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 specializations.
Students can choose to take a variety of IT electives, or choose from the following specializations to complete their program:
- Business Management
- Cybersecurity
- Data Science
- Digital Health
- Digital Transformation
- Hospitality Innovation
- IT Project Management
- Privacy and Data Security
- 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.
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; or
- a high-level certification, such as PMP, CISSP, or CCNA.
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.
Application information for current graduate students: Current master’s level students who are pursuing a master’s level graduate program in the College may submit paperwork to the College for consideration to change to a different master’s level graduate program in the College, or to add an additional master’s level graduate program in the College. Students wishing to pursue a doctoral degree must follow the application process outlined with graduate admissions.
Current students who are pursuing a graduate certificate within the College may submit paperwork to the College for consideration to add a master’s level program within the College to their program of study at the University.
Transfer Credits: Students who have completed an equivalent graduate course within five years at an accredited college or university, and received a grade of B or better, may be permitted to transfer those graduate credits at the discretion of the school director. No transfer credit is given for internship or practicum experience at the graduate level. Ordinarily, no more than 12 graduate credit hours may be transferred.
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 required for this program. All graduate students in the College of Business, Innovation, Leadership, 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
Degree Required Courses
Courses are listed in the recommended sequence of enrollment.
| IT 510 | Requirements Analysis and Management | 3 |
| IT 515 | Decision Making for Managing IT | 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 |
| OR | |
| MBA 516 | Business Law and Ethics | 3 |
| | |
| IT 610 | IT Governance and Strategy | 3 |
| | |
| IT 670 | Computer Network Defense | 3 |
| OR | |
| IT 680 | IT Master's Project | 3 |
IT 670: for those in cybersecurity track
Specialization Courses
Students can take a specialized track or select four (4) 500- level IT courses (12 credits). Students must submit paperwork with the College to declare their specialization.
Business Management Specialization
Cybersecurity Specialization
| IT 530 | Computer Security | 3 |
| IT 570 | Cybersecurity: Law, Policy, Ethics, and Compliance | 3 |
Cybersecurity Track Electives
Two (2) electives from the following:
| IT 535 | Advanced Computer Security | 3 |
| IT 537 | Computer Forensics and Incident Response | 3 |
| IT 560 | Applications of Cryptography | 3 |
| IT 575 | Information Security Management | 3 |
| IT 588 | Cybersecurity Risk Management | 3 |
| IT 670 | Computer Network Defense | 3 |
Data Science Specialization
| IT 540 | Enterprise Data Management and Analysis | 3 |
| IT 546 | Principles of Data Science | 3 |
| IT 566 | Computer Scripting Techniques | 3 |
Data Science Electives
Take one (1) elective from the following:
| IT 556 | Data Visualization | 3 |
| IT 576 | Natural Language Processing (NLP) Techniques | 3 |
| IT 586 | Machine Learning | 3 |
Digital Health Specialization
| IT 545 | Health Care Informatics | 3 |
| IT 546 | Principles of Data Science | 3 |
| IT 547 | Security and Privacy of Electronic Documents | 3 |
| IT 597 | Security and Privacy of Medical Devices | 3 |
Digital Transformation Specialization
| IT 530 | Computer Security | 3 |
| | OR | |
| IT 586 | Machine Learning | 3 |
| | | |
| IT 544 | The Technologies Behind Digital Transformation | 3 |
| IT 546 | Principles of Data Science | 3 |
| IT 548 | Managing Digital Transformation | 3 |
Hospitality Innovation Specialization
| HRM 586 | People Analytics | 3 |
| INN 510 | Entrepreneurial Thinking | 3 |
| MGT 573 | Hospitality Industry: Innovation, Strategy, and Design Thinking | 3 |
| MGT 575 | Hospitality Industry: Analytics and Business Intelligence | 3 |
IT Project Management Specialization
| IT 543 | Project Management | 3 |
| IT 548 | Managing Digital Transformation | 3 |
| IT 580 | Technology Leadership | 3 |
| IT 585 | Managing Technical People | 3 |
Privacy and Data Security Specialization
| IT 512 | Privacy and Data Security Fundamentals | 3 |
| IT 522 | Privacy Program Management and Assessment | 3 |
| IT 532 | Privacy Design in the Technology Ecosystem | 3 |
| IT 547 | Security and Privacy of Electronic Documents | 3 |
Software Engineering Specialization
Four (4) courses from the following:
| IT 500 | Programming Language Selection and Design | 3 |
| IT 546 | Principles of Data Science | 3 |
| IT 552 | Operating Systems | 3 |
| IT 566 | Computer Scripting Techniques | 3 |
| IT 586 | Machine Learning | 3 |
| IT 590 | Topics in Information Technology | 3 |