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2019-2020 Graduate Catalog 
    
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2019-2020 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Computer Information Technology, M.S.

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Maureen Doyle, Ph.D., Department Chair 

Wei Hao, Ph.D., Graduate Program Director

*Please note the MS Computer Information Technology program is no longer accepting applications after spring 2020.

Introduction

Purpose

The Master of Science in Computer Information Technology (MSCIT) program is centered firmly on information technology (IT) principles and technologies. Although students will develop advanced skills in specific IT technologies, the primary focus is not on technology training but on cultivating deep insights into contemporary IT, so that graduates of the MSCIT program can have a broader impact on the IT workplace moving beyond mere doing, to teach, lead, and create. Although most of the classes are IT oriented, this graduate program also has an interdisciplinary orientation and students can take elective classes from related areas such as: business informatics, communication, and computer science.

The MSCIT program is designed for students with various backgrounds such as students with bachelor degrees in IT who want to refine and consolidate their knowledge, or seek an advanced degree for career enhancement and students with different bachelor degrees (other than IT), with various levels of IT experience, who understand the increased demand for IT occupations and want to shift their career path, or simply want to have a deep understanding of various IT areas. The MSCIT program is accessible and conveniently scheduled for full-time professionals in the metropolitan region. Classes are offered in the evenings.

Office of the MSCIT Program

The MSCIT program is administered by the Department of Computer Science, located in 400 Griffin Hall. For additional information visit mscit.nku.edu, call or e-mail Dr. Wei Hao, MSCIT Graduate Program Director, at 859-572-5659 or mscit@nku.edu.

Admission

Regular Admission

Applications for the MSCIT program are accepted for all semesters. In addition to the requirements of the NKU Office of Graduate Education (a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, an undergraduate GPA of at least 2. 5, a GPA of at least 3. 0 in any graduate work in the same field, demonstration of English proficiency for non-native English speakers, a graduate application submitted with the application fee, and official transcripts; see current catalog for detailed information) the following are required for a regular admission to the MSCIT program:

  1. A current resumé.
  2. A one-page statement of IT background experience, career goals, and relevant personal interests.
  3. Students with undergraduate GPA below 3.0 but above 2.5: Please contact the MSCIT Program Director to be considered for regular admission. You will be asked to submit additional evidence of your potential in the MSCIT program that is judged satisfactory by the MSCIT Admission Committee. Such evidence may include: previous graduate degree from a regionally accredited institution, graduate work at a regionally accredited institution with a GPA of 3.0 or above, work experience in IT field, GRE or GMAT scores, up to two letters of recommendation, and/or professional certifications.

Provisional Admission

A student who is unable to provide one of the required admissions documents prior to the start of classes or who do not satisfy one or more of the regular admission requirements, under certain restrictions, may be granted provisional admission by the MSCIT Admission Committee.

Application Process

Students should submit applications and direct all transcripts and GRE score reports to Northern Kentucky University, Office of Graduate Education, AC 302, Nunn Drive, Highland Heights, KY 41099. Deadlines for receipt of materials are: August 1 for fall semester, December 1 for spring semester, and May 1 for summer session. The deadlines for international students are June 1 for fall semester and October 1 for spring semester.  All applicants with transcripts from outside the U.S. must have those transcripts evaluated course by course by an approved foreign education evaluation service. These must be submitted along with original or certified copies of the transcripts.

Academic Requirements

To earn a Master of Science in Computer Information Technology, students are required to complete:

  1. A minimum of 30 graduate credits.
  2. 6 credits in required Intermediate Core Courses. These classes will be waived if taken as an undergraduate.
  3. 12 credits in required Advanced Core Courses.
  4. At least 18 credits in Elective Classes from which a minimum of nine credits must be in Advanced Electives (600 level classes).
  5. At least 21 credits in CIT classes from which a minimum of 15 credits must be CIT 600-level classes (these credits include Intermediate Core, Advanced Core and Elective Courses).
  6. The students without the necessary IT background will be required to take one or two of the available Bridge Courses.

♦ Indicates prerequisite.

Bridge Courses

Some students entering the MSCIT program may not have the necessary undergraduate background for advanced coursework in Computer Information Technology. The bridge courses will offer an intensive review of IT fundamental domains such as: UNIX, system administration, elements of security, databases, and networks, scripting and web programming, etc. The required courses in this category will be determined, after review of transcripts and consultation with the student, by the MSCIT Admission Committee. These bridge courses will not count towards the 30 total hours required for the MSCIT.

Intermediate Core Courses

The following two courses are required if they have not already been completed at the undergraduate level. These courses may be waived by the MSCIT Admission Committee, after review of all transcripts and consultation with the student.

Advanced Core Courses (12 credit hours)

The following four courses are all required.

Elective Courses (18 credit hours)

Students must take at least 18 credit hours of the courses below, at least nine credit hours of which must be from the Advanced Elective Classes (600 level). Out of those nine credit hours of Advanced Electives, at least six credit hours must be from the CIT 600-level Advanced Electives classes. All of these courses must be taken in graduate status. No more than six combined hours of CIT 599  and CIT 699  may be counted toward the degree.

Intermediate Elective Courses

Advanced Elective Courses (at least nine credit hours)

Total Hours: 30

Internship Option

With prior approval of the MSCIT Director, one 3 credit hour elective class (advanced or intermediate) may be substituted by 6 credit hours of internship (CIT 596 - CIT Practicum ). These credits can be taken in multiple semesters.

Transfer Credit

Students may transfer up to nine semester hours of appropriate, acceptable graduate coursework from other institutions.

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