or more between the end of the term and the beginning of the next available term in the alternate calendar track.

GM 593: PROJECT COST AND SCHEDULE MONITORING AND CONTROLLING (4 Credits)

This course provides an analysis of the principles, tools, and techniques for controlling project cost and schedule. The student will use tools, software, and techniques to establish a project baseline and control cost and schedule. Topics in this course include preparing PERT/CPM networks, estimating time and resources, creating the project baseline, controlling the baseline, crashing the network, optimization and heuristics techniques for resource allocation, earned value management, and statistical control tools.

Prerequisites Required: Completion of all core courses and GM 592

Total Project Management Specialization Credits: 16
Total Program Credits: 56

Note: Students who choose the project management emphasis area will need to move to an alternate calendar track to complete the courses required. Students may experience a delay of two weeks or more between the end of the term and the beginning of the next available term in the alternate calendar track.

GM 594: PROJECT RISK, QUALITY, AND PROCUREMENT MONITORING AND CONTROLLING (4 Credits)

This course provides an integrated approach to risk, quality, and procurement. This course demonstrates how to incorporate quality throughout the project. The student explores use of contract types in managing risk and quality. Topics in this course cover all phases of contracting, including procurement planning, solicitation planning, solicitation, source selection, contract administration, and contract close-out. The student will then explore methods of analyzing make-or-buy decisions, as well as legal and ethical considerations in contracting and procurement. Students will construct an element of their Self-Directed Learning Plan from this course, as well as add materials from the course to their Presentation Portfolio.

Prerequisites Required: Completion of all core courses

Total Project Management Specialization Credits: 16
Total Program Credits: 56

Note: Students who choose the project management emphasis area will need to move to an alternate calendar track to complete the courses required. Students may experience a delay of two weeks or more between the end of the term and the beginning of the next available term in the alternate calendar track.

Core

IT 500: CRITICAL CONCEPTS AND COMPETENCIES FOR THE IT PROFESSIONAL
IT 510: SYSTEM ANALYSIS AND DESIGN
IT 511: INFORMATION SYSTEMS PROJECT MANAGEMENT
IT 520: DATABASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
IT 530: COMPUTER NETWORKS
IT 540: MANAGEMENT OF INFORMATION SECURITY
IT 560: MANAGING TECHNOLOGY IN A BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT
IT 590: LEGAL AND ETHICAL ISSUES IN IT
IT 599: APPLIED IT MASTER PROJECT

IT 500: CRITICAL CONCEPTS AND COMPETENCIES FOR THE IT PROFESSIONAL (4 Credits)

This course provides students with a foundation in the concepts and paradigms that shape information technology today. Students will distinguish between current competing ideologies to expand their technological knowledge and make informed business decisions. A focus will be placed on Internet technologies, hardware and software components, and networked environments, as well as ethical and social issues in information technology. Students will also be introduced to the Master of Science in Information Technology learning team model, which will be built upon throughout the program.