Master of Science in Information Technology
Bolivar, USA
DURATION
1 up to 3 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
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EARLIEST START DATE
Aug 2025
TUITION FEES
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STUDY FORMAT
Blended, Distance learning
Introduction
The Master of Science in Information Technology program offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to equip students with advanced skills in leveraging cutting-edge technologies for business success. The program integrates key areas such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence, big data analytics, mobile app development, and IT project management. Students gain expertise in cloud infrastructure and security, AI-driven business analytics, IoT technologies, and effective IT leadership, with a strong emphasis on ethical decision-making and responsible technology use grounded in Christian principles. Through hands-on projects and a culminating capstone experience, students apply their knowledge to real-world IT challenges. This program prepares graduates for roles in the rapidly evolving tech industry, such as Cloud Architects, AI/ML Engineers, IT Project Managers, and Chief Technology Officers, equipping them to drive innovation and strategic technology implementation in various organizational contexts.
Curriculum
This curriculum map illustrates the progressive development of students' competencies across the Master of Science in Information Technology Management program, showing how each course introduces (I), develops (D), or brings students to mastery (M) of the seven Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs), culminating in the capstone course where students demonstrate mastery of all outcomes.
- TECH 500: Ethical Challenges in Technology Management
- TECH 504: Leadership Strategies for Productive Teams
- TECH 512: Project Management for IT Environments
- TECH 515: Managing Cloud Infrastructure and Security
- TECH 543: Cloud Platforms and Enterprise Solutions
- TECH 557: Mobile App Development
- TECH 575: Big Data Analytics for IoT
- TECH 615: Applied AI: Solutions for Business
- TECH 630: Advanced AI for Business Insights and Decision-Making
- TECH 699: Advanced IT Solutions - Capstone Project
Core Classes
TECH 500: Ethical Challenges in Technology Management
This course focuses on preparing leaders to resolve complex ethical dilemmas in technology management. The course emphasizes Biblical values and practical solutions to contemporary challenges. Students explore ethical systems through a Christian worldview, analyze case studies, and develop skills to make sound moral judgments. By the course's end, participants will be equipped to address ethical issues in technology leadership with integrity and a faith-based perspective.
Course Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
- SLO 1: Analyze complex ethical dilemmas in technology management using various ethical frameworks, including a Christian worldview. (PLO 4)
- SLO 2: Evaluate the implications of emerging technologies on ethical decision-making in IT leadership roles. (PLO 1, PLO 4)
- SLO 3: Synthesize Biblical principles with contemporary ethical challenges to develop faith-based solutions in technology management. (PLO 4)
- SLO 4: Develop and articulate sound moral judgments for case studies in technology ethics, demonstrating critical thinking and effective communication. (PLO 4, PLO 5)
- SLO 5: Create a personal ethical framework for addressing technology management challenges that integrate professional standards with Christian values. (PLO 4)
TECH 515: Managing Cloud Infrastructure and Security
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to enterprise data management and networking technologies in Information Technology (IT), with a focus on cloud-based operations and security. Students will explore the functional characteristics of modern network technologies, cloud architectures, and data center operations. The curriculum covers essential IT concepts including virtualization, software-defined networking, and cybersecurity best practices. Emphasis is placed on implementing and managing secure IT infrastructures, understanding data protection principles, and developing strategies for operational efficiency in cloud environments.
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
- SLO 1: Evaluate complex cloud-based network architectures and design optimal solutions for enterprise-level IT infrastructure. (PLO 1, PLO 3)
- SLO 2: Synthesize best practices in cloud security to create comprehensive risk management strategies, addressing emerging threats and regulatory compliance. (PLO 1, PLO 3)
- SLO 3: Create innovative data management and storage solutions for cloud environments, optimizing for scalability, performance, and cost-effectiveness. (PLO 1)
- SLO 4: Critique IT practices through the lens of Christian stewardship, formulating ethical frameworks for responsible technology utilization in enterprise settings. (PLO 4)
- SLO 5: Predict the impact of emerging trends in cloud computing and enterprise IT on organizational operations, and devise adaptive strategies to leverage these technologies securely. (PLO 1, PLO 3, PLO 5)
TECH 543: Cloud Platforms and Enterprise Solutions
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to cloud-managed enterprise architecture as a strategic tool for aligning an organization's IT assets, human resources, operations, and projects with its operational objectives. Students will explore cloud foundations, core services, security protocols, architectural principles, pricing models, and support structures. The course focuses on Amazon Web Services (AWS) and introduces Microsoft Azure fundamentals.
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
- SLO 1: Evaluate cloud architectures and ecosystems, synthesizing concepts, technologies, and best practices to design optimal enterprise solutions. (PLO 1, PLO 5)
- SLO 2: Analyze service-oriented architectures in the cloud, critiquing how computing, storage, and networking services align with IT assets, human resources, and operations. (PLO 1, PLO 5)
- SLO 3: Assess the impact of emerging cloud technologies such as serverless computing, API-driven development, and edge computing, predicting their effects on future enterprise IT strategies. (PLO 1, PLO 5)
- SLO 4: Formulate comprehensive cloud solutions using AWS services, integrating database, storage, and security components to address complex business requirements. (PLO 1, PLO 3)
- SLO 5: Create and evaluate Azure-based cloud infrastructures, demonstrating advanced skills in configuring, deploying, and managing diverse cloud services. (PLO 1, PLO 3)
- SLO 6: Develop an ethical framework for cloud resource management that reflects Christian stewardship principles, critiquing current practices and proposing solutions that balance technological advancement with responsible and sustainable use. (PLO 4)
TECH 557: Mobile App Development
This course delves into the development of cutting-edge mobile applications, focusing primarily on Android development using Java while considering cross-platform implications. Students will learn advanced Java programming techniques, Android SDK utilization, user interface design, and data persistence.
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
- SLO 1: Synthesize advanced Java programming concepts, including object-oriented principles, to architect complex mobile applications. (PLO 1)
- SLO 2: Evaluate and integrate various Android development tools and third-party libraries to create innovative mobile solutions. (PLO 1)
- SLO 3: Design and implement sophisticated graphical user interfaces that optimize user experience and adhere to modern mobile design principles. (PLO 1, PLO 5)
- SLO 4: Create and publish an original Android application, from concept to market-ready product, demonstrating mastery of the full development lifecycle. (PLO 1, PLO 5)
- SLO 5: Formulate a framework for ethical mobile app development that reflects Christian values of integrity and social responsibility, critiquing current industry practices and proposing solutions that prioritize user privacy and well-being. (PLO 4)
TECH 575: Big Data Analytics for IoT
This course introduces students to Apache Spark, focusing on its application in analyzing large-scale datasets. Students will leverage Spark’s capabilities using Python and cover advanced data manipulation, machine learning, and real-world problem-solving.
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
- SLO 1: Synthesize Python programming and Apache Spark frameworks to design and implement advanced big data analysis solutions. (PLO 1)
- SLO 2: Evaluate and apply Spark 2.0 DataFrame syntax to optimize complex data processing tasks and improve analytical efficiency. (PLO 1)
- SLO 3: Create and critique sophisticated machine learning models using Spark's MLlib to solve real-world classification problems. (PLO 1, PLO 5)
- SLO 4: Develop and assess innovative natural language processing applications utilizing Spark's capabilities for text analysis. (PLO 1, PLO 5)
- SLO 5: Formulate an ethical framework for big data analytics that integrates Christian principles of stewardship and privacy, critically examining the societal implications of large-scale data analysis techniques. (PLO 4)
TECH 615: Applied AI: Solutions for Business
This course introduces students to AI and its impact on industries, with a focus on deep learning, reinforcement learning, and applications such as customer churn prediction, image recognition, and stock price forecasting.
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
- SLO 1: Evaluate the impact of AI on various industries, analyzing trends and predicting future developments. (PLO 1, PLO 5)
- SLO 2: Design and implement artificial neural networks to solve business problems, such as customer churn prediction. (PLO 1)
- SLO 3: Develop AI models using convolutional and recurrent neural networks for image recognition and time-series analysis. (PLO 1)
- SLO 4: Create and assess recommender systems and natural language processing applications. (PLO 1, PLO 5)
- SLO 5: Synthesize ethical considerations in AI implementation with Christian principles of stewardship and human dignity, formulating responsible AI strategies. (PLO 4)
TECH 630: Advanced AI for Business Insights and Decision-Making
This course explores AI’s role in business analytics, focusing on generative AI, data mining, and predictive models for digital markets.
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
- SLO 1: Synthesize complex data sets to create innovative business solutions in AI-driven contexts. (PLO 1, PLO 5)
- SLO 2: Evaluate AI management trends, critiquing their impact on various business sectors. (PLO 1, PLO 5)
- SLO 3: Design and assess AI and data mining models for business scenarios. (PLO 1)
- SLO 4: Formulate collaborative strategies to translate business challenges into actionable AI models. (PLO 1, PLO 2, PLO 5)
- SLO 5: Develop and defend efficient business analytics strategies integrating AI technologies. (PLO 1, PLO 5)
- SLO 6: Create an ethical framework for AI implementation in business that aligns with Christian principles. (PLO 4)
TECH 504: Leadership Strategies for Productive Teams
This course focuses on developing leadership skills for managing high-performance teams in IT environments, covering team building, conflict resolution, and fostering innovation.
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
- SLO 1: Design comprehensive strategies for building and managing high-performance teams in diverse IT environments. (PLO 2)
- SLO 2: Evaluate and apply conflict resolution techniques to address challenges in cross-functional IT
Scholarships and Funding
The Office of Financial Aid at Southwest Baptist University is dedicated to providing you with the financial resources and advisement you need to pursue your goal of a Christian higher education. We will work with you to provide comprehensive financial assistance that will meet your needs through a combination of university, federal, state, and private aid resources.
Admissions
Program Outcome
Institutional Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
- ILO 1: Students will communicate effectively.
- ILO 2: Students will use methods of inquiry for knowledge acquisition and application.
- ILO 3: Students will address concrete problems by applying faith and ethical reasoning.
- ILO 4: Students will think creatively and critically to pursue a life of learning.
- ILO 5: Students will engage in a culturally diverse world to strengthen relationships with others.
Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)
- PLO 1: Develop and implement advanced IT solutions integrating cloud computing, AI, and big data analytics to address complex business challenges. (ILO 2, ILO 4)
- PLO 2: Evaluate and apply appropriate project management methodologies and leadership strategies to effectively manage IT initiatives in diverse organizational contexts. (ILO 1, ILO 5)
- PLO 3: Analyze and mitigate security risks in cloud-based and mobile environments, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations. (ILO 2, ILO 4)
- PLO 4: Synthesize ethical considerations and Christian principles of stewardship in the development and implementation of IT solutions, addressing the societal impact of emerging technologies. (ILO 3, ILO 5)
- PLO 5: Design and communicate innovative IT strategies that align with organizational objectives, demonstrating the ability to translate technical concepts for diverse stakeholders. (ILO 1, ILO 4)
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English Language Requirements
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