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Master of Science in Information Technology Leadership

Admission Requirements

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ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR MS IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY LEADERSHIP

The online Master of Science in Information Technology Leadership degree program is intended for IT professionals who aspire to advance their careers by becoming accomplished leaders of organizations, teams and projects. Ideal candidates will possess a strong foundation in information technology or related skills, complemented by previous leadership experience.

The following elements are the standard admissions expectations for applicants:

At least two years of experience in the IT field.
Bachelor’s degree (BS or BA) from a nationally or regionally accredited institution. Official transcripts are required.
Bachelor’s GPA of 2.75 or higher.
Candidates with GPA under 2.75 can apply but will be asked to provide relevant explanations in essay format.
Submission of an essay describing your fit with the MS-ITL program.
- Please write a personal statement describing yourself and your career goals within the information technology field. Your narrative should specifically address the following:
  - Your greatest strengths as an information technology professional
  - How you would like to grow professionally
  - Why you are interested in this degree program
    
    Please connect your responses to the program’s goals and learning objectives
    Your essay should not simply repeat facts already included in the application; it should give the Admissions Committee a better sense of who you are as a person and an IT professional, as well as what you hope to achieve as a graduate of this program. Your essay will be evaluated both on its content and how well you communicate it, and it should be 500-700 words in length.
Resume or Curriculum Vitae.

One letter of support from a current or a previous supervisor or manager.
- If you are unable to obtain a letter of recommendation from a supervisor or manager, please supply two letters of recommendation from professional references.
Please note that students who are accepted into USD’s MS in IT Leadership program are required to submit a $277.50 non-refundable deposit. This will ultimately be applied to your first tuition payment, provided you enroll in the program and start your first course.

Start Application Now

If you are interested in applying but do not fulfill all of the admissions criteria, please contact an enrollment advisor at (888) 832-0239 or fill in the form at the top of this page and an enrollment advisor will contact you. Our application review process always includes a comprehensive examination of your experience and background. USD recognizes that a low undergraduate GPA or an absence of professional experience does not always reflect your potential for success in our program.

For further details and guidance on preparing your application, visit our “Starting Your Application” page.

Should you have questions regarding any part of the application process, please do not hesitate to contact an Enrollment Advisor for assistance.

Degree Plan

Degree candidates are admitted throughout the year to begin their program during one of three terms (spring, summer and fall). Students will take two courses during each 14-week term, focusing on one seven-week course at a time. This master’s degree program can be completed, on average, in five terms (20 months).

Important dates for your starting term can be found in the degree plan. Important dates for subsequent terms can be found in your student success center after acceptance.

Download the degree plan for SPring 2025

At a Glance

Earn your master’s degree in just 20 months. MSITL is a 30-unit project-based program designed

to be completed in five semesters. Students can focus on one 7-week course at a time.

Program Length 20 Months

Total Units 30 Units

Cost Per Unit $925

Next Term Starts January 7, 2025

Final App Deadline December 2

Program Details

are you an international applicant?

International applicants must meet additional requirements for admission, including:

International applicants must submit an official score report from one of the following acceptable English proficiency exams:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) iBT exam: Students will require a minimum score of TOEFL iBT 83.
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic exam: IELTS minimum score of 7.
- Duolingo English Test: Minimum total score of 120 on Duolingo English Test.
  - Test scores must be no more than two years old from the time the applicant submits their online application.
- For additional details on International Applicant Requirements, please see the separate “Are You an International Applicant?” section of the page.
A course-by-course transcript evaluation and report by one of the following approved agencies. No other transcript evaluation will be accepted for degrees earned outside the U.S.
If you are currently in the U.S. on an F-1 or M-1 student visa, you are not eligible to pursue the online section of our program, per U.S. immigration regulations.
Verify that your country allows access to essential software like VPN or DUO, which is vital for seamless online access during your studies.

International

Our borders are open to international students of all regions.

Details

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STUDENT SUPPORT

The University of San Diego (USD) offers support services from your initial inquiry through graduation and job placement. USD is a nationally ranked institution with a top priority of promoting academic excellence. We aim to help you develop into the leader you envision yourself to be!

Enrollment Advising

Upon your initial inquiry about our graduate degree programs, we will assign you a personal Enrollment Advisor. Your Enrollment Advisor is available to address your questions, assist in evaluating your eligibility for admission and guide you through the application process. From expressing interest in a program to completing the application process, your advisor will be with you every step of the way. Our team of advisors can even help order your undergraduate transcripts, guide you through writing your admission essay and ensure you meet all deadlines.

Program Advising

As you enroll in the Master of Science in Information Technology Leadership program and formally register for classes, a Program Advisor will serve as your primary point of contact for support. Upon enrollment, your Program Advisor will schedule a 15-minute introductory call to review technology/equipment requirements, connect you with financial aid resources (GI Bill/VA funding, payment plans, etc.) and assist you in signing up for the online orientation. Throughout your program, you’ll collaborate with your Program Advisor to add/drop classes, coordinate credit transfers and address any technical challenges. For most university-related questions, feel free to consult your Program Advisor, who will direct you to the appropriate resource if they don’t have the answer.

Academic Advising

An Academic Advisor is assigned to each of our graduate degree programs and is responsible for evaluating applications, admitting new students, monitoring your academic progress and offering guidance as needed. Academic Advisors also serve as instructors within their respective programs.

Additional Support

Instructor Support – Instructors will facilitate your studies throughout the course, responding to your questions and coursework via the online course platform.
Library Support – Access to Copley Library’s online digital databases and other resources, including reference services by phone or email, will be at your disposal.
Technical Support – In case of any difficulties with the online learning environment, you can rely on USD’s help desk technical support for responsive and helpful assistance.

Graduate Placement

Career Services at the University of San Diego serves as a centralized resource for USD students, alumni and employers. Career Services provides access to online career tools and other resources designed to assist you in your job search. As a graduate of the Master of Science in Information Technology Leadership program, you can leverage these resources to help you transition smoothly into your desired career path or further advance in your current role.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any restrictions to attend the online program?

Due to regulations from the Department of Education, the University of San Diego is unable to enroll students in its online degree programs who reside in Alabama, Arkansas, District of Columbia, Georgia, Iowa, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Wisconsin. This restriction does not apply to applicants interested in a campus-based program.

Is a GRE required for admission?

Candidates who have a GPA above 2.75 are not required to take a GRE; however, a standardized test such as GRE is recommended for applicants with a GPA under 2.75.

Do I need an undergraduate degree in IT or a related field?

MS-ITL applicants don’t need an IT degree, but they must have a bachelor’s degree (BS or BA) from an accredited institution. It is preferable to have at least two years of work experience in the information technology field.

How many units is the MS-ITL program?

The online MS-ITL program is a total of 30 units. Students will enroll in 2 courses each semester for a total of 6 semester units. The program can be completed in as few as 5 semesters.

Does the program have to be completed within 20 months?

No. Students have a total of five (5) years to finish the full course of study. The curriculum schedule functions on a rotational system, meaning that if a student skips a course, they will have to wait for the rotation to complete before jumping back in. We encourage individuals who are interested in the program to speak with an enrollment advisor or to work with their program coordinator, who is available to help every step of the way.

Does USD offer career development/advising support?

The University of San Diego is committed to steering you on a path toward educational and professional success. Right from the start, you’ll receive support and guidance from experienced University of San Diego advisors who are invested in helping you achieve your education goals!

What kind of IT experience do you need to have for this program?

Applicants should have at least two years of experience in an IT-related field, such as network and systems support, server operations, DevOps, etc. Examples of relevant experience can include computer user support specialists, database administrators and architects, computer systems analysts, and network and computer systems administrators.

View All FAQs

For further admissions and financial aid information, please refer to the University of San Diego’s main FAQ page.