Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT)

Northwestern University’s Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT) program was founded on the belief that IT is at the core of every business, and that successful organizations must have IT leaders who possess a strong understanding of both technology and essential business and management principles.

Designed for seasoned IT professionals with workplace experience, our program offers a unique blend of technology and business courses, a diverse student body, and coursework taught by both academic professors and leading business and IT executives. Prepared for the constant, fast-paced challenges of senior IT leadership roles, our graduates are poised to lead decisions about technology and its implementations by bridging the gap between fundamental technologies and business strategies.

Full-Time Program Option

• Designed to be completed in one academic year (3 or 4 quarters), the full-time MSIT program is ideal for domestic and international IT professionals with an electrical engineering, computer science, or equivalent undergraduate or technical degree.

Program Structure

• MSIT offers two timeline options for full-time students. Both have the same requirements; students have the flexibility to choose which best aligns with their career goals and timeline.

Three-Quarter Option

• Take four courses during the fall, winter, and spring quarters
• Complete the program in 10 months

Four-Quarter Option

• Distribute courses over a four-quarter timespan (fall, winter, spring, and following fall)"
• Participate in an optional summer industry internship
• Keep visa for a longer period of time (international students)
• Complete the program in 12 months

Class Schedule and Location

• Full-time students take courses on weekdays and on Saturdays at Northwestern's Evanston campus.

Curriculum

Full-time students take a course load focused primarily on technical skills (70%) and complemented with business and management skills (30%). All MSIT program courses stay on the cutting edge of information technology. Classes typically require both individual and team-based assignments. Students also:

• Complete a capstone course
• Participate in study groups
• Have one open elective
• May petition to substitute a different course to fulfill a requirement
• May take up to two independent study courses that fit their area of interest

Who Should Apply?

• The program is designed for students who are looking to advance their careers in information technology. All full-time applicants must have at least two years of industry experience and must possess a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. For the full-time MSIT degree, any major will be considered, but the majority of students who apply have a technical degree and all must have proficiency in math and programming. The full-time option is ideal for international students wishing to enroll in the MSIT program.

Faculty

• MSIT courses are taught by tenured faculty from the McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science, Northwestern Law School, Medill’s Integrated Marketing Communications program, and by leading IT professionals from top corporations.