Online Master of Science in Information Technology

*New students take the Mastery Skill Profiler prior to starting the program to determine their current level of programming and discrete mathematics skills. Students may skip this 0-credit foundational course based on their results.

This course introduces students to basic mathematical and processing topics. These topics include numbering systems, summations, progressions, combinatorics, logarithms, matrices, probabilities and how to use basic processing tools to compute those. The topics are intended to set a solid discrete mathematical foundation to develop basic programming skills in a simple script language, as well as to allow the student to support discrete mathematics operations with basic script language commands.

This course dives into the dynamic realm of IT, encompassing the interplay of hardware/software and their transformative impact on today’s businesses and society. Students develop an introductory understanding of cybersecurity by exploring common threats and basic protective measures. From data storage to software applications, students will emerge with a foundational awareness, primed to delve deeper into specialized IT areas and cognizant of the intertwined nature of technology and security in our interconnected world.

This course provides an introduction to programming concepts. Emphasis will be placed on algorithms, test-driven design, development and structured programming in the Python language. Topics include program development, modularity, variables and data types as numbers, strings, arrays and lists, plus the basic programming concepts as conditionals and Boolean algebra, loops, I/O operations, classes and objects, abstract data types, sorting algorithms and recursion.

This course delves into databases, understanding their design, management and querying capabilities using SQL. Data remains a coveted asset in the digital age, so its secure storage becomes paramount. Beyond mastering relational structures and normalization, students will confront pressing data breaches, protection mechanisms and regulatory compliance issues. The course balances technical aspects of database management and the imperatives of cybersecurity, ensuring that future IT professionals can manage, retrieve and protect data with equal proficiency. Prerequisite: ITS 6003

This course spans the intricate landscapes of computer networks, from foundational models to practical implementations. As data traverses these networks, its security becomes crucial. Students delve into the OSI and TCP/IP models, wireless networks, Quality of Service, Multipathing, channel bonding and additional networking technologies such as InfiniBand — all through a cybersecurity lens. Students address real-world challenges like intrusion detection, secure communication protocols and the gamut of threats that lurk in the interconnected digital cosmos. Graduates emerge with a dual proficiency in designing efficient networks and safeguarding them against cybersecurity threats. Prerequisite: ITS 6003

This course helps students translate complex business needs into IT solutions. Grasping techniques like requirements elicitation, system design and prototyping becomes even more pivotal when viewed through the prism of cybersecurity. It emphasizes designing systems, elicitation and prototyping that aren’t just functional but inherently secure. Review vulnerabilities, potential breaches and the need for systems prioritizing data protection. A forward-thinking approach integrating robust security into system design is indispensable in a world where software vulnerabilities can severely impact enterprises. Prerequisite: CSC 6003

This course provides an in-depth exploration of data center management, focusing on vital technologies such as disaster recovery, RAID configurations — both hardware and software, InfiniBand, high-availability clustering and storage mechanisms like SANs and iSCSI. Emphasis is placed on hands-on learning, where students engage in labs to design, deploy and manage a cutting-edge data center. Beyond the technological facets, the course intertwines cybersecurity principles, ensuring that when students create efficient data centers, they prioritize securing them against modern threats. The curriculum underscores the importance of balancing robust infrastructure with stringent security protocols. Prerequisite: ITS 6023

This course dives into the multifaceted arena of IT project management, melding methodologies like Agile with stakeholder communication and risk strategies. A holistic perspective demands cybersecurity integration, emphasizing data protection, regulatory compliance and secure project execution. Students dissect real-world case studies, deciphering both successful and flawed IT projects, always hunting for the cybersecurity angle. This comprehensive exploration ensures graduates can manage IT projects with an eye for efficiency, effectiveness and encompassing security. Prerequisite: ITS 6213

This course delves deeper into the multifaceted world of cybersecurity in this advanced exploration. Students will engage with cutting-edge topics such as advanced persistent threats, cyber forensics, zero-day vulnerabilities and the intricacies of nation-state cyber warfare. Students gain a comprehensive understanding of encryption protocols, advanced intrusion detection and prevention systems and the ethical dilemmas surrounding cybersecurity practices in a globally interconnected world. Students will develop a nuanced perspective on the technological and human-centric challenges in the advanced cybersecurity landscape through a blend of theoretical concepts, real-world case studies and hands-on labs. Prerequisite: ITS 6023

This course offers a deep dive into the transformative world of cloud computing and virtualization, two pillars reshaping the IT landscape. Students explore the architectures, services and deployment models of leading cloud platforms, understanding the intricacies of Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS) and Software as a Service (SaaS). The virtualization journey will demystify the technologies enabling efficient resource management from server to network virtualization. Emphasis will be placed on security challenges in cloud environments, ensuring students comprehend the cybersecurity implications and best practices to protect data and services in the cloud. Students engage in hands-on simulations, real-world scenarios and critical discussions to emerge as proficient practitioners in cloud computing and virtualization. Prerequisite: ITS 6003

This course steps into the vibrant world of web development, understanding the duality of form and function. While aesthetics and user experience remain central, so does the commitment to secure web practices. Students explore the intricacies of front-end languages and backend dynamics, always contextualizing with web vulnerabilities and defenses. Students gain an understanding of concepts like Cross-Site Scripting, SQL injection and the Secure Socket Layer. As websites remain the front doors to businesses worldwide, ensuring they’re both inviting and secure is a paramount skill for modern IT professionals. Prerequisite: CSC 6003