Information Technology (M.S.)
Marymount’s information technology program offers advanced study to prepare individuals for leadership roles in the IT industry, whether managing enterprise infrastructure, designing computer systems with current systems life cycle methodologies, creating and maintaining high-quality computer software, engaging in cybersecurity management or technical operations, or managing complex IT projects. A dual degree in information technology and cybersecurity, a dual degree in information technology and the MBA, a variety of electives, a research or project option, a global experience, and specialized tracks enable individuals to tailor their graduate studies to their career needs in government or industry.
Students have the option of choosing a specialized track to complete their program:
- Cybersecurity
- Health Care Informatics
- Project Management and Technology Leadership
- Software Engineering
The program is designed to provide the academic foundation for those seeking to become a chief information officer (CIO) or attain a similar senior IT position.
The full-time faculty for this program conduct research in information technology, cybersecurity, data management, open source software, natural language processing (NLP), human computer interaction, technology for health care, and other areas. Adjunct faculty work in the field in areas such as requirements analysis, cybercrime, hardware design, software development, database management, cybersecurity, and operations management for government and business.
Upon successful completion of the information technology program, students will be able to
- identify and solve complex problems in business and society using information technology, including the application and management of complex systems of hardware, software, networks, databases, and computer security;
- exercise leadership in analyzing, designing, developing, and integrating IT solutions that meet industry-wide standards using system engineering principles;
- manage enterprise-wide information systems to ensure that an organization is competitive in today's global and high performance environment following strong ethical principles;
- use specialized knowledge to obtain skills and, if applicable, certifications in areas such as software development, database and storage technology, cybersecurity, IT governance, and project management;
- optimize the effectiveness of IT in an organization by effective IT governance, development of IT strategic plans, implementation of IT policies, and assurance of ethical awareness of the enterprise use of information;
- communicate effectively with others, including technologists and managers in the IT field and users and managers in the business context;
- work effectively as a member or as a leader of a cross-disciplinary team in the IT field where teamwork is essential to the success of time-critical projects; and
- develop the knowledge and skills required to pursue life-long learning in areas relating to information technology and to adapt to an ever-changing, global technology and business environment through information literacy relevant to a fast-changing discipline.
Admission Requirements: Preference is given to applicants who have one of the following:
- an overall minimum GPA of 3.0 in an accredited undergraduate program;
- nine (9) recent credits in an accredited graduate program with a minimum GPA of 3.0;
- a high-level certification, such as PMP, CISSP, or CCNA;
- or a satisfactory score on the GRE or GMAT.
An interview with the program director or a designee may be required.
If a departmental review reveals deficiencies in the information technology knowledge, the student may be required to complete additional undergraduate courses.
Course Substitution Policy: If a student can exhibit a depth of knowledge gained through prior experience, advanced certifications, and/or previous coursework, more advanced courses may be substituted for lower graduate-level program requirements. This evidence should be submitted at the time of admission, and at the latest by the end of the first semester of attendance.
Minimum Grade Requirements: A minimum grade of C is needed to receive credit for a course in the information technology program. All graduate students in the School of Business and Technology must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
Students whose cumulative GPA falls below 3.0 will be placed on academic probation. Students must bring their cumulative GPA to 3.0 or higher within nine (9) graduate credits or be dismissed. A student whose cumulative GPA falls below 3.0 a second time will be dismissed.
Degree Requirements — Information Technology
36 credits
Courses are listed in recommended sequence of enrollment.
| IT 510 | Requirements Analysis | 3 |
| | |
| IT 515 | Decision Making for IT | 3 |
| OR | |
| MSC 515 | Research Methods | 3 |
| | |
| IT 520 | Enterprise Infrastructure and Networks | 3 |
| IT 530 | Computer Security | 3 |
| IT 540 | Enterprise Data Management and Analysis | 3 |
| IT 550 | Ethics, Law, and Policy in the Information Age | 3 |
| IT 610 | IT Governance and Strategy | 3 |
| | |
| IT 680 | IT Master's Project | 3 |
| OR | |
| IT 670 | Computer Network Defense | 3 |
IT 670: for those in cybersecurity track
Students must choose a specialized track to complete their program.
Cybersecurity Track
| IT 535 | Advanced Computer Security | 3 |
| IT 547 | Security and Privacy of Electronic Documents | 3 |
| IT 570 | Cybersecurity: Law, Policy, Ethics, and Compliance | 3 |
One (1) course from the following:
| IT 537 | Computer Forensics and Incident Response | 3 |
| IT 547 | Security and Privacy of Electronic Documents | 3 |
| IT 557 | Monitoring, Auditing, and Penetration Testing | 3 |
| IT 560 | Cryptography | 3 |
| IT 567 | Global Cybersecurity | 3 |
| IT 575 | Information Security Management | 3 |
| IT 587 | Cybersecurity Systems: Certification and Accreditation | 3 |
| IT 590 | Topics in Information Technology | 3 |
| IT 630 | Information Technology Practicum | 3 |
Health Care Informatics Track
| IT 545 | Health Care Informatics | 3 |
| | |
| IT 547 | Security and Privacy of Electronic Documents | 3 |
| OR | |
| IT 630 | Information Technology Practicum | 3 |
| | |
| HCM 510 | Health Care Management | 3 |
| HCM 520 | Health Care Reimbursement Systems | 3 |
(Students who have successfully completed this track may apply for the health care informatics graduate certificate in addition to the degree.)
Project Management and Technology Leadership Track
One (1) course from the following:
Software Engineering Track
| IT 500 | Programming Language Selection and Design | 3 |
| IT 505 | Design and Analysis of Algorithms | 3 |
| | |
| IT 565 | Human Computer Interaction | 3 |
| OR | |
| IT 630 | Information Technology Practicum | 3 |
| | |
| IT 552 | Operating Systems | 3 |