M.Ed. in Administration and Supervision
Marymount University, located in Arlington, Virginia, offers a Master of Education (M.E...
M.S. in Information Technology
Virginia
INTAKE: Jan, May & Aug
Program Overview
The M.S. in Information Technology at Marymount is a 36-credit program that offers significant flexibility through various specialized tracks. Students can tailor their studies to align with specific career aspirations in government or industry, choosing from concentrations such as Cybersecurity, Data Science, Digital Transformation, Health Care Informatics, Project Management and Technology Leadership, and Software Engineering. This comprehensive structure allows graduates to develop deep expertise in high-demand areas, preparing them for senior IT positions like Chief Information Officer (CIO) and other influential leadership roles.
STEM-Designated: Crucially, Marymount University's M.S. in Information Technology program holds a STEM designation. This is a significant advantage, particularly for international students, as it makes them eligible for an extended Optional Practical Training (OPT) period in the U.S. Beyond the standard 12 months of post-completion OPT, STEM-designated degree holders can apply for an additional 24-month extension, totaling up to 36 months of work authorization. This extended period provides invaluable opportunities for practical experience and career development in the U.S., making the program highly attractive for those seeking to gain a competitive edge in the global job market.
Curriculum: The curriculum is designed to provide a robust academic foundation while fostering practical, problem-solving skills. Core courses include "Requirements Analysis and Management," "Enterprise Infrastructure and Networks," "Computer Security," "Enterprise Data Management and Analysis," and "IT Governance and Strategy." Students also explore "Ethics, Law, and Policy in the Information Age," emphasizing the responsible use of technology. The program culminates in an "IT Master's Project," allowing students to apply their acquired knowledge to real-world challenges. The diverse range of specialized tracks further enriches the curriculum, offering in-depth study in areas like advanced computer security, principles of data science, digital transformation technologies, and managing digital health initiatives.
Research Focus: Marymount University's School of Technology and Innovation maintains a strong research focus on critical areas shaping the future of IT. Faculty members are actively engaged in research pertaining to cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and technology workforce development. Specific research interests include adapting cognitive architectures for malware analysis, exploring the ethical and social implications of AI and machine learning, and investigating how emerging technologies impact user behavior, organizational security, and privacy decision-making. Students have opportunities to participate in cutting-edge research alongside faculty experts who often bring real-world experience from prominent government agencies and technology firms in the Washington D.C. area, fostering a culture of innovation and inquiry.
Industry Engagement: Leveraging its strategic location in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, Marymount University prioritizes strong industry engagement within its IT programs. The faculty includes leading practitioners, researchers, and scholars with direct experience in government, corporate, and consulting sectors, providing students with invaluable real-world perspectives and networking opportunities. The curriculum is continuously updated to reflect industry demands, with courses examining digital transformation and technology leadership in various sectors. The university's strong ties to top D.C. employers facilitate internships, career placements, and ongoing professional development, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the evolving demands of the IT workforce.
Global Perspective: Marymount University's M.S. in Information Technology integrates a global perspective by addressing the universal challenges and opportunities presented by technological advancements. The curriculum implicitly fosters an understanding of how IT impacts diverse societies and economies worldwide, preparing graduates for careers in an increasingly interconnected global technology landscape. While the university as a whole has a mission to cultivate culturally sensitive citizens and promotes initiatives like the Global Scholars Program, within the IT program, the focus is on developing professionals who can navigate and lead technology initiatives that transcend national borders, understanding global best practices, ethical considerations, and the impact of technology on a global scale.
Location
Virginia
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 24120
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
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 96 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 58 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.
Marymount University in the United States is supporting international students through a variety of scholarship opportunities designed to recognize academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement. These scholarships help make a high-quality education more affordable and accessible for students from around the world.
Merit-Based Scholarships: Marymount offers several merit-based scholarships specifically for international students. These awards are typically based on academic performance, standardized test scores, and leadership potential. Some scholarships are automatically considered during the admissions process, while others require a separate application.
Global Scholarship: One of the key awards available to international students is the Global Scholarship, which provides significant tuition reduction for high-achieving students. This scholarship rewards students who demonstrate outstanding academic credentials and a global engagement.
Distinguished International Student Award: Marymount also offers the Distinguished International Student Award for exceptional students who contribute to campus diversity and show strong leadership qualities. This award helps to encourage a vibrant, multicultural student community.
Graduate Assistantships and Fellowships: Graduate students may have access to assistantships and fellowships that provide tuition remission and stipends in exchange for research or teaching support. These opportunities not only ease financial burdens but also enrich academic and professional development.
Marymount University's M.S. in Information Technology is a robust program designed to propel graduates into diverse and high-impact roles across the IT sector. Its STEM designation, comprehensive curriculum with various specializations, and strong industry connections, particularly in the D.C. metropolitan area, make its graduates highly marketable. The program emphasizes both technical proficiency and strategic leadership, preparing individuals for the complexities of modern IT environments.
Chief Information Officer (CIO) / IT Director: This top-tier executive role involves overseeing an organization's entire IT infrastructure and strategy, aligning technology initiatives with business objectives. Graduates are prepared for this level of leadership through courses on IT governance, strategy, and decision-making.
Information Security Analyst / Cybersecurity Specialist: With the program's strong Cybersecurity track, graduates are equipped to protect computer networks and systems from cyber threats. This includes implementing security measures, monitoring for breaches, conducting vulnerability assessments, and responding to incidents, a critical and continuously growing field.
Data Scientist: Specializing in the Data Science track, graduates can analyze large, complex datasets to extract meaningful insights and drive data-driven decision-making. This role involves using statistical methods, machine learning, and programming to solve business problems and identify trends.
IT Project Manager: Graduates with the Project Management and Technology Leadership track are well-suited to manage complex IT projects from initiation to completion. They are responsible for planning, executing, and closing projects, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and to the required specifications.
Software Engineer: For those specializing in the Software Engineering track, careers involve designing, developing, testing, and deploying software applications. This can span various platforms and industries, requiring strong programming skills and an understanding of software development methodologies.
Enterprise Architect: This role focuses on designing and evolving an organization's overall IT architecture to ensure it supports current and future business needs. Graduates can integrate new technologies and optimize existing systems for efficiency and scalability.
Cloud Solutions Architect: As cloud computing continues to dominate, professionals who can design, implement, and manage cloud infrastructures are in high demand. This career path leverages knowledge of cloud platforms, services, and best practices to create scalable and secure cloud solutions.
Health Care Informatics Specialist: With the Health Care Informatics track, graduates can work at the intersection of information technology and healthcare. This involves managing and analyzing health data, designing healthcare IT systems, and ensuring data privacy and security in medical environments.
Digital Transformation Consultant: Leveraging the Digital Transformation track, graduates can advise organizations on how to strategically integrate digital technologies to improve processes, customer experiences, and business models. This involves understanding emerging technologies like AI, IoT, and blockchain, and their application in various sectors.
Network and Computer Systems Administrator: These professionals are responsible for the daily operation of computer networks and systems. While perhaps less strategic than CIO roles, this fundamental position is crucial for maintaining IT infrastructure, and graduates are prepared to manage and troubleshoot complex network environments.
