Master of Science in Leadership, Concentration in Information Technology
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 MSLIT 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. 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
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.
Program 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 81,000 active alumni located around the globe.
The academic year is structured with three semesters per year: two 15-week terms in fall and spring and one 8-week term in summer. Courses are entirely online. Students in the Pittsburgh area can also take courses on campus on alternating Saturdays.
"The program has definitely been a benefit to me. My knowledge of leadership has expanded greatly, and this has transformed me into a more effectively 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