Information Technology Management, MS

Program Overview

Information Technology Management, MS

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Information Technology Management program is designed for business professionals who want to advance their careers in positions such as Chief Information Officer (CIO), Chief Technology Officer (CTO), and IT Manager. Classes are taught by professionals who also work in the field at major companies in the Bay Area. A dynamic classroom environment helps to teach real-world skills for the strategic application of IT — including cutting-edge applications of technologies such as business analytics, mobile, cloud services, and social media.

Degree Outcomes

Graduates of the Master of Science in Information Technology Management program will be able to:

• Explain the framework of the IT discipline, identifying both foundational and support organizations.
• Participate in management level discussions that cross IT departmental lines.
• Identify issues associated with each of the functional areas of IT and offer solutions.
• Engage in planning and budgeting processes for each of the foundational components of IT.
• Use their knowledge of IT organizations to break down barriers existing between IT silos in their work environment.
• Engage their business community in meaningful dialogue regarding possible solutions to IT/business problems.
• Integrate new and emerging technologies into each of the foundational components of IT.
• Describe the processes of digital transformation and business re-engineering.
• Explain modern software engineering approaches for minimum viable product, CI/CD, self-scaling and site reliability engineering.
• Demonstrate ability lead and govern the routine operational management functions of IT including tools for PMP, ITIL, SLA monitoring, compliance audit, risk, and security management.

Admission Requirements

• Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or the equivalent from a recognized foreign institution (outside the United States), and provide official transcripts.
• All applicants will need to submit a Statement of Purpose (SOP) and a resume.
• For applicants with a GPA under 3.0, the Statement of Purpose should address the circumstances that led to the applicant’s academic performance, what has changed, and why they think they’ll be more successful now.
• Applicants whose native language is not English must meet the English Language Proficiency Admission Requirements.

Curriculum

• The Master of Science in IT management requires completion of 33 units in the graduate program, including:
  • 3 units for the foundation course
  • 18 units of core courses
  • 9 units of elective courses
  • 3 units for the capstone course
• Foundation program courses may be waived in accordance with university policy regarding course waivers.
• To facilitate scheduling, students may be admitted to advanced program courses before completion of the foundation program, but must complete the foundation courses by the time that nine units have been earned in the advanced program.

Core Courses

• ITM 300: IT Management & Digital Transformation in the Business Enterprise – 3 units
• ITM 304: Managing Data Structures – 3 units
• ITM 316: Software Engineering Leadership – 3 units
• ITM 318: Network and Infrastructure Management – 3 units
• ITM 323: Security, Privacy and Compliance – 3 units
• MSBA 321: Big Data Ecosystems – 3 units

Elective Courses

• Select any three of the following:
  • Business Analytics Courses
    • MSBA 300: Foundations of Business Analytics – 3 units
    • MSBA 320: Advanced Data Analytics with Python – 3 units
    • MSBA 328: Visualization and Communication – 3 units
    • MSBA 330: Self-Service Analytics with Artificial Intelligence – 3 units
  • Leadership Courses
    • LEAD 300: Management and Leadership – 3 units
    • LEAD 303: Teamwork in Organizations – 3 units
    • LEAD 304: Leading Complex Change – 3 units
    • LEAD 305: Adaptive Decision Making – 3 units
  • Project Management Courses
    • PM 340: Introduction to Project Management – 3 units
    • PM 342: Agile Management for Project Managers – 3 units
    • PM 343: Advanced Project Planning, Finance, and Control – 3 units
    • PM 344: Business Transformation Through Program Management – 3 units
    • PM 348: Project Risk Management – 3 units
  • Security Courses
    • ITM 331: Securing the Technology Infrastructure – 3 units
    • ITM 332: Security Standards and Practices – 3 units

Capstone Course

• Select one of the following:
  • ITM 395: Strategic Information Technology Planning, Organization and Leadership – 3 units
  • ITM 398: Internship: Information Technology Management – 3 units

Program Format

• The Master of Science in Information Technology Management program is offered in two program formats: non-cohort and cohort.
• Non-Cohort Program:
  • Domestic or international students are eligible for the non-cohort program
  • Courses are offered online or hybrid
  • The non-cohort program is self-paced and courses can be taken part- or full-time
  • Students may enroll in the program during any term
  • STEM OPT duration for non-cohort students is up to 36 months
• Cohort Program:
  • Only international students are eligible to join the cohort program
  • Courses are offered in-person in San Francisco
  • Cohort program students take courses full-time on a fixed schedule
  • Students must enroll in the Fall term and will complete the degree in 12 months
  • STEM OPT duration for non-cohort students is up to 36 months
  • Cohort program students have access to OPT support

Graduate Tuition

• The tuition for most graduate degree programs at Golden Gate University is $1,090 per unit, covering the cost of high-quality, career-focused education led by experienced faculty.
• This investment supports essential resources, including personalized academic advising, state-of-the-art technology, and student services designed to help adult learners succeed.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the admission requirements?
  • Applicants need a bachelor’s degree (or international equivalent), a resume, and a Statement of Purpose. No GMAT/GRE is required. International students must meet English proficiency standards.
• Is the program STEM-designated?
  • Yes! International students qualify for up to 36 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT).
• Can I work while completing the program?
  • Our hybrid and online formats are designed for working professionals, with courses offered evenings and weekends. However, employment opportunities may be limited by visa status for international students. Please check with our Student Admission Office to confirm eligibility based on your specific circumstances.
• How long does it take to graduate?
  • Non-cohort (self-paced): 1.5–2 years (part-time)
  • Cohort (international students): 12 months (full-time)
• What career support is available?
  • Access to GGU’s career services, internships (ITM 398), and networking opportunities with Bay Area tech leaders.
• What makes this program different from other IT degrees?
  • Focus on strategic IT leadership (not just technical skills), taught by Silicon Valley practitioners, with electives in analytics, cybersecurity, and agile project management.
• Are scholarships available?
  • Yes! International students may qualify for the GGU International Welcome Scholarship (up to $2,000). Domestic students can apply for merit-based aid.
• Can I waive the foundation courses?
  • Foundation courses (e.g., BUS 240) may be waived if you have prior coursework that qualifies. Contact our admissions team for details.
• What roles do graduates pursue?
  • CIO, IT Manager, Cloud Architect, Cybersecurity Analyst, Data Strategist, Project Manager and more.
• How does the cohort program work for international students?
  • The 12-month, in-person cohort includes full-time study in San Francisco, OPT job-search support, and guaranteed course sequencing.