M.S. in Information Technology

The Rensselaer M.S. in Information Technology balances the study of management strategies and technology leadership with advanced course work in an IT concentration. Students complete a suite of core and capstone courses and also select three to five additional courses to complete their concentrations. Professional and research tracks are offered for the M.S. in IT degree.

Plan of Study

• All students develop a Plan of Study with their IT Advisor which includes a minimum of 10 courses (30 credits), a minimum of six courses (eighteen credits or more) at the 6000 graduate level, and no more than 5 courses from the Lally School of Management and Technology (prefix MGMT).

Core
Master's students take one required course from each of the five core areas listed below to gain a breadth of IT knowledge.  Advance core options are available.

• Database Systems
• Data Analytics
• Software Design and Engineering
• Management of Technology (Research track will not be required to take this core class.)
• Human Computer Interaction

Focus Tracks
Focus Tracks are designed to provide an in-depth experience in the application of Information Technology.  Students choose from one of twelve focus tracks and complete a minimum of 3 courses within their focus track.

• Cognitive Computing
• Data Science and Analytics
• Database and Intelligent Systems
• Financial Engineering
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Information Dominance
• Information Security
• Information Systems Engineering
• Management Information Systems
• Networking
• Software Design and Engineering
• Web Science

Professional Track
Capstone Course

• The M.S. in IT Capstone course integrates the knowledge and professional practice of IT core and focus track courses. Topics in database systems, networking, data analytics, software design and engineering, management of technology, human computer interaction, and ethics are applied within a framework of global e-business strategy. The course utilizes an Information Technology Team Project with a real organization to practice the major concepts of the IT Degree. Team members select, develop, and present a significant technology implementation project, incorporating strategy, systems development, and business planning.

Research Track

• The research track for the M.S. in IT allows a student to complete a one semester Master's Project or a two semester Master's Thesis.

Students who successfully complete this program will be able to demonstrate:

• Core knowledge in database systems, data analytics, software design and engineering, management of technology and human-computer interaction.
• Detailed knowledge in one or more ITWS domain areas.
• Strong communication skills with colleagues, both technical and non-technical.
• A high level of professionalism in the execution of IT projects or research (Professional Track).
• Proficiency in research methods and analysis (Research Track).

The following materials are required for your applicaton to be considered:

• GPA of at least 3.0
• Resume or CV
• Undergraduate transcripts
• Undergraduate core coursework including Data Structures and Computer Science I.
• At least two letters of recommendation, three letters strongly recommended
• Personal statement
• IT Background Evaluation form