Information Technology plays a critical role in our daily life controlling most aspects of our digital communication, banking, social media, investments, research, and so much more. Information Technology governs the organization and setup of the infrastructure that our computer networks rely on, the database warehousing systems that enable our access to our data, the cybersecurity processes that are needed to ensure the safety of our information and systems, and the programming that is necessary to put our modern systems of knowledge together quickly and effectively.
The Master of Science in Information Technology program will enable students to build mastery in information technology, cybersecurity, programming, and database design and management. Graduates will be prepared to contribute to a wide variety of IT areas in both academia and professional practice.
The Master of Science in Information Technology degree program prepares graduates for careers in a wide variety of areas in the application of information technology to science, engineering, industry, and business.
This degree gives you the background to design, implement, and secure networks, databases and software applications, as well as a foundational and advanced background in data mining, cloud-based systems, web application development, and high-performance computing.
To receive a master's degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete a planned group of courses from one or more subject areas, consisting of at least 30 units of graduate-level courses. Many master's degree programs require more than 30 units.
You must additionally complete:
Individual degree programs may exceed the baseline University Policy for a master's degree. The program-specific requirements are provided on the Details tab below.
Read the full policy here.
In addition to University Requirements:
Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.
| Minimum Units for Completion | 30 |
| Major GPA | 3.0 |
| Additional Admission Requirements | Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required. |
| Research | Individualized research may be required by chosen emphasis or offered as an option. |
| Additional Fees/Program Fees | Required |
| Progression Plan Link | View Program of Study |
Purpose Statement
This Master of Science in Information Technology (IT) will prepare you to enter or continue in the information technology workforce, building core skills that are widely applicable to many areas of IT, science, engineering, industry, business, and research.
This degree is flexible and is designed to help students to build both broad skills and specialization in the areas of information technology, cybersecurity, programming, and database design and management. The students will be able to take foundational courses in each of these four areas and then be able to further customize their degree by taking additional electives in the focus area of their choice. The degree will culminate in a capstone course experience where students will be able to apply their new knowledge to real design challenges in Information Technology.
This program is designed for students with STEM backgrounds, including engineering, information technology, information systems, or computer science, gained through the successful completion of an undergraduate degree or other professional experience.
As a graduate, you will be prepared to contribute to a wide variety of IT areas in both academia and professional practice including areas of network administration, cloud computing, cybersecurity, programming, and database design and management.
Student Learning Outcomes
Information Technologies
Cybersecurity
Programming
Databases
The NAU graduate online application is required for all programs. Admission to many graduate programs is on a competitive basis, and programs may have higher standards than those established by the Office of Graduate and Professional Studies.
Admission requirements include the following:
Visit the NAU Graduate Admissions website for additional information about graduate school application deadlines, eligibility for study, and admissions policies.
Ready to apply? Begin your application now.
International applicants have additional admission requirements. Please see the International Graduate Admissions Policy.
Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.
*See the application for details.
This Master's degree requires 30 units distributed as follows:
Required Information Technology and Computing Coursework (15 units)
Electives (15 units)
Students enrolled in this plan may not enroll in or pursue the following due to the number of overlapping units:
This program is available as an Accelerated Undergraduate/Graduate Plan wherein a student may start a master's degree while simultaneously completing their bachelor's degree.
Students enrolled at the Online campus for both undergraduate and graduate programs are eligible to complete the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology and start a Master of Science in Information Technology at NAU.
A total of 12 units will be shared between the plans selected from:
Students accepted into the Accelerated Program should complete the following requirements:
Master's Requirements
This Master's degree requires 30 units distributed as follows:
Take the following 30 units:
Electives (15 units)
Some courses may have prerequisites. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.
Program fees are established by the Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR). A program fee has been approved for this program. See program fee details. Program fees are subject to change and updated July 1 for the next academic year.