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Master of Science in Information Technology Leadership
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At a Glance
Graduates of the MS in Information Technology Leadership degree program will gain a comprehensive understanding of IT fundamentals that enables them to manage complex systems and articulate the value of technical solutions to non-technical decision makers.
20 Months
30 Units
$925
August 1, 2023
TAKE 1 COURSE AT A TIME
Students are admitted throughout the year into one of three terms (Spring, Summer and Fall).
The program is designed to be completed in five semesters and students can focus on one 7 week course at a time.
ONLINE
The NEXT STEP FOR A CAREER BUILT ON UNDERSTANDING AND MASTERING COMPLEX IT SYSTEMS
In today’s digital world, every industry needs IT leaders who can be more than technical specialists. Companies are looking for experienced professionals who understand business processes, can 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 specialization, but not in the practices and perspectives that allow them to excel as leaders. If you want a career at the higher levels of information technology, then you must have the ability to analyze, rethink, redesign and automate complex IT systems to achieve an organization’s strategic goals.
The University of San Diego’s 100% online Master of Science in Information Technology Leadership (MS-ITL) is designed to prepare current and future IT leaders in effectively understanding and managing these complex systems. 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 ENROLLS IN THE MASTER OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY LEADERSHIP PROGRAM?
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.
16%
Employment of computer and information systems managers is projected to grow 16% from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations.
$159,010
The most recent median annual salary for computer and information systems managers was $159,010.
15%
Demand is projected to grow 15% in the next decade, much faster than the average as organizations increasingly rely on IT leaders who can plan and oversee computer hardware and software needs.
Statistics sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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, and server operations.
- Evaluate proposed and implemented information technology solutions from diverse points of view within a variety of frameworks including cultural, social, political, linguistic and generational as well as technological contexts.
- 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).
- Develop 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 in their own organization or in that of a customer.
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.
CURRICULUM DESIGNED TO CREATE THE NEXT GENERATION OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY LEADERSHIP
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.
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, they bring a diverse set of experiences, skills and backgrounds 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.