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Information Technology

This page contains content from the 2008–09 academic year. For current information, visit the Harvard Extension School website at www.extension.harvard.edu.

Concentration Requirements

Each of the ALM in Information Technology’s four concentrations has its own course requirements, outlined below:

Selecting courses. To choose courses available this year that fulfill requirements, use the degree course search.

Software Engineering

For students with a background in object-oriented programming using C++ or Java (at the level of data structures) and discrete mathematics, this concentration provides formal training in the use of systematic engineering principles applied to the design, construction, and maintenance of large software applications.

Choosing the Thesis or Capstone Track

This concentration offers two tracks: a thesis track with nine courses and a thesis, and a capstone track with 11 courses and a capstone course.

The thesis track provides solid preparation for advanced study (for example, PhD programs) and careers in research. For the thesis, you work independently with a thesis director on a project of your own design that is well-grounded in academic literature on information technology. This is a good option if you have been intrigued by a particular issue that was not covered in your classes and you wish to hone your research and writing skills.

The capstone track is appropriate if you are interested in a career as a software engineer. It involves additional coursework and a capstone project to help you build your professional skills. The capstone course, modeled after typical career endeavors, involves working with a team of fellow students to solve a large problem using an established software engineering method.

You are encouraged to meet with the program director, Henry Leitner, or the research advisor, Jeff Parker, to discuss the benefits of each option.

Course Requirements

Thesis Track

Five required courses, four electives, and a master’s thesis

Required courses:

Capstone Track

Six required courses, five electives, and a capstone course

Required courses:

To select required and elective courses, use the degree course search.

Information Management Systems

For students who have a background in programming, this concentration focuses on the intersection of technology and management, and the integration of business strategies and processes with computer systems. Learn how organizations and global competition are transformed by IT developments. Practical management issues are also covered.

Course Requirements

Six required courses, a capstone course, and five electives

Required courses:

To select required and elective courses, use the degree course search.

Mathematics and Computation

Intended primarily for practicing and aspiring engineers, scientists, and consultants—as well as government professionals involved with math, science, and technology—this quantitative concentration provides students with up-to-date courses that cover developments in the uses of mathematical computing.

Course Requirements

Five required courses, four electives, and a master’s thesis

Required courses:

You may count only one 300-level mathematics course as an elective.

To select required and elective courses, use the degree course search.

Digital Media Arts and Sciences

For students with a modest programming background and a strong interest in digital media, this concentration focuses on the artistic and technical aspects of designing and creating both web-based and stand-alone interactive systems. The focus is interdisciplinary, combining ideas from linear and nonlinear multimedia, geometric modeling, computer graphics, animation, and traditional information processing.

Course Requirements

Six required courses, three electives, and a master’s thesis

Required courses:

To select required and elective courses, use the degree course search.