Concentrations in IT
Each of the concentrations for the master’s in information technology has its own course requirements, outlined below.
- Software engineering
- Information management systems
- Mathematics and computation
- Digital media arts and sciences
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. If you do not have this specific background in computer science, it is strongly recommended that you complete for noncredit or undergraduate credit CSCI E-50a, CSCI E-50b, CSCI E-119 and MATH E-104 before attempting graduate-level computer science classes that would count toward the degree.
Thesis track
Why choose this track?
- It provides solid preparation for advanced study and careers in research.
- You work independently with a thesis director on a self-designed project grounded in academic literature.
Course requirements
5 required courses, 4 electives, and a master’s thesis
Required courses:
- 1 theoretical/mathematical foundations course
- 1 data communications course
- 1 distributed computing course
- 1 systems programming course
- 1 software design course
Capstone track
Why choose this track?
- You are considering a career as a software engineer.
- You want to build professional skills through additional courses and a capstone project.
- In the capstone, you work with a team to solve a problem using an established software engineering method.
Course requirements
6 required courses, 5 electives, and a capstone course
Required courses:
- 1 theoretical/mathematical foundations course
- 1 data communications course
- 1 distributed computing course
- 1 systems programming course
- 1 software design course
- 1 web application development course
To select required and elective courses, use the degree course search.
Information management systems
For students who have a background in object-oriented programming using C++ or Java (at the level of data structures), 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. If you do not have this specific background in computer science, it is strongly recommended that you complete CSCI E-50a, CSCI E-50b, and CSCI E-119 for noncredit or undergraduate credit before attempting graduate-level computer science classes that would count toward the degree.
Course requirements
6 required courses, 5 electives, and a capstone course
Required courses:
- 1 web principles course
- 1 data communications course
- 1 distributed computing course
- 1 security and risk management course
- 1 database management course
- 1 information technology management course
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
5 required courses, 4 electives, and a master’s thesis
Required courses:
- 1 algorithms course
- 1 programming course
- 1 advanced calculus course
- 1 linear algebra course
- 1 theoretical/mathematical foundations course
You may count only 1 300-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 background in object-oriented programming using C++ or Java (at the level of data structures) 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. If you do not have this specific background in computer science, it is strongly recommended that you complete for noncredit or undergraduate credit CSCI E-50a, CSCI E-50b, and CSCI E-119 before attempting graduate-level computer science classes that would count toward the degree.
Course requirements
6 required courses, 3 electives, and a master’s thesis
Required courses:
- 1 digital art course
- 1 multimedia course
- 1 digital video course
- 1 website design and development course
- 1 3-D modeling and animation course
- 1 object-oriented programming course
To select required and elective courses, use the degree course search.