Master of Science in Information Technology

This course addresses information systems, to include their nature and role as key management resources. This course covers the information systems infrastructure, to include databases, knowledge management systems, enterprise information portals, telecommunications, the Internet, and wireless technology. It examines the topics of e-commerce, information systems in the global economy, managing global systems, securing information systems, and ethical and social issues in information systems. This course has been evaluated by the American Council on Education. Credit Recommendation - at the graduate level, 3 semester hours in Management Information Systems or Management.

This course examines the principles, practices, and methodologies of enterprise database systems from conceptual design to implementation; this includes architectures, models, design, management, implementation, and security. Included is a total life-cycle database design and implementation project that entails conceptual design, data modeling, normalization, optimization, and implementation. This course appraises object-relational and relational databases, examines Entity-Relationship (ER), Extended Entity-Relationship (EER), and Unified Modeling Language (UML) data models, and investigates relational algebra, calculus, dependencies, keys, relationships, cardinality, and referential integrity. It also evaluates query processing, performance tuning, transaction processing, concurrency, data integrity, database recovery, data security, data warehousing, data mining, and emerging technologies. Prior knowledge in a procedural database language such as PL/SQL or T/SQL using Oracle or MSSQL respectively is highly recommended.

This course is a study of computer networks and the evolution of modern communication systems. It examines the various layers of the basic reference models such as the five-layer IP model or the seven-layer OSI model, by scale, connection method, network architecture, or topology. This course also includes an in-depth analysis of transmission protocols, communications systems, and networks. A prior knowledge of networks and networking is recommended.

Information Security includes an evaluation of the techniques, policies and strategies to ensure that data stored in an organization's computers cannot be accessed or processed without the consent of the organization. Also included, is an analysis of Information Security & Risk Management, Access Control, Physical Security, Security Architecture & Design, Business Continuity & Disaster Recovery Planning, Telecommunications & Network Security, Application Security, Operations Security, Law, Compliance & Investigations. This course also reviews the building blocks of information systems and cryptography is provided to reinforce the scope of security management.

REQUIRED AS FIRST PROGRAM COURSE; MAY TAKE ANOTHER COURSE WITH IT. This course focuses on the research methods, tools, instruments, and devices used in Information Sciences and Information Technology; it appraises the logic of the scientific method, research design, qualitative and quantitative analysis of data for the purpose of conducting and reporting basic research in a scholarly and academic setting. Through concentration-based case studies, it investigates current trends, legal and ethical issues, global and societal impact, policies, and applications in the fields of information technology, information security, cyberlaw, digital forensics, and media management. This course evaluates methods to collect, classify, categorize, evaluate, assess, and report research data, to formulate valid research questions, and to derive logical conclusions. The principles, practices, tools, and methodologies presented in this course are applicable throughout the program of graduate studies.

This course explores successful project management for information technology projects. The System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) models are defined including the waterfall, spiral, incremental release, and prototyping models. Students will differentiate between these models and apply corresponding project management methods to identify critical checkpoints and reviews. Risk management, as applied to technology projects, is examined. Key project indicators are discussed, and students will explore defining measurement criteria for determining critical success factors on a project. The course defines the application of knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to project activities and includes a tutorial for Microsoft Project. Emphasis is placed on the three dimensions of the information technology project constraints: scope, time, and cost. Students are recommended to have access to Microsoft Project. Course software requirements with the appropriate versions are listed under the course materials site.

The course is an advanced study of project management; it takes a systems approach to project management and examines project integration, project management knowledge areas (domains), project lifecycle, software development lifecycles, phases, and process groups, such as project initiation, planning, executing, controlling, and closing. This course also appraises the challenges and the techniques for managing scope on IT projects. This course also assesses methods, tools, and techniques to perform time management. Students must have access to Microsoft Project. Course software requirements with the appropriate versions are listed under the course materials site Prerequisite: ITMG624

Pre Reqs: Information Technology Project Management(ITMG624)

This course is an advanced study of the models, methods, principles, practices, and challenges pertaining to project lifecycle cost management, including earned value management (EVM). This course also examines the process for developing project communications plans, and it analyzes various communications and technology tools to enhance project communications. Students must have access to Microsoft Project. Course software requirements with the appropriate versions are listed under the course materials site Prerequisite: ITMG624

Pre Reqs: Information Technology Project Management(ITMG624)

This course is an advanced study of Human Resource Planning and Development; it also analyzes various human resource organizational structures for project success. It appraises various theories of human motivation and applies these theories to develop effective project teams. This course also appraises the inherent risk in various kinds of contracts and examines the principles of effective contract creation and administration. Students must have access to Microsoft Project. Course software requirements with the appropriate versions are listed under the course materials site. . Prerequisite: ITMG624

Pre Reqs: Information Technology Project Management(ITMG624)

This course is an advanced study of engineering high quality on IT projects. Quality does not happen; it must be planned, promoted, and practiced intentionally and deliberately. This course also examines the various models and methods for assessing and managing project risk. This course also applies both qualitative and quantitative risk analysis to minimize project risk. Students must have access to Microsoft Project. Course software requirements with the appropriate versions are listed under the course materials site. Prerequisite: ITMG624

Pre Reqs: Information Technology Project Management(ITMG624)

E-Business projects have become even more commonplace than the neighborhood bowling alley; e-Business development timelines have shrunk dramatically while costs have increased significantly. While traditional IT project managers have filled the gap, it should be recognized that e-Business introduces challenges over and above that of traditional IT project management. This course is a study of the project management framework related to e-Business, it includes: strategic planning, risk management, web content management, customer relationship management, security and privacy management, web usability, agile application development, application deployment, search engine optimization (SEO), internet marketing, and vendor management.

Capstone course of studies completed toward the graduate degree in Information Technology. The student will complete a thesis, a major research paper, or project that demonstrates mastery and application of advanced research and analytic skills related to the learning outcomes of this degree program. The student must submit a research proposal, preferably two months prior to enrolling in the course, and obtain approval from the Director of Graduate Information Technology Programs.