Information Technology
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Information Technology, M.S. Overview
Through the University of West Florida’s online Master of Science in Information Technology degree program, you will acquire the critical skills that an IT professional needs to move into leadership roles and increase your salary potential. Taught by experienced faculty with expertise in networks, database management, data mining and academic research, the online Master’s in Information Technology gives you a well-rounded education that deepens your knowledge in a variety of existing and emerging technologies.
Our online IT degree program provides the opportunity to learn about innovative technologies through a continuously updated curriculum incorporating industry trends and advances. Nine elective credits allow you to customize the program to align with your professional goals. You’ll complete the Master’s in Information Technology online program with your choice of a thesis- or project-based capstone to showcase your mastery in computing.
Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared to pursue roles such as a lead database administrator, information technology manager, system architect, lead network administrator, and more.
Some of the key topics you’ll study include:
- Programming languages used to ensure that an organization’s IT systems are secure and working efficiently
- Existing problems in information technology and how to propose effective and efficient solutions
- Data visualization tools used to present factual data
- Information processing and data analytics using standard programming languages and available packages
Candidates for This Program Include:
- Current IT professionals who want to advance to a leadership position, receive a promotion and increase their earning potential
- Professionals with an undergraduate degree and a background or applicable experience in IT looking to expand their career or transition into the field of technology
Learning Outcomes
- Analyze, plan, develop and administer IT systems and solutions
- Evaluate options and propose a plan of action to solve issues related to system performance and security
- Effectively manage information technology projects
Courses and Requirements
UWF’s online IT degree includes a total of 30 credit hours. The majority of courses focus on advanced IT topics, and nine credit hours are devoted to elective courses. You can utilize these elective courses to tailor the master’s degree to your IT interests and goals.
- COP 5519 - Programming for Information Technology
3 Credit Hours
Programming for Information Technology
Programming for IT focuses on using scripting languages to interact with the terminal and using libraries, dictionaries, user defined functions and automation technologies to ensure that IT systems are working effectively, efficiently and in a secured environment.
- CTS 5458 - Data Visualization
3 Credit Hours
Data Visualization
This course is designed to provide students with skills to describe theory and concepts related to efficient and effective display of data. Students will use a variety of tools necessary to prepare and present the factual data in a visually compelling manner. Data Visualization tools have a wide applicability and tools and technologies available today allow students, researchers and other users of data leverage on these tools to empower their presentations.
- CAP 5326 - Digital Media Analytics
3 Credit Hours
Digital Media Analytics
Digital Media Analytics focuses on the processing and analysis of the copious amounts of data generated by digital media. Students will utilize standard programming languages and available software packages to design and implement solutions to acquire, process and analyze data in multiple formats.
- CET 6882 - Network Performance Monitoring and Security
3 Credit Hours
Network Performance Monitoring and Security
Students enrolled in the MSIT program take a sequence of courses related to information processing, analytics and security. This course examines network performance, strategies to optimize network performance and protocols related to network security. Students should have a basic understanding of computer networks.
- CIS 6710 - Trends in Information Technology
3 Credit Hours
Trends in Information Technology
Trends in Information Technology focuses on leveraging the latest technology to solve existing problems and to propose effective and efficient solutions. Students will also evaluate options and provide rationale for choices made in problem solving related to system performance and security.
Choose one:
- CIS 6590 - Information Technology Capstone Seminar
6 Credit Hours
Information Technology Capstone Seminar
Students enrolled in the MSIT degree program are required to complete a two course, six-credit hour, capstone project. Students will work in consultation with their instructor and an identified industry host to identify and complete a complex project related to their program of study. Students synthesize and apply knowledge developed during the academic program to identify, propose and develop solutions to meet the complex networking needs of the host organization. Students must complete 18 graduate hours and obtain department permission to enroll. The department recommends students to begin thinking early about the Capstone Seminar project in preparation for this course.
- CIS 6971 - Thesis
3 Credit Hours
Thesis
Normally 3 Credit Hours in two consecutive semesters. Graded on satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis only. Permission is required.
- COP 5519 - Programming for Information Technology
Choose three (9 credit hours) to tailor your degree.
Other courses at the 5000 or 6000 level that are not shown here may be taken with advisor and department chair approval.
Cybersecurity- CIS 6084 - Cloud Computing Architecture and Security
3 Credit Hours
Cloud Computing Architecture and Security
This course provides students with the necessary knowledge and skills of cloud computing architecture and security. Students identify and evaluate cloud computing resources and services. Also, this course focuses on security issues and countermeasures. Additional topics vary but may include access control, identity access management, compliance, and trustworthy computing.
- CIS 6511 - Enterprise Information Technology Risk Management
3 Credit Hours
Enterprise Information Technology Risk Management
This course introduces the risks that may emerge in enterprises. Students follow a holistic approach to applying well defined best practices in information systems risk management. This course provides the necessary skills and knowledge to evaluate, plan, mitigate, and protect information infrastructure and assets. Case studies may be used to demonstrate the issues and challenges in risk management.
- ISM 6326 - Information Systems Auditing and Control
3 Credit Hours
Information Systems Auditing and Control
Focuses on the role of management in controlling information technology and understanding the risks of a highly interconnected business environment. Topics include compliance and operational network information security; contingency planning on application, data and host security; systems development controls; access controls and identity management; threats and vulnerabilities controls; and assurance and security of information related to on-line, web-based cloud computing, and other advanced computer topics. This course will cover all the topic areas and prepare the student to take the CompTIA Security+ Certification exam.
Data Analytics
- CAP 6771 - Data Mining
3.0 Credit Hours
Data Mining
The course addresses methods to discover patterns and trends in large datasets. With the aid of contemporary data mining software, students will apply the theoretical skills they acquire in the course to go through the complete data mining process starting from data pre-processing and cleaning, concept hierarchy generation, attribute relevance analysis to frequent itemset mining and association rule mining. Traditional methods such as Bayesian decision theory as well as modern approaches in classification and unsupervised clustering will be covered as well. Prerequisite: COP 5725
- CAP 6789 - Advanced Big Data Analytics
3 Credit Hours
Advanced Big Data Analytics
In this course students study advanced methods to handle and analyze very large data sets in Hadoop's Big Data environment. Students work with the Spark architecture in the MapReduce framework. Students also learn to apply machine learning algorithms in Spark.
Prerequisite: CAP 6597 AND COP 5725 - HIM 5628 - Healthcare Data Analysis Using Python
3 Credit Hours
Healthcare Data Analysis Using Python
This course will provide students in the health domains the foundational programming skills to create software to manage and analyze clinical data. Working with the Python programming language, students will learn how to write procedural and object-oriented programs to process raw healthcare data. Analytical principles relevant to medical data science will be reviewed through programming examples and problems. This course is cross-listed with HIM 4218. Credit cannot be received for both HIM 4218 and HIM 5628. Graduate students will be assigned graduate-level projects and assessed at the graduate level.
- ISM 6405 - Advanced Business Intelligence Applications
3 Credit Hours
Advanced Business Intelligence Applications
Advanced Business Intelligence Applications uses various information technologies to identify, locate, acquire, transform, visualize and analyze business data in an effort to create new data products within an organizational context. The focus of the course is on using methodologies from design science to create new data products for management use in decision making.
Data Management
- CAP 6772 - Data Warehousing
3 Credit Hours
Data Warehousing
The primary focus of this course is on data warehousing and its applications to business intelligence. Some areas of concentration are: requirements gathering for data warehousing; data warehouse architecture; dimensional model design for data warehousing; physical database design for data warehousing; extracting, transforming and loading strategies; introduction to business intelligence; design and development of business intelligence applications; expansion and support of a data warehouse.
- ISM 6136 - Big Data Mining: A Managerial Perspective
3.0 Credit Hours
Big Data Mining: A Managerial Perspective
Covers the new management paradigm of data-driven decision making from both a technology and managerial perspective. Principles of big data and data mining will be discussed in class lectures and employed through assignments and projects. Prerequisite: QMB 6305
- ISM 6562 - Advanced Business Data Management
3 Credit Hours
Advanced Business Data Management
Explores the complexities of data management in the digital world of big data. Uses advanced information technology and software tools to analyze data and create business intelligence. Integrates the strategies, policies, methodologies, techniques, and tools to solve problems and assist decision-making via business data management in firms.
Databases
- COP 5725 - Database Systems
3.0 Credit Hours
Database Systems
Introduction to database systems and database management system architectures. Various database models are discussed with emphasis on the relational model and relational database design. Case applications using fourth-generation languages, such as SQL are included. This course requires completion of graduate foundations courses in computer programming or the equivalent undergraduate coursework.
- COP 5775 - Database Administration
3 Credit Hours
Database Administration
Database administration skills covering installation, configuration and tuning a database, administering servers and server groups, managing and optimizing schemas, tables, indexes and views, creating logins, configuring permissions, assigning roles and performing other essential security tasks, backup and recovery strategies, automation and maintenance. Prerequisite: COP 5725.
- COP 6727 - Advanced Database Systems
3 Credit Hours
Advanced Database Systems
Advanced topics in database management systems will be covered, for example: further dependencies and higher normal forms, transaction processing, concurrency control, backup and recovery, indexing, replication, managing large databases and contemporary issues and topics in databases. Prerequisite: COP 5725.
Management
- EXP 5256 - Human Factors Psychology
3 Credit Hours
Human Factors Psychology
Surveys the field of human factors psychology. Specifically, the principles of psychology from various specialty areas (e.g., cognitive, experimental, industrial/organizational, physiological etc. ) will be applied to the study of human performance in work settings. Students will learn how work is designed to capitalize on cognitive and physical capabilities and compensate for human limitations. Students will also become familiar with the tools and techniques that human factors psychologists use to study human-machine interaction and work design. Offered concurrently with EXP 4250; graduate students will be assigned additional work
- GEB 5872 - MBA Foundations: Financial Management I*
1.5 Credit Hours
MBA Foundations: Financial Management I*
A course in the Accelerated MBA Foundations Series in which students are introduced to the accounting process of analyzing, measuring, and reporting business activity. Explores the precise language, assumptions, concepts, principles, and logic patterns inherent in the analysis and measurement of business activity. Describes the form and content of major financial statements. Briefly introduces the recording and reporting process used by accounting systems and examines basic financial reporting issues.
- GEB 5873 - MBA Foundations: Financial Management II*
1.5 Credit Hours
MBA Foundations: Financial Management II*
A course in the Accelerated MBA Foundations Series in which students who have an understanding of financial accounting are introduced to the business relationships that exist between the generation and use of financial information. Includes the role of accounting in measuring financial performance, an overview of financial management, keys to understanding financial information via financial ratio analysis, effective use of financial analysis and a brief introduction to the time value of money.
- MAN 6156 - Management and Organizational Behavior
3 Credit Hours
Management and Organizational Behavior
Appreciation and understanding of the field of organizational behavior and its application in managing human and other resources. Emphasizes understanding individual behavior (motivation, self-awareness, leadership, etc.) and group dynamics (decision-making, group development and work) plus conflict, climate, learning styles, power, stress, process/content, human rights and quality. Utilizes experiential learning methodologies and other appropriate designs. May not be taken for credit by students having credit for INP 6397. Permission is required.
*GEB 5872 and GEB 5873 are 1.5 SCH; must take both courses.
- CIS 6084 - Cloud Computing Architecture and Security
Admission Requirements
To be considered for admission into UWF’s online IT program, you must have earned an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution, with a minimum undergraduate institutional GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale on the last 60 hours of coursework in the baccalaureate degree. The department also reviews the undergraduate degree major.
How to Apply
To apply for admission to the online Master’s in Information Technology program, you first need to submit an application for graduate admission (plus a $30 application fee) and be accepted for admission into University of West Florida. In addition, you must:
- Submit official transcripts confirming a bachelor’s degree from an institution whose accrediting agency is included on the list of UWF approved accrediting agencies
- Submit a letter of intent describing your motivation for pursuit of a Master of Science in Information Technology degree, extent of related work experience in the field, and future goals related to the attainment of a Master of Science in Information Technology degree
- Submit contact information (email addresses and phone numbers) for two academic or professional references who can address the applicant’s ability to succeed in our graduate program
- Submit a resume or CV
- Submit any professional or industry certifications earned by the applicant (optional)
If an applicant does not meet the above requirements, they may be considered for conditional admission. Please contact the department for more information.
- An applicant may be fully admitted if the student has all required undergraduate proficiency courses.
- An applicant may be provisionally admitted subject to completing the following required undergraduate proficiency courses:
- CGS 3763Operating Systems Concepts
This course introduces students to the major components of most operating systems. It begins with an overview of the structure and layers of an operating system. Emphasis will be given to process management, memory management, file systems, input/output, storage management, and design principles. This course will include topics related to security and virtual machines. - CNT 3004 Introduction to Networks
This course introduces the technologies and skills used in the world of networking. Emphasis is on practical applications of networking technology to real-world problems. Students gain the knowledge necessary to design, install, and configure a local area network. Students will build simple LANs, perform basic configurations for routers and switches, and implement IP addressing schemes.
- CGS 3763Operating Systems Concepts
Have questions about the online Master’s in Information Technology program or the admissions process? Connect with one of our knowledgeable enrollment counselors.
Costs & Financial Aid
| Component | Cost | Total* |
|---|---|---|
| Full Online Program Tuition | $425 per credit hour | $12,750.00 |
| Tuition with Maximum Transfer Credits (Up to 6) | $425 per credit hour | $10,200.00 |
| Full Face-to-Face In-State Program Tuition | $377.60 per credit hour | $11,328.00 |
Time to completion varies by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. Fees are charged per semester unless otherwise noted. This program takes up to four semesters to complete, depending on transfer credits. For a personalized estimate of time to completion, call an enrollment advisor at 844.372.9390 or request information.
Refer to UWF Cost of Attendance Estimates and Financial Literacy for more information on UWF costs and financial aid.
* Tuition and fees are subject to change.
Military Students
UWF proudly serves active duty U.S. military members and veterans. As UWF has been a participant of the Yellow Ribbon Program since 2011, you could be eligible to receive free tuition with your military benefits.
See How We Can Serve YouFinancial Aid
Funding your college education should not empty your wallet. We offer various financial aid options for our online students, including loans, scholarships and grants for degree-seeking students.
Learn More About Financial AidCareer Outcomes
Upon completion of our online information technology master’s program, you can pursue a variety of careers within the field.
* Salary and job outlook information from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Network Administrator
Network administrators are in charge of maintaining an organization’s network security, plus assessing and improving its network performance. They are also responsible for adding users to a network and updating network security positions. Network administrators earned a median wage of $95,360 in 2023, and employment is expected to grow 2% from 2022 to 2032.
Information Technology Manager
Information technology managers are responsible for their organization’s technological needs, including planning and implementing the installation of computer hardware, software and related systems. They supervise other IT staff and work with vendors and administrators to determine the best service and computer needs. IT managers earned a median wage of $169,510 in 2021, and employment is projected to grow 15% from 2022 to 2032.
Database Administrator
Database administrators organize large amounts of data and optimize databases to function most efficiently. Maintaining database security is crucial because databases could contain personal or financial information. In 2023, these employees made a median annual salary of $117,450. Employment opportunities for database administrators are projected to increase by 8% from 2022 to 2032.