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Information Technology (M.S.)
Program of Study
Manager, Technical Communication
Visix Software, Inc.
Students enrolled in this program will explore current issues and trends which challenge IT professionals and surround the use of information technology and the development of IT-based solutions. Students will study the procedures, tools, and standards that are used in the field of systems engineering and integration. Other areas of emphasis include object-oriented design and methodology, the design and implementation of databases, data communications, computer networks and open systems and the technical, operational, and managerial issues associated with computer systems security in an operational environment.
Faculty advisors work closely with students in choosing appropriate elective courses in areas such as web design, web programming, management issues in information systems and human computer interaction.
The Master of Science in Information Technology is one of several graduate level offerings sponsored by the Department of Computer Science. Master degree programs in Computer Science and Management of Information Technology and are also available.
Entrance Requirements
ApplicationComplete and submit the Graduate School Application online. If you apply online, the $35 application fee will be waived.
Transcripts
Request one copy of official transcripts from each institution of higher education attended. Transcripts should be sent directly from each institution to the Graduate School. A résumé is also required.
Grade Point Average (G.P.A.)
A minimum 2.75 undergraduate G.P.A. is required for admission to the Graduate School and to the M.S. in Information Technology program.
Program Overview
The Master of Science in Information Technology degree with a concentration in Information Technology requires the completion of 30 credits beyond prerequisite courses, including 18 credits of Core Requirements and 12 elective credits. Applicants to the program should meet all admission requirements of Hood College Graduate School.
Prerequisite Courses
Students without a strong foundation in Computer Science, including those changing careers or individuals looking to move into a more technical area, have an opportunity to enroll in carefully designed prerequisite courses that provide the background knowledge and skills required for successful degree completion.• IT 510 Computer Hardware/Software Systems
• IT 512 Elements of computer programming
Those students holding a baccalaureate degree in computer science will normally be exempted from all prerequisite courses. Other students may, depending on their academic background and upon review by the department, be exempted from some or all of the prerequisite courses. The program director works closely with accepted students to determine necessary prerequisites.
Degree Requirements
The M.S. in Information Technology curriculum incorporates a concentration in Information Technology. This IT concentration provides the concepts, framework, and techniques needed to optimize the use of information technology in a variety of environments.The Core courses in the program represent the general body of knowledge and skills that all students in the program are expected to master.
Core Requirements:
• CSCI 514 Contemporary Issues in Information Technology (3 credits)• CSCI 515 Object Oriented Methods (3 credits)
• CSCI 518 Systems Engineering and Integration (3 credits)
• CSCI 530 Applied Database Concepts (3 credits)
• CSCI 548 Telecommunications and Networking for the Information Age (3 credits)
• CSCI 555 Information Systems Security (3 credits)
As part of their 12 credits of elective work, students may study such topics as the technologies and issues associated with developing World Wide Web information sites, specific World Wide Web programming techniques, and the role of human factors and psychology in the relationships between people and computers. Students will also have the opportunity to explore the process of managing computer-related projects and analyze real-life management issues surrounding information systems in application environments.
At least 6 elective credits should be chosen from the following list of designated information technology courses:
• CS/MG 527 Management Issues in Information Systems (3 credits)
• CSCI 533 Managing Technical Project Teams (3 credits)
• CSCI 540 Human-Computer Interaction (3 credits)
• CSCI 581 Practicum in Web Development (3 credits)
• CSCI 583 World Wide Web Programming (3 credits)
• The department also periodically offers Special Topics courses in various
areas of information technology and these courses may be used as designated information
technology electives. Recent examples include CSCI 599 Decision Support Systems
and CSCI 599 Managing Change and Quality in Information Systems.
• As part of the required elective work, a student may, with permission of the department, choose to do a 6-credit thesis (CSCI 580), or a 3 or 6 credit fieldwork project (CSCI 585). Faculty advisors are available to work closely with a student in selecting the elective courses and options that best suit the student's goals.
Meet the Faculty:
Elizabeth Chang, Ph.D., professor of mathematics and computer science, actively investigates topics in Web site design and programming, with emphasis on developing Web-based front ends to databases using Perl. She authored the recently published text Practical Perl with CGI Applications. Dr. Chang also has interests in assessment and accreditation issues in higher education.
George Dimitoglou, Ph.D., assistant professor of computer science, earned his doctorate in computer science from the George Washington University. He has extensive industry experience and worked at NASA Goddard Flight Center before coming to Hood College His research interests include distributed systems, networks, databases and software engineering.
Gary Gillard, assistant professor of information technology, specializes in database systems, Web design and graphics, and ethical and social issues associated with computing technology.
Paul J. Gowen, Ph.D., chair of the computer science department and professor of mathematics and computer science, specializes in applied mathematics, database systems and the UNIX operating system.
Xinlian Liu, Ph.D., assistant professor of computer science and director of the graduate program in computer science, received his doctorate from Louisiana State University. He worked for Control Data Corporation, National Meteorological Center and Argonne National Laboratory before coming to Hood College. His research interests include scientific visualization and grid computing.
Bill Pierce, assistant professor of computer science, has worked in the computer industry for more than 20 years in the areas of systems programming, engineering and consulting. His research and teaching interests include the areas of computer architecture and system design, digital electronics, microprocessors, computer systems performance and computer operating systems.
Visit the Hood College Department of Computer Science web site for more information.
Success of Graduates
In Maryland alone, jobs in computer-related industries will account for nearly one-third of all employment in business services by the year 2005, and graduates of our highly regarded program are in strong demand. Hood graduates create new technologies and manage technology resources in a wide variety of organizations. They are well positioned for advancement and success in their careers.more...
Information Technology Faculty
Hood Information Technology professors are a dedicated group of teachers who stay abreast of current technology through continuous professional development. They maintain close ties to many of the region's largest employers.more...
Information Technology Advisory Council
Advisory Council members represent the computer science community served by the academic program.more...
Computing Facilities
Both Hood College public computing facilities and special departmental laboratories are accessible to students in the Information Technology program.more...