Graduate Study

Information Technology

Program Overview
Curriculum Review
Career Outcomes
Admission Requirements
Related Links

Program Overview

In 1992, RIT became the very first university in the United States to offer a baccalaureate degree in the, then, emerging computing discipline of information technology. Since that time many academic institutions,both nationally and internationally. have followed our lead and added information technology to their degree portfolios. Our Master of Science in information technology, offered since 1995, extends this leadership position.

Our MS in information technology is a unique and flexible program that allows the student to craft his or her own program of study within the broad range of the information technology computing discipline. Study areas include website development and multimedia, human computer interaction and information architecture, electronic commerce, database development and administration, application development and management, and networking and system security.

Curriculum Review

The MS information technology program consists of 48 quarter-credit hours of graduate study (11 courses plus a 4-credit capstone experience). The curriculum consists of a core course with a choice of concentrations and an elective. A masters project or thesis is required to demonstrate advanced knowledge in one or more of the information technology concentration areas.

The program is available for full- and part-time study on-campus, and partially available through RIT's online learning program.

Concentrations

Interactive Multimedia Development
Multimedia Application Development
Web Application Development
XML Data Development
Interface Architecture
Game Programming
Game Design
Human-Computer Interaction
Learning and Performance Technology
Database Concepts
Application Development
Software Project Management
Electronic Commerce
Networking
System Survivability

Career Outcomes

Job Titles

Information specialist, information analyst, network administrator, system administrator, facilities coordinator, web designer, webmaster, database developer, web content developer

Functions

IT consulting, system design, web content development, multimedia development, computer game development, database administration, network administration and security.

Recent Employers

Adobe, Texas Instruments, Harris Corporation, Eastman Kodak Company, Cabletron, McNeil Consumer Products, Global Crossing, Cisco Systems

Admission Requirements

Fulfill general criteria for graduate admission

Applicants from foreign universities must submit Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores. These scores may be required from those whose undergraduate grade point average is less than 3.0/4.0 (B average).

Applicants whose native language is other than English must take the TOEFL examination; a score of at least 570 (paper-based), 230 (computer-based), or 88 (internet-based) is required.

Applicants with a lower TOEFL score may be admitted conditionally, but must take a prescribed program in English along with a reduced program course load.

Prerequisites

It is expected that students wishing to enter the master’s program will have a background in fundamental information technology concepts, including object-oriented programming, computer hardware and networking, and Web site design and multimedia concepts.

Students without the necessary background should complete the prerequisites before applying to the program. Bridge program courses are available to satisfy the prerequisites requirements.