The full-time program takes one academic year to complete and prepares students for immediate employment.Study OptionsFull-Time Program Option
Designed to be completed in one academic year (3 or 4 quarters), the full-time MSIT program is ideal for domestic and international IT professionals with an electrical engineering, computer science, or equivalent undergraduate or technical degree.
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Program Structure
MSIT offers two timeline options for full-time students. Both have the same requirements; students have the flexibility to choose which best aligns with their career goals and timeline.
Three-Quarter Option
- Take four courses during the fall, winter, and spring quarters
- Complete the program in 10 months
Four-Quarter Option
- Distribute courses over a four-quarter timespan (fall, winter, spring, and following fall)"
- Participate in an optional summer industry internship
- Keep visa for a longer period of time (international students)
- Complete the program in 12 months
View examples of full-time student schedules
Class Schedule and Location
Full-time students take courses on weekdays and on Saturdays at Northwestern's Evanston campus.
View the MSIT academic calendar
Curriculum
Full-time students take a course load focused primarily on technical skills (70%) and complemented with business and management skills (30%). All MSIT program courses stay on the cutting edge of information technology. Classes typically require both individual and team-based assignments. Students also:
- Complete a capstone course
- Participate in study groups
- Have one open elective
- May petition to substitute a different course to fulfill a requirement
- May take up to two independent study courses that fit their area of interest
Example of an independent study project completed by MSIT full-time students:
Learn more about full-time curriculum
View the MSIT course schedule
The Cohort Model
MSIT uses a cohort model in which part-time and full-time students progress through the program as a group. Participating in a cohort allows for greater networking opportunities with classmates as students share academic experiences, challenges, and rewards.
Who Should Apply?
The program is designed for students who are looking to advance their careers in information technology. All full-time applicants must have at least two years of industry experience and must possess a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. For the full-time MSIT degree, any major will be considered, but the majority of students who apply have a technical degree and all must have proficiency in math and programming. The full-time option is ideal for international students wishing to enroll in the MSIT program.
Learn more about the typical student profile
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Faculty
MSIT courses are taught by tenured faculty from the McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science, Northwestern Law School, Medill’s Integrated Marketing Communications program, and by leading IT professionals from top corporations.
