George Dimitoglou
- Professor of Computer Science
- Program Director, Master's in Cybersecurity and Director of the Center for Computer Science and Information Assurance
About this Program
This program prepares technical professionals—and those aspiring to a computer technology career—to implement smart information system solutions in the 21st century business environment.
Program Overview
Tuition & Fees
Funding Opportunities
Download Information Technology Brochure
Explore Current IT Issues
The curriculum deepens knowledge of the procedures, tools and standards used in systems engineering and integration. Students learn object-oriented design and methodology, as well as the design and implementation of databases, telecommunications and computer networks. They also explore current trends and issues, gaining valuable insights into IT’s role in day-to-day business operations.
Boost Professional Marketability
Grounded in a thorough understanding of the management aspects of IT engineering, graduates leave Hood ready to tackle complex IT-based challenges in business, industry, government, education, medicine and other fields. Along the way toward the master’s degree, many also obtain a certificate in Cybersecurity, the first step toward a career as an information security specialist or manager.
Part-time or Full-time
By taking one or two courses a semester, part-time students can complete the 30-credit program in three years. Full-time students can take combination of hybrid and on-campus classes and graduate in 15 months. Both formats provide instruction from highly qualified faculty and adjunct instructors with proven IT experience.
Students come from around the globe to Hood College specifically for the IT program. In fact, one fifth of our enrollment hails from foreign countries, including Armenia, Cameroon, India, Saudi Arabia and others.
Hood College participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.
Degrees Offered
- MS
Are you ready to go further?
Program Requirements and Course Listings
Students applying to the M.S. in information technology program must submit the following to the Graduate School:
- One copy of official transcripts from each institution attended.
- A résumé of work experience.
- An essay of background experience and future goals.
Students entering the program must exempt or complete two foundation courses designed to provide the appropriate prerequisite background for the cross-disciplined major. The program director determines the required foundation courses or exemptions based on a thorough evaluation of transcripts and other supporting documents. The objective is to ensure the student is well prepared and ready to succeed in the program.
Transfer credit policy for admitted students
Students may transfer a maximum of 6 graduate credits from an external, accredited institution, or another Hood graduate program prior to the first semester of study in the current program. Please review the full graduate transfer credit policy in the College catalog.
Foundation Courses
The Master of Science in Information Technology requires completion of foundation courses designed to provide the appropriate background knowledge. Students with undergraduate degrees in computer science or a related field may apply for exemptions from some or all of these prerequisite courses. Any foundation courses required are in addition to the 30 credits required for program completion. The foundation courses are:
| IT 510 | Computing Hardware and Software Systems | 3.0 |
| CSIT 512 | Elements of Computer Programming | 3.0 |
Information on exemption from the prerequisite courses may be obtained from the Department of Computer Science.
Core Requirements
| IT 514 | Info Tech and Cloud Business Intelligence | 3.0 |
| ITMG 516 | Introduction to Data Analytics and Business Data Mining | 3.0 |
| IT 518 | Systems Engineering and Integration | 3.0 |
| IT 530 | Applied Database Systems | 3.0 |
| IT 548 | Telecommunications and Networking | 3.0 |
| CSIT 555 | Information Systems Security | 3.0 |
Students in this program should use this Program Planning Guide (PDF) to plan and track their progress.
Electives
The remaining courses used to complete the student’s program are elective courses that are selected in consultation with the adviser. At least two courses must be selected from courses with an IT prefix. Other elective courses are selected freely from the department’s computer science and information technology offerings.
There are two options for the program. The first requires that the student complete 30 credits of graduate coursework beyond the prerequisite courses. The second requires that the student complete at least 24 credits of graduate coursework beyond the prerequisite courses, plus complete 6 credits of one of the following: thesis or fieldwork project. Students must get permission from the department and their adviser before enrolling in any of these 6-credit options.
| IT 580 | Master's Thesis Preparation | 6.0 |
| IT 585 | Master's Field Work Project | 6.0 |
With careful selection of electives, students in the information technology program may concurrently complete, or make significant progress toward the Certificate in Cybersecurity. This certificate is the first step in developing a trained cadre of information security specialists and information security managers. Please contact the program director for further details on this option.
Knowledge of data analytics is mandatory for success in the current work climate across industries and disciplines. Hood College is offering an online accelerated training course this January to meet this need.
Who is eligible:
- All fields and industries.
- All education backgrounds.
- All employment levels (entry to leader).
- Must possess a bachelor's degree.
By the end of this accelerated training, participants will:
- Understand the opportunities and challenges in data analytics.
- Apply different approaches to real-world data sets.
- Be prepared to earn IBM Skills Academy Certification.
Training opens January 3, 2022 and must be completed by January 21, 2022.
Training discount available for Ft. Detrick Alliance, military and NeighborHOOD members.
Register for the IBM Applied Data Analytics Training Course | ITMG 599A
For questions about the IBM Data Analytics training course, email gofurther@hood.edu.
The 4PLUS program is designed for highly motivated students who have the desire to build career options into their undergraduate curriculum and earn a master's degree in information technology.
Hood College students from all majors are eligible to participate in a 4PLUS program that allows for a combined, and in some cases accelerated, master’s degree in information technology after the completion of their undergraduate program. The program is especially relevant to computer science majors, but it is also available to students from other disciplines.
Additional Information
Program Contact
Program Director
Phone
301-696-3731
Email
Assistant Director of Graduate Admission
Phone
Office: 301-696-3604 Cell/WhatsApp: 240-65-4015
Email
Aijuan Dong
- Department Chair of Computer Science & Information Technology
- Professor of Computer Science
Carol Jim
- Associate Professor of Computer Science
Bill Pierce
- Assistant Professor of Computer Science
- Coordinator, Computer Science Minor
Cheng Qian
- Assistant Professor of Computer Science
Ahmed Salem
- Associate Professor of Computer Science and Information Technology
- Program Director, Master's in Information Technology and Cybersecurity Certificate
Online Programs Launch in Cybersecurity and Information Technology
FREDERICK, Maryland—Hood College has launched online programs in cybersecurity and information technology to make these programs more accessible for working professionals. Cybersecurity and information technology are ever-growing industries in the Maryland and Washington, D.C., region that need qualified workforces. According…
Graduate Student Spotlight | Prashanthi Akuthota
Prashanthi Akuthota, M.S. Information Technology Graduate School
Graduate Student
"One of my colleagues recommended Hood College to me, and when I contacted the program director, I immediately liked the way they responded. The course curriculum is good, as are its diverse academic programs and supportive community."
- Academics
- Math & Computer Sciences
Graduate Student Focus | Naha Prasaath Ganesan
Naha Prasaath Ganesan, M.S. Information Technology Graduate School
Graduate Student
“I like how Hood is a smaller college with fewer students. The Graduate School helped me adjust after I arrived post-orientation. Hood’s professors have been very helpful and friendly.”
- Academics
- Math & Computer Sciences
Hood College Information Technology Program Celebrates 35 Years
Interview with Ahmed Salem, Ph.D | Program Director, Information Technology M.S. Faculty
Graduate School
Graduate Student
Ahmed Salem, Ph.D, Program Director, IT discusses the 35th anniversary of the program
- Academics
- Math & Computer Sciences