Master of Science in Information Technology Leadership
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At a Glance
Earn your master’s degree online in just 20 months.
Summer, Fall and Spring Start Dates
level up your it career
LEAD THE WAY IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGy
The University of San Diego’s online Master of Science in Information Technology Leadership (MS-ITL) program is dedicated to developing leaders who can be more than technical specialists in today’s digital world. Companies are looking for experienced professionals who can understand business processes, develop integrated solutions to meet strategic objectives and effectively communicate issues and solutions to non-technical stakeholders.
If you’re looking to advance your IT career, you need to progress beyond specializing in a particular skill set or acquiring specific technical knowledge. Too often, graduates of IT programs are trained in skills that allow them to succeed within their chosen pathway but not in the practices and perspectives that allow them to excel as leaders. If you’re aiming for a high-level career in IT, you’ll need to master the skills to analyze, design, and automate complex systems that drive strategic success within your organization.
USD’s MS in IT Leadership degree program is designed to prepare current and future IT leaders to understand and manage complex systems. Students may also choose to pursue coursework in Applied Data Science, Cybersecurity or Artificial Intelligence. These optional pathways enable students to align their studies with specific career goals while building targeted, in-demand skills in high-growth areas of IT leadership. No matter the industry or organization, as a graduate of our program, you’ll be able to develop and articulate comprehensive solutions to large-scale information technology challenges.
WHO IS THIS PROGRAM FOR?
The MS-ITL program is designed around the philosophy that IT leadership is a position of earned influence. This means that effective IT leaders possess:
- The broad perspective necessary to conceptualize and articulate the value of an integrated technical solution and how it helps to achieve an organization’s business goals.
- The ability to make sound and credible recommendations about proposed solutions to a non-technical management team and to show how those solutions relate to the organization’s mission, resources and constraints.
- The enterprise data management, project management and problem-solving skills necessary to deploy and maintain technical solutions.
This program is designed to serve professionals from all IT workforces, including database administrators and architects, computer systems analysts and network and computer systems administrators.
15%
Job growth for computer and information systems managers is projected much faster than average at 15% from 2022-2032.
$169,510
The most recent median annual salary for computer and information systems managers was $169,510 (data from August 2024).
15
The average number of years USD Master’s in IT Leadership students have worked in information technology positions.
Statistics sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
USD IT LEADERSHIP STUDENT INSIGHTS
LEARNING OUTCOMES
We aim to provide IT professionals with the knowledge, skills and training to excel as IT leaders and managers. As a graduate of the MS-ITL program, you will be able to:
- Demonstrate mastery over the fundamental building blocks of information technology solutions: data and voice networking, security, data management and reporting, enterprise applications (e.g., Workday, Salesforce), and server operations (e.g., AWS, Azure).
- Evaluate proposed and implemented information technology solutions from different angles within a variety of frameworks.
- Critically analyze existing information technology systems as well as IT solutions proposed by clients, internal customers, or vendors, assessing requirements and resources (human, financial, and technical).
- Design (or Develop) and implement information technology solutions responsive to organizational requirements, aligned with resource constraints and strategic goals.
- Communicate effectively with stakeholders in order to accurately characterize problems to be solved within the context of strategic goals and available resources.
- Evaluate the ethical implications of proposed and implemented information technology solutions.
USD MS-ITL is open to all IT professionals. Get a closer look at the application process with detailed instructions on how to apply for this unique program designed to grow your career as an information technology leader.
ADVANCED CURRICULUM
The Master of Science in Information Technology Leadership is a 30-unit project-based program designed to be completed in 20 months over five semesters.
The program is offered 100% online using the Canvas learning management system and requires students to take two seven-week-long courses each semester, including a culminating three-unit capstone course that focuses on developing a proposal for an IT infrastructure initiative.
The MS-ITL program is designed around the following themes and topics:
- Fundamentals for IT Leadership
- Networking
- DevOps
- IT Service Management
- The IT Profession
- Project, Vendor and Construction Management
- Server Operations
- Cybersecurity
- Enterprise Applications, Data Management and Reporting
Capstone Project
The three unit capstone project requires students to develop a proposal for a significant IT infrastructure initiative. Students will demonstrate the ability to analyze a proposed course of action, make clear recommendations to non-technical stakeholders and generate a deep understanding of an organization’s mission, resources and constraints.
Electives
As part of the MS-ITL program, students have the option to pursue a pathway in one of the following areas:
| Comprehensive Foundation in AI | Cyber Security | Data Science |
|---|---|---|
| Best suited for professionals with a STEM background or programming experience who are interested in leading the development of machine learning systems, intelligent automation and AI-enabled technologies See Pathway Details | Designed for IT professionals, engineers and analysts looking to lead security operations, manage organizational risk and implement technical solutions that protect infrastructure and data in critical environments See Pathway Details | Ideal for professionals who want to use data to guide business strategy, build predictive models and develop advanced analytical capabilities that support leadership roles across industries See Pathway Details |
These pathways enable MS-ITL students to:
- Build subject matter expertise in a high-growth technical area
- Structure their coursework around specific professional interests
- Develop additional depth beyond the core IT leadership curriculum
Students can complete up to nine units of electives (or six units for Comprehensive Foundation in AAI) within their selected elective. These special electives are optional — students may also complete the general 10-course ITL curriculum without selecting electives.
Featured Courses
EXPERT FACULTY
Our MS-ITL faculty has extensive experience in the IT industry — and many continue to work in the field as well as in higher education. Every faculty member is dedicated to teaching the fundamental knowledge and leadership skills required for successful IT leadership. Together, their set of experiences, skills and backgrounds bring significant value to the program.
accreditation
Accreditation is an important quality indicator for college and university degree programs, generally regarded as a stamp of approval that ensures you will be able to apply for financial aid and transfer your credits if you decide to switch schools. Most state universities and private non-profit universities will have a regional accreditation. The University of San Diego has earned both regional and national accreditations.
Accreditations include:
The WASC Senior College and University Commission – WASC is a regional accrediting agency that is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as certifying institutional eligibility for federal funding in a number of programs, including student access to federal financial aid. Learn more about the importance of selecting a regionally accredited program.
How to Apply
For details on specific requirements needed for admission, please visit our Admissions page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are You Asking The Right Questions For Your IT Career?
Finding the right master’s program in IT Leadership can be the key to your future success. Use our free eBook as a guide to ask the most important questions that will advance your career.
