The MS ITM curriculum is grounded in the four foundational components of IT: 1) software, 2) infrastructure, 3) network/communications, and 4) data. The program addresses these foundations from both a contemporary and forward-looking perspective. Instructors with extensive field experience at some of the Bay Area's top companies present courses that address the strategic application of the foundation while integrating emerging technologies, e.g. unstructured data analytics, cloud services, virtualization, mobile platforms, and social media. Students with a special interest in Business Data Analytics may choose a concentration in either of those areas.

CONCENTRATIONS

PROGRAM FORMATS

OPT SUPPORT

* Students in the MS IT Management International Cohort program will attend weekly career seminars and have access to job search support for Optional Practical Training (OPT) employment. Golden Gate University does not guarantee job placement.

COHORT GRANT

**Applicants to the MS IT Management Cohort program are eligible for a one-time grant of $4,000 upon admission to the program.

Cohort students are also eligible for up to $2,000 through the GGU International Welcome Scholarship.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

NON-COHORT

Students considered for admission to this program will have a minimum of 30 undergraduate credits in IT courses, or three years of substantial full-time work experience in an IT department. A business / engineering manager with four years of experience whose job requires significant interaction with IT may also be considered.

The Master of Science degree in IT Management requires completion of 33 units in the graduate program. Foundation program courses may be waived in accordance with university policy regarding course waivers. To facilitate scheduling, students may be admitted to advanced program courses before completion of the foundation program but must complete the foundation courses by the time that nine units have been earned in the advanced program.

INTERNATIONAL COHORT

Admission is selective and limited. Each application is carefully reviewed by the Cohort Admissions Committee of the Golden Gate University Ageno School of Business. In addition to satisfying all the requirements for admission to the Ageno School of Business, applicants to the international cohort program are required to demonstrate their readiness for this rigorous program. Applicants must:

• Successfully complete the GGU Graduate Writing Placement Exam with a score sufficient to waive graduate writing classes (or satisfy another waiver of GGU's Graduate Writing Placement Exam).
• Provide academic transcripts showing that he/she has completed mathematics courses equivalent to MATH 20 or above with a grade of "B" or better before enrollment.
• Provide a detailed resume reflecting all education, all work experience, and relevant awards, certificates and other accomplishments.
• Provide a written statement of purpose that addresses the following questions:
1. Why is the applicant a good fit for the program in terms of his/her academic and professional development?
2. What strengths and experiences do the applicant have that demonstrate the likelihood of success in the program?
3. What circumstances or challenges in the applicant's background need additional explanation (if any)?
• A personal interview may be required and may be conducted in-person or via web conference.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Graduates of the Master of Science in Information Technology Management program will be able to:

• Explain the framework of the IT discipline, identifying both foundational and support organizations.
• Contribute to management level discussions with the business regarding IT's support of strategic goals and objectives.
• Identify and address issues associated with the internal operation of IT and offer solutions.
• Engage in planning and budgeting processes for all components of IT.
• Use their knowledge of IT organizations to break down barriers existing between IT silos in their work environment.
• Engage their business community in meaningful dialog that results in a strong partnership.
• Integrate new and emerging technologies into each of the foundational components of IT.
• Apply knowledge gained in the program to the completion of a major capstone project.