Information Technology (M.S.)

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:

Information on exemption from the prerequisite courses may be obtained from the Department of Computer Science.

Core Requirements

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.

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.

While studying Information Technology at Hood College you have the opportunity to receive various badges that you can add to your resume. These badges help show expertise in a variety of different disciplines. Below, you can see some of the badge opportunities from both IBM and Hood. For more information on these badges, please reach out the program director.

-IBM Business Cloud Practitioner Badge

The IBM Business Cloud Practitioner Badge is a key credential for validating foundational cloud computing skills. It equips professionals with knowledge of core cloud technologies and prepares them to contribute to digital innovation within enterprises. Beyond foundational expertise, the badge serves as a steppingstone for advanced certifications, enabling ongoing professional growth in a dynamic tech landscape.

This badge democratizes IT by prioritizing skills over traditional degrees, promoting inclusivity across diverse backgrounds. Its blockchain-based verifiability ensures trust and reliability, making it highly valuable to employers. The credential also bridges skill gaps and aligns workforce capabilities with modern industry needs, aiding organizations in upskilling and attracting top talent. Additionally, its relevance spans various sectors, including finance and government, underscoring its widespread impact on career progression and business innovation.

-IBM AI Practical Badge

The IBM AI Practical Badge validates foundational AI skills like machine learning, neural networks, and AI ethics, showcasing expertise in tools such as IBM Watson Studio. It bridges skill gaps by providing standardized, shareable credentials, helping employers tap into diverse talent pools.

This badge emphasizes hands-on experience through projects like chatbots and AI models, ensuring professionals stay relevant in evolving industries. It boosts career growth, improves job performance, and aligns skills with market demands, making it an essential credential for thriving in AI-driven fields.

-Hood Network and Telecommunication Badge:

The Network and Telecommunication Badge certifies skills in networking and telecommunications, bridging academia and industry. In education, it supplements degrees by validating expertise in concepts like TCP/IP, OSI models, and network security, while boosting student engagement and career prospects. Despite challenges like usability and quality assurance, badges offer flexibility and global relevance.

In industry, these badges provide verifiable credentials, aiding employers in assessing specific skills. They accelerate career growth, support professional development, and align with workforce needs in fields like cloud computing and cybersecurity. The badge's adoption highlights its role in connecting academic preparation with industry demands, shaping the future of education and workforce development.

-Hood Internet Security Badge

Graduate class badges in Internet and Network Security validate critical skills like encryption, ethical hacking, and risk management, bridging academia and industry. These digital credentials provide proof of proficiency, boosting student motivation and career readiness by showcasing achievements on platforms like LinkedIn.

In the industry, badges aid employers in skill verification, streamline recruitment, and support professional development in fields like cybersecurity. They help organizations minimize risks, enhance trust, and keep up with emerging threats, making them essential tools in a constantly evolving digital landscape.

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.