13.3.5 Master of Science in Information Technology 2021/2022

13.3.5 Master of Science in Information Technology

The Master of Science in Information Technology (MSc in IT) is designed to provide students with theoretical and practical training as well as professional preparedness for IT careers. The curriculum includes training in the key areas of Information technology particularly in programming, networking, data management, and infrastructure.

The Master of Science in Information Technology is a 33-credit, 16-month program with a single intake for Fall term and 4 terms of full course loads of 15 credits in first Fall term, 12 credits in Winter term, 3 credits in a 13-week Spring semester, and 3 credits in second Fall term.

A. Program Learning Outcomes

Concordia University of Edmonton has designed the MSc in IT program to develop IT professionals that are knowledgeable in their field; experts who are innovators and transformers of information technologies. Students will be expected to identify, assess, and apply a range of theoretical perspectives and technical skills as they investigate the processes and outcomes of information technology. Our aim is for graduates to find meaningful employment and to be successful in different contexts, either in industry, government, or in independent consulting work (business owners).

The proposed MSc (IT) degree is designed to equip graduates with the right combination of knowledge and practical expertise to solve computing technology problems in organizations that depend on information technology, as well as the skills and knowledge required for IT research and related academic work.

More specifically, the program learning objectives are designed so that students will:

• develop technical skills progressively, beginning with their first courses, and then apply their accumulating knowledge to practical problems throughout the curriculum;
• prepare for a professional career in information technology, as well as careers in fields such as business, law, medicine, and management, by establishing a foundation for lifelong learning and development; and
• be provided with a foundation for further graduate work in
  information technology.

Upon completing the Master of Science Degree Program in Information Technology, students will have

1. Ability to apply knowledge in key areas of IT, such as software development, networking, and other emerging information
   technologies;
2. Ability to lead and manage technology, strategic alignment,
   business development, and the development and application of
   relevant policies;
3. Use rigorous research skills to evaluate and address IT-related challenges and develop robust solutions;
4. Communicate technical information and IT solutions to the
   global community;
5. Use IT skills in an ethical and professional manner; and
6. Exhibit effective collaborative and leadership skills.

B. Admission Requirements

In addition to the Admission and General Admission requirements for the Faculty of Graduate Studies (refer to section 13.1.1), there are some program-specific admission requirement for the Master of Science in Information Technology program, which include:

Students should have a background in one of the following areas: Mathematics, Sciences, or Engineering.

Students without an IT background should take courses regarding the fundamentals of programming and networking. Students without sufficient background in information technology-related areas will be required to take undergraduate courses before enrolling in graduate courses assuming certain prerequisites. This includes courses on programming, networking, data management, and infrastructure. CUE offers a number of undergraduate courses in Information Technology and Computing Science that will serve to prepare new applicants without sufficient background for the MSc IT program. Admission requirements may be waived if experience can be demonstrated.

C. General Academic Requirements

Students must successfully complete 33 course credits in the program.

Students must maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.0 with no course grade less than 2.3 (C+). Students who do not maintain satisfactory standing may be placed on academic probation, required to withdraw from the program, or asked to retake the course.

For further information, please see Academic Schedule, section 2.0, Graduate Admission, section 13.1.1, Student Life, section 8.0, and Academic Regulations, section 9.0.

D. Program Requirements

The Master of Science in Information Technology requirements are as follows.

E. Graduation Requirements

Students graduate on one of the three degree-conferral dates following successful completion of their program requirements as well as the general program requirements of The Faculty of Graduate Studies, section 13.1.4. For further information about graduation requirements, see Graduation Requirements, section 13.1.5.