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Empowering Future Leaders in IT for Global Impact
The MS in Information Technology (MSIT) program at the University of Washington's Tacoma campus equips students with specialized knowledge, practical experience, and theoretical insights to enhance their careers in the information technology sector. Graduates are prepared to become advanced IT professionals and leaders across various fields, including business, healthcare, and government. Additionally, those who choose the thesis option may qualify for PhD programs in Information Technology after completing their degree.
Quick Facts
Applications for Autumn Quarter 2025 is OPEN!International Student Deadline: June 13, 2025 Domestic Student Deadline: August 15, 2025 If you'd like help preparing to apply or have questions, please schedule a prospective student appointment with your Graduate Prospective Student Advisor, Francis Nwagbara (stfranc@uw.edu). |
Total Credits | 60 quarter credits |
Delivery |
Hybrid
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Degree Pathways |
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The Need for IT Professionals with Advanced Degrees is Growing - Are you Ready?
IT is one of the fastest growing industries in the US and WA state. Over the next decade, job openings are predicted to increase by 22% (Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Those with master's degrees in IT are well-suited for higher-paying, mid-to-senior level roles that involve leadership, management, strategic planning, and/or operations.
MSIT students will be prepared to navigate this rapidly expanding, competitive job market and bring high-demand skills to the table.
How to Apply
Admission Information
All MSIT applicants must demonstrate successful completion of preparatory coursework prior to their formal application to the master's program, and are expected to have competency in the following areas:
Proficiencies in:
- Networking
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Computer Programming
- Database Design
- Web technologies
Proficiencies may be demonstrated through a combination of previous undergraduate coursework, internship experience, research experience, and/or full-time, industry-relevant work experience.
Students with non-tech degrees who cannot satisfactorily demonstrate proficiencies in one or more of the above proficiencies may be ineligible for admission.
Non-tech degree? No problem. Meet with our Graduate Recruiter, Francis Nwagbara, about our Graduate Certificate in Software Development Engineering (GC-SDE) and possible pathways to transition into IT.
The MSECE application is built into the UW Graduate School application. This allows applicants to share additional information about their education, training, and work experience. For more details, see SET Graduate Program Application Process.
Application items include:
- Personal Statement: Your personal statement should discuss your interest in computer science and systems.
- Resume
- 2 Letters of Recommendation
- Proof of English Language Proficiency (ELP): Refer to Graduate School Policy 3.2 for more information. No waivers of this requirement may be given.
- Transcripts: Upload one transcript from each post-secondary school you have attended. Applicants must provide evidence of the successful completion of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with at least a 3.0 GPA. The Graduate School will require an official transcript for degree verification after you have accepted an offer of admission.
- (OPTIONAL) Official Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores from within the last 5 years
- Students missing one or more prerequisite courses, or who have a cumulative GPA below 3.0 (on a 4.0 U.S. grading scale) are strongly encouraged to include GRE scores to strengthen their application.
- See SET Graduate Program Application Process for submission details.
- $90 application fee
Application Fee Waivers are distributed by the UW Graduate School. More information on the required qualifications and instructions to apply for a fee waiver can be found on the UW Application Fee Waivers page.
Ready to Apply?
Visit the UW Graduate School application page to start and submit your application today!
Have Questions?
Need help with your application? Have a question that isn't answered on this page? Connect with our Prospective Graduate Student Advisor, Francis Nwagbara at stfranc@uw.edu or schedule an advising session!
Curriculum Details
Curriculum Details
Thesis
Intended for students considering a PhD program. Involves long-term, in-depth, advanced academic research, extensive academic writing, and original research contributions to their disciplinary field and/or scholarly communities. Requires one a Master’s Supervisory Committee of one Graduate Faculty Advisor and at least one Graduate Faculty Committee Member. Produces master’s thesis.
Capstone Project
Designed for students who want to focus on practical solutions to real-world problems – often related to the student’s employer, company, and/or industry – through the hands-on application of what they’ve learned. Emphasizes advanced experience, critical analysis, and the mastery of industry-relevant skillsets. Requires one a Master’s Supervisory Committee of one Graduate Faculty Advisor and at least one Graduate Faculty Committee Member. Research is less exhaustive and can produce a combination of deliverables.
Core Courses
- TINFO 501 Data Structures and Algorithms for IT I
- TINFO 502 Data Structures and Algorithms for IT II
- TINFO 503 Computer Networks for IT
- TINFO 504 IT Project Management
- TINFO 598 Master’s Seminar
Elective Courses
- TINFO 510 Cloud Computing
- TINFO 520 Cyber Forensics
- TIFNO 530 Machine Learning for IT
- TINFO 540 Wireless & Mobile Network Security
- TINFO 550 Human-Computer Interaction
- TINFO 560 Internet of Things
- TINFO 570 IT Automation
- TINFO 580: Homeland Security
- TINFO 590 DevOps
- TINFO 600 Independent Study or Research
- TINFO 700 Master's Thesis
- TINFO 701 Internship
- TINFO 702 Capstone Project
Current tuition information can be found on the UW Tacoma's Office of the Registrar site, under Tier III. Note that costs are different for Washington State Resident and Non-Resident, as shown in the tuition tables:
Credits | Resident | Non-resident |
7-18 credits* | $7,323 | $12,714 |
6 credits | $6,309 | $10,930 |
5 credits | $5,295 | $9,146 |
4 credits | $4,281 | $7,362 |
3 credits | $3,267 | $5,578 |
2 credits (minimum) | $2,253 | $3,794 |
Most applicable fees are included in the listed tuition rate, but some courses will require additional fees.
*For quarterly tuition costs for more than 18 credits, see the charts on the OPB website.
Educational Objectives
- Develop a product or process by applying knowledge of programming, web structures, databases, human-computer interaction, networking, and security tools.
- Participate effectively as a member of a development team and undertake leadership roles when appropriate.
- Continue seeking knowledge and contribute to the IT body of knowledge.
- Make positive contributions to community and society by applying skills and abilities learned.
- Make decisions related to work that demonstrate an understanding of the importance of being an ethical computing professional.
- Apply communication skills to effectively promote ideas, goals, or products.
Learning Outcomes
- Be able to demonstrate an understanding of requirements analysis approaches and project management concepts.
- Be able to analyze user requirements and technology needs and document the scope, schedule, and resources needed for the project.
- Be able to develop efficient and effective systems solutions to safely secure information assets and intellectual property.
- Be able to design a solution to support implementation, modification, and review of IT systems.
- Be able to evaluate new approaches and technologies in information technology and justify if they are applicable to advance existing IT systems and management.
- Be able to describe IT professional responsibilities and apply in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.
- Be able to perform as a team leader and support team members in IT projects.
Ready to Apply?
Visit the UW Graduate School application page to start and submit your application today!
Have Questions?
Have a question that isn't answered on this page? Send us an email to SetAcademics@uw.edu!