The Division of Science and Technology at UNH Manchester offers a Master of Science in Information Technology (MS IT). The program prepares students for a professional IT or computing-related career and for advanced studies in a computing discipline.

The program is designed for computing professionals or working adults seeking a career change. The learning environment of the MS IT program uses a blended learning model, which combines in-class and online educational activities, emphasizes collaboration and communication among peers, and supports use of computing technologies and authentic project experiences.

The MS IT program has 33 credits (11 courses). All courses are offered in the evening, in fall, spring, and summer terms. If enrolled part-time and taking, on average, two courses per term, students can complete the program's coursework in two years.

Applicants must meet the admission standards of the UNH Graduate School and have a bachelor's degree in a computing discipline: computer science, information technology, computer information systems, information sciences, computer engineering, or software engineering.

The following application requirements are specific to the MS IT applicants:

• Official transcripts from each institution of higher education that the applicant attended.
• Three letters of recommendation from professional and/or academic references that describe your qualifications. Personal references (from family members or friends) are not acceptable. References must be concrete and to the point. Big statements without supportive examples do not make an effective recommendation. No more than one page is allowed for each letter.
• Current resume limited to no more than two pages.
• MS IT Personal Statement replaces UNH Graduate School Standard Statement. Applicants are required to answer the questions below. No more than two pages are allowed for this statement (with font size no smaller than 11 pt). Less is more! Be concise and precise.

• Why is this degree important to you?
• What qualifications and experiences make you a good candidate for the program?
• What IT knowledge areas are you eager to master and what professional skills will be the most valuable to you?
• What challenges do you foresee with completing the required coursework?
• An MS IT course requires on average 8 to 10 hours per week of study time. Describe the support (from work, family, or others) and/or plans you have to fit this time requirement in your life.
• In your opinion, what distinguishes an accomplished and competitive IT professional?

Students with undergraduate degrees in other fields are invited to apply and required to schedule an interview with the program coordinator. The minimal formal course work required of students without a B.S. degree in computing includes: introduction to programming, operating systems, networking, databases, and college mathematics above college algebra (such as finite mathematics, discrete mathematics, or statistics).
Students can satisfy program's prerequisites by taking the following undergraduate courses at UNH Manchester and getting a minimum grade of B:

• CIS425 Introduction to Programming
• CIS520 Database Design and Development
• CIS542 Applications in Operating Systems
• CIS550 Networking Concepts
• MA418 Precalculus or MA420 Finite Mathematics

The MS IT program has two options: thesis and project.

Both options require completion of 33 credits (11 courses), including:

• Five core information technology courses (18 credits) and
• Two IT integration courses (6 credits).

In addition

• MS Thesis option requires
  
  • Two elective course (6 credits)
  • Thesis (6 credits) to be completed under the supervision of a thesis adviser and a thesis committee of at least three members.
• MS Project option requires
• Three elective courses (9 credits)
• Project (3 credits) to be completed under the supervision of a faculty advisor.

Core IT Courses
CIS 805 Web Application Development
CIS 810 Object Oriented Software Development
CIS 815 Information Security
CIS 820 Database Systems and Technologies

CIS 825 Networking Technologies

IT Integration Courses
CIS 830 Computing Infrastructures
CIS 831 System Integration and Architecture

Elective Courses

CIS 905Advanced Web Systems and Services
CIS 910 Open Source Software Development
CIS 915 System and Network Security
CIS 920 Advanced Database Systems
CIS 930 Server Technologies and Applications
CIS 932 Design Patterns

Elective courses can also be selected from the curriculum of the graduate certificate in Software System Engineering that is offered by the CS department and whose courses are taught in Manchester:

CS 818 Software Systems Engineering
CS 853 Software Project Management
CS 851 System Requirements Engineering
CS 852 Software Architecture Concepts

Other options are courses in the Master of Science in Management of Technology (MOT) program.

Project Course
CIS 898 Master's Project
The project course typically deals with an authentic project or problem to solve, which is integrative in nature and requires IT research.

Master's Thesis
CIS 899 Master's Thesis (6 credits)

The program's educational objectives for graduating students are:

1. Proficiency in applying knowledge and skills in core and advanced information technologies to help organizations achieve their goals.
2. Proficiency in identifying, analyzing, and meeting the IT needs of users, whether they are end-users of information systems, managers of enterprise applications, developers of IT solutions, or customers of IT-reliant work systems.
3. Proficiency in developing, applying integrating, administering, and evaluating IT systems and services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Application process

• What academic degree is the basis for admission?
• I have a 3-year bachelor’s degree. Does this meet the requirement for admissions?
• I don't have a bachelor's degree in a computing-related area, but I've worked in the IT field and would like to apply for the master's. What do I do?
• What is the deadline for application to the program?
• What is the application procedure for international students?
• Is the GRE general test and/or CS subject test required?
• I'm a senior in the B.S. CIS program and very much interested in the accelerated MS IT program. What are the requirements and how do I apply for it?
• I've been admitted in the accelerated MS IT program and I'm finishing up my BS EET/CT degree. When I register for a graduate course, what else should I do to have the credits count to both my BS EET/CT and MS IT degrees?
• I'm a CIS senior and had my accelerated master's application approved. I need 12 undergraduate credits to finish my BS CIS next semester. If I take two graduate courses (6 graduate credits) next semester, how many credits count towards my BS CIS?
• As an accelerated master's program student, can I use graduate credits in combination with undergraduate credits to maintain my financial aid eligibility?
• I have a master's degree from UNH and would like to do a second master's in IT. Can I transfer graduate credits from my first master's into the MS IT program?

Program prerequisites

• What prerequisites do I need to take if I don't have a bachelor's in computing?
• I'm an international student and cannot come to an interview. What should I do?
• What are the language prerequisites for admission for international students?
• What are the minimum TOEFL scores?
• What are the deadlines for TOEFL test submission

Tuition

• What are the tuition rates for this program?

Financial Aid

• Who is eligible for financial aid?
• Do I qualify for financial aid as an eligible non-citizen?
• Are grants and scholarships awarded to UNH graduate students?
• Where can I find more information about student loans?

Transfer credits

• How many courses can I transfer from another institution?
• What do I do to get the courses transferred?

Course registration

• What is the deadline to register for classes?

Blended Learning

• When are the classes scheduled and how long are they?
• Are the classes online?
• Is there any regularity to the in-class vs. online sessions, or does it depend on the instructor?
• When the classes are held online, is attendance required at the time the class is given?
• Will the classes be recorded and accessible after the class is held?

Internship opportunities

• Are international students eligible for internships during the course of study?
• How many internships can I do?

Change of degree

• I'm currently enrolled in the MS CS and would like to enroll in MS IT. What's the procedure to change my degree to your department?
• What is the deadline for changing my degree to your department?

Course descriptions

• I am unable to locate the course descriptions for the graduate level CIS/IT classes (levels 8xx-9xx).

Program information

• Where can I find information on the program?

Application process

Q: What academic degree is the basis for admission?
A: A bachelor's degree in a computing-related area is the basis for admission. Prerequisite courses are required depending on your academic background.

Q: I have a 3-year bachelor’s degree. Does this meet the requirement for admissions?
A: Admission requires applicants to have a 4-year bachelor’s degree, or the equivalent of one. Some bachelor’s degrees are 3 years in length, which are ineligible unless procured from a university which has been accredited by the NAAC at the ‘A’ level, and graduated with first-class honors or higher. If you are unsure of whether the university from which you graduated meets these standards, please contact Academic Counselor Dovev Levine (Dovev.Levine@unh.edu) at the Graduate School.

Q: I don't have a bachelor's degree in a computing-related area, but I've worked in the IT field and would like to apply for the master's. What do I do?
A: Prospective students with undergraduate degrees in other fields are invited to apply and required to schedule an interview with the program coordinator.

Q: What is the deadline for application to the program?
A: Applications are considered on a rolling basis. Applicants need to have their application approved prior to the semester start. Please allow appropriate time for the application to be processed.

Q: What is the application procedure for international students?
A: International students are invited to visit the Graduate School web site at http://www.gradschool.unh.edu/home/international.html for complete information.

Q: Is the GRE general test and/or CS subject test required?
A: No, no GRE test is required. The only test required is TOEFL for international students.

Q: I'm a senior in the B.S. CIS program and very much interested in the accelerated MS IT program. What are the requirements for early admission and how do I apply for it?
A: The Accelerated Master's program allows UNH Seniors to take up to 12 credits of graduate or dual-level coursework during their senior year (departments may allow for a lower amount). You must be a UNH senior with a minimum 3.20 cumulative GPA at the time of admission, and you must be admitted for the semester you wish to take graduate/dual-level coursework. The application is available here. Please contact Dovev Levine of the UNH Graduate School with any questions.

Q: I've been admitted in the accelerated MS IT program and I'm finishing up my BS EET/CT degree. When I register for a graduate course, what else should I do to have the credits count to both my BS EET/CT and MS IT degrees?
A: You need to meet with either Candice Brown (Educational Assistant, Graduate School Manchester Campus) or Dovev Levine (Academic Counselor, Graduate School) to complete the required dual credit forms.

Q: I'm a CIS senior and had my accelerated master's application approved. I need 12 undergraduate credits to finish my BS CIS next semester. If I take two graduate courses (6 graduate credits) next semester, how many credits count towards my BS CIS?
A: This depends on whether you’re taking these 6 credits as Dual Credit or just for graduate credit. If for dual credit, then they get 6 credits towards both your undergrad and grad programs. If just graduate credit, then they only count towards your grad program.

Q: As an accelerated master's program student, can I use graduate credits in combination with undergraduate credits to maintain my financial aid eligibility?
A: Financial aid is based upon the number of billable hours a student takes. For dual credit courses, you are billed only for the undergrad credits. If you take a course strictly for graduate credit, then you are billed for those credits.

Q: I have a master's degree from UNH and would like to do a second master's in IT. Can I transfer graduate credits from my first master's into the MS IT program?
A: You may apply up to 12 credits earned in the first master's degree towards the MS IT program with approval of the MS IT graduate program coordinator. Thesis or research credits from the first program may not be counted towards the requirements of the second program.

Program prerequisites

Q: What prerequisites do I need to take if I don't have a bachelor's in computing?
A: If you don't have a bachelor's in computing, you need to schedule an interview with the program coordinator to determine how your academic background prepares you for starting the MS IT program. The outcome of that interview is a plan of study that includes the prerequisites you need to take.

Q: I'm an international student and cannot come to an interview. What should I do?
A: After you complete and submit your application (including transcripts of any prior coursework), an interview can be arranged by phone or video conference. It's the best way to determine what your prerequisites will be.

Q: What are the language prerequisites for admission for international students?
A: All applicants who are not native English speakers are required to demonstrate a sufficient level of proficiency in the English language to meet the admission requirement of the Graduate School. Proficiency can be demonstrated by the receipt of a bachelor's or advanced degree from an accredited institution of higher education in the United States or from a university in another country where English is the primary language of instruction. All other non-native speakers must take the TOEFL exam and submit recent scores to our office as part of their application packet.

Q: What are the minimum TOEFL scores?
A: The minimum scores are specific to the test type, and are as follows: TOEFL (Paper Based) -- 550; TOEFL (Computer Based) -- 213; TOEFL (Internet Based) -- 80.

Q: What are the deadlines for TOEFL test submission?
A: For questions related to TOEFL test deadlines, please contact Dovev Levine (Dovev.Levine@unh.edu) at the Graduate School.

Course registration

Q: What is the deadline to register for classes?
A: If you register for fall courses, start the registration process as early as April prior to the fall semester. If you register for spring courses, start in October. This way you allow yourself time to consult with your advisor, who needs to approve your course registration. It also avoids the situation of not being able to register because the class is full.

Tuition

Q: What are the tuition rates for this program?
A: NH residents' tuition is $687 per graduate credit if registered for 1 to 8 credits per semester. Non-residents' tuition is $756 per graduate credit if registered for 1 to 8 credits per semester. See Tuition/Fees for full information on tuition, fees, and refunds.

Financial Aid

Q: Who is eligible for financial aid?
A: Graduate students who are enrolled in a degree program at least half time (5 or more credits per semester) and are a U.S citizen or eligible non-citizen may be considered for Federal Financial Aid. Graduate students are reviewed for loans and work study. There are no Federal or University grants or scholarships awarded to graduate students by the UNH Financial Aid Office.

Q: Do I qualify for financial aid as an eligible non-citizen?
A: Generally you are an eligible non-citizen if you are (1) a permanent U.S. resident with a Permanent Resident Card (I-551); (2) a conditional permanent resident (I-551-C); (3) the holder of an Arrival-Departure Record (I-94) from the Department of Homeland Security showing any one of the following designations: “Refugee”, “Asylum Granted”, “Parolee” (I-94 confirms that you were paroled for a minimum of one year and status has not expired), T-Visa holder (T-1, T-2, T-3, etc.) or “Cuban-Haitian Entrant”; or (4) the holder of a valid certification or eligibility letter from the Department of Health and Human Services showing a designation of “Victim of human trafficking”.

Q: Are grants and scholarships awarded to UNH graduate students?
A: There are no Federal or University grants or scholarships awarded to graduate students by the UNH Financial Aid Office.

Q: Where can I find more information about student loans?
A: Financial Aid for graduate students is available in the form of Federal student loans. For more information and to fill out an application visit: http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/

Transfer credits

Q: How many courses can I transfer from another institution?
A: A maximum of two courses for up to eight semester credit hours are approved for transfer. Courses must be at the graduate level; cannot have been used or in the process of being used in earning another graduate degree; cannot have been taken while completing a bachelor's degree. A grade of B or better must be earned.

Q: What do I do to get the courses transferred?

A: You have to provide an official transcript showing the credits and grades earned along with a "Transfer Credit (External UNH) Request Form".

Blended Learning

Q: When are the classes scheduled and how long are they?
A: Classes are scheduled in the evening, weekdays, once a week, typically from 5:30 to 8:30.

Q: Are the classes online?
A: The learning model for the program's classes blends face-to-face time and interactions during the scheduled class meetings with online interactions facilitated by a variety of communication and collaboration tools. There are no exclusively online classes offered in the program at this time.

Q: Is there any regularity to the in-class vs. online sessions, or does it depend on the instructor?
A: In-class sessions use a face-to-face learning environment. Outside class sessions rely entirely on online services and tools to support a learning environment that is based on effective communication and collaboration activities. The blending of in-class and outside class learning is determined by the course instructor. For example, this academic year classes meet weekly from 5:30 to 8:30 PM with the expectation that students dedicate approximately two additional hours for online-based class activities.

Q: When the classes are held online, is attendance required at the time the class is given?
A: In-class activities are scheduled weekly from 5:30 to 8:30 PM for the courses that are offered this academic year. The instructor is the best resource to make arrangements for occasional instances when a student cannot make the 5:30 PM start time of the class.

Q: Will the classes be recorded and accessible after the class is held?
A: Currently, in-class interactions and activities are not recorded. We’ll be evaluating such learning facility to determine future adoption.

Change of degree

Q: I'm currently enrolled in the MS CS and would like to enroll in MS IT. What's the procedure to change my degree to your department?
A: Instructions about how to change a degree to a different department at UNH are at http://www.gradschool.unh.edu/forms/cod.pdf. In a nutshell, you need to fill out a new application and submit two new letters of recommendation from faculty at UNH (one of which should be from your current advisor).

Q: What is the deadline for changing my degree to your department?
A: For semester I, the deadline is July 1st. For semester II is December 1 and for summer is April 1. Given that the MS IT program has been recently approved, the deadline to change your degree to our department for fall 2011 has been extended to August 1st, 2011.

Internship opportunities

Q: Are international students eligible for internships during the course of study?
A: Yes, international students are eligible for internships. In general, you have to be here on F1 visa for one year before accepting any internship. The internship must be in conjunction with a course and/or requirement of the degree program (such as the MS IT project course). The Office of International Students and Scholars is the best source to find answers to any question that international students have. We highly recommend that you contact the office with your questions.

Q: How many internships can I do?
A: There is a risk of having too much internship experience. If during a program of study you accumulate a total of 12 months of full-time internship, then you won't be eligible for post completion OPT. This is one of the many rules OISS has to make students aware of. Again, please consult OISS on any internship-related question.

Course descriptions

Q: I am unable to locate the course descriptions for the graduate level CIS/IT classes (levels 8xx-9xx).

A: The course descriptions for the four graduate CIS courses that will be offered in Fall 2011 and Spring 2012 can be found on the Courses page of the MS IT site. The Graduate School Online Catalog will be available early Spring of 2011 and will include the descriptions of the courses that have been currently developed for the MS IT program.

Program information

Q: Where can I find information on the program?
If the information available on this site is not answering all your questions, please contact us by calling the UNH Graduate School Manchester Campus at 603 641 4313 or by emailing unhm.gradcenter@unh.edu or Mihaela Sabin at mihaela.sabin@unh.edu.