Master of Science Information Technology (MSIT)

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The Master of Science Information Technology (MSIT) degree program is designed to advance the professional careers of technologists in the field of information technology. The program incorporates the overall infrastructure and implementation of information technology initiatives. The importance of managing information technology projects is the main theme of the program and involves the integration of technology, people, and strategic development. Several aspects of information technology, such as emerging technologies, the IoT, and analytics are investigated to provide graduates with advanced insight into the field of information technology.

Mission Statement

Westcliff University’s mission for the Master of Science in Information Technology is to prepare students for leadership roles in technology, science, government, and engineering-based companies and entities. Students will develop and practice skills that sustain projects in Information Technology for the attainment of organizational goals that promote and sustain competitive advantage, while benefiting the field of Information Technology, Computer Science, and Engineering as a whole by solving complex business problems related to contemporary industry issues.

MSIT Program Description

The Master of Science Information Technology (MSIT) degree program provides a holistic perspective to the field of Information Technology to ensure that students develop knowledge about a vast array of technology that drives 21st century business. The curriculum provides an amalgam of technical and management knowledge required to properly implement and manage strategies in IT security to protect technology assets, infrastructure, and data analytics. Current Information Technologist will enhance their technical acumen and learn how to collect, analyze, and interpret business intelligence relevant to their respective fields.

The Master of Science Information Technology is a 36 credit program consisting of 12 courses (3 credits each) that is taken over the course of 24 months.

MSIT Program Learning Outcomes

Gain technical and management knowledge required to properly implement and manage the strategies in IT security to protect technology assets, infrastructure, and data analytics. Current Information Technologists will enhance their technical acumen and learn how to collect, analyze, and interpret business intelligence relevant to their respective fields.

The Master of Science in Information Technology encourages students to achieve the following educational outcomes:

Create strategic plans that implement information technology requirements and specifications of complex technology systems.

Evaluate computer systems and improve the overall efficiency and effectiveness by incorporating value computing methodologies.

Analyze, design, develop, and maintain information technology infrastructure to allow for implementation of strategic initiatives that incorporate emerging technologies.

Analyze and construct database management systems to meet the needs of business and technology decision makers.

Compare and contrast various methodologies of computer systems design for the purpose of creating efficacy in computer-related business functions.

Create and develop the ability to conduct in-depth research, independently or within the enterprise in a broad range of information technology.

Create, innovate, design, and improve technology aspects of data collection and analysis to sustain competitive advantage.

More Course Information

Admissions Requirements

The minimum academic requirements to apply to the Master of Science Information Technology Degree Program are:

Regular Degree Applicants – An applicant who has a minimum of a Bachelor's degree can apply for entrance into the MSIT program. At least 1 course in IT and/or computer technology has taken, and/or relevant IT experience. Undergraduate degrees obtained outside of the United States will only be accepted if they have been evaluated by a member in-good-standing of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or another nationally recognized credentialing service. In this case, the listed U.S. degree equivalency will be used.

Transfer Applicants (6 credits maximum) – Applicants who have earned credit hours from a regionally or nationally accredited institution may transfer up to 6-semester credits towards MSIT core courses. Transfer credit does not apply to the MSIT Capstone Project course (MSIT 693).
Graduation Requirements

Students must complete thirty-six (36) prescribed credit hours with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, meet all academic and financial requirements upon graduation, and the fulfillment of all graduation requirements. Students must apply (petition) for graduation and upon approval, students will receive the degree reflecting the coursework completed.

Course Listings

Program Courses

MSIT Core Course Requirements (36 Credit Hours)

Course Code	Course Title	Credit Hours
MSIT 600	Advanced Information Technology	3 credit hours
MSIT 601	Principles of Data Management	3 credit hours
MSIT 602	Modern Operating Systems	3 credit hours
MSIT 603	Computer Systems Architecture	3 credit hours
MSIT 605	Systems Analysis Design	3 credit hours
MSIT 606	Management of Information Security	3 credit hours
MSIT 607	Advanced Database Design & Management	3 credit hours
MSIT 608	Information Technology Project Management	3 credit hours
MSIT 611	Wireless & Mobile Systems	3 credit hours
MSIT 624	Telecommunications & Networking	3 credit hours
MSIT 690	Big Data Analytics	3 credit hours
MSIT 693	Applied Information Technology Capstone Project	3 credit hours