Program Description
The MS in Information Technology & Management program is intended to prepare students having undergraduate background in computer science, engineering, information technology, or related fields with the knowledge, skills, and perspective for successful careers in the field of Information Technology.

As the IT field continues its rapid expansion, the shortage of competent professionals will grow even beyond the current 8% vacancy rate for positions in this field. The proposed program is intended to prepare students for employment in growing markets in IT in both the US and, equally important, abroad.

The VU MS IT & Management Program: Fundamental Yet Distinctive
It is not easy to distinguish one IT program from another, as most share generic components. Although the VU program does not offer great depth in any one IT area (cf., IIT), it does offer basic coverage of the fundamental areas of IT and provides moderate depth in three emerging areas: Computer & Information Security; Platform Technologies & Networking; and Management of Data/Information. We therefore have sought other ways to distinguish the VU program from other IT programs. These include:

• Interdisciplinary in nature, with contributions from multiple units;
• Highly applied, with emphasis on hands-on learning;
• Required yearlong rotating internship experience on campus or at a local technology firm;
• Opportunity to take coursework in logistics, a NW Indiana regional priority;
• Emerging technologies incorporated into all coursework;
• Emphasis on collaborative and team work approach;
• Development of skills in technology leadership;
• Option to elect coursework from other professional based programs, including International Commerce & Policy, MBA, and Engineering Management.

The curricular framework for this 37-credit program (shown below) has been drawn from two primary sources: other master’s level curricula (including IIT’s) and the SIGITE/ACM document. The program as designed involves breadth: students are required to take coursework in 5 core competency areas. It also permits some depth, allowing students to explore specific areas of interest or professional competency in greater detail.

Curriculum
Students should take Introduction to Information Technology during their first semester of enrollment. Core competency coursework should be taken prior to or concomitantly with additional competency coursework. Experiential training should be distributed over at least two semesters to enable rotation through two or more IT focus areas. Social and professional issues may be taken anytime during the program.

Criteria for Admission
Applicants must meet the admission requirements of the Graduate Division, which include:

• Valparaiso University Graduate Application form;
• An equivalent of a minor in computer science, information technology, or a related field (e.g., information and decision sciences); Students without adequate background or preparation will be required to complete a bridge program prior to beginning the MS in Information Technology & Management Program;
• Official transcripts of all prior undergraduate and graduate coursework.  If you have received an undergraduate or graduate degree from Valparaiso University, you are not required to submit an official transcript from Valparaiso University;
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of at least 550 (paper version), 230 (computer-based), or Internet Based Test (TOEFL iBT) score of at least 80; minimum IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score of 6; CET score of 6, or an INTERLINK Language Center Level 5, or the equivalent for non-native English speakers;
• Two letters of recommendation submitted on their behalf;
• A reflective essay indicating the reasons for undertaking graduate study in Information Technology;
• Application fee: $30 for U.S. citizens and $50 for international applicants.

The MS in Information Technology & Management program features a continuous admission process, so application materials may be submitted at any time. Once received, the admission decision normally takes 2-3 weeks.

Financial Considerations
Students may be surprised to discover the affordable tuition rate at Valparaiso University. Tuition for the 2009-2010 academic year is $480 per credit hour, highly competitive for a private institution of recognized national quality. Students enrolled in graduate courses pay a $95 general fee each semester. Financial aid is available through direct and indirect student loans for students taking 6 credits or more during fall and spring semesters. Because most course offerings are scheduled for the evening, many students hold part- or full-time employment during their study.

For more information about the Master of Science in Information Technology & Management program :
Interested students should request an application packet from the Office of Graduate Studies through our website or by e-mailing Graduate.Studies@valpo.edu.