Masters in IT - Degree Programs: Master of Science in Information Technology

A master's degree in information technology could prepare you with the communication skills, critical thinking abilities, and technical competencies to help advance your career.* You will have the opportunity to apply appropriate technologies in the analysis and design of information systems, as well as assess ethical, legal, and social issues.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the long-term national job growth for the computer systems design and related services industry is expected to be 18 percent from 2010 through 2020, which is about as fast as average for all occupations.^†

Emphasis Areas | Curriculum | Tuition and Fees

Program Highlights

The Master of Science in Information Technology program is designed to provide you with an integrated design and technology background that may help you advance your career.* You will have the opportunity to study:

The theory, principles, and practices of information systems
How to employ project management skills
How to analyze data to solve complex problems

Elective Courses

To view the elective courses and descriptions for the Master of Science in Information Technology, click here.

Who Should Take This Program?

This program is designed for students with a bachelor's degree from a regionally or nationally accredited college or university with a major in information technology, computer science, information systems, management of information systems, or a similar field of study.

What are the Career Opportunities?

Graduates may choose to pursue a career as a consultant or start their own technology services business. You can focus on an area of study that best fits your career and educational goals. Click here to review career profiles.

Emphasis Areas for the Master of Science in Information Technology

This information technology degree gives students the opportunity to focus on one of four specializations.

Focus on the business side of technology and study analysis and development of decision support systems, business intelligence, knowledge acquisition and representation models, data mining concepts, algorithms, and applications.

Study the theories and practices related to the startup, development, and management of a new business, product, or service. Examine the functions of management as they apply to the small business environment and the theory and practices of corporate venturing. Study strategies for creating a workable business plan. Participate in a virtual practicum and apply strategies and practices to a startup business. Review methods for identifying and pursuing venture opportunities. Experience the entrepreneurial group process through strategic development in a team environment.

In today's world, protection of data is serious business. Explore everything from fundamentals such as viruses, worms, and other malicious software to more high-level aspects of IT security like network defense, ethical hacking, and computer forensics.

Focus on strategic project management with an emphasis on planning, executing, and controlling phases of a project life cycle. Utilize current software to achieve project goals and objectives. Explore the principles, tools, and techniques for controlling project cost and scheduling. Analyze project risk, quality, and legal and ethical considerations in contracting and procurement. Study to develop skills to help increase the bottom line for organizations in a variety of industries.

Business Intelligence
Entrepreneurship
Information Security and Assurance
Project Management

Curriculum for the MS in Information Technology Specialized Track

Course #	Course Title	Credits
IT 500	CRITICAL CONCEPTS AND COMPETENCIES FOR THE IT PROFESSIONAL	4 CRITICAL CONCEPTS AND COMPETENCIES FOR THE IT PROFESSIONAL This course provides students with a foundation in the concepts and paradigms that shape information technology today. Students will distinguish between current competing ideologies to expand their technological knowledge and make informed business decisions. A focus will be placed on Internet technologies, hardware and software components, and networked environments, as well as ethical and social issues in information technology. Students will also be introduced to the Master of Science in Information Technology learning team model, which will be built upon throughout the program.
IT 510	SYSTEM ANALYSIS AND DESIGN	4 SYSTEM ANALYSIS AND DESIGN This course provides an in-depth overview of system analysis and design methodologies. Students examine techniques to develop systems more efficiently using the system development life cycle (SDLC). Students use object-oriented approaches to develop information systems using the Unified Modeling Language (UML).
IT 511	INFORMATION SYSTEMS PROJECT MANAGEMENT	4 INFORMATION SYSTEMS PROJECT MANAGEMENT This course focuses on the key factors in effectively managing information systems projects. Students study project management techniques for information systems projects through detailed case studies and exercises. Students learn how to manage information systems projects through the use of the five project management process groups integrated with the nine project management knowledge areas. Approaches for information systems project management and examples relevant to information systems projects are used throughout the course.
IT 520	DATABASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS	4 DATABASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS This course discusses the design, implementation, and operation of databases using a principal relational database management system (DBMS). The course covers many fundamental topics including: data modeling using entity-relationship diagrams; data storage, manipulation, and queries using structured query language (SQL); functional dependencies, normalization concepts, and algorithms; primary and index file organizations; and transaction processing. The course will also introduce students to advanced topics in database management.
IT 530	COMPUTER NETWORKS	4 COMPUTER NETWORKS This course introduces data communications and networking technologies from the business perspective by heavily utilizing case studies and the decision-making process. Topics consist of network operating systems, local and wide area networks, and voice and wireless networks, as well as security and the Internet. The focus will be on practical applications of these concepts, including support issues, administration, and management.
IT 540	MANAGEMENT OF INFORMATION SECURITY	4 MANAGEMENT OF INFORMATION SECURITY IT professionals must focus on a wide range of security-related issues and develop security systems that address constantly changing threats. This course takes the approach that security components and business functions work in tandem. Topics like asset identification, human factors, compliance with regulations, personnel security, risk assessment, and ethical considerations are covered, as well as computer and network security tools and methods.
IT 590	LEGAL AND ETHICAL ISSUES IN IT	4 LEGAL AND ETHICAL ISSUES IN IT This course provides a detailed discussion of the legal and ethical issues associated with the information technology age. Topics covered in this course include: ethical theories related to information technology, protection of intellectual property, privacy, computer and network security, cybercrimes, and ethical behavior for working in the computer industry.
IT 599	APPLIED IT MASTER PROJECT	4 APPLIED IT MASTER PROJECT The Applied IT Master Project demonstrates a synthesis of knowledge gained in the degree plan. In this course, the student will implement an approved IT project. The project should emphasize the student's ability to make use of the knowledge gained in the Master of Science in Information Technology program. The student will investigate a topic, evaluate alternative approaches, and present a proposed solution in a professional manner. The student will reflect upon his or her learning experiences in the Master of Science in Information Technology program and what he or she offers to the industry.
	SPECIALIZATION COURSES*	24 SPECIALIZATION COURSES* *Students entering the program who do not possess a bachelor's degree in information technology or a comparable field of study must take IT 501: Principles of Information Technology their first term in place of an IT elective.

*Students entering the program who do not possess a bachelor’s degree in information technology or a comparable field of study must take IT 501: Principles of Information Technology their first term in place of an IT elective.

Course #	Course Title	Credits

IT 521	DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEMS	4 DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEMS This course provides a detailed overview of decision-making systems, models, and support in business. The course covers many fundamental topics including: analysis and development of decision support systems, business intelligence, knowledge acquisition and representation, knowledge management, intelligent systems over the Internet, and advanced intelligent systems.
IT 522	KNOWLEDGE-BASED MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS	4 KNOWLEDGE-BASED MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS This course provides a detailed overview of knowledge-based systems techniques and applications. Topics include symbolic structures and semantics, knowledge representation models, search techniques related to problem solving, knowledge engineering, knowledge and domain classification models, configuration models, and diagnosis and troubleshooting methodologies.
IT 523	DATA WAREHOUSING AND DATA MINING	4 DATA WAREHOUSING AND DATA MINING This course discusses data warehousing and data mining concepts and algorithms. Topics covered in this course include: data mining functionalities, data preparation and preprocessing, data warehousing architectures and implementations, data cube computations, data generalization and conceptualization, pattern recognition, association rules and correlation analysis, classification and prediction techniques, analysis of data clusters, and data mining application to business, text, spatial, and Web data.

Course #	Course Title	Credits

GB 514	FOUNDATIONS OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP-FASTTRAC® NEWVENTURE™	2 FOUNDATIONS OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP-FASTTRAC® NEWVENTURE™ In this course, students will learn the process of starting and building a successful business. Using the FastTrac® NewVenture™ framework, students will explore entrepreneurial attributes while discovering the practical knowledge, strategies, and skills needed to create a viable business plan. Students will learn how to create a plan that attracts the financial and leadership support of internal and external stakeholders needed to achieve success.
GB 515	FASTTRAC® NEWVENTURE™ LAB	2 FASTTRAC® NEWVENTURE™ LAB In this course, students will embark on the entrepreneurial process. They will use idea-generating strategies and explore resources for entrepreneurial success for the startup business. Using the FastTrac® NewVenture™ framework, students will develop and refine a business concept, take it through a rigorous planning process, and outline the critical steps for a successful business launch. Students will also learn how to identify and reach their target markets, set realistic financial goals, and build effective organizations. Students will explore the practical knowledge, strategy, and skills needed to plan for the legal issues, marketing, and management involved in a new business, product, or service launch.
GB 562	SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION	4 SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION In this course, students will learn about the four functions of management as they apply to the small business environment. They will learn the strategies and processes that small businesses employ to manage for success in today's environment. Nonprofit and for-profit small businesses will be examined. Students will apply strategies and practices through a virtual practicum to a startup business. Decision making and adaptability in the small business environment will be stressed.
GB 564	CORPORATE VENTURING	4 CORPORATE VENTURING This course examines theory and practices that explain how some organizations are effective in creating new businesses and fostering innovation. The course focuses on the concept of corporate venturing, which is the process through which organizations turn a good idea into a viable business. Students will be exposed to concepts of how to encourage entrepreneurship, identify venture opportunities, locate these potential new businesses within the firm, select the right managers, and set up the proper planning processes
GB 565	THE ENTREPRENEURIAL LAB	4 THE ENTREPRENEURIAL LAB In this course, students will simulate the entrepreneurial group process. They will use idea-generating strategies and explore resources for entrepreneurial success for the startup business or a new idea or venture for an existing business. Students will explore the practical knowledge, strategy, and skills needed to plan for the legal issues, marketing, and the four functions of management involved in a new business, product, or service launch. Students will practice, in a team environment, all the initial steps involved in the entrepreneurial process to achieve success.
	IT ELECTIVES	8 IT ELECTIVES

Course #	Course Title	Credits

IT 541	COMPUTER AND NETWORK SECURITY	4 COMPUTER AND NETWORK SECURITY In today's world, protection of data is serious business. This course explains the concepts and techniques involved in keeping computers and networks secure. The course examines fundamentals such as viruses, worms, and other malicious software; authentication and encryption security; file security and shared resources; firewalls and border security; and physical and network topology security.
IT 542	ETHICAL HACKING AND NETWORK DEFENSE	4 ETHICAL HACKING AND NETWORK DEFENSE An ethical hacker is a security expert who attacks a system on behalf of the system's owners. This course focuses on discovering network vulnerabilities that a malicious hacker can exploit. The course explores penetration testing, footprinting and social engineering, scanning and enumeration, operating system weaknesses, and the methods used to hack Web servers and wireless networks. Students complete hands-on projects using state-of-the-art hacking tools and techniques.
IT 550	COMPUTER FORENSICS AND INVESTIGATIONS	4 COMPUTER FORENSICS AND INVESTIGATIONS From a network break-in at a remote office to potential national security threats, this course explores the expertise required to conduct forensic investigations. Topics include investigation methods, problem-solving techniques, current forensic analysis tools, digital evidence acquisition and control, and preparation for testimony and prosecution. Student projects assess scenario-based investigations.

Course #	Course Title	Credits

GM 591	STRATEGIC PROJECT MANAGEMENT	4 STRATEGIC PROJECT MANAGEMENT This course covers project management from a strategic perspective. The course emphasizes the life cycle project phases and processes advocated by the Project Management Institute (PMI) and defined in the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK). It stresses the planning, executing, and controlling phases of a project life cycle. The course also covers how these phases relate to the initiation and closing phases, and further examines the impact of various project management techniques on schedule, budget, and performance constraints.
GM 592	PROJECT INITIATION, PLANNING, AND EXECUTION	4 PROJECT INITIATION, PLANNING, AND EXECUTION This course provides an analysis and evaluation of the theories and practices for managing projects in effective organizations. The student will analyze and evaluate strategies, tools, software, and management approaches to effectively complete and evaluate the effectiveness of projects. Topics in this course include: setting project goals and objectives; preparing a project plan; conducting feasibility studies; measurement tools, including the most current and best software tools; strategies for effective human resource allocation; and approaches to gauging the worth of the project deliverables and the effectiveness of the project management process.
GM 593	PROJECT COST AND SCHEDULE MONITORING AND CONTROLLING	4 PROJECT COST AND SCHEDULE MONITORING AND CONTROLLING This course provides an analysis of the principles, tools, and techniques for controlling project cost and schedule. The student will use tools, software, and techniques to establish a project baseline and control cost and schedule. Topics in this course include preparing PERT/CPM networks, estimating time and resources, creating the project baseline, controlling the baseline, crashing the network, optimization and heuristics techniques for resource allocation, earned value management, and statistical control tools.
GM 594	PROJECT RISK, QUALITY, AND PROCUREMENT MONITORING AND CONTROLLING	4 PROJECT RISK, QUALITY, AND PROCUREMENT MONITORING AND CONTROLLING This course provides an integrated approach to risk, quality, and procurement. This course demonstrates how to incorporate quality throughout the project. The student explores use of contract types in managing risk and quality. Topics in this course cover all phases of contracting, including procurement planning, solicitation planning, solicitation, source selection, contract administration, and contract close-out. The student will then explore methods of analyzing make-or-buy decisions, as well as legal and ethical considerations in contracting and procurement. Students will construct an element of their Self-Directed Learning Plan from this course, as well as add materials from the course to their Presentation Portfolio.
Note: Students who choose the project management emphasis area will need to move to an alternate calendar track to complete the courses required. Students may experience a delay of two weeks or more between the end of the term and the beginning of the next available term in the alternate calendar track.

Total Program Requirements	56 Total Program Requirements

Specialized Core
Specialization/Business Intelligence
Specialization/Entrepreneurship
Specialization/Information Security and Assurance
Specialization/Project Management
Total Program Requirements

Curriculum for the MS in Information Technology Nonspecialized Track

Course #	Course Title	Credits
IT 500	CRITICAL CONCEPTS AND COMPETENCIES FOR THE IT PROFESSIONAL	4 CRITICAL CONCEPTS AND COMPETENCIES FOR THE IT PROFESSIONAL This course provides students with a foundation in the concepts and paradigms that shape information technology today. Students will distinguish between current competing ideologies to expand their technological knowledge and make informed business decisions. A focus will be placed on Internet technologies, hardware and software components, and networked environments, as well as ethical and social issues in information technology. Students will also be introduced to the Master of Science in Information Technology learning team model, which will be built upon throughout the program.
IT 510	SYSTEM ANALYSIS AND DESIGN	4 SYSTEM ANALYSIS AND DESIGN This course provides an in-depth overview of system analysis and design methodologies. Students examine techniques to develop systems more efficiently using the system development life cycle (SDLC). Students use object-oriented approaches to develop information systems using the Unified Modeling Language (UML).
IT 511	INFORMATION SYSTEMS PROJECT MANAGEMENT	4 INFORMATION SYSTEMS PROJECT MANAGEMENT This course focuses on the key factors in effectively managing information systems projects. Students study project management techniques for information systems projects through detailed case studies and exercises. Students learn how to manage information systems projects through the use of the five project management process groups integrated with the nine project management knowledge areas. Approaches for information systems project management and examples relevant to information systems projects are used throughout the course.
IT 520	DATABASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS	4 DATABASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS This course discusses the design, implementation, and operation of databases using a principal relational database management system (DBMS). The course covers many fundamental topics including: data modeling using entity-relationship diagrams; data storage, manipulation, and queries using structured query language (SQL); functional dependencies, normalization concepts, and algorithms; primary and index file organizations; and transaction processing. The course will also introduce students to advanced topics in database management.
IT 530	COMPUTER NETWORKS	4 COMPUTER NETWORKS This course introduces data communications and networking technologies from the business perspective by heavily utilizing case studies and the decision-making process. Topics consist of network operating systems, local and wide area networks, and voice and wireless networks, as well as security and the Internet. The focus will be on practical applications of these concepts, including support issues, administration, and management.
IT 540	MANAGEMENT OF INFORMATION SECURITY	4 MANAGEMENT OF INFORMATION SECURITY IT professionals must focus on a wide range of security-related issues and develop security systems that address constantly changing threats. This course takes the approach that security components and business functions work in tandem. Topics like asset identification, human factors, compliance with regulations, personnel security, risk assessment, and ethical considerations are covered, as well as computer and network security tools and methods.
IT 560	MANAGING TECHNOLOGY IN A BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT	4 MANAGING TECHNOLOGY IN A BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT Businesses are faced with many challenges when managing their information technology. Since information technology is continually evolving, businesses that stick with their current IT systems may be left behind. In this course, students identify innovative solutions to business problems. Specific topics include the analysis of cost and efficiency benefits found in emerging technologies, the legal and regulatory implications of various IT infrastructure strategies, and the complex process enterprises face in integrating new technology with existing infrastructure.
IT 590	LEGAL AND ETHICAL ISSUES IN IT	4 LEGAL AND ETHICAL ISSUES IN IT This course provides a detailed discussion of the legal and ethical issues associated with the information technology age. Topics covered in this course include: ethical theories related to information technology, protection of intellectual property, privacy, computer and network security, cybercrimes, and ethical behavior for working in the computer industry.
IT 599	APPLIED IT MASTER PROJECT	4 APPLIED IT MASTER PROJECT The Applied IT Master Project demonstrates a synthesis of knowledge gained in the degree plan. In this course, the student will implement an approved IT project. The project should emphasize the student's ability to make use of the knowledge gained in the Master of Science in Information Technology program. The student will investigate a topic, evaluate alternative approaches, and present a proposed solution in a professional manner. The student will reflect upon his or her learning experiences in the Master of Science in Information Technology program and what he or she offers to the industry.
	IT ELECTIVES*	16 IT ELECTIVES* *Students entering the program who do not possess a bachelor's degree in information technology or a comparable field of study must take IT 501: Principles of Information Technology their first term in place of an IT elective.

*Students entering the program who do not possess a bachelor’s degree in information technology or a comparable field of study must take IT 501: Principles of Information Technology their first term in place of an IT elective.

Total Program Requirements	52 Total Program Requirements

Nonspecialized / Core
Total Program Requirements

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If you already earned course credits at another institution, you may qualify for transfer credit that can be applied toward your program requirements at Kaplan University. Qualifying transfer credit may reduce your total costs for graduate programs. Refer to the University Catalog for our transfer of credit policy.

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Tuition and Fees

Cost per credit hour	$402.00
Total program requirements MS in Information Technology Specialized Track	56
Total cost of tuition	$22,512.00
Cost per credit hour	$402.00
Total program requirements MS in Information Technology Nonspecialized Track	52
Total cost of tuition	$20,904.00
Tuition for the Entrepreneurship specialization courses will be $441 per credit hour. This program requires a prorated technology fee of $50 per term. A nonrefundable application fee, depending on your program and as described in the Tuition and Fees Supplement, may be required at the time of enrollment. We encourage you to explore the availability of financial aid and scholarships. For more information, contact an Admissions Advisor.

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*Kaplan University's programs are designed to prepare graduates to pursue employment in their field of study, or in related fields. However, the University does not guarantee that graduates will be placed in any particular job, eligible for job advancement opportunities, or employed at all. Additional training or certification may be required.
^†Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-2013 Edition, Computer System Design and Related Services, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Management/Computer-and-information-systems-managers.htm. National long-term projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions, and do not guarantee actual job growth.

Master of Science in Information Technology

School of Information Systems Technology