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Online Master’s in Information Technology

Ready to take your IT career to new heights? Consider earning an online Master’s in Information Technology to further your exploration of the rapidly expanding IT field. Since technology changes constantly, IT professionals must be prepared to evolve with the industry, build the skills to lead organizations into the future, and address new challenges in areas like cyber security and information security.

 

What Is a Master’s in IT?

A master’s in IT is a graduate degree that builds on what you learned in your bachelor’s degree program and IT career. The program often attracts IT professionals with at least several years of experience. It offers the chance to explore a new direction in the field, build career-specific skills, or prepare for potential leadership opportunities. 

As the information technology field expands, businesses may seek experts with advanced knowledge of IT management and leadership. In addition, there’s increased demand for professionals with skills in cloud computing, big data, information security, and other growing areas of IT. Earning your master’s in IT could be one way to stand out from the competition and gain an edge in your career.

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What Careers Can You Do with a Master’s in Information Technology?

For career paths such as computer and information research scientist, a master’s in information technology or a related field might be an entry-level requirement. For most other IT roles, earning a master’s degree could be a way to boost your credentials and build new skills. So, which IT professionals earn a master’s degree?

Some IT pros earn a master’s to explore a new area of the information technology field or even pursue a career change. For instance, many information security analysts start out in another IT career path, such as network or computer systems administrator. After gaining experience and learning relevant skills, they attain a role in IT security. Earning a master’s may be the perfect way to bridge gaps in your skillset and take your career in a new direction.

To learn about more careers, click here to view a career infographic. 

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Is a Master’s in Information Technology Worth It?

Pursuing an advanced degree is an investment in your future, and earning a master’s degree in IT from University of the Cumberlands may be worthwhile for a number of reasons:

  • You could prepare for leadership opportunities. Many organizations prefer to hire IT managers—including Chief information officers (CIOs), IT directors, and IT security managers—who hold a graduate degree. These career paths may become increasingly complex as businesses rely even more on digital platforms and cloud computing. In addition, cyber security has become a growing concern, calling for expertise in protecting business technology from unauthorized access. Earning a master’s could help you prepare for these and other challenges and opportunities in a leadership role. 
  • You could boost your earnings and job security. Master’s degree-holders earned a median annual salary of nearly $12,475 more than bachelor’s degree-holders in 2021. In addition, those with a master’s degree had an unemployment rate of just 2 percent, compared to 5 percent for the working population as a whole.   
  • Earning a master’s doesn’t have to put your career on pause. The online master’s in Information Technology at University of the Cumberlands was designed for working adults. You can study in a flexible format, enhance your skillset, and prepare for new professional challenges—all while keeping your current job. 

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Curriculum and Degree Requirements

If you’re searching for a master’s degree program that can help you take your IT career to the next level, you’ve found it. The Master of Science in Information Technology degree program from University of the Cumberlands offers the computer science, data intelligence, analytics, and security insights you need to prepare for exciting employment opportunities in virtually every sector of the economy. 

Intended for those who have earned a baccalaureate degree and are working in the information systems and technology field, this online master’s degree in Information Technology will help you boost your credentials and accomplish your professional goals.

UC’s Master of Science in Information Technology online degree program will prepare you to:

  • Use predictive analytics to identify cyber threats and make data-driven policy changes
  • Analyze issues involving data, cloud computing, systems, and organizational IT operations
  • Recognize and prevent exploitation due to hardware, software, and network vulnerabilities
  • Understand the functions of IT leadership roles across various fields and industries

As the IT landscape continues to grow in new directions, a master’s program could help you grow along with it. If you’re ready to achieve more in the information technology field, we’re here to help you plan your next steps. Known for our high-quality IT programs, University of the Cumberlands has been named a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) by the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). There are just over 200 universities nationwide with CAE-CD designation, and only two other universities in Kentucky included in this elite group.

Curriculum for the online master’s in Information Technology program will engage you in theories, strategies, and tactics for critical fields, including business intelligence, IT management and leadership, data mining, and information security.

The 31-credit program requires 30 credit hours in core subjects such as Cloud Computing, Business Intelligence, and Data Mining.  An applied learning project caps off the program. One option is to complete an information technology project in which you evaluate a technology need, identify possible solutions, and choose the best course of action. Alternatively, you could pursue an applied learning practicum or internship.

Click here for Course Details

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Tuition

Costs for programs of study at University of the Cumberlands are competitive and affordable. Click here to view tuition rates and fees.

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Admission Requirements

Admission to our University is very competitive as well as selective and we review each application by the same standards.

  • Application and Application fee
  • A completed Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
  • Submit official transcripts from all applicable colleges/universities attended; must be received directly from the issuing college or university.
  • A cumulative grade point average (GPA) of a 2.5 or above on a 4.0 scale
  • Any international course work completed must have official transcript evaluations completed and submitted to the University by the evaluation firm. Evaluations MUST include GPA for admission.
    Approved Evaluation Firms are:
    • World Education Services (WES)
    • Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE)
    • International Education Research Foundation (IERF)
    • Educational Perspectives (EP)
    • SpanTran
  • Documentation of language fluency for non-native speakers of English, such as a score report from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the 8 International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or a report from Duolingo. This requirement is waived for students who have completed bachelor’s or master’s level coursework in the U.S. at an accredited institution. The minimum acceptable TOEFL or IELTS scores for admission are: 
    • Paper-based TOEFL (PBT) - 550 
    • Internet-based TOEFL (IBT) - 79 
    • IELTS - 6
    • Duolingo - 100

All admissions materials should be submitted to:
University of the Cumberlands
Graduate & Online Admissions
649 S. 10th Street
Williamsburg, KY 40769

Phone: 606.539.4390
Tollfree: 800.343.1609
Email: gradadm@ucumberlands.edu

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Transfer Credit Policy

A maximum of nine semester hours of credit may be transferred from an accredited graduate institution. Transfer credits must be in courses equivalent to courses in the program. All transfer credits must be approved by the Program Director and the Registrar and have been earned within the last five years. Grades for any transfer credits accepted into the program do not count in the program GPA.

TRANSFER OF CREDIT BASED ON EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCES IN THE ARMED FORCES
The School of Computer Information and Technology will accept transfer credit based up on the American Council on Education’s Military Guide credit recommendations for formal courses and occupations offered by all branches of the military. Credits must be approved by the University Registrar and the Program Director. Here is the official University policy regarding transfer credit related to military service.

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Accreditation

Click here to view University of the Cumberlands' accreditation information. 

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Faculty

Click here to view a list of the information technology faculty. 

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Admissions Office

Contact Us

Phone: 606.539.4390
Tollfree: 855.791.7199
Email: gradadm@ucumberlands.edu

Visit Us In Person

649 S. 10th Street Suite C
Williamsburg, KY 40769