Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT)

Program Requirements

• Admissions Requirements

  The minimum academic requirements to apply to the Master of Science in Information Technology/Master’s in Information Technology (MIT) Degree Program are:

  An applicant with a Computer Science or Information Technology Bachelor-level degree from a regionally or nationally accredited institution can apply for entrance into Westcliff University and a minimum GPA of 2.5. 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.

  Without a technology BS degree, the student must take TECH 100 as a pre-requsite.

• Graduation Requirements

  Students must complete thirty-six (36) prescribed credit hours with a program GPA (PGPA) of 3.0 or higher to graduate. 

  Students must apply for graduation. Upon graduation and fulfillment of all academic requirements, students receive a Master of Science in Information Technology degree.

• Practical Learning Experience Requirements

  Westcliff University requires all students enrolled in graduate-level degree or certificate programs in the College of Technology and Engineering to successfully complete a Practical Learning Experience (PLE) as a graduation requirement. Westcliff University degrees and certificates are designed to prepare students for the professional workforce, and the knowledge and skills learned throughout their program are directly applicable to the industries to which they are associated. Practical learning allows students to further refine the associated knowledge and skills through guidance, oversight, and feedback from industry experts and professionals while also building a stable network and gathering references to support their career needs. Students are encouraged to take full advantage of the opportunities afforded to them in practical learning and maximize their potential career placement or advancement upon graduation.

  The graduate PLE requirement is satisfied by completing a credit-bearing internship course that is assessed on a Credit/No Credit basis. During practical learning, students engage in empirical experiences, in addition to participating in assigned course activities. This practice reflects Westcliff’s commitment to a practical and relevant education and the value of applied, experiential learning. Students who have this experience demonstrate a more successful transition into a new career or career advancement. Students are encouraged to complete as many PLEs as their schedules will permit in pursuit of the completion of their program(s).

  Graduate practical learning opportunities exist on- and off-campus. Off-campus practical learning requires prior University approval, and F-1 students must have Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorization to participate in off-campus practical learning. Students are responsible for developing and demonstrating the skills necessary to be successful in a PLE. In addition to contemporary and growing industry knowledge, students should also be prepared to demonstrate professionalism, effective communication (written, oral and digital), and integrity while engaged in practical learning. The faculty facilitating internship courses associated with Practical Learning Experience assess these qualities and provide valuable feedback regarding their development to students throughout each experience. Students may reach out to Career Services with any questions about practical learning at the graduate level.

Program Information

• Required Courses

  Master of Science in Information Technology Program Requirements - 36 Credit Hours Total

  Core Courses - 18 Credit Hours Total
  MIS 500 Managing Information Systems & Technology - 3 credit hours
  MIS 510 Information Technology Project Management- 3 credit hours
  MIS 520 Leading Strategic Change with Technology - 3 credit hours
  MIS 540 Management of Information Security - 3 credit hours
  MIS 545 Business Architecture and Organizational Transformation - 3 credit hours
  MIS 550 Big Data Analytics and Visualization - 3 credit hours

  Capstone Course - 3 Credit Hours Total
  CAP 690 Masters Applied Capstone - 3 credit hours

  Concentration - 15 Credit Hours Total

• Program Concentrations

  Master of Science in Information Technology Areas of Concentration:
  In addition to the core requirements, students must choose a concentration within the Master of Science in Information Technology program. To graduate with a concentration, students must take five (5) courses, totaling 15 credit hours, in the area of their chosen concentration while at Westcliff University.

  Cloud Computing - The Master of Science in Information Technology with a concentration in Cloud Computing is designed to provide students with a foundation in cloud computing technologies for business. This program is ideal for professionals who are interested in the field of cloud computing and who may have experience but do not have formal training. Students will learn technologies, processes, and management of systems including virtualization and storage, APIs and scripting, AWS and Azure, cloud security and disaster recovery, and strategic cloud implementation concepts for business applications. Graduate students will complete one (1) additional graduate level assignment in each course.

  Cybersecurity - The Master of Science in Information Technology with a concentration in Cybersecurity is designed to advance the professional careers of technologists and computer scientists in the field of computer systems and information technology security. The certificate program is presented in a detailed and innovative approach that examines a variety of computer systems security topics, including cybersecurity essentials and network security; communications security techniques such as cryptography, computer forensics, threats and detection; information security management, and a proactive approach to designing cybersecurity for emerging technologies. Security policies on privacy and legal issues are also presented. Upon completion, graduates can design and implement cybersecurity measures and strategies across several sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing, research and development, education, banking and finance, and international business.

  Emerging Technologies (EMT) - Our technological world continues to expand at a rapid pace, and emerging technologies are driving business and our connected world. This program introduces students to several emerging technologies and students will explore how each function and their applications and impacts in the business world. Topics include Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI and ML), the Metaverse, blockchain technologies, Industry 4.0, and identity management in the virtual world.

  Information Technology Management (ITM) - The IT Project Management program is designed to provide students with a foundation in IT Project management based on the Project Management Book of Knowledge and Project Management Professional certification. This program is ideal for professionals who are interested in the field of project management and who may have experience but do not have formal training. Students will learn common methodologies used by project managers today focusing on project integration, scope, time, cost, leadership, schedule, risk, quality, and communications management. Graduate students will complete one additional graduate level assignment in each course.

  IT Project Management (ITPM) - The IT Project Management program is designed to provide students with a foundation in IT Project management based on the Project Management Book of Knowledge and Project Management Professional certification. This program is ideal for professionals who are interested in the field of project management and who may have experience but do not have formal training. Students will learn common methodologies used by project managers today focusing on project integration, scope, time, cost, leadership, schedule, risk, quality, and communications management. Graduate students will complete one additional graduate level assignment in each course.

  Operations Management (OPM) - Businesses rely heavily on technology and systems to operate in today’s competitive world. This program provides students with fundamental understanding of how to effectively and efficiently manage IT operations within an organization. Topics include operations management fundamentals and best practices, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, data center management, disaster recovery and business continuity planning, and operational excellence.

• Course Catalog and Student Handbook
  Student Handbook/Catalog

Scholarship Opportunities

• Scholarship Application

  As a Westcliff student, you have access to a powerful network of support from staff, faculty, alumni, and many others who take pride in investing in you. Scholarships are made possible by generous benefactors who are passionate about supporting your success.

  Apply Now
• Scholarship Application Deadlines

  2023-2024 Academic Year Calendar

  Semester	Session	Scholarship Deadline	Start Date	End Date
  FALL	Session 1	07/07/23	Start: 8/28/23	End: 10/22/23
  	Session 2		Start: 10/23/23	End: 12/17/23
  SPRING	Session 3	11/17/23	Start: 01/08/24	End: 03/04/24
  	Session 4		Start: 03/05/24	End: 04/28/24
  SUMMER	Session 5	03/16/24	Start: 05/06/24	End: 06/30/24
  	Session 6		Start: 07/01/24	End: 08/25/24