M.S. in Information Technology

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Build an in-demand skillset and earn your master’s in information technology online

A critical component of organizational growth, connectivity drives the capabilities that influence employee productivity, brand experiences and customer satisfaction. The indispensable driving forces of connectivity are information technology professionals who build and maintain the integrity of systems and processes. With Franklin’s M.S. in Information Technology, you’ll build on technology fundamentals, gain holistic theory-to-practice knowledge, and sharpen your communication skills to become a highly qualified technology manager or leader.

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Use industry-leading tools to build your skills in the fast-growing field of information technology.

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M.S. in Information Technology Degree Overview

Get the skills to meet the growing need for strategic technology leaders

Make the leap to a technology role within your organization or advance to technical leadership positions with Franklin’s M.S. in Information Technology. Franklin’s master’s-level IT curriculum integrates technical and non-technical courses that enable you to grow your technology skills while also broadening your perspective of technology’s role within business, education, healthcare and management.

Moreover, as workplaces lean on the capabilities of cross-disciplinary teams, the role of the technologist becomes even more strategic and collaborative. Franklin’s program provides the opportunity for you to build the communication, presentation and analytical skills to boost your professional skillset.

Throughout the 16-month M.S. in Information Technology program, you’ll build a strong foundation in IT with courses in network security, database management, information systems management, website development, and IT strategy and policy. You can expect this knowledge growth to improve your marketability, as demand for information technology professionals is projected to grow 21% through 2027, which is much faster than the national average.*

Enhance your knowledge of current IT best practices – from programming to leadership

At Franklin, you’ll earn a master’s degree that’s aligned with employer expectations. Your professors, credentialed in-field experts, facilitate your learning by providing an in-depth understanding of relevant concepts, theories and techniques.

Throughout the program, you’ll be introduced to real-life case studies that illustrate how concepts and theories translate to applied, job-ready skills.

Within the major area courses for the M.S. in Information Technology program, you’ll learn about the basic elements of computer programming, network switching and routing, network management, web development and deployment, database management, and cloud management and security. You’ll also gain insight into IT management and how efficient IT leadership enhances business value and organizational performance.

Differentiate yourself from other tech professionals with focused study

Technology is pervasive. It’s a mechanism for communications, operations and profitability in every industry. As a forward-thinking technology professional, a firm understanding of your organization’s operating environment or any functional area adds to your ability to contribute at the highest levels.

In addition to six major area courses in technology, you’ll choose three courses to boost your acumen within a subject area that aligns with your career interests. Choose from learning technology, IT leadership, IT management, analytics, security or healthcare.

Choose an online IT master’s degree that’s built for busy adults

As an accredited, nonprofit university, our focus at Franklin is on you. Our team of academic advisors will help ease your transition to becoming a student, while our flexible course schedules and 100% online coursework help to balance your education with work, family and life.

Students rate our faculty members as top-notch for the real-world expertise they are able to bring to the coursework. When you need help, your instructor is just a phone call or email away. You can also rely on support resources from the Learning Commons, like workshops, tutoring sessions and library services. Get started on your future today.

*Source information provided by Economic Modeling Specialists International (EMSI)

Master's in Information Technology Courses & Curriculum

36 Semester Hours

Core Courses (24 hours)

ISEC 610 - Information Assurance (4)

This course covers the fundamentals of security in the enterprise environment. Included are coverage of risks and vulnerabilities, threat modeling, policy formation, controls and protection methods, encryption and authentication technologies, network security, cryptography, personnel and physical security issues, as well as ethical and legal issues. This foundational course serves as an introduction to many of the subsequent topics discussed in depth in later security courses.

COMP 630 - Issues in Database Management (4)

This course focuses on the fundamental design considerations in designing a database. Specific topics include performance analysis of design alternatives, system configuration and the administration of a popular database system. The course also offers an in-depth analysis of the algorithms and machine organizations of database systems.

ITEC 640 - Project Management (4)

This course examines various issues related to the management of information systems. Topics include: strategic planning, organizing the technology resources, means of prioritizing and selecting information technology, staffing, personnel management, and assessment.

ITEC 660 - Web Development and Deployment (4)

This course builds web applications by combining software development, database, and cloud concepts into a modern web development course. Students will use current technologies in all three areas to design, develop, and deploy web applications in a cloud-based environments. Topics will include web frameworks, model-view-controller or model-view-view/model architectures, front- and back-end technologies, asynchronous web requests, database integration, security, and cloud deployment design decisions.

ITEC 670 - Network, Cloud and Systems Management (4)

This course focuses on management and governance of an organization's information technology infrastructure. Topics include the management of large network infrastructures, cloud management, systems management, management mechanisms for data centers, network virtualization, cloud security and infrastructure governance issues and approaches. Multiple applications areas such as commercial, scientific and big data are addressed.

ITEC 690 - IT Strategy and Policy (4)

This course focuses on the value of Information Technology within an organization. For many organizations, IT is a cost, for others it is a strategic advantage. Emphasis is placed on organizational efficiency and leadership of IT organizations to enhance business value and organizational performance. Complete course in final term of program.

Pathways/Electives (12 hours)

Learning Technology

IDPT 601 - Foundations of Instructional Design (4)

Learning theories and instructional design models are the two fundamental pillars for the field of instructional design. In this course, students will study the learning theories and philosophies that formed, influenced, and supported this field. Students will also study instructional systems theories, models, and systematic approaches to instructional design. In this course, students will apply these theories, strategies, and instructional models to create a learning, instructional design or training event in their chosen settings, including business, industry, government, healthcare, and classroom education. At the end of this course, students will make a plan on how to prepare for an instructional design career.

IDPT 640 - Enhancing Learning With Technology (4)

In this course, students will apply design principles to create a learning event that includes the use of new and emerging technologies. Students will research collaboration and networking tools for their use and value in learning environments. Delivery platforms and software will also be explored for their impact on instructional strategies. Projects completed in the course will become part of the student's portfolio.

IDPT 645 - Learning Management Systems (4)

In this course, students will study the practices employed to manage and deliver instructional content in an online environment. Students will interact with a functional Learning Management System (LMS) to manage the design, development, delivery, and evaluation of reusable learning content.

IT Leadership

PSYC 601 - Introduction to Business Psychology (4)

A brief history and overview of the fields of business and psychology as well as a discussion of the issues and opportunities related to their integration. Topics include brain organization and dominance, neuroethics, neurolinguistic programming, multiminds, mindmapping and the application of positive psychology to work settings. Includes the application of recent discoveries in cognitive psychology and neuroscience to resolve contemporary issues in the workplace. Please note: A non-refundable Instrument Assessment Fee of $55 will be added upon registration.

PSYC 602 - Individual & Organizational Intelligence (4)

This course focuses on the application of systems theory, social psychology concepts, organizational lifecycles, and biological principles to the understanding of business operations. Includes a review of basic business principles, multiple intelligences, organizational intelligence, organizational culture, emotional intelligence, biomimicry and organizational DNA. Please note: A non-refundable Instrument Assessment Fee of $25 will be added upon registration.

PSYC 603 - Managerial Psychology (4)

This course will explore the psychological influences on the development and behavior of managers and organizational leaders. Topics include: follower influences, nature vs. nurture in the development of leaders, relationship of personality to leadership style, behavioral decision- making biases, tactical, operational, and strategic decision-making , group think, and scenario planning.

IT Management

MGMT 711 - Business Environment (4)

This course systematically explores the external environment in which businesses operate - legal and regulatory, macroeconomic, cultural, political, technological, and natural. Additionally, the course will examine the critical opportunities and threats that arise from an analysis of external business conditions. Students will apply scenario planning to a selected industry and synthesize trends in the external environment in the presence of risk and uncertainty.

MSIT students must take ISEC 610, ITEC 640, or COMP 630 as a prerequisite.

ECON 723 - Managerial Economics (4)

This course surveys the fundamental concepts and methods of economic analysis for managers. Real-world decision making is emphasized. Application of key economic concepts such as market demand, market supply, market equilibrium, marginal analysis, production, costs, revenue, profit, and market structure constitute the core material of the course.

ACCT 729 - Financial & Managerial Accounting (4)

Effective leadership in today's complex and highly regulated business environment demands more than a working knowledge of basic accounting practices. Managers must fully grasp sophisticated financial and managerial accounting concepts and be able to apply them with ease in handling day-to-day responsibilities. Managers must also be well versed in the intricacies of corporate governance and asset protection. In this course, students will develop a clear understanding of these critical functions and issues. Students will study the foundational aspects of financial accounting, including professional structure, the interrelationships of financial statements, and multiple forms of financial analysis. Additionally, the functional aspects of managerial accounting will be covered, including planning, decision making, and performance evaluation.

Analytics

MATH 601 - Introduction to Analytics (4)

This course provides an introductory overview of methods, concepts and current practices in the growing field of Data Analytics. Topics to be covered include data collection, analysis and visualization as well as statistical inference methods for informed decision-making. Students will explore these topics with current statistical software. Some emphasis will also be given to ethical principles of data analytics.

DATA 605 - Data Visualization & Reporting (4)

This course focuses on collecting, preparing, and analyzing data to create visualizations, dashboards, and stories that can be used to communicate critical business insights. Students will learn how to structure and streamline data analysis projects and highlight their implications efficiently using the most popular visualization tools used by businesses today.

DATA 610 - Big Data Analytics (4)

This course examines the issues in management and analytical analysis of massive datasets, and unstructured data, including data warehousing from an enterprise perspective. Students will learn the concepts and techniques for managing the design, development, security and maintenance of enterprise information.

Security

ISEC 630 - Information Risk Management (4)

When audits, technology, or compliance become the driver for security initiatives the resulting program is strategically fragmented, reactive, and rigid. Moreover, there are few, if any, assurances that the biggest threats are being addressed. On the other hand, risk assessment places values on assets, evaluates the current controls, and provides data to improve the protection in a controlled, proactive, and flexible manner. This course teaches an approach to security that combines operational security, risk assessment, test and review and mitigation such that value can be demonstrated. A project-based approach to risk assessment is followed including, project definition and preparation, data gathering, technical information, physical data gathering, analysis, mitigation, recommendations, and reporting.

ISEC 650 - Advanced Network Security (4)

Networks connecting disparate devices, services, and users have been among the most ubiquitous technologies that have led to the spectacular economic and technical success of the Internet. Today, networks seem to disappear, only to receive attention when they fail or are breached by attackers. While firewalls and virtual private networks are mainstays of network security, a strategy built on these alone is insufficient. This course covers a more comprehensive and systematic approach to network security including monitoring, incident response, forensics, virtualization and cloud, secure protocols, cryptography, and web services

ISEC 670 - Ethical Hacking (4)

When most people think of information security the images that come to mind are those of hackers: secretive people who, for political or profit motives, illegally break into computer systems to steal data or cause mayhem. While that kind of criminal element does exist, ethical hackers provide a needed service to organizations seeking to test and refine their security plans and technologies. This course takes an in-depth approach to ethical hacking including reconnaissance, scanning, vulnerability analysis, exploitation, and reporting. Students will employ current tools and methods in a hands-on approach that also prepares them for the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) exam.

Healthcare

HIM 702 - Health Information Governance (4)

This course covers the broad spectrum of strategic issues in healthcare including policies, guidelines, standards, processes, and controls required to manage and implement enterprise-level information. Treating information as a strategic asset to healthcare organizations, processes to manage various risks to the quality of information and ensure its appropriate use are covered.

HIM 710 - Clinical Workflow & Applications (4)

This course explores requirements for clinical workflows in a variety of inpatient, outpatient, and emergency healthcare environments. It covers the documentation, review, mapping, and diagramming of clinical workflow information and processes. The course also covers the linkages between the improvement of patient care to workflow mapping and change management, as part of evidence based decision making in healthcare.

HIM 761 - Healthcare Analytics (4)

This course addresses the process of retrieving, analyzing, and reporting intelligence to make healthcare decisions. It covers the techniques of extracting, transforming and loading data from a myriad of operational databases into corporate data warehouses, as well means to ensure that decision making is based on clean and reliable information. The course also includes ways to report the healthcare intelligence gathered.

Microcredentials Align with Job Essentials

In today’s dynamic work environments, adaptive professionals thrive. A microcredential - either as a stand-alone course or integrated into your degree program - is a short, skill-specific recognition that enables you to demonstrate your competency in a distinct area. Like Franklin’s degree programs, microcredentials are aligned with market and industry demand to ensure what you learn can be put to use right away. Microcredentials are easily shared via digital badges and can be stacked to create a unique portfolio of in-demand skills.

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Master's in Information Technology Program Details

Tuition Costs

2020 - 2021 Tuition	Cost Per Credit
Standard tuition per credit hour	$670
Current service members	$536
Graduate Prerequisite Courses (500 level)	$398

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Program Outcomes

Design, develop, query, normalize, and manage advanced database systems.
Analyze security posture and mitigate risks through cost-effective controls.
Develop and deploy modern web applications using current tools and technologies.
Initiate, plan, execute, monitor, control, and close information technology projects.
Manage advanced IT infrastructure, including networks, cloud, systems, and services.
Analyze IT initiatives to determine competitive parity or advantage.
Employ IT strategy in disparate application domains.

A learning outcome map functions as a roadmap to help guide students’ progress through their program of study. It shows where each outcome is Introduced (I), Reinforced (R), and Assessed (A) within the program’s curriculum.

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7
COMP 630	I, R
ISEC 610		I, R
ITEC 640				I, R
ITEC 660			I, R
ITEC 670					I, R
ITEC 690	A	A	A	A	A	I, R A	R, A
Elective 1							I, R
Elective 2							I, R
Elective 3							I, R

Degree Requirements

To be awarded a graduate degree, students must:

Successfully complete all required curriculum courses.
Maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00.
Complete the residency requirement:
1. M.S. in Information Technology students must earn at least 24 of the 36 required credits at Franklin University – in any modality (on-site, hybrid or online).
Complete the payment of all requisite tuition and fees;
Not to be under disciplinary dismissal due to academic dishonesty or violation of Student Code of Conduct.

Transfer credit awarded based on experiential learning shall not count toward the residence requirement at Franklin University.

Admission Requirements

The admission process reflects Franklin University’s efforts to clearly identify the performance standards that can help predict student success in graduate level study. The selection criterion for Franklin’s graduate programs, as determined by faculty, emphasizes academic ability, contributory work experience, and personal qualities and characteristics.

Requirements for admission include having earned a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution. The bachelor's degree final cumulative GPA must be at least a 2.75 on a 4.0 scale, otherwise a graduate entrance exam may be required. The candidate’s work history, references, and other personal qualities and characteristics will be considered as well if the GPA requirement is not met.

Recommended Application Deadline

Spring 2021
November 16, 2020

Summer 2021
April 5, 2021

Program Prerequisites

COMP 501 – Foundations of Programming OR ITEC 136 – Principles of Programming OR COMP 111 - Intro to Computer Science & Object-Oriented Programming
ITEC 504 – Foundations of Networks and Systems OR
- COMP 204 - Principles of Computer Networks AND TEC 400 – Linux Administration OR ITEC 350 - Windows Administration
MATH 215 – Statistical Concepts (required for Data Analytics Focus Area only)

Graduate prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of "B-" or better. Undergraduate prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of "C" or better.

English Language Testing & TOEFL IELTS

Prospective students must demonstrate English Language Proficiency. The requirement is met through any of the following:

The applicant is a citizen of a country where English is the official language.*
The applicant has received a bachelor’s degree (or higher) from an institution located in an English-speaking country in which the courses were taught in English.*
The applicant has earned appropriate scores on language proficiency exams taken within the last two years, as listed in the Academic Catalog.

*For more information about English proficiency, including a list of English-speaking nations, please visit our International Students section.

Program Advisory Board

The University employs a team approach to planning, developing and maintaining its academic curriculum. An essential element of this process – and a key to the institution’s quality assurance practices – is the Program Advisory Board (and the associated Alumni Advisory Board). A diverse array of business and industry leaders make up these discipline-specific boards that provide guidance on theory-to-practice ideas, global business perspectives, and emerging topics in the field. Each academic year, Program Advisory Boards meet with Division Chairs and faculty for lively and engaged conversations, thus bringing members’ substantial professional experience and expertise into the classroom. In addition, some Division Chairs elect to engage Program Advisory Board members in the assessment of academic program outcomes.

Information Technology Programs Advisory Board
Name	Organization	Title
Sean Amon	Nationwide	Assistant Vice President, Network Engineerng
Scott Braskett	JPMorgan Chase	Vice President
John Kennedy	Nationwide	Associate Vice President
Michael Price	Direct Effect Solutions, Inc.	Consultant
Sumithra Jagannath	ZED Digital Software	President

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Information Technology Career Opportunities

Senior Systems Engineer

Senior systems engineers monitor systems to ensure structural integrity and oversee the development and installation of new hardware and software while providing technical direction to IT staff.

Chief Information Officer

Chief information officers analyze the design, development and administration of technology for efficiency and accuracy at an enterprise level.

Cloud Solutions Architect

Cloud solutions architects create strategic plans, and build and deploy applications related to the organization’s computing cloud.

Information Technology Consultant

Information technology consultants work with an organization to understand requirements and objectives in order to provide strategic advice on using technology to achieve goals.

Senior Networking Engineer

Senior networking engineers are responsible for sustaining, developing and advancing an organization’s network by monitoring activity, maintaining equipment and working with third-party support and service vendors.

Senior Systems Administrator

Senior systems administrators provide users with technical assistance for hardware and software issues and are responsible for the system and process updates necessary to enhance functionality and maintain security.

Senior Project Manager

Senior project managers develop comprehensive project plans that include allocating resources, tracking progress and reporting results to stakeholders.

Information Technology

21%

For 2018-2029 jobs in Information Technology are expected to increase by 21%

All Occupations

2018	2,456,702 jobs
2029	2,981,405 jobs

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Computer and information Research Scientists

2018	33,087 jobs
2029	39,940 jobs

Computer Systems Analysts

2018	617,613 jobs
2029	699,020 jobs

Information Security Analysts

2018	113,264 jobs
2029	151,728 jobs

Software Developers, Applications

2018	945,844 jobs
2029	1,231,663 jobs

Software Developers, Systems Software

2018	424,521 jobs
2029	488,744 jobs

Web Developers

2018	165,317 jobs
2029	198,768 jobs

Computer Network Architects

2018	157,056 jobs
2029	171,540 jobs

Source information provided by Economic Modeling Specialists International (EMSI).

Information Technology Knowledge and Skillsets

Gain in-demand skills sought by employers with curriculum that teaches you:

Systems Management & Administration

Design and implement security systems and redundant backups to maintain data safety
Install and configure operating systems and other software
Administer infrastructure, including firewalls, databases, malware protection software and other processes
Provide technical support for both hardware and software issues
Write custom scripts to reduce the need for human intervention
Troubleshoot and resolve system service failures by identifying and analyzing the situation and provides corrective action
Develop, install, and test new network hardware and software releases, system upgrades
Evaluate and install patches and resolve software-related problems
Monitor systems activities and fine tune system parameters and configuration to optimize performance and ensure security of systems

IT Project Management

Initiate, plan, execute and close multiple complex IT projects
Understand current and future business goals and ongoing IT issues to ensure business success
Integrate information technologies for optimal effectiveness
Delegate project tasks based on individual strengths, skill sets and experience levels
Track project performance, specifically to analyze the successful completion of short- and long-term goals
Meet budgetary objectives and make adjustments to project constraints based on financial analysis
Implement risk mitigation strategies and contingency plans to ensure high-quality and on-time delivery of projects

Architecture & Engineering

Build and deploy applications, plans and strategies relating cloud computing
Configure and support installation of various network devices and services
Monitor cloud activity
Design and migrate applications
Plan courses of action and define computing loads
Sustain the necessary data throughput rate by monitoring networking activity and maintaining existing equipment
Respond to and resolve network connectivity issues

M.S. in Information Technology Frequently Asked Questions

What is an M.S. in Information Technology degree?

The M.S. in Information Technology provides you with the theoretical and practical technology and strategy skills required to meet the growing need for highly qualified technology managers and leaders.

What can you do with an M.S. in Information Technology degree?

As an IT professional building and maintaining the integrity of systems and processes you are an indispensable driving force of connectivity. With Franklin’s M.S. in Information Technology, you’ll build on technology fundamentals, gain holistic theory-to-practice knowledge, and sharpen your communication skills to become a highly qualified technology manger or leader.

Why get an M.S. in Information Technology degree?

You’ll build a strong foundation in IT with courses in network security, database management, information systems management, website development, and IT strategy and policy. You can expect this knowledge growth to improve your marketability, as demand for information technology professionals is projected to grow 21% through 2027, which is much faster than the national average.

What makes Franklin’s M.S. in Information Technology degree unique?

Coursework for Franklin’s 16-month accelerated M.S. in Information Technology program can be completed online. The curriculum integrates technical and non-technical courses that enable you to grow your technology skills while also broadening your perspective of technology’s role within business, education, healthcare and management. Franklin’s program also provides the opportunity for you to build the communication, presentation and analytic skills to boost your professional skillset. Students rate our faculty members as top-notch for the real-world expertise they are able to bring to the coursework.

How long does it take to get an M.S. in Information Technology degree?

Franklin's M.S. in Information Technology can be completed in 16 months, 100% online.

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