Master of Science in Information Technology
Arkansas Tech University
Key Information
Campus location
Russellville, USA
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
2 years
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
USD 12,074 / per year *
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
Request info
* tuition per year. Personal expenses: $10,087
Introduction
The Master of Science in Information Technology (MS-IT) is a study of the hardware and software mechanisms used to implement modern information systems. It includes coverage of local-area networks, databases, operating systems, the Internet, the web, and IT management. The student is offered two specialty programs: one in Computer-Based Instructional Technology (CBIT), and one in Information Technology (IT). Each program is built around a common core of three important technologies: networking, web development, database design, and implementation.
The Computer-Based Instructional Technology (CBIT) specialty program enables a student to complete the degree through course-work directed to showing the application of computing technology to instruction.
The Information Technology (IT) specialty program is intended for students pursuing a career in technical support for information systems. The focus is on an integrated study of networking, databases, and the web.
Academic Advisors
The MS-IT Graduate Committee will assign a faculty advisor to each student admitted to the MS-IT degree program. The advisor will assist the student in the design of a curriculum of study that leads to the fulfillment of degree requirements. Additionally, the academic advisor and the Graduate College will monitor the student's progress. It remains, however, the student's responsibility to understand and to satisfy all degree requirements.
Degree Requirements
The completion of 36 hours of graduate work which includes 18 semester hours in MSIT core requirements plus requirements for the Computer-Based Instructional Technology (CBIT) or the Informational Technology (IT) specialty program. A minimum of 18 of the total hours must be at the 6000 level.
MSIT Core Requirements (18 hours)
- INFT 5203 Database Systems
- INFT 5303 Developing and Administering Web Sites
- INFT 5703 Computer Networks
- INFT 5700 Computer Networks Lab
Plus completion of nine (9) semester hours from the following courses:
- INFT 5103 Software Development
- INFT 5503 The UNIX Operating System
- INFT 5403 Introduction to Information Technology and Systems
- INFT 5413 Computer Systems and Architecture
Computer-Based Instructional Technology (CBIT) Requirements (18 hours)
- EDFD 6003 Educational Research
- EDMD 6133 Production of Instructional Materials
- EDMD 6313 Instructional Design and Product Development
- EDFD 6313 Principles of Curriculum Development
- EDMD 6513 Computer-Based Instruction
- INFT 3 hours elective (6000 level)
Plus successful completion of written comprehensive examinations.
Information Technology (IT) Requirements (18 hours)
Completion of 9 semester hours of the following courses and one of the three options
- INFT 6203 Database Development and Administration
- INFT 6303 Design of Web-based Information Systems
- INFT 6403 Information Systems Analysis and Design
- INFT 6703 Heterogeneous Networks
- INFT 6700 Heterogeneous Networks Lab
Option I (Internship):
- 3-8 hours of INFT 6000 level elective courses (depending on the internship)
- 1-6 hours internship (INFT 6991-3)
Option II (Thesis):
- 3 hours of INFT 6000-level elective courses
- 6 hours Thesis Research (INFT 6973 and INFT 6983)
Option III (Comprehensive Examinations):
- 9 hours of INFT 6000-level elective courses
- The successful completion of written comprehensive examinations.
A cumulative grade point average of at least 3.00 in all graduate courses completed at Arkansas Tech University with a maximum of six (6) hours of "C" grades. A student receiving more than six (6) hours of "C" or grades lower than "C" should refer to the section of the catalog on Academic Probation and Dismissal. A minimum of 27 hours of graduate coursework completed at Arkansas Tech University. Completion of all degree requirements within four (4) years of admission into the program, is necessary.
Candidacy
Graduate students admitted unconditionally must apply for candidacy to the selected degree program upon completion of twelve (12) graduate credit hours. Students admitted conditionally cannot apply for candidacy until all conditions assigned at the time of admission to graduate study have been removed.
Upon the completion of twelve (12) graduate hours, a hold will be placed on the students' record until a candidacy form has been approved by the Graduate Dean. Failure to apply for candidacy will result in the hold remaining on the students' record, and an inability to register for subsequent coursework.
Students who have filed a candidacy form but do not enroll or receive graduate credit for one (1) academic year must submit a new candidacy form upon being readmitted into the same graduate program. If admitted into a different academic program, students are not required to submit a new candidacy form until twelve (12) graduate credits have been accumulated within the new program.
Application for Graduation
In addition to satisfying all degree requirements, a candidate for a degree must file an Application for Graduation online or at the Registrar's Office. Students must apply for graduation upon completion of twelve (12) graduate credit hours.
Special Conditions of Graduate Credit
Graduate Credit Taken Prior to Admission to Arkansas Tech University
A maximum of nine (9) semester hours of graduate credit with a grade point average of "B" or better may be transferred from an accredited graduate school if deemed appropriate to the MS-IT Graduate Committee, the Director of the MSIT program, and the Graduate College Dean. Students must send a written request through the MSIT Graduate Committee and program director to petition an acceptance of the transfer credit prior to requesting admission to candidacy to the graduate program. Graduate credit earned six (6) years prior to the completion date of all degree requirements may not be applied toward the degree without the approval of the MS-IT program director and the Graduate College Dean. Credits earned by correspondence courses or for remedial purposes will not apply toward the graduate degree. No undergraduate course may be repeated for graduate credit.
Graduate Credit Taken After Admission to Arkansas Tech University
If after admission to graduate study, a student wishes to take a course at another institution to count toward degree requirements at Arkansas Tech University, the student must (in advance of enrollment) obtain written approval from the MS-IT program director and the Graduate College Dean.