MS in Information Technology
Valparaiso University
Key Information
Campus location
Valparaiso, USA
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
1 - 2 year
Pace
Full time, Part time
Tuition fees
USD 24,296 *
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
Sep 2024
* estimated cost
Scholarships
Explore scholarship opportunities to help fund your studies
Introduction
The 37-credit MS in Information Technology programs is intended to prepare students who may have little undergraduate experience in CS or IT for successful careers in the field 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 a capstone experience, which is designed around the academic and professional goals of the individual student;
- 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 for management track students from other professional-based programs, including Communication and International Commerce and Policy.
Admissions
Curriculum
Students are required to take coursework in the IT Core and in management areas, as well as their concentration. The final semester is reserved for the capstone course.
Core Requirements
IT Core Requirements (15 Credits)
- Introduction to Programming
- Introduction to Information Technology
- Data Mining
- Ethics in Information Technology
- Information Management
IT Management Core Requirements for Computing Track (6 credits)
- Project Management
One course from the following options
- Introduction to Professional Writing
- Introduction to Technical Writing
- Intensive English Language
- English for Business
- Professional Writing and Research
IT Capstone Experiences for both Management and Computing Tracks – (4 credits)
- Professional and Career Development
- Professional Development (CIS On-Site Incubator)
- Internship
- Research Project
- Thesis Proposal and Preparation and Thesis (two separate classes, minimum two-semester commitment)
Management Track
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
- Project Management
- Technology, Law, and Policy
- Risk Management
One course from the following options
- Introduction to Professional Writing
- Introduction to Technical Writing
- Intensive English Language
- English for Business
- Professional Writing and Research
Management Elective Track Elective Credits (6 credits)
- Graduate Digital Media
- Leadership Communication
- Intellectual Property
- Social Networking
- International Business Relationships
- International Marketing
- Cross-Cultural Management
- Global Leadership and Team Development
- Law and Legal Principles
- Networking
- Web Programming
- Mobile Computing
- User Interface
- Information Assurance and Security
- Internet and Web Technologies
- Artificial Intelligence
Additional graduate courses may be approved by the adviser from the management concentration, computing concentration, IT, or CS.
Computing Track
Along with the core requirements, students interested in the IT-computing competency area must complete elective coursework.
IT-Computing Track (12 credits)
- Operating Systems
- Networking
- Web Programming
- Software Development and Programming
- Mobile Computing
- Topics in Information Technology (as approved)
- User Interface
- Instructional Design in Information Technology
- System Integration and Administration
- Information Security
- Technology, Law, and Policy
- Hacking Techniques and Countermeasures
- Risk Management
- Integrative Programming and Technologies
- Internet and Web Technologies
- Natural Language Technologies
- Professional Development
- Artificial Intelligence
- Integrative Computer Graphics
Additional graduate courses may be approved by the adviser from the management concentration, computing concentration, CYB, IT generally, or CS.
Sequencing of Coursework
Students take IT 502, IT 510, and IT 600 during their first semester of enrollment. The Capstone Course is the last class of the program, taken in the final term.
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
Computing has links to almost every profession and academic field; studying it – as a major, as a minor, or as a graduate student – is a plus when in the job market. It provides the opportunity to work across a vast array of disciplines. Graduates have the chance to deliver service and solutions for others – while leading efforts that deploy new ideas and technology.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook predicts faster-than-average growth for nearly every computing and information technology job for the next decade. The analytical and problem-solving skills central to computing and the information sciences are valued by employers in all sectors. Computational problem-solving skills can greatly enhance any degree in any field – including those in the sciences, business, engineering, or healthcare professions.
The jobs in fields most closely related to the discipline include:
- Network architects
- Programmers and Software Developers
- Systems analysts
- Database administrators
- Information security analysts
- Network and computer systems administrators
- Web developers