The Aspen University 36 semester credit MS in Information
Technology (MSIT) program
prepares students for mid-level careers in information technology
in a variety of business settings.
All organizations today rely on computer and information
technology to conduct business and operate more efficiently.
Information technology projects are generally lead by managers
that have an understanding of the underlying business concepts
and needs, the requirements of end users and stakeholders,
and an understanding of the technologies needed to address
the requirements.
The MSIT program equips learners with fundamental technical
skills coupled with vendor-neutral information technology
principles including data communications, intranet development
and project management.
36 Total semester credits consisting of:
- 8 Core Courses and 3 Elective Courses (3 semester
credits each)
- A Final Capstone Project (3 semester credits)
- 2 Proctored Exams
Elective Courses (Select any 3):
685 eBusiness
646 Project Management Organization Framework
647 Project Management Integration Framework
649 Information Technology Project Management
See Program Calendar
Course Descriptions:
645 Project Management Essentials
PME introduces students to the fundamental elements
of effective project management. It provides students
with the opportunity to apply these elements using exercises
and examples based on real-time projects. The required
tools and techniques used to plan, measure, and control
projects and the methods used to organize and manage projects
are also discussed.
515 Management of Information Systems
In this course, students gain valuable insight into the
planning, organizing, and controlling of user services,
as well as the management of the information systems development
process. The course also examines organizational learning
curves, dealing with vendors, budgeting, accounting, management
reporting, and legal considerations of information systems.
525 Information Systems Strategic Planning
Information systems are an integral part of corporate
operations. This course examines guidelines for developing
an information systems plan, selecting systems projects,
assessing current systems, and planning future systems
expansion that supports organizational growth.
535 Telecommunications
This course provides a brief history of telecommunications,
a look at the field's structure and regulation, information
on networks and telecommunications services, the basics
of traffic engineering, and an introduction to primary
data communications systems. The underlying principles
and functions of telecommunications management are also
introduced.
545 Emerging Technologies
This course provides an in-depth discussion of both the
theories and application of risk-management approaches
to the latest and most menacing IT threats. As technologies
pervasively continue to enter our lives, the risks are
becoming universal and quite far-reaching in terms of
who are affected. Computer-communication systems reach
into almost every aspect of our existence, relating to
the health and well-being of not only people, businesses,
and governments, but also the global environment.
665 Data Communications
Data Communications develops students' essential
skills and knowledge for designing communication systems.
Students examine network protocols and wide and local-area
networks in detail. Topics include the seven layers of
the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) Model, client-server
technology, and comparison of different network architectures.
675 Systems Design
This course reviews efficient processes for information
systems analysis and development. It also covers state-of-the-art
techniques for information systems specifications and
design. Other topics covered include real-time structured
analysis and design, and object-oriented analysis and
design.
695 Intranets
This course develops students' essential skills and
knowledge for designing and managing Intranets, i.e. internal
Web (TCP/IP-based) networks. Students will learn how the
Internet model applies to business, how developments in
technology have made Intranets possible, and the impact
they may have for organizations in the future. Students
will also examine the role of extranets in business-to-business
(B2B) transactions. Students will examine the key security
considerations that allow a company to protect, yet use,
its business knowledge.
685 eBusiness
The Internet and related technologies pose enormous
opportunities for developing new business models and significant
threats to existing models. Information Professionals
must be prepared to recognize opportunities and overcome
challenges posed by the electronic economy. This course
defines the core elements of developing an eBusiness strategy,
including branding, competitive analysis, technology assessment,
business method models, and preparing for emerging trends.
Course assignments involve extensive case studies and
online research using the latest e-tools. Students collaborate
to create a prototype eBusiness venture.
646 Project Management Organization Framework
PMOF introduces the fundamental concepts of scope,
time management, human resource planning and project communications
as presented in the Project Management Institute's Project
Management Body of Knowledge. Emphasizing both theory
and practical application, PMOF provides students with
an opportunity to apply these concepts using real-life
exercises, examples, and software tools..
647 Project Management Integration Framework
PMIF completes the topics presented in the Project Management
Institute's Project Management Body of Knowledge and includes
project cost, quality, procurement, and risk management.
Continuing the work from PMOF, PMIF provides students
with additional opportunities to apply these concepts
using real-life exercises, examples, and software tools.
Special consideration is given to preparing students for
the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification
exam.
649-Information Technology Project Management
(Prerequisite: 645-- Project Management Essentials or
prior consent of the instructor)
In today's fast-paced and dynamic environment, innovative
information technology and system development projects
are critical to many companies' success. The emphasis
on such projects creates greater demand from senior management
to deliver quality information technology projects on
time, within budget, and which add functionality and value
to their customers and clients. IT Project Management
will teach the project manager how to integrate sound
project management principles in the information technology
project's development profile in order to assure every
aspect of the project is under control and delivers the
technical objectives. This course will also cover the
IT project's life cycle from initiation through closeout
and address all the components of project management as
they relate to IT projects, based on the Project Management
Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) as defined by the Project Management
Institute (PMI).
599 Capstone Project
The capstone project allows students to apply the
knowledge and skills acquired in their courses to the
work environment. This project is completely individualized;
students are encouraged to select work-related projects
that are of particular interest to them and that will
result in professional growth and benefit the organization.
Due to the extensive evaluation process, and the quantity
of work and research involved, the Capstone course has
a time limit of 6 months.
