Degree Requirements

Entrance Requirements

Course Descriptions

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Summer/Fall Course Schedule

Computer and Information Science Department 

Frequently Asked Questions

The Master of Science in Information Technology Management program offers a blend of information systems theory and business management that provides the skills needed to successfully manage the IT department within a corporate environment. 

Classes focus on information and technology management, including analysis, design, implementation and management solutions, as well as human resources.

Organizational Best Practices Conference
Wednesday, June 4
8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
In a convenient one-day format, St. Ambrose University brings together representatives from companies across the country to present diverse and meaningful perspectives on how workforce teams improve organizational performance and achieve results.

General Information

Full-time traditional graduate students are also welcome in the program and the scheduling provides an opportunity for completion in as little as three semesters and a summer if no prerequisites are needed and the student is not employed full-time.

Department Chair: Ken Grenier, Computer and Information Sciences
563/333-6173 or email GrenierKennethR@sau.edu. 

Degree Requirements

The requirements for the MSITM are divided into three components: computer core, business core, and electives. The minimum required graduate credit hours is 36 but most students take 39-42 credit hours. All courses listed below are 3 credit hours. While the MSITM program is management oriented; MSITM students are expected to be familiar with a high-level programming language (Java is prefered).
(Course descriptions)

Computer Core:
15 credit hours required

Business Core:
9 credit hours required, up to 15 credit hours may be required if the student needs the MBA
leveling courses

Electives:
Complete 12 credit hours from the following. At least 9 credit hours must be selected from CSCI

Entrance Requirements:

• An applicant must meet the following departmental criteria for admission:

• A cumulative GPA of 2.8 on a 4.0 scale in all undergraduate work.

• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited university.

• An official copy of results for the GMAT test.

• All applicants from non-English speaking countries are required to submit official scores for the TOEFL exam. The minimum score requirement is 213.
  

• In addition to the above, a student accepted into the Master of Science in Information Technology Management degree program will be required to meet all prerequisites for each MSITM and MBA course before the particular course is attempted. Specifically, students will be required to take at least CSCI 195, CSCI 270, CSCI 360, MBA 505 and MBA 506 (or have completed equivalent courses). It is expected that all MSITM students can program in a high-level language (Java is prefered). All undergraduate prerequisites must be completed with a grade of C or higher.
  

• All applicants will be required to take the GMAT. The applicant must score at or above the 40th percentile on the quantitative methods portion of whichever exam is taken. If the applicant scores below the 40th percentile on the quantitative portion of the exam he/she will be required to take MBA 503.
  

• Applicants who do not meet the minimum standards for unconditional acceptance but who have an undergraduate GPA between 2.6 and 2.8 may submit a written appeal to the department in consideration for conditional acceptance.

Transfer of Credit

MSITM candidates may transfer graduate level credit from another university. Approval of transfer credit is based on the following criteria: the credit must have been earned within the 5 year program completion period, is graduate level credit from an accredited university, a grade of B or higher was earned in the course, and the course is deemed equivalent to a course offered by SAU and applicable to the MSITM. In no case will more than 9 transfer credits be applied to the requirements for the MSITM.

Admissions Appeal Procedure

A written request for review must be submitted that describes any extenuating circumstances that would explain the non-qualifying GPA. In addition the candidate may also include letters of recommendation that speak to the candidates abilities and commitment to graduate level work. The candidate may also include any other materials he/she feels would be beneficial for admissions consideration. After reviewing the materials submitted by the candidate the department may request an interview.

Student Retention Policy

• The student must maintain at least a 3.0 average in all graduate course work.

• Only two C's are allowed in graduate level courses. This includes graduate level prerequisites.

• A student who falls below a 3.0 GPA in graduate work will be considered on probation. The student must remove the probationary status within 9 credit hours of course work. Probationary status is removed by improving the GPA to 3.0 or above. If the probationary status is not removed, the student is dismissed from the program.

• A student dismissed for academic reasons may reapply for admissions after one calendar year and should follow the Admissions Appeal Procedure.

• A course may be retaken only once in order to improve a grade and a maximum of three classes may be repeated for grade improvement purposes.

• There is no residency requirement.

• A student must complete the degree within a 5-year period.

Pre-MBA Courses

Students with a Bachelor’s degree in a business area are exempt from taking MBA 501 and MBA 502.  Other students (those without bachelor’s degrees in business) will be placed into these courses according to the following:

1. Those with a GMAT composite score greater than 550 will be exempt from MBA 501 and MBA 502.

2. Those with a GMAT composite score less than 550 will be required to take MBA 501 and MBA 502 test out opportunities will be available.

3. A student may decide, even if exempt, to take these courses.  However, the courses only count as required pre-requisites and will not substitute for graduate electives in the student’s program of study.

Students may be exempt from taking MBA 503, provided they have satisfied the following:

    1.    The student has completed a course in statistics at the undergraduate level, earning at least a
           grade of B- in each course.
    2.    The student has completed the GMAT and has scored in at least the 40% percentile on the
           quantitative portion of the aptitude test.
    3.    In no case would a student with a grade below a B- in undergraduate statistics or a GMAT score
           below the 40% be granted an exemption from the full course.

• If a student is required to take 2 or more 500 level courses, these courses   must be complete before a student may enroll in most 600 level   courses.  If a student is required to take only one 500 level course, this course may be taken concurrently with  MBA 605.

The GMAT score is needed to determine full academic admission. Students may complete no more than two (2) CSCI courses before the GMAT score is needed.  Students without an undergraduate business degree may register under the special student status for MBA 501 and MBA 502 prior to taking the GMAT.  Taking MBA 501 and 502 does not eliminate the GMAT requirement for full admission.  Therefore, applicants are encouraged to take the GMAT early in their decision to apply.