12 Focus Areas in Online MS IT Program

In information technology, change is the only constant. As technology evolves, so do the challenges and opportunities for information technology (IT) professionals.

At the University of Cincinnati (UC), we designed our online Master of Science in IT (MS IT) program to educate and empower IT professionals across a broad spectrum of domains. From harnessing the power of data science to fortifying cybersecurity defenses, UC’s fully online program caters to IT professionals’ varied career aspirations and keeps pace with the evolving IT landscape.

IT Master’s Degree Focus Areas

When you enroll in UC’s MS IT program, you choose three core courses and electives from the curriculum and a focus area from the 12 offered. Upon completing the core and elective classes, you complete a thesis or capstone project. This final course lets you showcase your work, focus area, and highlight the knowledge you gained from the program.

Here are summaries of the MS IT focus areas and their technology domains:

1. Applied Machine Learning – In this focus area, you discover the practical application of machine learning (ML), exploring how to use these algorithms to solve pressing issues in industries like healthcare, retail, finance, and education. From deep learning techniques to neural network training, you learn how applied machine learning unlocks solutions that drive tangible business impact.

RECOMMENDED COURSES
Advanced Storage Technologies, Special Topics in IT: Azure Data Engineering, Machine Learning and Data Mining for IT, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Intelligent Data Analysis.

2. Cloud Computing – This focus area’s courses are centered on skills and expertise needed to thrive in today’s digital world, where cloud computing technology plays a prominent role. When you know the cloud’s benefits and concepts and its associated technologies, you equip yourself with practical knowledge that appeals to numerous industries.

RECOMMENDED COURSES
Principles of Cybersecurity, IT Infrastructure Sustainability, Advanced Storage Technologies, Machine Learning and Data Mining for IT, Special Topics in IT: Azure Data Engineering, Network Security.

3. Cybersecurity – Cybersecurity is a rapidly expanding field critical to modern business infrastructure. With cyber threats escalating, organizations must rely on skilled professionals to safeguard their systems and data. When you choose the cybersecurity focus area for your master’s degree, you equip yourself with the expertise to detect and mitigate malicious activities. You can also enhance your master’s degree with a specialized graduate certificate in cybersecurity, offered online, to solidify your credentials.

RECOMMENDED COURSES
Principles of Cybersecurity, Enterprise Security and Forensics, Advanced Systems Administration, Machine Learning and Data Mining for IT, Data-Driven Cybersecurity, Computer Criminology: Cybercrime and Digital Security, Network Security.

4. Data Science/Data Mining – More and more businesses need to glean insights from large datasets to inform critical decision-making and drive innovation. Studying data science/data mining teaches you the essential skills to extract, process, and analyze data using statistical and computational techniques, which positions you for highly sought-after jobs. When you choose the data science/data mining focus, you learn to harness the power of data to optimize operations and gain a competitive edge in today’s data-abundant environment.

RECOMMENDED COURSES
Advanced Storage Technologies, Advanced Systems Administration, Special Topics in IT: Azure Data Engineering, Machine Learning and Data Mining for IT, Social Network Analysis, Artificial Intelligence, Intelligent Data Analysis, Health Informatics-Information Systems and Technology, Introduction to Healthcare Data Science II, Leveraging Analytics & Business Intelligence Tools for Healthcare, Data Warehousing and Business Intelligence II, Data Mining I, Data Mining II, Statistical Computing, Data Analysis Methods, Statistical Computing, Data Analysis Methods, Statistical Data Analysis I, Biostatistics for Public Health, Statistical Computation and Software I, Biostatistics in Research.

5. Game Design/Development – The dynamic niche of game design/development is where creativity and programming skills converge. This focus area equips you with the tools and techniques to conceptualize, design, and develop video games and simulations. From mastering game engines and programming languages to honing skills in storytelling and visualization, you learn to craft immersive experiences that captivate audiences. With a focus on incorporating social elements for maximum entertainment value, you emerge prepared to make your mark in the vast gaming industry after graduation.

RECOMMENDED COURSES
Technologies for Mobile Applications, Games for Learning & Simulation, Advanced Technologies for Game Development.

6. Health Informatics/IT – The realm of health informatics/IT is where technology becomes a catalyst for transforming the healthcare landscape. This focus area empowers you to harness the power of IT to enhance clinical care, public health initiatives, and biomedical research. From streamlining administrative processes to optimizing patient care delivery, health informatics plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of healthcare. With emerging technologies such as AI and 3-D bioprinting, professionals in this field are at the forefront of innovation, driving advancements in medical specialties and improving patient outcomes.

RECOMMENDED COURSES
Health Informatics-Information Systems and Technology, Introduction to Healthcare Data Science II, Leveraging Analytics and Business Intelligence Tools for Healthcare, Data Warehousing and Business Intelligence II, Biostatistics for Public Health, Statistical Computation and Software I, Biostatistics in Research.

7. Infrastructure – When your specialty is infrastructure, you explore the fundamental components of IT, where hardware, software, and networks converge to support technological services. From servers and storage systems to computer networks, these critical components form the backbone of modern IT infrastructure, enabling data storage, processing, and transmission. UC’s program focuses on practical application to equip you with the skills needed to navigate the complexities of IT infrastructure and tackle a diverse range of responsibilities.

RECOMMENDED COURSES
Enterprise Security and Forensics, Infrastructure Sustainability, Advanced Storage Technologies, Advanced Systems Administration, Network Security.

8. Instructional Design and Technology – Working in instructional design and technology is where effective and engaging learning experiences take center stage. UC’s online master’s program equips you with the skills to leverage technology and instructional design principles in developing educational materials, programs, and courses tailored to diverse settings and learners. With a focus on practical application, you learn to create impactful teaching materials that resonate with audiences.

RECOMMENDED COURSES
Technologies for Mobile Applications, Games for Learning & Simulation, Advanced Technologies for Game Development, Learning Sciences and Technology.

9. Mobile Computing – Step into the popular realm of mobile computing, where the proliferation of high-speed internet connections, smartphones, and tablets have revolutionized how we access information and accomplish tasks. Mobile technologies encompass the development and enhancement of technology and applications that helps us all to stay connected and productive on the go.

RECOMMENDED COURSES
Technologies for Mobile Applications, Advanced Storage Technologies.

10. Networking – In the networking niche, you design, implement, and maintain computer networks to support connectivity and data exchange. Networking professionals play a vital role in analyzing network architectures and implementing robust solutions to ensure seamless communication across connected devices. This area offers many opportunities for specialists in organizations of varying sizes and industries.

RECOMMENDED COURSES
IT Infrastructure Sustainability, Advanced Storage Technologies, Advanced Systems Administration, Network Security.

11. Software Development – IT professionals in software development create computer programs and applications that save businesses time and money and spark innovation. This career path demands a profound grasp of programming languages and software design principles and the ability to leverage leading technologies. Software developers strive to deliver products that cater to the evolving needs of businesses and consumers, making them indispensable since technology permeates every facet of our lives.

RECOMMENDED COURSES
Technologies for Mobile Applications, Advanced Storage Technologies, IT Infrastructure Sustainability, Machine Learning and Data Mining for IT.

12. User Experience/Human-Centered Design – Where does technology meet the needs and experiences of its users? It’s user experience (UX) and human-centered design. In this focus area, you explore the intricacies of designing products and services prioritizing user satisfaction and efficiency. You develop an understanding of the importance of collaborating across disciplines, including computer science, content creation, research, and design, to create intuitive and impactful solutions.

RECOMMENDED COURSES
Technologies for Mobile Applications, Games for Learning & Simulation, Advanced Technologies for Game Development, Learning Sciences and Technology.

Have an IT Focus Area in Mind? Here’s Your Next Step

We’re here to help you jumpstart your IT career in UC’s 100% online MS IT program. Connect with an Enrollment Services Advisor online or call (866) 463-7187 on weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Eastern to learn more about the program. The representative will answer your questions and explain the many benefits of becoming part of the UC family.