Personal Reflection: Problem Solving in the Workplace It is important for students to understand how their curriculum is applied to real world workplace environments. How what you are studying can or

program’s goals and curriculum on the UC Webpage and the UC Graduate Course Catalog:

WHAT IS A MASTER’S IN IT?

A master’s in IT is a graduate degree that builds on what you learned in your bachelor’s degree program and IT career. The program often attracts IT professionals with at least several years of experience. It offers the chance to explore a new direction in the field, build career-specific skills, or prepare for potential leadership opportunities. 

As the information technology field expands, businesses may seek experts with advanced knowledge of IT management and leadership. In addition, there’s increased demand for professionals with skills in cloud computing, big data, information security, and other growing areas of IT. Earning your master’s in IT could be one way to stand out from the competition and gain an edge in your career.

For career paths such as computer and information research scientist, a master’s in information technology or a related field might be an entry-level requirement. For most other IT roles, earning a master’s degree could be a way to boost your credentials and build new skills. So, which IT professionals earn a master’s degree?

• 36% of Computer Network Architects

• 29% of Database Architects

• 17% of Computer Systems Engineers

• 17% of Systems Software Developers

• 16% of Applications Software Developers

• 14% of Computer and Information Systems Managers

• 14% of Computer Systems Analysts

• And many others

Some IT pros earn a master’s to explore a new area of the information technology field or even pursue a career change. For instance, many information security analysts start out in another IT career path, such as network or computer systems administrator. After gaining experience and learning relevant skills, they attain a role in IT security. Earning a master’s may be the perfect way to bridge gaps in your skillset and take your career in a new direction.

To learn about more careers, click here to view a career infographic. 

IS A MASTER’S IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY WORTH IT?

Pursuing an advanced degree is an investment in your future, and earning a master’s degree in IT from University may be worthwhile for a number of reasons:

• You could prepare for leadership opportunities. Many organizations prefer to hire IT managers—including Chief information officers (CIOs), IT directors, and IT security managers—who hold a graduate degree. These career paths may become increasingly complex as businesses rely even more on digital platforms and cloud computing. In addition, cyber security has become a growing concern, calling for expertise in protecting business technology from unauthorized access. Earning a master’s could help you prepare for these and other challenges and opportunities in a leadership role. 

• You could boost your earnings and job security. Master’s degree-holders earned a median annual salary of nearly $12,475 more than bachelor’s degree-holders in 2021. In addition, those with a master’s degree had an unemployment rate of just 2 percent, compared to 5 percent for the working population as a whole.   

• Earning a master’s doesn’t have to put your career on pause. The online master’s in Information Technology at University was designed for working adults. You can study in a flexible format, enhance your skillset, and prepare for new professional challenges—all while keeping your current job. 

CURRICULUM AND DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

If you’re searching for a master’s degree program that can help you take your IT career to the next level, you’ve found it. The Master of Science in Information Technology degree program from University offers the computer science, data intelligence, analytics, and security insights you need to prepare for exciting employment opportunities in virtually every sector of the economy. 

Intended for those who have earned a baccalaureate degree and are working in the information systems and technology field, this online master’s degree in Information Technology will help you boost your credentials and accomplish your professional goals.

UC’s Master of Science in Information Technology online degree program will prepare you to:

• Use predictive analytics to identify cyber threats and make data-driven policy changes

• Analyze issues involving data, cloud computing, systems, and organizational IT operations

• Recognize and prevent exploitation due to hardware, software, and network vulnerabilities

• Understand the functions of IT leadership roles across various fields and industries

As the IT landscape continues to grow in new directions, a master’s program could help you grow along with it. If you’re ready to achieve more in the information technology field, we’re here to help you plan your next steps. Known for our high-quality IT programs, University has been named a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) by the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). There are just over 200 universities nationwide with CAE-CD designation, and only two other universities in Kentucky included in this elite group.

Curriculum for the online master’s in Information Technology program will engage you in theories, strategies, and tactics for critical fields, including business intelligence, IT management and leadership, data mining, and information security.

The 31-credit program requires 30 credit hours in core subjects such as Cloud Computing, Business Intelligence, and Data Mining.  An applied learning project caps off the program. One option is to complete an information technology project in which you evaluate a technology need, identify possible solutions, and choose the best course of action. Alternatively, you could pursue an applied learning practicum or internship.

• ITS 530 – Analyzing and Visualizing Data

• ITS 531 – Business Intelligence

• ITS 532 – Cloud Computing

• ITS 630 – Organization Leadership and Decision Making

• ITS 631 – Operational Excellence

• ITS 632 – Introduction to Data Mining

• ITS 535 - System Analysis and Design

• ITS 536 - Human Computer Interaction and Usability

• ITS 537 - Information Technologies and Mobile Applications

• ITS 538 - Database Systems