MS Information Technology | MS Information Management

Master of Science in Information Technology

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. The MSIT equips learners with fundamental technical skills presented in the widely recognized Microsoft Certificate Systems Engineer certification coupled with such vendor-neutral information technology principles as data communications, intranet development and project management.

MSIT Degree Completion Requirements:

• 36 Total semester credits (8 Core Courses- 3 semester credits each)
  
• 9 Elective semester credit hours of MCSE Certification Portfolio
  
• A Final Project (3 semester credits)
  
• One Proctored Exam

Core Courses:

645 Project Management Essentials
515 Management of Information Systems
525 Information Systems Strategic Planning
535 Telecommunications
545 Emerging Technologies
665 Data Communications
675 Systems Design
695 Intranets
599 Capstone Project

Back to Top

Elective Courses:

You may receive nine elective portfolio credits for your earned Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) certification. If you want to earn the MSIT degree but don't want to pursue the MCSE, you are required to take three of the following electives:

615 Information Systems Policy
625 Planning for Information Networks
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.

Back to Top

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
Through this course, students explore state-of-the-art and emerging technologies in information processing. The class includes a survey of recent advances in software development, hardware, and computer networking strategies.

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 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.

Back to Top

615 Information Systems Policy
Designed to provide an understanding of the overall information needs of an organization and the role of computer-based information systems, this course covers management of computer centers and technical personnel, systems development management, and enterprise analysis.

625 Planning for Information Networks
This course presents a methodology for planning telecommunications networks from the perspective of a technical manager. General planning principles are covered, and during the course students develop a general model based on structured analysis techniques. Related topics of network architectures risk analysis, and disaster recovery are also discussed.

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).

Back to Top

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.

Master of Science in Information Management

Aspen University's 36 semester credit MS in Information Management program illustrates how information flows through an enterprise, presents effective uses of technology and describes how information systems can shape an organization. It bridges the gap between information management and its practical application. The program examines information technology with an emphasis upon strategies for applying technology both profitably and effectively.

The core courses lay a firm foundation of essential concepts, principles, skills and strategies for the information technology professional, providing the knowledge and skills needed for informed decision making and effective leadership. The program's two elective tracks allow for concentrated study in either the management or technology aspects of the field.

The Aspen University MS in Information Management prepares students to be key contributors in defining the strategies for successful implementation of Information Technology within their organizations.

MSIM Degree Completion Requirements:

• 36 Total semester credits (8 Core Courses- 3 semester credits each)
  
• 3 Elective Course (3 semester credits each)
  
• A Final Project (3 semester credits)
  
• One Proctored Exam

Core Courses:

505 Managing in an Age of Information Technology Change
515 Management of Information Systems
525 Information Systems Strategic Planning
535 Telecommunications
545 Emerging Technologies
560 Business Ethics
590 Organizational Behavior
645 Project Management Essentials
599 Capstone Project

Elective Courses: Management Concentration

605 Customers, Markets, and Technology
635 Technology and the Global Environment
685 eBusiness

Elective Courses: Technologies Concentration

649 - Information Technology Project Management
665 Data Communications
685 eBusiness
695 Intranets

Elective Courses: Project Management Concentration

646 Project Management Organization Framework
647 Project Management Integration Framework
649 Information Technology Project Management

See Program Calendar

Back to Top

Course Descriptions:

505 Managing in an Age of Information Technology Change - This course sets the stage for Aspen University's Master of Science degree program by addressing the need for organizations to respond efficiently to technological changes. Students examine management techniques for fostering a corporate culture that facilitates innovation. The course also discusses the dynamics of growth and change and their impact on the success of a technology-intensive business.

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 - Through this course, students explore state-of-the-art and emerging technologies in information processing. The class includes a survey of recent advances in software development, hardware, and computer networking strategies.

560 Business Ethics
This course examines ethics and values in multiple contexts. It begins with an exploration of individual values and the integration of mind, body and soul. The perspective then broadens to include corporate ethics and the role of moral leadership in business. The course concludes with an examination of ethical dilemmas created by an expanding global economy.

Back to Top

590 Organizational Behavior
Today, businesses run on hardware, software, and human capital more than ever before. This course focuses on the people in the organization and how they work and behave in the work environment. It examines the behavior of individuals, the dynamics of teamwork, the processes of small groups, decision-making, problem-solving, conflict management, and ways to eliminate barriers to effective communications within the workplace.

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.

605 Customers, Markets & Technology
The relationship between technology-based products and the consumers of these products comes under investigation in this course. This course also teaches methods for designing, developing, and delivering technology-based products that can solve real-world problems.

635 Technology and the Global Environment
How does globalization relate to and affect technological innovation? That's the question this course is designed to answer. Students interpret technological activities of organizations and analyze the likely impact of these activities on technological choices and opportunities affecting their businesses.

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).


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.

Back to Top

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.


695 Intranets
This course develops students' essential skills and knowledge for designing and managing Intranets, i.e. internal Web 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.

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.

Back to Top

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.

Master of Science in Information Technology
Develop your expertise in data communications, intranet development, and project management. Build upon the skills presented in the widely recognized Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) certification.

Master of Science in Information Management
Get the skills you need to shape your organization's technology implementation to best meet business objectives.