M.S. in Information Technology

Summary of Course Requirements for MSIT: 

• Core Courses (20 credits)
  • TINFO 501, TINFO 502 (3 credits),  TINFO 503, TINFO 504, TINFO 598 (2 credits) 
• Depth Courses (30 credits)
  • Chosen from the following: TINFO 510, TINFO 520, TINFO 530, TINFO 540, TINFO 550, TINFO 560, TINFO 570, TINFO 580, TINFO 590
• Thesis or Capstone (10 credits) 
  • TINFO 700 or TINFO 702

MSIT Degree Requirements 

• Minimum of 60 credits completed 
• Minimum grade of 2.7 is required in each course counted toward the degree 
• Minimum GPA of 3.0 is required for graduation 
• Students must be registered for at least 2 credits in the quarter the degree is earned 
• Students must complete all degree requirements within 6 years 

The core is designed to raise the technical level of all students and prepare them for more technical electives, the master's thesis and the capstone project. After completion of the core, students will choose between the thesis or capstone project option. 

Each course is worth 5 credits in a quarter system unless otherwise stated; the courses listed below are new and under development 

• TINFO 501 - Data Structures and Algorithms for IT 
• TINFO 502 - Data Structures and Algorithms for IT II (3 credits) 
• TINFO 503 - Computer Networks for IT 
• TINFO 504 - IT Project Management 
• TINFO 598 - Masters Seminar for IT (2 credits) 

Each course is worth 5 credits in a quarter system unless otherwise stated; the courses listed below are new and under development. Other courses will be developed in the future based on new Faculty expertise. 

• TINFO 510 - Cloud Computing 
• TINFO 520 - Cyber Forensics 
• TINFO 530 - Machine Learning for IT 
• TINFO 540 - Wireless and Mobile Network Security 
• TINFO 550 - Human-Computer Interactions 
• TINFO 560 - Internet of Things 
• TINFO 570 - IT Automation 
• TINFO 580 - Homeland Security 
• TINFO 590 - DevOPs
• TINFO 600 - Independent Study or Research 
• TINFO 700 - Master's Thesis 
• TINFO 701 - Internship 
• TINFO 702 - Capstone Project 

TINFO 501 Data Structures and Algorithms for IT (5 credits)
Covers data structures and classical algorithms with an emphasis on implementing a complete algorithmic solution to a given problem. 

TINFO 502 Data Structures and Algorithms for IT II (3 credits)
Develops the topics covered in TINFO 501 and explores algorithms analysis, design, and computational complexity. Includes efficient algorithms, models of computation, correctness, time and space complexity, NP-complete problems, and undecidable problems. 

TINFO 503 Computer Networks for IT (5 credits)
Covers underlying technology of information facilities, networking systems and communication software. Topics include Internet and distributed applications, local area networks, wide area networks, data communications, and network management.

TINFO 504 IT Project Management (5 credits)
Covers fundamentals of the project management process (initiating, planning, controlling, and delivering), toolsets and techniques for managing an IT project. The course will focus on project scope, Project management, forecasting models, assessment of uncertainty, and methods of quality improvement.

TINFO 510 Cloud Computing (5 credits)
Presents a broad overview of topics associated with cloud computing including fundamental principles, service delivery models, foundational and enabling technologies, architecture, design, and virtualization technology. Understanding and mastery is supported through hands-on tutorials, activities, and a term project.

TINFO 520 Cyber Forensics (5 credits)
Introduces the use of the most popular forensics tools and offers specific guidance on dealing with civil and criminal matters relating to the law and technology. It also includes discussions on how to manage a digital forensics operation in today’s business environment.

TINFO 530 Machine Learning for IT (5 credits)
Introduces the concepts of Machine Learning. Topics include supervised and unsupervised machine learning algorithms. Methods covered are linear and logistic regression, support vector machines, nearest neighbor, decision tree, hierarchical and neural network. We will also cover techniques for optimization, such as gradient and coordinate matrix. 

TINFO 540 Wireless and Mobile Network Security (5 credits)

Covers fundamental concepts in wireless network security and mobile system security. Exposes the students to wireless and mobile security protocols, cutting-edge research results, and hands-on experiences in wireless and mobile cybersecurity.

TINFO 550 Human-Computer Interactions (5 credits)

Focuses on understanding research components in human-computer interactions. Topics include user-centered design, measurements in human-computer interactions, usability testing, experimental research, data collection methods, data analysis, and innovations in human-computer interactions. Involves reading assignments, presentation of research papers, and hands-on term projects.

TINFO 560 Internet of Things (5 credits)
Introduces fundamental concepts for Internet of Things. The course covers IoT technologies, system architecture, standards, data collection, cloud computing, and security. The course introduces employing IoT across domains such as energy, health, automation, and industrial manufacturing. Students will be familiar with IoT system components, sensing, actuation, networking, and design considerations.

TINFO 570 IT Automation (5 credits)
Studies automation technology in managing constantly evolving complex IT infrastructures. Topics include scripting languages, configuration management, change controls, network monitoring, security, and disaster recovery. Hands-on activities on automating IT process are also included.

TINFO 580 Homeland Security (5 credits)
Examines the impact of cyberattacks against critical infrastructure, and studies national strategies for homeland security. Topics include the scope of homeland security, national infrastructure protection, and homeland security intelligence.

TINFO 590 DevOPs (5 credits)
Studies IT software developments and operations. Topics include software development life circles and DevOps workflow, architecture and scalability of software deployment and management tools.

TINFO 598 Masters Seminar for IT (2 credits)
Surveys the literature pertinent to a master's degree in Information Technology. Readings in theoretical and practical research are assigned to provide a grounding in Masters level work. Weekly discussions of topics taken from the readings.

TINFO 600 Independent Study or Research (5 credits)
Provides an opportunity to work independently exploring specific information technology topics in greater depth. The student must develop a research proposal and make arrangements with a faculty member to supervise the project prior to course registration.

TINFO 700 Master’s Thesis (1-10 credits)
Provides an opportunity to demonstrate comprehensive knowledge in IT. Completes a research project led by a School of Engineering and Technology graduate faculty advisor.

TINFO 701 Internship (5 Credits)
Gives a real-world experience in an information technology environment. Provides Optional Practical Training (OPT) for students. The specific internship must be discussed with, proposed to, and accepted by a faculty advisor.

TINFO 702 Capstone Project (1-10 credits)
Provides the opportunity to demonstrate comprehensive knowledge in Information Technology. Students work under the supervision of a graduate faculty advisor to design and implement an original project. The specific project must be discussed with, proposed to, and accepted by a faculty advisor.

Admission to the MSIT program requires students to have: 

• An accredited Bachelor of Science in Computer Science or Information Technology from a regionally accredited institution (or an equivalent international degree) with minimum 3.0 GPA
• English language proficiency, demonstrated in one of the following ways: 
  • A degree from a regionally accredited institution in the U.S. or another nation where English is the main language, such as the United Kingdom or Australia to cite but a few. 
  • Official English language test score such as TOEFL with a minimum score of 580 (92 for computer based test) 
• Applicants must also meet the minimum admission requirements for the Graduate School at the University of Washington, as detailed in Understanding the Application Process. 

Applicants without a BS degree in either Computer Science or Information Technology may meet the admission requirements with a bachelor's degree in a STEM field. To determine admission eligibility, prospective students should contact the MSIT Graduate Advisor. 

Please include these required items in your application: 

• GRE scores 
• Two letters of recommendation 
• Statement of purpose 
• Resume 
• Unofficial copies of transcripts (admitted students have to submit official transcripts) 
• International students: evidence of English Language Proficiency (see Graduate School Memo 3.2)

The admissions process for MSIT will adhere to the UW Graduate School Memo 3.1. 

Each application will be reviewed holistically by a MSIT Faculty Committee. 

NSF CyberCorps®: Scholarship for Service (SFS) 

CyberCorps®: Scholarship for Service (SFS) is a unique program funded by a National Science Foundation grant designed to increase and strengthen the cadre of information assurance professionals that protect the government’s critical information infrastructure.

The CyberCorps® SFS is open to graduate students in these specific programs:

• Master of Cybersecurity and Leadership
• Master of Science in Information Technology 

Note that the application process for the CyberCorps®: Scholarship for Service is separate from the SET scholarship and fellowship applications, and has different deadlines for grad and undergrad students. 

A number of SFS scholarships are offered in partnership with the University of Colorado Colorado Springs Ph.D. in Security degree program. For more information, please contact Professor Yan Bai at yanb@uw.edu. 

Eligibility

Students must meet these requirements to apply and receive the CyberCorps® SFS:

• U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Enrolled in, or applied for admission/transfer to Master of Science in Information Technology or Master of Cybersecurity and Leadership
• Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Meet selection criteria for federal employment, including obtaining a security clearance

Benefits

• Full tuition and academic fees for up to 3 years
• Annual stipend of $27,000 for undergraduate students and $37,000 for graduate students 
• Annual professional allowance of up to $6000
• Eligible and well trained for full-time employment in federal government agencies
  (UWT CyberCorps® scholars are responsible to apply for and obtain a position. The program can provide assistance with identifying employment opportunities)
• Strong potential for progression into a cybersecurity doctoral program with SFS scholarship

Obligations

• Be a full-time student
• Maintain a minimum 3.5 GPA
• Complete a course of study in cybersecurity as approved by the program director. Though there will be some flexibility for individual student interests, most will be required courses.
• Participate in all University of Washington Tacoma CyberCorps® program activities.
• Maintain a lifestyle compatible with government agency requirements to maintain security clearance (e.g. no drugs/felonies, good financial stewardship, etc.).
• Participate in a summer internship with a government agency as approved by the program director between their first and second year in the program.
• Work for a federal executive agency in a qualifying position, upon completing academic degree requirements. PhD students can also work as educators in the field of cybersecurity at qualified institutions of higher education. Length of service depends on length of scholarship support-one year of service for each year of support.

Application Process

The following documents are required to apply:

• Copy of unofficial transcript (from all attended colleges or universities)
• Resume
• Two letters of recommendation from faculty or employers
• Statement of purpose describing professional, personal, and academic goals; commitment to the SFS program, and how the SFS program will help you achieve your goals

Contact

Yan Bai, Ph.D.
Program Director
Email: yanb@uw.edu