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Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT)

Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT)

MSIT Program Description

The Masters of Science in 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 technologists will enhance their technical acumen and learn how to collect, analyze, and interpret business intelligence relevant to their respective fields.

 

MSIT Program Learning Outcomes

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:

1
Create and present strategic plans that implement information technology requirements and specifications of complex technology systems.
2
Research and evaluate computer systems and improve the overall efficiency and effectiveness through data gathering and analysis.
3
Collaboratively analyze, design, develop, and maintain information technology infrastructure to allow for implementation of strategic initiatives that incorporate emerging technologies.
4
Collaboratively analyze and construct technology management systems to meet the needs of business decision makers.
5
Evaluate the application of legal, regulatory, and ethical solutions in protecting data and information technologies.

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

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.

  • 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

     

Program Requirements