M.S. in Information Technology

Entry Requirements for Postgraduate Programs

1. Academic Qualifications:

   • A bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution is required for admission to postgraduate programs at CLU.
      

2. Minimum Academic Percentage:

   • International students applying for postgraduate courses are expected to have a minimum academic percentage of 55% or above in their undergraduate studies. This criterion ensures a foundational level of academic achievement.
      

3. English Language Proficiency:

   • IELTS (International English Language Testing System):

     • Overall Score: 6.5
     • No individual band score less than 6
        

   • TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based Test): Overall Score: 88

   • PTE (Pearson Test of English): Overall Score: 58

   • DET (Duolingo English Test): Overall Score: 120

California Lutheran University is dedicated to making higher education accessible to students from diverse backgrounds, including international students. The university offers several scholarship opportunities to support the academic pursuits of international students. 

1. International Student Scholarship: CLU provides merit-based scholarships specifically designed for international students. These scholarships recognize academic achievement, leadership qualities, and contributions to the community. The International Student Scholarship is competitive and varies in amount based on the applicant's academic profile.

2. Presidential Scholarship: The Presidential Scholarship is a prestigious merit-based award offered to high-achieving students, including international students. It covers a significant portion of tuition costs and is renewable for each year of a student's undergraduate studies, provided they maintain the required GPA.

3. CLU International Grant: The CLU International Grant is another form of financial assistance available to international students. This grant is based on financial need and is designed to supplement other forms of aid to help students meet the cost of attending CLU.

4. Community College Transfer Scholarship: CLU values the contributions of transfer students, including those transferring from community colleges. The Community College Transfer Scholarship is available to eligible international transfer students, providing financial support to ease the transition to CLU.

5. CLU Endowed Scholarships: The university administers various endowed scholarships, and international students may be eligible for some of these awards. These scholarships often have specific criteria, such as academic excellence, leadership, or involvement in particular fields of study.

6. External Scholarships: CLU encourages international students to explore external scholarship opportunities offered by organizations, foundations, and government agencies. The university provides guidance and support to help students identify and apply for external scholarships.

7. Work-Study Opportunities: While not a scholarship per se, CLU offers international students the opportunity to participate in work-study programs. These programs allow students to work part-time on campus, gaining valuable work experience while helping to finance their education.

8. International Education Assistance Fund: The International Education Assistance Fund is designed to support international students facing unexpected financial challenges. It provides emergency financial assistance to help students overcome unforeseen obstacles that may impact their ability to continue their studies.

Graduates of California Lutheran University's Master of Science (M.S.) in Information Technology program are well-positioned for rewarding and diverse career opportunities in the rapidly evolving field of technology. The program's focus on both theoretical knowledge and practical skills equips students for a wide array of roles. Graduates of the M.S. in Information Technology program at California Lutheran University are poised for diverse and promising career opportunities. Whether specializing in cybersecurity, software development, data science, or network management, alumni can pursue roles such as cybersecurity specialists, software development managers, data scientists, network administrators, IT project managers, IT consultants, and systems architects. The program's holistic approach, blending theoretical knowledge with practical skills, prepares students for the dynamic landscape of the technology industry. With a robust skill set and a California Lutheran University credential, graduates are well-prepared to contribute meaningfully to the ever-evolving field of information technology.

1. Cybersecurity Specialist: With a deep understanding of cybersecurity gained through the program's specialized tracks, graduates can pursue roles as cybersecurity specialists. They play a crucial role in safeguarding organizations from cyber threats, ensuring the integrity and security of digital assets.

2. Software Development Manager: Those inclined towards software development can aspire to become software development managers. This role involves overseeing the entire software development life cycle, managing teams, and ensuring the timely delivery of high-quality software solutions.

3. Data Scientist/Analyst: As organizations increasingly rely on data-driven decision-making, graduates with expertise in data science can pursue roles as data scientists or analysts. They extract valuable insights from large datasets to inform strategic business decisions.

4. Network Administrator/Engineer: Graduates specializing in network management can pursue roles as network administrators or engineers. They are responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining an organization's computer networks, ensuring seamless communication and connectivity.

5. IT Project Manager: The program's emphasis on project-based learning prepares students for roles as IT project managers. Graduates can lead and manage technology projects, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and in alignment with organizational goals.

6. IT Consultant: Equipped with a broad understanding of IT domains, graduates can embark on careers as IT consultants. They provide strategic advice to organizations on technology-related matters, helping them optimize their IT infrastructure and systems.

7. Systems Architect: Graduates with a focus on software architecture can pursue roles as systems architects. They design and create the overall structure and framework of complex software systems, ensuring they meet the organization's requirements.