Information Technology, BA/MSIT

Overview

The Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT) is offered by the School of Professional Studies (SPS). Information Technology continues to be a rapidly growing industry and its effective use helps create business and social value for all types of enterprises. The ongoing integration of IT with the business and the rapid evolution of the technology itself places a premium on IT leaders who have a pragmatic understanding of how the application of technology can move the enterprise forward, can effectively communicate their vision and then lead its successful execution. Clark University’s MSIT degree is designed to provide these skills to our students. Our curriculum is comprised of four required courses which provide a solid understanding of key Information Technology domains and business skills. Students have the opportunity to choose six electives and may elect to concentrate on areas like Cyber Security, Business Intelligence and IT Leadership. Regardless of the path chosen, we provide ample class time to foster leadership skills like collaboration, negotiation, and truly effective communication techniques that senior executives look for in the next generation of IT leadership.

Departmental Eligibility Requirements

Clark Bachelor of Arts students applying to the MSIT Program within the structure of the existing ADP program must have a minimum GPA of 3.4 and completed two of six of the following courses:

• CSCI 201 - Proseminar In Computer Science  
• CSCI 215 - Operating Systems  
• CSCI 220 - Database Management And Systems Design  
• CSCI 245 - Mobile Software Development  
• CSCI 250 - Software Engineering  
• CSCI 280 - Computer Networks  

Students are required to meet with the MSIT Accelerated Degree Program adviser as a formal part of the admissions process. This meeting is intended to assist prospective students in assessing the appropriateness of the degree to their professional aspirations. The student applies to the MSIT program by completing the Online Application no later than May 1 of the junior year. Please note that application deadlines differ for students who are graduating off cycle (either a semester early or late) or who have advanced standing; such students should contact Graduate Admissions for alternative dates.

Internship

Completion of an approved non-credit internship is required. Exceptions are available for those who qualify.  Please refer to our academic policies and visit a member of our Experiential Learning team for more information.

Program of Study

The MSIT is comprised of 10 graduate courses, including required foundation courses (4) and electives (6) or concentration (3) plus electives (3).

The required foundation courses are:

• MSIT 3050 - Information Systems Analysis and Design  
• MSIT 3110 - Cyber Security Fundamentals  
• MSIT 3410 - IT Strategy Leadership  
• MSIT 3250 - Network Architecture and Design  
 

See full program description and requirements for information on Concentrations and Electives.

Senior Year:

Students must take two MSIT foundation courses during their senior year. Selection of these courses should be made in conjunction with the MSIT Program Adviser.

Summer between Senior Year and Graduate/Fifth Year:

An internship is required for incoming students and a 2^nd course is recommended in order to complete the remaining 8 courses within the fifth year.

Graduate/Fifth Year:

The remaining courses should be completed during the Fifth Year. No more than 8 of the required courses may be taken in the fifth year.

Fees

This program is eligible for up to 100% tuition remission rate for a student’s fifth year graduate program.  There is a one-time program fee in the first semester of graduate study.  The student continues to be responsible for paying other enrollment and activity fees as well as their housing, books and personal items.  Tuition and fees are set annually by the Board of Trustees.

Program Adviser

Students are required to meet with the designated program adviser and have them sign the Accelerated Degree Program Adviser Form. The signed form confirms the student and program adviser have discussed the requirements of the program. This form is available on the Graduate Admissions website.

The designated program adviser is:

Tara Mason
Jonas Clark Hall
School of Professional Studies
508-793-7219
tmason@clarku.edu

Once you have started your fifth year, you may be assigned a different academic adviser. Any student considering applying to the Accelerated Degree Program should read and understand the Accelerated Degree Program Policies and Procedures .

Advice for prospective students

The MSIT degree program students are a mix of recent undergraduate degree holders and working professionals. The teaching methods in the degree program are designed to be highly interactive and project-oriented supplemented by theory and current practice readings and lectures. The program works best for students who are clear about their career goals and how the degree can help them attain their professional objectives.