Program overview

The master of science degree in information technology is a unique and flexible program that allows students to craft their own program of study within the broad range of the IT computing discipline. Students build upon a core requirement that investigates current information technology directions and opportunities. The specialty areas include website design and interactive multimedia development, application development, usability and interface design, database theory and practice, software project management, eLearning technologies, and computer networking. In addition, students have the option of choosing courses from among the wide variety of fields offered within RIT, such as computer animation and computer graphics, telecommunications technology, and business.

Curriculum

The program consists of 48 quarter credit hours of graduate study, and includes one core course, concentrations, an elective, and a capstone experience. Some of the courses are offered online. Please consult the course descriptions for more information on availability and prerequisites.

Concentrations

Concentrations are availbale in the following areas: Web development, XML data management, multimedia application development, human-computer interaction, media and interaction, application development, eLearning technologies, project management, databases and data management, bioinformatics, networking, systems administration, and system survivability. With the permission of the graduate program director, students complete one concentration (a maximum of 12 graduate credits) from another department at RIT. Some of the available concentrations areas are: technology management, information systems, eCommerce, telecommunications technology, automated manufacturing, and computer graphics. Students can use the special topics option to design a concentration with approval from the graduate program director.

Electives

Electives are typically chosen from courses in information technology. However, with prior approval, graduate courses from other departments such as computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, or business may also be appropriate.

Capstone experience

A master’s project or thesis that builds upon the student’s concentration areas is required. Students register for either 4 or 8 quarter credits for the capstone experience, depending on the depth and scope of their investigations.

Concentrations

Admission requirements

To be considered for admission to the MS program in information technology, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:

• Hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution,
• Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B),
• Submit official transcripts (in English) for all previously completed undergraduate and graduate course work,
• Submit a resume,
• Submit two letters of recommendation, and
• Complete a graduate application.
• International applicants, whose native language is not English, must submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language. Minimum scores of 570 (paper-based) or 88 (Internet-based) are required. Applicants with a lower TOEFL score may be admitted conditionally and will be required to complete a prescribed program in English, along with a reduced program course load.

Applicants from foreign universities must submit Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores. These scores also may be required for applicants whose undergraduate grade point average is less than 3.0.

Additional information

Prerequisites

It is expected that students wishing to enter the program will have a background in fundamental information technology concepts, including: object-oriented programming, computer hardware and software architecture, networking, website design, and interactive multimedia concepts.

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

Bridge program

Students whose undergraduate preparation or employment experience does not satisfy the prerequisites can make up these deficiencies by completing bridge courses as prescribed by the graduate program coordinator.

The bridge program’s courses are not part of the 48 quarter credit hours required for the master’s degree. Grades for bridge courses are not included in a student’s graduate GPA if the courses are taken before matriculation; they are included if they are taken after matriculation.

A bridge program can be designed in a variety of ways. The graduate program director will assist students in planning and course selection.

Maximum time limit

University policy requires that gradaute programs be completed within seven years of the student's initial registration for courses in the program. Bridge courses are excluded.