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.
Program Overview: Master of Science in Information Technology at 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.
Program Highlights
- 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 MS in Information Technology?
Careers after a Master’s in Information Technology are wide-ranging and high-paying. 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
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.
Program Outcomes
Upon completion of the MS in Information Technology at Rensselaer, graduates will be able to:
- Design and implement scalable software systems
- Manage secure data flows and IT infrastructures
- Apply analytics and AI to solve business problems
- Communicate technical solutions to diverse stakeholders
- Lead digital initiatives within complex organizations
Frequently Asked Questions About the MS in Information Technology
Yes. The program is designed with flexibility in mind and can be completed in as little as one year full-time.
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 Rensselaer M.S. in Information Technology balances the study of management strategies and technology leadership with advanced course work 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.
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.
Students who successfully complete this program will be able to demonstrate:
- Core knowledge in database systems, data analytics, software design and engineering, management of technology and human-computer interaction.
- Detailed knowledge in one or more ITWS domain areas.
- Strong communication skills with colleagues, both technical and non-technical.
- A high level of professionalism in the execution of IT projects or research (Professional Track).
- Proficiency in research methods and analysis (Research Track).
