University of Wisconsin Board of Regents Approves New Online Master of Science in Information Technology Management Program
New Graduate Degree Program Aims to Address Growing Demand For Skilled Information Technology Leaders
MADISON, Wis.—April 5, 2019—The University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents has granted its approval to offer a 13-course, 37-credit online master’s degree in the rapidly growing field of IT management. A collaborative partnership of the University of Wisconsin Extended Campus and five University of Wisconsin Campuses—UW-La Crosse, UW-Oshkosh, UW-Parkside, UW-Stevens Point, and UW-Superior—the new master’s program balances technical IT coursework with business and managerial topics, teaching core competencies that will help students succeed in advanced IT management and leadership roles across a wide range of industries.
Courses are planned to begin in September pending approval from the Higher Learning Commission, one of six regional institutional accreditors in the United States.
“Today, Information Technology is prevalent across all industries,” said Aaron Brower, Executive Director of UW Extended Campus. “This requires more skilled IT professionals than ever before.”
Designed with input from industry leaders, the UW Master of Science in IT Management will offer a rigorous, multidisciplinary curriculum including IT business courses in finance, operations, project management, ethics, regulatory compliance, and communication. In addition to business competencies, the program aims to advance the IT skills of students through coursework in data science, cloud computing, enterprise security, and enterprise applications.
Graduates of the program will gain a deeper understanding of IT as an organizational function and be equipped with the skills required to strategize, plan, and lead IT projects in any industry. Admission to the program will require a bachelor’s degree with prerequisite courses in programming, database, and data/communications network. Aptitude tests such as the GMAT and GRE will not be required.
“Specifically in Wisconsin, demand for IT managers is above the national average; employers see a shortage of professionals to meet that demand,” said George Kroeninger, Associate Dean – Program Development, of UW Extended Campus. “This online degree program serves to fill that gap and expand educational opportunity for residents of Wisconsin and beyond that want to advance their career in IT.”
The Master of Science in Information Technology Management is intended for students with a bachelor’s degree in areas including (but not limited to) information systems, information technology, computer science, computer programming, business administration, engineering, mathematics, statistics, and who have professional experience in the information technology field, but are looking to gain business and leadership competencies in IT.
“We’re excited to bring this degree program to adult learners both in and out of state who seek to advance their careers and contribute to business success through IT management.” Brower said. “Information technology has the ability to transform the way we do business, and we depend on skilled IT managers to lead the way in this growing field.”
The UW Master of Science in Information Technology Management joins a growing list of flexible, online degree and certificate programs designed for adult learners and is offered in collaboration with UW Extended Campus and UW System campus partners.
Prospective students seeking more information about the planned University of Wisconsin IT Management program are encouraged to visit itmanagement.wisconsin.edu, call 1-608-262-2011, or 1-877-895-3276, or email learn@uwex.edu.
About UW Extended Campus
The University of Wisconsin is one of the largest and most widely respected public higher education systems in the country. UW Extended Campus (https://ce.uwex.edu/) partners with all UW System campuses to offer online degrees and certificates, as well as continuing education and lifelong learning opportunities. Through UW Extended Campus, people of Wisconsin and beyond can access university resources and engage in online learning, wherever they live and work—fulfilling the promise of the “Wisconsin Idea.”
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The University of Wisconsin System serves more than 170,000 students. Awarding 36,000 degrees annually, the UW System is Wisconsin’s talent pipeline, putting graduates in position to increase their earning power, contribute to their communities, and make Wisconsin a better place to live. More than 80 percent of UW System graduates stay in Wisconsin five years after earning a degree. The UW System provides a 23:1 return on state investment. UW System institutions also contribute to the richness of Wisconsin’s culture and economy with groundbreaking research, new companies and patents, and boundless creative intellectual energy.
Media Contact:
Mark Pitsch, UW System
mptisch@uwsa.edu / 608-265-3419
universityrelations@uwsa.edu