Prepare for high-impact tech leadership roles with Rensselaer’s MS in Information Technology, a flexible, interdisciplinary STEM-designated graduate program combining computing, business, and engineering.
Designed for working professionals and recent graduates alike, this program develops the technical, analytical, and strategic skills needed to thrive in today’s fast-paced digital economy.
Earn Your Master's Degree in Information Technology from RPI
This highly customizable degree combines technical depth with real-world business context. Students choose from multiple pathways to specialize in areas such as:
- Data Science and Analytics
- Cybersecurity and Information Assurance
- Software Engineering and Cloud Architecture
- Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- IT Product Management and Digital Innovation
- FinTech and Emerging Technologies
What You’ll Learn
Throughout the MS in IT program, you’ll gain in-demand skills in:
- Enterprise software design and full-stack development
- AI, machine learning, and data-driven decision-making
- Cybersecurity strategy, threat modeling, and ethical hacking
- Cloud infrastructure and DevOps principles
- UX design and human-computer interaction (HCI)
- Agile project management and digital transformation leadership
This is a hands-on, career-focused program grounded in real-world technology challenges, with opportunities for applied research, industry collaboration, and project-based learning.
The M.S. in Information Technology is an interdisciplinary RPI program, accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), that is offered by the Lally School of Management.
Master's in IT Program Highlights
The Rensselaer M.S. in Information Technology balances the study of management strategies and technology leadership with advanced coursework in an IT concentration. Students complete a suite of core and capstone courses and also select three to five additional courses to complete their concentrations. Professional and research tracks are offered for the M.S. in IT degree.
Students benefit from:
- STEM-designated for international student OPT extension
- Tailored professional concentrations across tech and business domains
- Cross-disciplinary coursework from RPI’s School of Science, School of Engineering, and Lally School of Management
- Hands-on learning with access to advanced research labs and tech tools
- Career coaching, academic advising, and mentorship from tech leaders and RPI alumni
What Can You Do With an M.S. in Information Technology?
Information technology jobs are wide-ranging and high-paying. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average information technology salary is $105,990.
Graduates of RPI’s MS in IT program are hired into roles such as:
- Information Technology Manager
- Cloud Engineer or Solutions Architect
- Cybersecurity Analyst or Consultant
- Product Manager (Tech or SaaS)
- Data Scientist or AI Engineer
- Software Developer or Full-Stack Engineer
- Business Intelligence Analyst
- UX/UI Designer
MS in IT Program Outcome
Graduates of the MS in Information Technology at Rensselaer develop the skills to design and implement scalable software systems while managing secure data flows and modern IT infrastructures. They learn how to apply analytics and artificial intelligence to real-world business challenges and gain the ability to communicate technical solutions clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. With this foundation, graduates are prepared to lead digital initiatives and drive technology strategy within complex organizations.
Where Do MS in IT Graduates Work?
Our alumni are shaping the future of tech at top companies, including: Amazon, Microsoft, Google, Meta, Lockheed Martin, JPMorgan Chase, IBM, Oracle, Deloitte, Accenture, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions About the MS in Information Technology
An information technology degree focuses on the design, implementation, and management of technology systems that support organizational operations and decision-making. Coursework typically spans systems architecture, data and analytics, cybersecurity, and IT strategy, preparing graduates to bridge technical expertise with real-world business and organizational needs. It is well-suited for professionals who want to lead, manage, or optimize technology-driven environments across industries.
Absolutely. The program’s structure allows you to combine core technical skills with business and management electives from the Lally School.
Yes. Students benefit from career advising, employer networking events, alumni mentorship, and job placement support through the Center for Career and Professional Development and RPI’s global alumni network.
The M.S. in Information Technology and Web Science (ITWS) is an interdisciplinary RPI program, accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), that is offered by the Lally School of Management. Other programs at Lally, which are more business-focused, are further accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). Fewer than 6% of the world’s schools of management hold an AACSB accreditation.
Master's in IT Plan of Study
All students develop a Plan of Study with their IT Advisor which includes a minimum of 10 courses (30 credits), a minimum of six courses (eighteen credits or more) at the 6000 graduate level, and no more than 5 courses from the Lally School of Management and Technology (prefix MGMT).
Master's students take one required course from each of the five core areas listed below to gain a breadth of IT knowledge. Advance core options are available.
- Database Systems
- Data Analytics
- Software Design and Engineering
- Management of Technology (Research track will not be required to take this core class.)
- Human Computer Interaction
Focus Tracks are designed to provide an in-depth experience in the application of Information Technology. Students choose from one of twelve focus tracks and complete a minimum of 3 courses within their focus track.
- Cognitive Computing
- Data Science and Analytics
- Database and Intelligent Systems
- Financial Engineering
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Information Dominance
- Information Security
- Information Systems Engineering
- Management Information Systems
- Networking
- Software Design and Engineering
- Web Science
Capstone Course
The M.S. in IT Capstone course integrates the knowledge and professional practice of IT core and focus track courses. Topics in database systems, networking, data analytics, software design and engineering, management of technology, human-computer interaction, and ethics are applied within a framework of global e-business strategy. The course utilizes an Information Technology Team Project with a real organization to practice the major concepts of the IT Degree. Team members select, develop, and present a significant technology implementation project, incorporating strategy, systems development, and business planning.
The research track for the M.S. in IT allows a student to complete a one semester Master's Project or a two semester Master's Thesis.
