Department website: https://www.atu.edu/cis

The Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT) provides a comprehensive study of the technologies and systems that support modern computing environments. Designed for students with little to no prior background in information technology, the program offers an accessible pathway into the field while maintaining a rigorous and applied curriculum. Students develop foundational and advanced skills across key areas of IT, including programming, database systems, web development, data science, and cybersecurity. Emphasis is placed on hands-on learning, problem-solving, and the application of emerging technologies to real-world challenges. Through close interaction with experienced faculty, students receive personalized guidance to support their academic and professional growth.

Unconditional Admission

Students are eligible to apply for unconditional admission to the Master of Science degree program in Information Technology if they meet all of the following requirements:

1. Applicants must meet the admission requirements for Graduate College. 
2. Applicants must have successfully completed one math course beyond college algebra. 
3. Applicants must have successfully completed two semesters of computer programming courses comparable to our COMS 1013 Programming Foundations I/COMS 1011 Programming Foundations I Lab and COMS 2203 Programming Foundations II or INFT 5103 Python Programming. 
4. Applicants must have an overall minimum GPA of 3.0 for their undergraduate studies.  
5. Approval from the Program Director. 

Conditional Admission

Applicants who fail to satisfy the requirements above may be admitted conditionally by the MS-IT Graduate Committee to earn a maximum of twelve (12) hours of graduate credit. Conditional admission may require taking one or more undergraduate and/or graduate courses to remove those conditions. Any such courses must be completed with a grade of "B" or better. In addition, if the student was admitted conditionally due to grade point average, the student must earn a 3.0 or better cumulative grade point average in all graduate courses taken for the program by the end of the semester in which the twelfth (12) graduate hours is completed. 

Degree Requirements

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
MSIT Core Requirements
INFT 5203	Database Systems	3
INFT 5413	Computer Systems and Architecture	3
INFT 5703	Principles of Networking	3
MSIT Elective Requirements
Select a maximum of two elective courses (six credit hours) at the 5000 level from the following:		6
INFT 5103	Python Programming
INFT 5303	Developing and Administering Web Sites
INFT 5403	Introduction to Information Technology and Systems
INFT 5503	The UNIX Operating System
INFT 5603	Principles of Data Science
INFT 5803	Principles of Cybersecurity
INFT 5983	Special Topics
Select a minimum of three elective courses (9 credit hours) at the 6000 level from the following:		9
INFT 6103	Advanced Python Programming
INFT 6203	Database Development and Administration
INFT 6303	Design of Web-Based Information Systems
INFT 6403	Information Security Systems Analysis and Design
INFT 6603	Advanced Data Science and Machine Learning
INFT 6703	Advanced Networks
INFT 6803	Advanced Cybersecurity
INFT 6903	Emerging Trends (Topic varies so may be repeated for credit)
Options
Select one of the following options:		6
Option I (Internship):
INFT 6993	Internship (3-6 hours)
Option II (Thesis):
INFT 6973 & INFT 6983	Thesis Research in Information Technology I and Thesis Research in Information Technology II
Total Hours		30

• The completion of 30 hours of graduate work of which at least 15 credit hours must be at the 6000 level where the student meets the below requirements: 

Students who complete the program will:

1. Analyze, identify and define the requirements that must be satisfied to address problems or opportunities faced by organizations or individuals (Theoretical Analysis)
2. Collaborate in teams to accomplish a common goal by integrating personal initiative and group cooperation (Analytic Problem Solving).
3. Demonstrate an understanding of best practices and standards and their application (Application of Knowledge)
4. Analyze the impact of information technology on individuals, organizations and society, including ethical, legal, and policy issues. (Ethics and Critical Thinking)

For program assessment visit: https://www.atu.edu/assessment/program_assessment.php