Online Master of Science in

Information Technology

You’ve built an impressive career to date, but considering the evolution of technology, you know you’re far from done. Continue growing your accomplishments, broadening your skills, and deepening your vocation with an online Master of Science in Information Technology from Abilene Christian University.

Whether you’re a seasoned IT professional thinking ahead or someone seeking a career change, the online MSIT sets you up for long-term success. A fully online format helps you earn this career-boosting credential around your existing position and prepare to take multiple industry certification exams. 

You’ve built an impressive career to date, but considering the evolution of technology, you know you’re far from done. Continue growing your accomplishments, broadening your skills, and deepening your vocation with an online Master of Science in Information Technology from Abilene Christian University.

Whether you’re a seasoned IT professional thinking ahead or someone seeking a career change, the online MSIT sets you up for long-term success. A fully online format helps you earn this career-boosting credential around your existing position and prepare to take multiple industry certification exams. 

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Grow Your IT, Cybersecurity, and Leadership Skills

You’ve never coasted, so dedicate yourself to a new endeavor that positions you as a team leader and industry authority. As you learn about cybersecurity, database management, and higher-level systems administration topics, our vibrant, virtual Christ-centered community welcomes your drive and passion. 

Locked-In Tuition

Introducing
Locked-In Tuition.

Our Locked-In Tuition program guarantees you’ll pay the same price for your entire graduate degree.

About the Program

I'm looking at it right now, Master of Science in Information Technology

With five courses in cybersecurity, our online Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT) is designed around this central pillar and provides instruction that runs parallel to professional certifications. Our MSIT courses are industry aligned, equip students to sit for widely recognized certification exams, and connect current information technology trends with organizational behavior, project management, and other essential business concepts.

Program Structure

All the Details on Your Degree

ACU designed the online MSIT for the working IT professional who holds an undergraduate degree in a related field. Non-IT working professionals and career changers are welcome to enroll but must complete prerequisite coursework in programming, databases, networking, and statistics. Subjects touch on advanced database management, data analytics, information systems, network administration, and cybersecurity, in addition to leadership and business concepts through an IT lens. 

Stackable Certificate:
Earn a certificate while completing your master’s degree.

While enrolled in our Master of Science in Information Technology program, you will also earn a graduate-level Certificate in Cybersecurity. Earn this valuable credential as you progress through your degree at no additional cost. 

Required Hours

36 hours
24 months minimum

Example Coursework

Strategic IT Leadership
Technical Project Management
Enterprise Architectures and Systems
System Certification & Accreditation

Upcoming Start Dates

April 30, 2024
August 20, 2024

COMMON JOB TITLES

Chief Information Officer (CIO)
Business Analyst
IT Administrator
Computer Systems Analyst
Project Manager

What to Expect

IT professionals know that learning never stops. As trends shift, you read up on and implement the latest network and security standards, familiarize yourself with new programming languages, and continue to uncover technology’s myriad of applications. 

The online Master’s in Information Technology reflects your unrelenting quest for knowledge, with coursework crafted around industry standards and certifications. The curriculum focuses on current developments, cybersecurity, and business applications of information technology:

  • Prepare to fight the growing number of cyber attacks that compromise both business data and customer information and can result in significant financial losses. 
  • Stay ahead in your field through courses covering risk management, cybersecurity, data analytics, and systems administration, as well as industry compliance standards.
  • Get ready to step up in your field with a credential that can take you from a support or specialist position to a leadership or management role involving additional responsibilities.
  • Understand what goes into proposing, implementing, and overseeing information technology projects at the organizational level. 
  • Start to think of information technology as the backbone of every business — particularly for protecting assets, complying with industry regulations, and maintaining customer relationships. 
  • Gain the skills to lead IT teams, develop department- and company-wide procedures, and communicate the importance of cybersecurity to company managers and shareholders. 

Curriculum

To achieve these outcomes, a 36 credit-hour curriculum covers:

  • data analytics in the context of business functions, with emphasis given to statistical concepts and visualizations;
  • organizational behavior theories from individual to company levels for a stronger understanding of how to motivate teams, develop culture, and make high-level decisions; 
  • contemporary information technology trends in business, including in the context of support, budgeting, planning, and customer care;
  • information service management for proposing and guiding IT projects;
  • project management tools, software, and certification;
  • security, with encryption, authentication, and other factors affecting data emphasized;
  • advanced information systems knowledge, including forensics, operations security, programming, and cryptography; 
  • risk management tactics in relation to industry compliance;
  • enterprise architecture and systems for integrating information technology with organizational processes; 
  • leadership, strategizing, ethics, and decision-making methods for IT professionals; and
  • cybersecurity management, defense, and response techniques. 

Meet the Program Director

Dr. Joe Feliciano, Master of Science in Information Technology

Dr. Joe Feliciano is the Program Director for the Master of Science in Information Technology and the Certificate in Cybersecurity. He received his doctorate from Pace University in New York. His master’s degree in Information Systems is from Long Island University, and his undergraduate work was completed at Hawaii Pacific University in Business Administration.

After leaving the U.S. Air Force in 1995, he began to work on Windows Servers, PCs, and Mainframe Systems for manufacturing, health care, and telecom organizations. He has taught IT management, computer networking, database, and cybersecurity courses since 2007.

Spotlight

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5 Books Every MSIT Student Should Read

Ever wondered how you can improve your understanding of data and information systems? Look no further! We have curated 5 Books every Master of Science in Information Technology student should read.

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Meet Dr. Joe Feliciano, mastermind and Program Director for ACU Online’s bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in Information Technology. Read more about how he thoughtfully designed these programs and his goals for training future tech professionals.

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Master of Science in Information Technology

Transform into an IT leader ready to nurture junior professionals and bring your team together, whether that’s to develop a supportive culture where everyone thrives or effectively collaborate to defend your organization from outside threats. At the same time, you’re ready to think about information technology and network security in a broader business context and how they define all organizational functions.

As you look ahead, ACU’s online Master’s in Information Technology prepares you to pursue a leadership or management role with greater responsibilities, oversight, and impact. As the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts significant growth for computer and information technology roles over the next decade, this credential not only distinguishes your background but specifically focuses on the competencies essential for obtaining industry certifications that reflect your knowledge. 

Developing programmer Team Development Website design and coding technologies working in software company office, Master of Science in Information Technology

Curriculum can prepare you for the following certifications:

  • CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CSA+)
  • Project Management Professional (PMP)
  • Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
  • Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
  • Axelos Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) Certification
Young woman programming at her home office, Master of Science in Information Technology

To be considered for admission, students must:

  • Complete the online program application accompanied by a non-refundable processing fee.
  • Have at least 1 year of demonstrated full-time work experience.
  • Submit official transcripts showing earned bachelor’s from a regionally accredited college or university or the equivalent.
  • Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above, probationary status may be granted to applicants with a 2.5 – 2.9 GPA. The program director will evaluate applications on a case-by-case basis.
  • Submit a current resume and purpose statement addressing career goals.
  • Have completed course prerequisites which include programming, databases, networking, and statistics.

International applicants will be required to provide TOEFL scores (if applicable) and transcript assessment for degrees completed outside of the United States.

No GRE or GMAT required.

SACSCOC Stamp Color

Abilene Christian University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, master’s and doctoral degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Ga. 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of ACU.

Abilene Christian University enjoys a strong national reputation as one of the leading private Christian universities in the west and southwest, indicated by various ratings (such as U.S. News and World Report and other reports).