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Explore Information Technology with Data Science
Take your technical expertise to the next level with an online master’s in information technology degree specialized in data science. Designed for professionals with technical backgrounds in various fields of study including computer and information systems, software development, web design and development, and more, this unique online master’s in information technology degree with an imbedded data science certificate was developed in response to industry demand to provide a path for professionals to master their crafts and demonstrate they are technically focused to be compatible with today’s long-term technological workforce needs.
Through a blend of IT and data science courses online, this multidisciplinary online master's in data science and information technology teaches students how to capture, maintain, process, analyze, and communicate information to solve real-world problems. Learn how to design and query databases, create and use scripts, visualize data, evaluate machine learning models, and examine uses for artificial intelligence to gain insight and resolve issues in the in-demand field of data science.
Build Your Career Future
Champlain’s online master’s in information technology with a concentration in data science combines the design, development, implementation, and management of systems organizations use in their operations to store, protect, and make use of information. In this advanced graduate degree program, you will learn to develop classifications of systems and information, design a database, develop reports according to stakeholder requirements, determine the feasibility and appropriate models for software development projects, and develop practical programming/scripting skills.
We understand how important it is for busy working adults to gain knowledge and expertise quickly, which is why our information technology and data science courses online in essential areas in computer science and data science such as information management, network security, computing and data analytics are applicable to the workplace from day one. You’ll emerge from the IT master’s degree program with a strategic, integrated view of information technology that will provide a robust framework for today’s technical professionals to think more critically and approach complex organization challenges more innovatively. You’ll also gain essential skills, such as communication, critical thinking, and leadership, that will be key assets for future career advancement as technology evolves.
Program Curriculum
Learn more about Champlain's 100% online master's in information technology with a data science graduate certificate.
Required Courses (21 credits)*
Data Science Graduate Certificate (12)
*For admission to this program, students must demonstrate previous coursework and/or experience in information technology (IT) and Digital Forensics. Students who do not display sufficient IT knowledge and skills will need to complete CMIT-500 and those without the necessary level of digital forensics experience or skills will be required to complete DFS-500 before starting the program.
Students will be using FTK Imager, Magnet Encrypted Disk Detector, OS Forensics Volatility Workbench, Kali Linux, Reg Ripper, Network Miner, and Wireshark to develop a foundation framework for the practice of Digital investigations, including technical and managerial issues.
Understanding risk and identifying the threats organizations face are essential skills for today's information security professionals. In this course that introduces students to the graduate degree program, students learn to compute impact scores for vulnerabilities, classify data, and use Champlain College Online's virtual environment to explore how to use IOCs (Indicators of Compromise).
In this course students learn to differentiate relational and non-relational databases, and to design a database to an organization's requirements. Preparing raw data for import into a database, using queries to manipulate data, and developing reports to meet stakeholder needs, and database integrity and security are also covered.
Students will gain an understanding and respect for emerging technology by exploring current trends in security and examining topics such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, blockchain and behavior analytics. Students will analyze the science behind these technologies as well as the ethical and privacy concerns and implications that may hinder their widespread adoption.
Prerequisites
This course is designed to introduce a systematic process for planning, organizing and controlling projects. The course will present a practical methodology for completing projects more quickly with fewer problems. Student work will consist of readings, research, class special-topic presentations, group activities, a project management journal, and participation in a real world IT business project. Students will be encouraged to apply project-management techniques to solve existing real-world technology-related business problems.
In SDEV-520, Software Engineering, students learn about the field of software engineering, including project management methodologies applied to the field of Software Development, economic factors that affect development decisions and product life cycle, requirement gathering and assessment, and modelling languages. Disruptive technologies and methodologies and their impact on this field are also covered in this course.
Prerequisites
Complete MBA-506
In this course students demonstrate mastery of the information technology concepts and skills learned and acquired through the Master of Science in Information Technology degree program via successful completion of a Capstone project. Students are required to complete a reflection assignment to produce additional insight.
Prerequisites
Successful completion of 30 credits in the degree Information Technology MS program.
Students learn to create and use scripts to access, acquire, prepare, and transform data, including structured and semi-structured data, and to define and detect patterns in unstructured data to demonstrate how real world problems can be answered with data.
In this course students learn about different types of data and methods of visualization so they can select appropriate visualization techniques, and prepare and visualize data for specific audience(s). The role of human perception and its impact on the design and communication of graphical representations of information is also examined.
In this course students learn about data types and how to perform pre-processing activities including cleaning, integration, reduction, and transformation. Use of appropriate techniques to analyze and model data, such as classification, decision trees, association rules, and clustering, and the causes and methods of detecting outliers are also covered. Students propose additional applications for data mining based on current trends/research.
Prerequisites
Complete CMIT-510
In this course students learn about deep learning, machine learning, and artificial intelligence, and compare supervised and unsupervised learning. Machine learning workflows and the challenges associated with machine learning, such as bias and heteroscedasticity, are considered. Students evaluate models, and examine uses for machine learning and artificial intelligence. Natural Language Processing is also addressed.
Prerequisites
Complete CMIT-510
Additional Program Details
In addition to developing advanced analytical skills, and a strategic mindset, graduates of the MS in Information Technology online program will demonstrate a mastery of the following industry-specific competencies:
- Develop classifications of systems and information to determine priorities based on importance or sensitivity
- Relate market, organizational, and operational factors to innovation and the development of new technology
- Plan, implement, and conclude a project with appropriate management of requirements and change, applying critical thinking and reasoned decision making to achieve project objectives.
- Design a database and develop reports to meet stakeholder requirements, and use queries to manipulate data while acknowledging the need to maintain data integrity and security.
- Use objective measures to determine the feasibility of software development projects, summarize objective ways of collecting functional and nonfunctional requirements, decide the most appropriate modeling language for a variety of software projects, and categorize software verification and validation techniques.
- Develop practical, in context, programming/scripting skills.
- Compare public and private sector, and criminal and civil digital investigations and processes for preparing digital evidence, within a moral, legal, and ethical framework.
In addition to the learning outcomes of the MS in Information Technology, graduates of this program with a certificate in. data science will also master the following:
- Design a database and develop reports to meet stakeholder requirements, and use queries to manipulate data while acknowledging the need to maintain data integrity and security.
- Create and use scripts to access, acquire, prepare, and transform structured and semi-structured data, and to define and detect patterns in unstructured data to demonstrate how data can contribute to solving real-world problems.
- Select appropriate visualization techniques, and prepare and visualize data for specific audience(s), taking human perception into consideration in the design and communication of graphical representations of information.
- Perform pre-processing activities including cleaning, integration, reduction, and transformation, use appropriate techniques to analyze and model data, and propose additional applications for data mining based on current trends/research.
- Compare supervised and unsupervised learning, explain machine learning workflows and challenges, evaluate models, and examine uses for machine learning and artificial intelligence.
In addition to the admission requirements for all graduate program applicants, our online MS in Information Technology program has specific requirements that must be met.
Admission to this program is open to students from diverse backgrounds, including the several fields of information technology (IT) and career changers looking to combine their skills with IT. Students who demonstrate, through coursework and/or professional experience, sufficient IT knowledge and skills might not be required to complete CMIT-500, those who similarly demonstrate sufficient digital forensics knowledge and skills might not be required to complete DFS-500.
Champlain College Online's computer science faculty, led by Department Chair Richard Pickering, are expert practitioners in the field. Their industry expertise ensures that our curriculum is aligned with the needs of employers, and reflects the skills today’s IT systems professionals need for success. Classes led by our seasoned experts will give you real-world insight into the world of information technology, and create a rich community of career-focused learning.
Tuition & Costs
Graduate Tuition Fall '23 - Summer '25
$595
per credit
$1,785*
per course
$450**
PER CREDIT FOR ALUMNI WHO EARNED A DEGREE FROM CHAMPLAIN, ON-CAMPUS or online
$450
per credit military service members (family members see truED tuition)
$150
One-time graduation fee
*Based on a 3-credit course; cost will vary if course is a different number of credits
** Starting Summer 2024, not retroactive
See the graduate cost of attendance and fees here
Affordability and Paying For Your Education
We provide a number of options to make your online education affordable, including preferred tuition for alumni, associate degree graduates, community college graduates, and military.
Prepare For What's Next
As technology evolves and changes, the industry’s need for highly skilled and qualified technical professionals is fast-growing across all sectors. With a valuable combination of technical acumen, subject matter expertise, and critical soft skills, graduates of Champlain's master's in information technology with a concentration in data science program will be prepared to pursue advanced roles in the information technology field.
Master’s degrees are in high demand in the vast and varied world of information technology, and employment in master’s-level occupations is projected to grow by 13% from 2020 to 2030 - much faster than the average for all occupations. Additionally, the median annual salary for computer and information technology occupations is $91,250.*
*Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 2020
Master's in Information Technology Careers
- Computer Support Specialist
- Computer Systems Analyst
- Computer and Information Research Scientist
- Data Scientist
- Database Administrator
Why Champlain
Career Growth
"Champlain provides dynamic programs that correlate to real-world scenarios and provide the flexibility you need to execute your day-to-day job. I'm thankful I earned my MBA because my career would not be where it is today if I hadn't."
Randy Blanchette
Master in Business Administration (MBA)
Program Manager, United Technologies Aerospace Systems
Academic Excellence and Recognition
Regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education
Designated as a Military Friendly School for our commitment to the military community
Ranked among the best by Tech Guide for game design and computer science
Named the among the best schools with accelerated bachelor's degrees by Intelligent.com
Meet the Program Director
Richard Pickering, PhD
Department Chair - Cybersecurity and Assistant Professor
Oversees
- Computer Science
- Software Development
- Software Engineering & Project Management
- Web Design & Development
About
Dr. Richard Pickering is an Assistant Professor and the Program Director for Technology here at Champlain College Online. Richard has a Ph.D. in Teaching and Learning coupled with an MBA and numerous technology-related certifications.
Prior to Champlain, Dr. Pickering enjoyed a distinguished career blending pedagogical expertise with strategic leadership in program management and product development in the educational business sector.
Dr. Pickering also has held positions as Chief Executive Officer at Virtual High School Global Consortium, Chief Operating Officer at Victory Productions, various Program/Product Manager posts as well as Adjunct Professor appointments.
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