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 value for data, creating and maintaining high-quality computer software, engaging in cybersecurity management or technical operations, or managing complex IT projects. Individuals can tailor their graduate studies to their career needs in government or industry by pursuing a dual degree in information technology and cybersecurity, a dual degree in information technology and business administration (M.B.A.), a dual degree in information technology and health care management, a variety of electives, a research or project option, a global experience, and specialized tracks.
Students can choose from the following specialized tracks to complete their program:
- Cybersecurity
- Data Science
- Digital Transformation
- 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
- analyze complex problems in business and society to identify effective solutions utilizing contemporary digital technologies and methodologies;
- design, develop, and manage enterprise-wide digital systems that adhere to industry-wide standards with strong ethical principles;
- design and conduct evidence-based research on advanced digital technology and its implementation;
- demonstrate knowledge, skills, and abilities in the range of digital technology domains, including applications, enterprise infrastructures, database and storage technology, and cybersecurity;
- optimize the effectiveness of IT in an organization through effective IT decision making, governance, strategy, and policy development;
- communicate effectively with other technology professionals, end users, and managers;
- work successfully in a cross-disciplinary team on a time-critical project, both as a team leader and as a team participant;
- engage in continuing professional development and lifelong learning to adapt to an ever-changing global technology and business environment; and
- specialize in a specific area of technology such as software engineering, project management, health care informatics, cybersecurity, data science, or digital transformation.
Admission Requirements: Preference is given to applicants who have one of the following:
- an overall minimum GPA of 3.0 in a regionally 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 a student's 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; the latest it can be submitted is at the end of the first semester of attendance.
Minimum Grade Requirements: A minimum grade of B- is needed to receive credit for a course in this dual-degree 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 |
| | OR | |
| IT 570 | Cybersecurity: Law, Policy, Ethics, and Compliance | 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
Degree Track Courses
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 |
Two (2) courses from the following:
| IT 537 | Computer Forensics and Incident Response | 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 |
Data Science Track
| IT 546 | Principles of Data Science | 3 |
| IT 556 | Data Visualization | 3 |
| IT 566 | Computer Scripting Techniques | 3 |
| | | |
| IT 576 | Natural Language Processing (NLP) Techniques | 3 |
| | OR | |
| IT 586 | Machine Learning | 3 |
Digital Transformation Track
| IT 544 | The Technologies Behind Digital Transformation | 3 |
| IT 546 | Principles of Data Science | 3 |
| IT 548 | Managing Digital Transformation | 3 |
| | | |
| IT 504 | Cybersecurity Technology for Managers | 3 |
| | OR | |
| IT 586 | Machine Learning | 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
Two (2) course from the following:
| IT 548 | Managing Digital Transformation | 3 |
| IT 630 | Information Technology Practicum | 3 |
| MBA 515 | Management in Organizations | 3 |
| MGT 502 | Leading Collaboration and Innovation | 3 |
| MGT 507 | Leadership | 3 |
| MGT 515 | Leading and Managing Teams | 3 |
| MGT 585 | Global Business Management | 3 |
Software Engineering Track
Four (4) courses from the following:
| IT 500 | Programming Language Selection and Design | 3 |
| IT 552 | Operating Systems | 3 |
| IT 565 | Human Computer Interaction | 3 |
| IT 566 | Computer Scripting Techniques | 3 |
| IT 630 | Information Technology Practicum | 3 |