MSIT PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

The VUST’s Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT) program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills essential to design, develop and lead Information Technology (IT) teams and projects effectively in today’s global organizations. The MSIT program aims to produce qualified professionals for mid-level IT positions in small and mid-size companies. The MSIT program emphasizes real-world knowledge and practical experience to develop a solid theoretical foundation and real-world experience to contribute meaningfully to IT solutions in today’s fast-paced, technologically driven global marketplace. General job titles available for graduates: Computer and Information System Managers, Computer System Analysts, Computer Network Architects, Computer and Information Research Scientists, Health Informatics Specialists, Database Architects, Data Warehousing Specialists, Data Scientists, Clinical Data Managers.
MSIT Program Objectives

Graduates of the MSIT program will be able to demonstrate the following skills:
1. IT Leadership & Management Skills
To demonstrate an ability to apply a significant amount of Information Technology knowledge within the domains of the MSIT program.
2. Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills
To demonstrate the ability to perform critical thinking needed to analyze, design and lead solutions for Information Technology problems using an analytical decision-making approach.
3. Communication and Team Management Skills
To demonstrate an ability to communicate effectively with all stakeholders and mobilize and lead teams for a common purpose with a clear understanding of the IT needs of the organization.
4. Integrity, Responsibility, and Professionalism
To demonstrate the ability to understand and analyze integrity, responsibility, and professionalism as they apply to information technology issues within an organization and to apply ethical decision-making principles during day-to-day operations.
MSIT PROGRAM STRUCTURE:
Students in the Master of Science degree in Information Technology must complete 54 quarter credit hours, as follows:
Program Name |
Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT) |
|
| Degree Grant | MSIT | |
| CIP Code | 11.0103 | |
| Program Length | 2 Years | |
| MIST program structure | Number of Courses | Quarter Credits |
| Core Courses | 7 | 31.5 |
| Concentration Courses | 4 | 18 |
| Capstone | 1 | 4.5 |
| Total Number of Courses | 12 | 54.0 |
1. Core Courses
(7 Courses / 31.5 credits)
The core courses (31.5 credits) consist of in-depth courses covering the many key facets of Information Technology (IT). All students are required to complete the 7 of 9 core courses listed below:
|
Course No. |
Course Name |
| MSIT 500 | Principle and Technology of Computer Science & IT |
| MSIT 511 | Management of Information Technology |
| MSIT 525 | Information Systems Analysis and Design |
| MSIT 528 | Enterprise IT Application and Integration |
| CSIS 536 | Computer Operation Systems & Cybersecurity |
| MSIT 540 | Network Systems Design and Management |
| CSIS 636 | Database System Management & Assurance |
| MSIT 546 | Cloud Computing Technology |
| CSIS 658 | Principles of Artificial Intelligence and Security |
2. Concentration Courses
(4 courses / 18 quarter credits)
MSIT students have the option to choose a concentration that allows for deeper study in emerging and diverse areas of information technology. These specialization areas cater to students who may have a particular interest in one field over others. Choosing a specialization is entirely optional and is intended to support students in aligning their studies with future career goals.
The MSIT program offers the following three concentration areas:
i. IT Systems & Management (ITSM)
The IT Systems & Management concentration includes the following required courses:
|
Course No. |
Course Name |
| LAM 611 | Project Management |
| MSIT 612 | Technology Entrepreneurship |
| LAM 630 | Management of Innovation and Technology Change |
| CSIS 570 | Enterprise Security Technology |
ii. Information Assurance Specialist (IAS)
The Information Assurance Specialist concentration includes the following required courses:
|
Course No. |
Course Name |
| IAM 640 | Information System Auditing and Monitoring |
| IAM 647 | System Assignment & Security Risk Analysis |
| CSIS 650 | System Architect and Cybersecurity |
| CSIS 665 | Disaster Recovery & High Availability |
iii. Data Management & Analytics (DMA).
The Data Management & Analytics concentration includes the following required courses:
|
Course No. |
Course Name |
| DMA 621 | DBMS Design and Analysis |
| MAM 622 | Advanced Analytics & Modeling |
| DMA 638 | Big Data Analytics and Intelligence |
| DMA 651 | Advanced Topics in Database Design & Management |
iv. Experiential/Capstone Project (4.5 credits/ 1 course)
Students must complete a knowledge-integrating capstone project during their final term, after completing all core and concentration courses
|
Course No. |
Course Name |
| MSIT 690 | Capstone Project |
MSIT PROGRAM FACULTY CREDENTIALS:
All faculty teaching in the MSIT program are Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) with a minimum of four years of professional experience in their respective fields. They bring extensive teaching experience from universities and colleges and hold Ph.D. degrees (some are ABDs) in Computer Science or related fields from prestigious institutions. Please CLICK HERE for detailed information on our faculty credentials.
MSIT PROGRAM CURRICULUM:
For detailed information on each course description and the MIST program curriculum, please download the VUST MSIT Program Curriculum 2024-25.
