MSc in
Master of Science in Information Technology University of the Potomac
Scholarships
Introduction
Quality Programs, Respected Degrees
There is a growing demand for leadership roles in information technology. Our MSIT program is vital in today’s highly competitive business and technology environments. Companies in nearly every industry are constantly searching for professionals who have the necessary knowledge and experience to be leaders in information technology.
Graduates from the MSIT degree program will be prepared for roles in data analysis, data and information systems management, cyber and network security, leadership, and marketing.
University of the Potomac’s Master of Science in Information Technology program gives students an advantageous mix of cyber/network preparation with marketable leadership skills for planning and implementing critical computer activities in an organization and managing IT professionals. Graduates will be empowered with the knowledge and skills required to work as IT managers or cybersecurity specialists in U.S. business organizations and government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and international entities. You can earn your MSIT online or at one of our convenient campuses.
Learning Goals
Graduates of the Master in Information Technology will be able to:
- Lead complex projects from today’s information technology perspective.
- Develop information systems as strategic tools to provide a competitive advantage.
- Quickly adapt to new technologies and the volatile global environment.
- Effectively identify and implement solutions through key leadership skills.
- Secure intellectual property and digital assets for an organization.
- Aid in evidence-based decision making by creating business intelligence.
What You Will Learn
Our MSIT degree will allow students to have a focus by selecting a specialization in Information Technology Management or Cyber Security — two areas that are growing in demand by employers, including government agencies.
Core Courses
- BUS 510 Strategic Management
- CBSC 500 Network Defense and Countermeasures
- CBSC 510 Cloud Computing from the Ground Up
- CBSC 520 Data Analysis
- CBSC530 Cyber Crime and Homeland Security
- MCAP520 Enterprise Data Management and Administration
- MGMT610 Executive Leadership
- MPM 610 Project Management Structure and Culture
Available Concentrations
Information Technology Management Concentration
The Master of Science in Information Technology with a concentration in IT management teaches students how technology is an effective driver in an organization, to implement new technologies within an organization, to maintain IT Security compliance, to identify and execute different sources of innovations, and economic factors that are crucial to the introduction and acceptance of new technologies within the global marketplace.
| Leadership Students will develop critical thinking and decision-making skills to assist their organization to maintain a secure IT department and is designed to identify and execute different sources of innovation and maintain compliance requirements that promote an active position for the global marketplace. | Strategy Finally, this program will have the student use their newly developed skills to provide their organization with strong IT department leadership that has the tools to maintain compliance, innovation, and economic infrastructure that will support their position in the global community. |
- COMP 610 Strategic IT: Best Practices for Executives
- COMP 620 Corporate IT Security Audit Compliance
- COMP 630 Technology Entrepreneurship
- COMP 640 Capstone-Forecasting and Management of Technology
Geospatial Intelligence Concentration
- GIS580 Geospatial Intelligence
- GIS581 Geospatial Analysis and Modeling
- GIS583 Geospatial Web and Mobile Programming
- GIS585 GSI Applications in IT, Business, Management, Health & Government operation Data Science Courses
Cybersecurity Concentration
The Master of Science in Information Technology with a concentration in Cyber Security teaches students how to plan to respond to cyberattacks by helping them understand leadership from a cyber perspective and understanding the boundaries of cyberlaw as it applies to cyberspace and cyber warfare. This program arms students with up to date information regarding hacking methodologies, technologies, cyber forensics, and countermeasures enabling them to make strategic decisions and allocate the appropriate resources to operate and defend networks in cyberspace.
| Leadership Students will learn to identify vulnerabilities and threats to a network and allocate the appropriate resources to defend that network within the constraints of the law. Students will also learn what type of training and staff are needed, and how to properly screen the staff to ensure a secure infrastructure. | Strategy Finally, this program will have the student use their newly developed skills to create a plan to develop a budget, staffing proposal, training criteria, and cyber defense tools that will be used to defend an enterprise network from state and non-state attackers. | Cyber Law & Policy Students will develop an understanding of current cyber laws and the challenges organizations face when it comes to detecting and defending networks against hackers. Students will also understand the difference between policy, regulations, and laws by reviewing case studies that focus on the invasion of privacy, identity theft, and fraud. |
- CBSC 610 Computer Forensics and Cyber Crime
- CBSC 620 Cyber Law and Policy
- CBSC 630 Hacking Methodology
- CBSC 640 Capstone-Cyber Warfare
Career Opportunities
The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the following knowledge, skills, and abilities for cybersecurity professionals with an MSIT degree:
- Ethical hacking and countermeasures
- Cyber operations
- Cryptography
- Reverse software engineering
- Cyber forensics, and communicating technical information.
The median wage for information security professionals in 2017 with a BS degree was $95,510. Projected growth for 2016-2026 is “much faster than average” at 28%.*
*Citation: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/information-security-analysts.htm
The US Government article “Lifetime Earnings Soar with Education” states that a Master’s degree is worth $2.5 million over a lifetime over those with a BA or BS degree.
Potomac’s MSIT program will provide a continued pathway to advanced degrees for our current students and alumni. The primary goal of the IT program is to prepare working professionals, including foreign-educated students, and those seeking meaningful roles in information technology leadership and cybersecurity sectors, to assume leadership positions in public, private and not-for-profit areas. The program will provide these individuals with a breadth and depth of knowledge that is supported by the ability to address real-world technology challenges effectively. They will gain a combination of knowledge and skills that will place them in a strong position for advancement in their fields.
What Sets Our Faculty apart?
Real-World ExperienceThere’s no better way to learn than from industry-experienced faculty who are experts in their field. | Professional DevelopmentUOTP invests in faculty development preparing them to teach today and the next generation of learners. | Student-CentricWhether on-campus or online, our focus is to maximize student learning and success. |
English Language Requirements
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