Information Technology
MS
Why study Information Technology?
Are you ready to advance your career in one of the fastest-growing fields? The University of Cincinnati’s School of Information Technology (SoIT) offers a Master of Science in Information Technology designed to equip you with the hands-on skills needed to tackle real-world challenges.
Why Choose UC’s Master’s Program in Information Technology?
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Our program covers essential areas such as cybersecurity, IT infrastructure, mobile development, and human-computer interaction.
- Real-World Application: Gain practical experience and develop solutions that connect people, information, and technology.
- Career-Ready Skills: Learn to secure software applications, networks, and systems, preparing you for a successful career in IT.
- Masters-to-Tech-Industry Transition Program: Receive specialized support in tailoring your resume to the IT industry, gain access to our extensive co-op database, and explore opportunities to partner with industry leaders on a capstone project.
Program Highlights
- Cybersecurity: Protect and secure digital assets.
- IT Infrastructure: Build and manage robust IT systems.
- Mobile Development: Create innovative mobile applications.
- Human-Computer Interaction: Enhance user experience and interface design.
- Cloud Computing: Develop and deploy scalable and reliable cloud-based solutions.
Admission Requirements
The admission requirements are:
- A bachelor's degree from a college or university regarded as standard by a regional or general accrediting agency ***
- Unofficial transcripts must be uploaded from all universities attended
- For international applicants: Submission of a transcript evaluation by a NACES member is highly recommended in place of the unofficial transcript(s) to reflect both a converted GPA (on a 4.0 scale) as well as the US equivalence of the degree earned.
- At least a B average (3.0/4.0 scale) in undergraduate course work; if the cumulative GPA is below 3.0, a minimum GRE score of 300 is required
- 3.0+ Analytical; Verbal and Quantitative scores must be 150+ each
- Current curriculum vitae (CV) or resume
- Three academic or professional letters of reference
- References should be from credible sources who speak to relevant IT experience and/or work ethic; two or more reference letters should be on letterhead.
- Applicants will be required to craft a response [500 words or less] to three essay prompts addresing career goals and readiness and aptitude for IT coursework/ graduate-level study.
***If an applicant's prior degree is not in a computing discipline such as technology, engineering, and sciences, the applicant is required to demonstrate IT skills through work experience and relevant IT industry-related certificates. A holistic review will be conducted to determine if a student is prepared to be successful in the MS IT program. Applicants who do not have a computing background or relevant prior experience will be required to complete bridge coursework in one or more of the following areas: information security, database management, system administration, and/or programming.
Boost Your Application with Industry-Recognized Certifications:
Holding a recognized technical industry certification gives your application a significant advantage. These certifications are not merely attendance-based; they require passing rigorous exams that validate your expertise in specific IT skills and knowledge.
Examples of qualifying certifications:
- CompTIA A+ (general IT technical support)
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) (networking)
- (ISC)² Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) (cybersecurity)
- Project Management Institute (PMI) Project Management Professional (PMP) or Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) (project management)
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate (cloud computing)
The Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT) program values work experience, hands-on learning, and scholarly research work. Students choose to complete a capstone or a thesis as part of their MSIT program requirements. With the capstone-based program, students have the opportunity to work with award-winning faculty to build an IT solution. With the thesis-based program, students can work with award-winning and attentive faculty to research and develop new ideas for the IT field.
An online master's program in Information Technology is also available.
Graduates of this program will be prepared for the careers listed below. All opportunities may not be listed.
SoIT Graduate Office
CECH-Information Technology
Suite 250, Teachers Dyer Complex
Cincinnati, OH 45219
To complete the program, the student must complete 30 graduate credit hours in consultation with a faculty advisor. Students who are conditionally admitted should also complete the bridge or prerequisite courses prior to taking the MSIT courses. Students need to maintain a GPA of 3.0 to stay in and graduate from the MSIT program. Students will retake a course if he or she receives a grade below C. All required courses must be completed within a three-year period from the date of enrollment in the program.
Transferring or waiving credit hours from other UC or outside graduate programs is highly unlikely. But students may have the bridge or prerequisite courses waived with exceptional work experience in the IT fields. Please consult with the graduate director and coordinator for waiving courses and transferring graduate credits.
The following exams and minimum scores are accepted as proof of English proficiency:
- TOEFL: minimum score of 80 iBT
- IELTS: minimum score of 6.5 overall band
- Duolingo (DET): minimum score of 110
- PTE: minimum score of 54
Note: If you are an international student, please include your converted GPA using the WES iGPA Calculator in addition to your non-converted GPA and class (if applicable), as well as the country where you received your degree.
Explore unique opportunities, faculty, and resources available in School of Information Technology
Application Deadlines
Fall Application Deadlines:
- International applicants: March 3 at 11:59 pm US Eastern Time
- Domestic applicants: June 1 at 11:59 pm US Eastern Time
- Priority Application Deadline #1: November 1st, 11:59 pm US Eastern Time (Decisions released in early December)
- Priority Application Deadline #2: January 15th, 11:59 pm US Eastern Time (Decisions released in mid-February)
- Applicants who apply after both priority deadlines will receive admission decisions in early April (for international applicants) and mid-June (for domestic applicants).
Spring Application Deadlines:
- International applicants: September 1 at 11:59 pm US Eastern Time
- Domestic applicants: October 15 at 11:59 pm US Eastern Time
- Priority Application Deadline #1: June 1st, 11:59 pm US Eastern Time (Decisions released in early July)
- Priority Application Deadline #2: July 15th, 11:59 pm US Eastern Time (Decisions released in mid-August)
- Applicants who apply after both priority deadlines will receive admission decisions in early October (for international applicants) and mid-November (for domestic applicants).
Why Apply Early?
Submitting your application before the priority deadlines offers several advantages:
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Scholarship Consideration: Applying early ensures that you receive priority consideration for scholarships. Submitting your application promptly increases your chances of receiving financial assistance.
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Early Admission Decision: Applying early allows you to receive admission decisions sooner. You’ll have more time to plan, explore housing options, and prepare for the next steps in your academic journey.
Remember that all application materials must be received by the deadline to avoid automatic rejection. Application fees are non-refundable if your application is incomplete by the stated deadline.
Contact Information
2610 University Cir
Cincinnati, OH 45221
(513) 556-6308
cechrecruit@uc.edu
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Program Code: 18MAS-IT-MS