M.S. in Management of Information and Technology

The M.S. in Management of Information and Technology at OU is designed for individuals seeking to understand how information systems impact organizational performance and to analyze and design computer-based information systems based on a thorough comprehension of business and technology theory and practice. This 32-credit hour program, offered primarily for the Fall semester, provides a comprehensive exploration of the system development life cycle, emphasizing practical application in real-world business environments. It's intended to prepare graduates for management roles in IT and related fields, with a strong focus on identifying organizational benefits from data and information technology.

STEM Designated: Yes, the Master of Science in Management of Information and Technology (MS-MIT) at the University of Oklahoma is a STEM-designated program. This designation is highly beneficial for international students, as it qualifies them for an extended Optional Practical Training (OPT) period, allowing for up to 36 months of work authorization in the U.S. after graduation. This reflects the program's rigorous technical and analytical nature, making graduates highly competitive in technology-driven industries.

Curriculum: The MS-MIT curriculum provides a robust blend of technical skills and managerial understanding. It is structured to cover key phases in the system development life cycle (SDLC), with a strong emphasis on structured methodologies and modern development practices. Core courses typically include "Information Systems," "Systems Analysis & Design," "Information Security and Risk Management," and "Data Communications and Networking." The program also incorporates foundational business courses like "Effective Leadership & Communication" and "Data Analysis for Business Decisions," ensuring a well-rounded managerial perspective. Electives allow for specialization in areas such as "Programming for Data Scientists," "Data Engineering," "Big Data & Cloud Computing," "Database Design and Administration," "Managing Business Intelligence," and "Project Management."

Research Focus: While the M.S. in Management of Information and Technology is generally an applied professional degree, its curriculum is informed by cutting-edge research in the Management Information Systems (MIS) division. Faculty members at OU's Price College of Business are actively engaged in research covering a wide variety of timely and enduring topics. These research interests, which indirectly influence the MS-MIT program's content, include human-computer/robot interaction, IT governance and control, healthcare information technology, cybersecurity, business analytics, and artificial intelligence. The program emphasizes developing students' ability to understand and leverage information technologies for organizational benefit, often drawing on the latest academic insights to address real-world business problems.

Industry Engagement: The University of Oklahoma's Management Information Systems (MIS) Division, which houses the MS-MIT program, maintains strong ties with industry through its Center for MIS Studies (CMISS). CMISS serves as a vital bridge between academia and business, fostering innovation and skill-sharing. Benefits of CMISS membership include direct influence on talent development, early engagement with future innovators through events like data analytics case competitions (where students tackle real-world problems with industry-provided datasets), hands-on classroom interaction with guest lecturers from industry, and opportunities for students to visit member organizations. This close collaboration ensures the curriculum is industry-relevant and provides graduates with valuable networking opportunities and a clear pathway to employment.

Global Perspective: The M.S. in Management of Information and Technology inherently incorporates a global perspective, recognizing that information technology and business operations are increasingly interconnected across international boundaries. The program prepares students to understand the ethical, societal, and legal environments of business in a global context. Discussions often address multinational IT governance, global data security standards, and the challenges of managing distributed teams and information systems across different cultures and regulatory landscapes. OU's diverse student body and faculty further enrich this global outlook, fostering a learning environment where students can exchange ideas and gain insights into international business practices and the global impact of information technology.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Application Fee: $100

Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.

English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: Overall band score of  6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
• TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
• PTE: Overall score of 60 or higher.

Standardized Test Requirements

• GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test): Minimum score of 500 required.
• GRE (Graduate Record Examinations): Minimum score of 300 required.

The University of Oklahoma offers a variety of scholarships specifically designed to support international students in achieving their academic goals. These scholarships aim to recognize outstanding academic achievements, leadership qualities, and contributions to the campus community while helping to make education more affordable for students from around the world.

Merit-Based Scholarships: OU awards several merit-based scholarships to incoming international undergraduate students based on academic excellence, standardized test scores, and extracurricular accomplishments. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and are automatically considered during the admissions process or require a separate application.

International Ambassador Scholarship: This prestigious scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate strong leadership skills, a commitment to cultural exchange, and active participation in university life. Recipients often serve as ambassadors for OU’s international community, promoting diversity and inclusion.

Graduate Fellowships and Assistantships: For international graduate students, OU offers numerous fellowships, research assistantships, and teaching assistantships. These positions provide financial support in the form of tuition waivers and stipends while offering valuable professional experience in academic and research settings.

Country-Specific Scholarships: OU periodically partners with governments, foundations, and organizations to offer scholarships targeting students from specific countries or regions. These scholarships foster international collaboration and cultural exchange.

External Scholarships and Financial Aid Resources: In addition to university-funded awards, OU provides guidance and resources to help international students find external scholarships, grants, and financial aid opportunities available through private organizations, embassies, and international agencies.

A Master of Science (M.S.) in Management of Information and Technology (MS-MIT) from the University of Oklahoma (OU) provides a unique blend of business acumen and technological expertise. Graduates are equipped to lead organizations in leveraging information systems and technology for strategic advantage, driving innovation, and optimizing operations in the increasingly digital global marketplace. This program prepares individuals for influential roles at the intersection of business and IT.

IT Project Manager: Leading information technology projects from initiation to completion. This involves planning, executing, and closing projects, managing budgets, timelines, resources, and cross-functional teams to deliver technology solutions that align with business objectives.

IT Consultant: Providing expert advice to organizations on how to use information technology to achieve their business goals. This can involve strategy development, system implementation, process improvement, cybersecurity consulting, or digital transformation initiatives across various industries.

Business Systems Analyst: Bridging the gap between business needs and IT solutions. These professionals analyze business processes, gather requirements, and translate them into technical specifications for IT development teams, ensuring that technology solutions effectively solve business problems.

Information Security Manager/Analyst: Protecting an organization's information assets by designing, implementing, and managing security systems and protocols. They identify vulnerabilities, respond to security incidents, and ensure compliance with data privacy regulations, crucial in today's threat landscape.

Data Governance Manager: Overseeing the availability, usability, integrity, and security of data within an organization. This role involves establishing data policies, standards, and processes to ensure data quality and compliance, essential for data-driven decision-making.

IT Director/Manager: A leadership role responsible for overseeing the information technology department or a specific IT function within an organization. They manage IT infrastructure, software applications, IT staff, and ensure technology supports overall business strategy.

Enterprise Architect: Designing and developing the overall IT architecture of an organization, including hardware, software, applications, and data. They ensure that IT systems are aligned with business strategy, scalable, and cost-effective, facilitating digital transformation.

IT Risk Manager: Identifying, assessing, and mitigating technology-related risks that could impact an organization's operations, financial stability, or reputation. This involves evaluating cybersecurity threats, compliance risks, and operational vulnerabilities.

Solutions Architect: Designing and overseeing the development of complex software solutions that meet specific business requirements. They translate business needs into technical specifications and guide development teams, ensuring the delivered solution aligns with the overall IT strategy.

Business Intelligence (BI) Manager: Leading teams that design, develop, and implement business intelligence solutions. They help organizations leverage data and analytics to gain insights, track performance, and make more informed strategic decisions, often overseeing data warehousing and reporting initiatives.