Master of Science

Master of Science

Information Technology

The Master of Science in Information Technology is a study of the hardware and software mechanisms used to implement modern information systems. It includes coverage of local-area networks, databases, operating systems, the Internet, and the web. Particular emphasis is placed on use of information systems in business and education.

Degree Admission

Applicants for admission to the Master of Science degree in Information Technology must submit a completed application form and request each college which they have attended to send complete official transcripts (undergraduate and graduate) directly to the Graduate Studies Office.

Unconditional Admission

Students are eligible to apply for unconditional admission to the Master of Science degree program in Information Technology if they meet the following requirements:

Applicants must meet the general requirements to Graduate Studies .
Applicants must have a background comparable to COMS 1403 and COMS 1203, which includes familiarity with terminology and concepts related to computing, word processing, spreadsheets, and databases. This background may be demonstrated by previous course-work, work experience, or by taking a test administered by the department of Computer and Information Science.

Conditional Admission

Applicants who fail to meet the grade point criteria for unconditional admission may be admitted to earn a maximum of twelve graduate credit hours. To remove this condition, the student must have a 3.00 grade point average after completing twelve graduate credit hours. Applicants who are lacking background in computing, computer usage, or programming must meet with an assigned advisor and determine a plan for completing deficiencies, and follow that plan in completing the degree.

Academic Advisors

The MSIT Coordinator will assign a faculty advisor to each student admitted to the MSIT degree program. The advisor will assist the student in the design of a curriculum of study that leads to the fulfillment of degree requirements. Additionally, the academic advisor and the Office of Graduate Studies will monitor the student’s progress. It remains, however, the student’s responsibility to understand and to satisfy all degree requirements.

Admission to Candidacy

Students who have been granted conditional admission are eligible for admission to candidacy for the degree upon the completion of twelve hours with a 3.0 grade point average and completion of all deficiencies. Students who have been granted unconditional admission are eligible for admission to candidacy upon completion of twelve hours with a 3.0 grade point average. The student must complete the "Application for Admission to Candidacy" form and submit it to the MSIT Coordinator.

General Requirements for

Master of Science in Information Technology

The completion of 36 hours of graduate work; a minimum of 18 of these hours must be at the 6000 level.
The satisfactory completion of the core curriculum (described below).
The satisfactory completion of one application area (described below).
A cumulative grade point average of at least 3.00 in all graduate courses completed at Arkansas Tech University with a maximum of 6 hours of "C" grades.
A minimum of 27 hours of graduate course work completed at Arkansas Tech University.
Completion of all degree requirements within six years of admission into the program.

Special Conditions of Graduate Credit

Graduate Credit Taken Prior to Admission to Arkansas Tech University.

Students who are admitted to the MSIT degree program may transfer up to nine graduate credits toward the satisfaction of degree requirements, subject to the following conditions.

The graduate credits must have been earned at a regionally accredited college or university.
Only courses with grades of "B" or "A" are eligible for transfer.
Certification courses are not eligible for transfer.

Graduate Credit Taken After Admission to Arkansas Tech University.

If, after admission to graduate study, a student wishes to take a course at another institution to count toward degree requirements at Arkansas Tech University, the student must secure approval from the MSIT Coordinator and the Dean of Graduate Studies, in advance of enrollment at another institution.

Degree Requirements

In completing the degree program the student is offered two options, one in Instructional Technology and one in Information Science. The two options share a common core of courses in Information Technology. The Instructional Technology option enables the students to complete the degree through course-work directed to showing the application of technology to instruction. The Information Science option enables the students to complete the degree through course-work that shows how to apply technology to information systems.

All students pursuing the MSIT program must complete the following set of core courses

INFT 5013 Decision Support Systems

INFT 5053 Information Systems Resource

Management

INFT 5123 Laws of Communications

INFT 5203 Database Systems

INFT 5303 Developing and Administering Web Sites

INFT 5703 Computer Networks

Students who wish to complete the Information Science option must take:

INFT 6203 Database Development and

Administration

INFT 6303 Design of Web-Based Information

Systems

INFT 6503 The UNIX Operating System

INFT 6703 Heterogeneous Networks

INFT 6903 Emerging Trends in Information

Technology

INFT 6993 Internship

INFT Elective

Students who wish to complete the Instructional Technology option must take:

EDFD 6003 Educational Research

EDMD 6133 Production of Instructional Materials

EDMD 6313 Instructional Design and Product

Development

EDFD 6313 Principles of Curriculum Development

EDMD 6513 Computer Based Instruction

INFT Elective

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