Oct 12, 2024  
Rensselaer Catalog 2023-2024 
    
Rensselaer Catalog 2023-2024 [Archived Catalog]

Information Technology M.S (Hartford)


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A professional track is offered for the M.S. in IT degree.  

Students admitted to the M.S. in IT develop an approved Plan of Study that should include:

  • Ten courses (a minimum of 30 credits)
  • A minimum of six courses (18 credit hours or more) at the graduate level (6XXX-level courses)
  • Five core courses; one from each of the five core areas 
  • A minimum of three courses (9 credit hours or more) in an approved Concentration
  • One elective approved by the adviser to add further depth to the degree
  • Either:  ITWS 6800 - Information Technology Master’s Capstone or ITWS 6980 - Master’s Project

The core and concentration courses are designed to accommodate a wide range of backgrounds. If students have previously completed the basic required Core course, they must then complete the next level required course to add depth in that core area. For example, if an equivalent course to Database Systems was completed in a prior degree, the Core area requirement could be satisfied by taking Database Mining. Students may request transfer credit only for the elective, subject to adviser approval. Additionally, no more than half of all credits used towards the M.S. in IT degree may be taken from courses offered by the Lally School of Management and Technology. These courses are coded MGMT.

The M.S. in IT Master’s Capstone course integrates the knowledge and professional practice of IT core and concentration courses. The Capstone utilizes an Information Technology Team Project with a real organization to practice the major concepts of the IT master’s degree. The Team Project involves strategic and business planning, systems development, and technology implementation. Expertise in database systems, data analytics, networking, software design, decision sciences, management of technology, human computer interaction, and ethics are applied within a framework of global e-business strategy.

Full-time students normally begin in the fall term and take four courses in the fall, four courses the following spring, participate in an internship/co-op over the summer and complete the final four courses in the fall. This option may allow a student to complete two concentrations. Students also have the option to take five courses in the fall and five in the spring to complete the program in two semesters with one concentration. Part-time students typically complete the program in two and one-half years of continuous study.

Outcomes of the Graduate Curriculum

Students who successfully complete this program will be able to:

  • demonstrate core knowledge in Database Systems, Data Analytics, Software Design and Engineering, Management of Technology and Human Computer Interaction.
  • demonstrate detailed knowledge in one or more ITWS concentration areas.
  • communicate effectively with colleagues, both technical and non-technical.
  • professionally execute IT projects or research.

M.S. in IT Core Requirements


To acquire a breadth of IT experience, master’s degree students take the five Core courses listed below. Alternate courses are also listed for those who have previously completed the required Core course. Also noted is the usual term in which the required Troy campus Core course is offered. Course offerings change frequently to keep pace with rapid advancement in IT; some courses are delivered in alternate years. Please see the Troy ITWS Web site for the most current information: itws.rpi.edu.

M.S. in IT Core Area


Database Systems


  • ITWS 6960 - ITWS Database Systems Credit Hours: 3

Data Analytics


Software Design and Engineering


Management of Technology


Human Computer Interaction


Concentration Requirements


The ITWS faculty designed the concentrations to provide an in-depth, leading-edge experience in the application of information technology. Students often select areas that complement their prior backgrounds (e.g., students with strong computer backgrounds may select MIS or Information Systems Engineering). Alternately, some students select a concentration related to their prior backgrounds and then expand on that background through higher-level course work. The course taken to complete a core requirement does not count toward the concentration.

Rensselaer’s course offerings are dynamic and new courses are developed each term, making course listings subject to change. Some courses are offered in alternate years. For current status, please visit itws.rpi.edu.

Data Science and Analytics


Select two or three of the following courses:


Web Science


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