Master of Science in Information Technology Management


Advance as an IT professional


**Not currently accepting applications**

Whether you are an IT professional who wants to advance into corporate management or a business professional who wants to move into IT, we offer a unique and rare MSITM program that can help you achieve your goals.

If you are an undergraduate majoring in one of our three Computer Information Sciences (CIS) programs, talk to your faculty advisor about our 4+1 program. You could earn your undergraduate degree and MSITM in just five years. You'll save a year of time and tuition.

Our graduates work at Deere & Company, HON Industries, the Rock Island Arsenal, just to name a few. 


Ambrose Advantages

  • Only Graduate IT Management Degree in the Midwest
  • Cross-Functional Training
  • Top Faculty & Individual Attention

Students at Computer

woman in class

MSITM Class

We created a program for working professionals, and our expert faculty give you the support needed for a successful graduate school experience. MSITM students gain a diverse toolkit in management and high-level IT skills.

Read the MSITM Fact Sheet (pdf)


More Information on the M.S. in Information Technology Management

What will I learn?

Our program provides an overview of management topics, such as finance, budgeting, and business operations, and teaches you how underlying information technologies can be used to support an effective enterprise. IT-specific courses dive into analysis, design, implementation and management solutions, as well as human resources.

Many times our students tackle projects for their employers or choose projects applicable to their jobs as part of the coursework. In the past, such projects have included developing policies and password controls for onsite laptops, analyzing security entry into SAU classrooms, and improving the online presence of an art museum.

We created this 36-credit hour program for working professionals. You can attend evening classes part-time, or if you can devote the time, enroll as a full-time student and complete the program in as little as three semesters and one summer. 

What makes the program different at St. Ambrose?

Our faculty are known for providing a top education and individual attention. At SAU, our student-to-faculty ratio is 12 to 1, which means you get close faculty advising and mentoring, which can deepen your learning.

Small classes allow you to get to know your fellow classmates, and they often collaborate outside of class. They share real-world situations, identify solutions, and immediately apply those to their jobs. You get constant, relevant learning.

All of our programs are strengthened by our CIS Alumni Advisory Council. These 15 alumni are well-established, successful, working IT professionals and industry leaders from across the U.S., and they are invested in the university and care about our students. They give us input and feedback on our curriculum and advise us on industry trends, allowing us to give you a strong and comprehensive education. 

Our program is open to all students, regardless of your undergraduate major. We do require that you have some background in networking, database, and programming. Some students who enter the program from a non-computer background may be required to complete up to four undergraduate courses before graduating with a MSITM. Talk to your advisor for more information.

If you are an undergraduate majoring in one of our three CIS programs, talk to your faculty advisor about our 4+1 program. You could earn your undergraduate degree and MSITM in just five years. You'll save a year of time and tuition.

The St. Ambrose Academic and Career Planning Office supports you throughout the job seeking process. The center provides résumé review, practice interviews, and guidance in decisions relating to your career. You are encouraged to use the office's wealth of career search resources. 

What have alumni from this program done?
  • Beth Tinsman '12 MSITM, is owner of Twin State Technical Services, a company she founded in 1992. She enrolled in the MSITM program to stay current on technology and best practices, which she says helps her keep her customers' businesses running smoothly. Tinsman recently received the Distinguished Alumna Award. Read this story.
  • David Pearson '10 MSITM is a Global Law Services Group Operations Manager for a Fortune 100 company. He also teaches a few computer science classes for St. Ambrose.
What does this program cost?

Tuition for the 2022-23 academic year is $1,080/credit hour, and there are some additional fees (see below).

There are many ways to finance your education. Incoming students may qualify for an MSITM fellowship. You can apply for a graduate assistantship through the SAU College of Business which covers a portion of tuition.

Or, you can apply for federal student loans. There's more information on the Graduate Admissions page.

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Graduate Assistantships

Most of our graduate programs offer graduate or departmental assistantships, which might include stipends or tuition benefits. Graduate assistantships typically contribute 20 hours of work each week, and their appointments may be anywhere on campus, including:

  • Research with College of Business faculty members
  • Handle public relations with the sports media
  • Organize Wellness and Recreation activities and events
  • Coordinate and develop student activities

To learn more about a graduate assistantship opportunity or inquire about open positions, please contact Human Resources.

Fees

Enrolled in 9 or more credit hours – $280/yr. ($140/semester)
Enrolled in 8 or fewer credit hours – $140/yr. ($70/semester)

Faculty

Kevin Lillis, PhD, Chair and Professor

Gary Monnard, PhD, Professor

Travis Eygabroad, Assistant Professor

Degree Requirements

MS in Information Technology Management

The degree requirements below are for students who already have completed an undergraduate degree.

Requirements for this program are comprised of three components: computer core, business core, and electives. The minimum required graduate credit hours is 36, but most students take 39-42 credit hours.

While the MSITM program is management-oriented, MSITM students are expected to be familiar with a high-level programming language (Java is preferred).

All courses listed below are 3 credit hours. 

Required Computer Core (21 credits):
CSCI 515 Computer and Network Security
CSCI 560 Data Security and Privacy
CSCI 570 Advanced Computer Networks and Data Communications
CSCI 630 Information Assurance
CSCI 635 Secure Software Design
CSCI 640 Legal and Ethical Issues in Information Technology Management
CSCI 650 Project Management and Control

Business Core – Choose two (6 credits):
MBA 600 Data Analysis and Decision Making
MBA 615 Ethical and Social Responsibility of Business
MBA/MOL 621 Human Behavior in Organizations
MBA 690 Leadership Through People Skills (LTPS)
MBA/MOL 691 Dialogical Skills
MBA 730 International Management
MBA 731 Managing Across Cultures
MBA 733 International Strategy
MBA 785 Human Resource Management
MOL 501 Leadership Theory
MOL 515 Decision Making
MOL 529 Conflict Management
MOL 540 Leadership Communication
MOL 625 Leading Organizational Change
MOL 635 Servant Leadership
MOL 645 International Issues in Leadership
MOL 701 Strategic Leadership
MOL 710 Ethics and Leadership

Electives – Choose three (9 credits):
CSCI 600 Systems Analysis in the Enterprise
CSCI 660 Computers and Commerce
CSCI 740 Management of Information Technology
CSCI 780 Special Topics in Information Technology
CSCI 790 Research

Read course descriptions for Computer Science, Master of Organizational Leadership (MOL), and MBA

Accelerated 4+1 Program

The MSITM 4+1 is an accelerated program for current SAU and new transfer students to earn an undergraduate and advanced degree in only five years, saving you time and money. You can start earning credits toward the MSITM your junior year, and up to 18 graduate credits may be applied to both the undergraduate and graduate degree requirements.

Admission Requirements

You can apply to the MSITM program in the spring of your sophomore year. Accepted students will be allowed to register for MSITM graduate classes the following semester. Current St. Ambrose students, as well as new transfer students, are eligible to apply provided they have met the following:

  • Currently enrolled at St. Ambrose University as a CS, CNS, or CNA major
  • Have a faculty advisor from the Department of Computer and Information Sciences
  • Will have completed 60 credit hours by the end of the term in which the application is submitted
  • Have a GPA of 3.2 or greater
  • Academic Performance

If you earn a "C" in any graduate course, or your cumulative GPA drops below a 3.0, you'll be required to meet with your academic advisor and the MSITM program director to evaluate your standing in the program and plan of study.

Course Restrictions

The following pairs of graduate/undergraduate courses include content that overlaps significantly and cannot both be taken for undergraduate credit:

  • CSCI 300 Systems Analysis and Design
  • CSCI 600 Systems Analysis in the Enterprise
  • CSCI 415 Computer and Network Security
  • CSCI 515 Computer and Network Security
  • CSCI 435 Legal and Ethical Issues in Computing
  • CSCI 640 Legal and Ethical Issues in Information Technology Management
  • CSCI 470 Advanced Computer Networks and Data Communications
  • CSCI 570 Advanced Computer Networks and Data Communications
4+1 Requirements (Computer Network Administration Majors)

4+1 Course Sequence for Computer Network Administration majors

Required:

  • CSCI 140 Foundations of Computer Science
  • CSCI 185 Script Programming
  • CSCI 270 Networks and Data Communications
  • CSCI 365 TCP/IP Fundamentals
  • WI-CSCI 640 Legal and Ethical Issues in IT Management
  • CSCI 570 Advanced Computer Networks and Data Communications
  • CSCI 475 Capstone Seminar

Select 12 credits from:

  • CSCI 281 Discrete Structures
  • CSCI 375 Network Forensics
  • CSCI 515 Computer and Network Security
  • CSCI 425 Computer Forensics
  • CSCI 450 Network Operating System Topics (may be repeated with different topic)
  • CSCI 480 Topics in Computer Science
  • CSCI 490 Independent Study in Computer Science
  • CSCI 499 Internship in Computer Science

MSITM 4+1 students can substitute any CSCI graduate course for any course in this section.

Communication Component, select two :

  • COMM 306 Group Dynamics and Methods
  • COMM 326 Communication and Technology
  • COMM 327 Organizational Communication
  • ENGL 218 Technical Writing
  • ENGL 315 Written Business Communication.

MSITM 4+1 students can substitute any CSCI graduate course for any course in this section.

Business Component (3 credits):

  • CSCI 740 Management of Information Technology
4+1 Requirements (Cybersecurity Majors)

Our Cybersecurity majors have a pretty unique opportunity. Facebook's Info Security program allows SAU to teach a hands-on cybersecurity class developed by CodePath. We are one of only eight college and university science programs across the U.S. to do this. Click here to learn more.

4+1 Course Sequence for Cybersecurity majors

  • CSCI 140 Foundations of Computer Science
  • CSCI 185 Script Programming
  • CSCI 270 Networks and Data Communications
  • CSCI 365 TCP/IP Fundamentals
  • CSCI 375 Network Forensics
  • CSCI 515 Computer and Network Security
  • CSCI 425 Computer Forensics
  • WI-CSCI 640 Legal and Ethical Issues in IT Management

Required Criminal Justice courses:

  • CRJU 101 Introduction to Criminal Justice
  • CRJU 102 Introduction to Law Enforcement
  • CRJU 221 Criminal Law and Procedure
  • CRJU 342 Criminal Evidence and Investigation
  • CRJU 411 The Constitution and Criminal Justice

MSITM 4+1 students can substitute any 2 CSCI graduate courses for any two courses in this section.

Select six credits from the following electives:

  • CSCI 281 Discrete Structures
  • CSCI 450 Network Operating System Topics (may be repeated with different topic)
  • CSCI 480 Special Topics in Computer Science
  • CSCI 490 Independent Study in Computer Science
  • CSCI 499 Internship in Computer Science

MSITM 4+1 students can take any 2 CSCI graduate courses to satisfy this section.

4+1 Requirements (Computer Science Majors)

4+1 Course Sequence for Computer Science majors

Required:

  • CSCI 140 Foundations of Computer Science
  • CSCI 195 Programming I
  • CSCI 270 Networks and Data Communications
  • CSCI 281 Discrete Structures
  • CSCI 294 Contemporary Programming Topics
  • CSCI 295 Programming II
  • CSCI 310 Data Structures
  • WI-CSCI 640 Legal and Ethical Issues in IT Management

Select five courses from:

  • CSCI 600 Systems Analysis in the Enterprise
  • CSCI 320 Computer Architecture
  • CSCI 330 Web Programming
  • CSCI 360 Database Management Systems
  • CSCI 393 Algorithm Design and Analysis
  • CSCI 400 Programming Language Concepts
  • CSCI 410 Operating Systems
  • MATH 191 Calculus and Analytic Geometry I

MSITM 4+1 students can substitute any CSCI graduate course for any course in this section.

Electives:

  • Select 9 credits of CSCI electives at the 200 level or above.

MSITM 4+1 students can take any 3 CSCI graduate courses to satisfy this section.


Rene Robinson '10, IT Directorate Employee, US Army


After nine years of programming for the Army, René enrolled in the MSITM program to transition to the management side of information technology. "I needed to learn the processes that non-IT businesses use to understand and motivate employees. Not only does the curriculum address all the major issues in IT management, we get meaningful, hands-on experience." Now she's taken on more responsibilities.

David Pearson

Master of Science in Information Technology Management,Legal Operations Manager, John Deere,Class of 2010


Our unique MSITM program gives working professionals such as David the skills to successfully manage and lead within IT. We are the only university in the Midwest offering this degree, taught by IT and business professors who are experts in their field.

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Contact


Tony Ketelaar, Director of Graduate Admissions

Admissions and Welcome Center
518 W. Locust St.
Davenport, IA 52803
563-333-6312
MSITM@sau.edu

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