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MS in Leadership, Concentration in Information Technology

Information technology and business are becoming inextricably interwoven. I don't think anybody can talk meaningfully about one without the talking about the other.

- Bill Gates

Do you remember the first time you sat down at a computer? Most people probably don't. But you remember being fascinated that you could interact with a tool that gave you access to the world. You wanted to understand how all of that information was stored, how all of those images were created and how software could take bits of information and in less than the blink of an eye transform it into data that could help inform, persuade and make sound decisions. More than that, though, you realized that you could leverage your passion and interest to helps others make the best use of technology. You wanted to put the power of those programs to work solving problems and helping people to work smarter not harder. That's why combining your leadership talents with your technological facility is the perfect career match.

With the increased pace of technological change, as well as growing organizational complexities, ensuring that IT remains effective in enabling organizational success is a key leadership challenge. Leading people to leverage the power of IT is increasingly important to an organization's future success.

If you are interested in advancing your skills, the Master of Science in Leadership, concentration in Information Technology (MSLIT) can help you get there. The MSLT covers topics important to employers and relevant to organizational success. A 2011 survey of CIOs (CIO Magazine) cited the following "critical leadership skills in 2011":

  • Long-term strategic thinking and planning
  • Change leadership
  • Expertise running IT
  • Collaboration and influence
  • Team leadership

Core Competencies

Feedback from IT leaders from a number of diverse organizations assisted in shaping the degree. At its core, students will cultivate an ability to lead, develop and refine critical-thinking abilities. The degree also emphasizes:

  • Leading organizational change
  • Communicating effectively and persuasively
  • Sharing knowledge with a peer-learning network
  • Leading in the information age
  • Decision making from leadership, ethical, technological and analytical perspectives
  • Assessing information technology risk
  • Systems analysis and design
  • Process and data modeling
  • Conflict resolution and problem solving

Brochure

"The program has definitely been a benefit to me. My knowledge of leadership has expanded greatly, and this has transformed me into a more effective leader with increased ability to recognize and groom the leadership skills in others. I would definitely recommend the program to others, and would tell them about the positive impact the program has had both in my professional and personal lives."

- Kevin Erdner, Senior Applications Analyst for West Penn Allegheny Health System

Structure

As a student you'll have access to learning resources and support services including the Duquesne University Library, online writing center, and contact with faculty and advisors. You'll join a peer-learning network of people from the community and corporate, nonprofit, government and military sectors. As a graduate you'll join a network of more than 86,000 active alumni located around the globe.

The academic year is structured with three semesters per year: a 15-week term in fall and spring and an eight-week term in summer. If you take two courses for the fall, spring and summer semesters, the degree can be completed in two years. Courses are entirely online. Students in the Pittsburgh area can also take courses on campus on alternating Saturdays.

Curriculum

The comprehensive 36-credit curriculum addresses information technology from an organizational and management perspective as well as application of analysis and design techniques to deliver technology and leadership in the business environment.  Special elective courses can be developed for specific cohorts.   Six leadership and six IT courses comprise the degree

Administration

The MSLIT is a result of the combined efforts of Duquesne University's School of Leadership and Professional Advancement and the John F. Donahue Graduate School of Business. The John F. Donahue Graduate School of Business is included among the one-third of all Schools of Business that are accredited by the AACSB International. Through the collaboration of these two schools, students benefit by learning from experts in the fields of information technology and leadership.