Online Master of Science in Information Technology
The University of Cincinnati’s approach to information technology is built around three core principles: hands-on technical skills, problem-solving skills, and communication skills. Our students graduate with an understanding of technology, but more importantly, they understand people and organizations that allow them to create solutions that enhance lives.
Master of Science in Information Technology Program Overview
Our Master’s in Information Technology is designed as a flexible space for IT professionals to expand their knowledge. Whether you are just graduating with a Bachelor’s in IT, worked in IT for years, or are looking to change career paths, UC’s online MS IT program can help.
Learning about new technology and how it can solve the world’s most pressing issues is a driving force for those pursuing a Master of Science in Information Technology degree.
Students in the MS IT program are required to complete the 3 core IT classes that give you the skills needed to be successful in a future information technology career. These core courses will also provide you an overview of the IT landscape so that you can better choose which electives align with your interests.
Upon completion of your core and elective classes, you will be asked to complete a thesis or capstone project of your choice. These final courses will give you a chance to showcase your work and highlight the knowledge you gained while in the program.
Master of Science in Information Technology Program Highlights
High Quality Education
- Smaller class sizes designed to provide each student the opportunity to connect with their professors
- MS IT program faculty that are technology professionals who are leaders in the industry, boasting extensive real-world experience and academic expertise
- Various professional development opportunities - we facilitate networking through platforms like Discord, enhancing your overall learning experience
Flexibility
- 100% online
- Can be completed in less than two years
- Start in the fall, spring, or summer semester
- Financial aid & scholarship options available
Support from Application through Graduation
At UC, you’ll have a full support team behind you:
Enrollment Services Advisor: Your go-to resource during the application process
Student Success Coordinator: Helping you prepare for classes and stay on track
Access to Resources: Access to university resources that will support you through your program including online learning expectations and resources, health and wellness resources, and academic support
Professionals who have a strong background in a computing discipline, hold IT certificates, and/or have work experience in the field can be admitted directly into the online Master in Information Technology program (the GRE is waived for qualified candidates).
The University’s MS IT program is not just for experienced industry professionals. Our program is open to individuals from a variety of backgrounds, though many already have experience in a computing discipline or hold an IT certificate. If prospective students do not have an IT bachelor’s degree or an IT background, they can still seek admittance by taking 12 credit hours of bridge courses to help them qualify for the program.
Our admissions office is happy to work with you to answer any questions you may have and help determine your eligibility. Contact us today!
Prerequisites
- A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college/university.
- Overall minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
*May be required to share prior work experience if you do not have a background in IT or meet the 3.0 GPA requirement.
Admission Materials
- Resume or CV.
- Transcripts.
- Three Program-Specific Essay Questions (Answers not to exceed 500 words each).*
- Three Letters of Reference.
- Official GRE Score (Unless the student has a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher)
*Effective for Fall 2026 Applications: A personal statement will replace the three program-specific essay questions.
Automatic admission into the MSIT-DL program for undergraduate students who graduate from UC.
Any UC Alumni with a 3.0 undergraduate GPA and the following backgrounds are eligible for our fast-track admission process:
- UC alumni with undergrad or grad degrees in IT (BSIT and BS Cyber), CS, and IS.
- UC alumni with a bachelor’s degree who completed a minor in IT or undergrad/grad certificate in IT.
- UC alumni who have completed a bachelor’s and have an associate degree in IT or an associate in computer science.
The Fast Track application process removes the Statement of Purpose/Personal Statement, CV/Resume, and Letter of Recommendation requirements from the application for qualified applicants. Submission of transcripts as part of the application process is still required.
Holding a recognized technical industry certification gives your application an advantage. These certifications are not merely attendance-based; they require passing rigorous exams that validate your expertise in specific IT skills and knowledge. Include proof of your certification(s) in the “Additional Materials” section of your application to receive this benefit.
Examples of qualifying certifications:
- CompTIA A+ (general IT technical support)
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) (networking)
- (ISC)² Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) (cybersecurity)
- Project Management Institute (PMI) Project Management Professional (PMP)
- Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) (project management)
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate (cloud computing)
The School of Information Technology offers various pathways for learning new job skills specific to IT through numerous bootcamps and workshops (some of which lead to industry certification). Learn more here.
Complete the online application and submit the application fee.
Standard Application Fees:
- $65.00 for domestic applicants to most degree programs
- $70.00 for international applicants to most degree programs
- $20.00 for domestic applicants to Graduate Certificates
- $25.00 for international applicants to Graduate Certificates
- Application fees for UC Online programs are waived through Fall 2026 for all applicants who apply by July 1, 2026
- Fee waivers are automatically applied for applicants who: are currently serving in the US armed forces, or are veterans of the US armed forces.
Applications are accepted continuously throughout the year. Please review and submit the following materials:
All applicants are required to upload unofficial transcripts during the application process, showing all undergraduate and graduate course work completed, including degrees granted and dates of conferral.
Official transcripts are not required until the student has received and accepted an offer of admission from the university. Once the offer has been confirmed, the student must submit official transcripts.
Students who have received degrees from the University of Cincinnati do not need to submit official paper copies of their UC transcripts.
For questions regarding international students, contact an Enrollment Services Advisor.
Transcripts can be submitted electronically or by mail. To see if your transcript(s) can be ordered electronically, visit the links below and search for your previous school(s).
- Parchment
- Please select “University of Cincinnati – Main Campus” as the recipient of your transcript.
- National Student Clearinghouse
- Please have your transcript sent directly to admissions@uc.edu.
If you do not see your past school(s) listed on either site, please contact the school(s) directly. Then, mail your sealed, unopened, official transcripts to:
Please mail sealed, unopened, official transcripts to:
University of Cincinnati
Office of Admissions
PO Box 210091
Cincinnati, Ohio 45221-0091
Current resume or curriculum vitae.
Three letters of reference from individuals who know you professionally or academically. Recommendation letters should be submitted on letterhead with a clear indication of what the relationship is between the recommender and applicant.
Three Program Specific Questions:
In response to a series of 3 essay questions, applicants will be required to discuss career goals, academic accomplishments, professional experiences and preparedness for graduate studies in IT (Applicants are encouraged to share a copy of any relevant industry certifications within the “Additional Materials” section of the application. We do not require a personal statement for the MSIT application; however, sharing one’s unique story and background can help to further strengthen the application. You can upload a statement under “Additional Materials.”):
- (Required question – Do not exceed 500 words.) Describe your career goals and explain how a master’s in information technology will help you accomplish these goals.
- (Required question – Do not exceed 500 words.) How has your past experience prepared you to be successful in this program? For example, what types of courses, industry experience, or industry-recognized certificates have you completed to build skills in information technology?
- (Required question – Do not exceed 500 words.) Our program requires prerequisite knowledge of four content areas, applicants without this prerequisite knowledge may be assigned 1-4 bridge classes in their first semester to be completed outside of the 30 credits required by the degree. If you have a background in these areas, please describe items in your transcript, industry recognized certificates, or work experience (over 6 months) in the following four areas: 1) Programming, 2) Information Security, 3) System Administration, 4) Database Management.
*Effective for Fall 2026 applications: A personal statement with replace the three essay questions. Please see below for more details.
*Effective beginning with Fall 2026 Applications.
Please submit a personal statement that explains your interest in the Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT) program at the University of Cincinnati. To help you craft a compelling and authentic statement, consider the following guidance:
- Think of your personal statement as a conversation with the faculty members reviewing your application. This is your opportunity to present your motivations, experiences, and goals directly to them.
- Use your own voice. While it is fine to use tools to refine your writing, ensure your final statement reflects your genuine thoughts and experiences.
- Refer to the UC School of Information Technology’s definition of the IT discipline. Explain what draws you to the field of Information Technology and why you want to pursue an MSIT degree.
- Reflect on your academic background and professional experience, and how they relate to your interest in IT.
- Describe how the MSIT program aligns with your career goals and how it will help you achieve them.
GRE is waived for applicants with over a 3.0 GPA. Student required to take the GRE must receive a 150 in both of the sections (300 total).
For International students, an English proficiency test:
- TOEFL minimum Internet-based 80
- Paper-based 520
- Computer-based 190
- IELTS minimum 6.5
| Term | Application Deadline | Classes Start |
|---|---|---|
Summer 2026 Fall 2026 |
May 1, 2026 August 1, 2026 |
May 11, 2026 August 24, 2026 |
The University of Cincinnati's online course fees differ depending on the program. On average, students will accrue fewer fees than students attending on-campus classes.
The one fee applied across all UC Online programs is the distance learning fee. Students living outside the state of Ohio must also pay an additional “non-resident” fee to enroll in courses at UC Online. This fee is lower than the out-of-state fee for traditional on-campus programs.
To view tuition information and program costs, visit the Online Program Fees page.
Earn your master degree from the world renowned University of Cincinnati School of IT. Create a pathway that fits your needs and will help you achieve your career goals and aspirations. Our online program is ranked as one of the best schools for online learning at the master’s level by OnlineMastersDegrees.org. UC’s online Master of Science in Information Technology program was also ranked No. 10 by U.S. News and World Report.
Nationally Recognized Cybersecurity Program
The University of Cincinnati is one of only a few institutions in the country to have a National Security Agency (NSA)-sponsored National Centers of Academic Excellence in both cyber defense and cyber operations.
Our School of Information Technology received several grants from the NSA, National Science Foundation and Ohio state government to support its cybersecurity education program.
We are also home to the Ohio Cyber Range Institute, a virtual environment where participants can learn about cybersecurity and practice defending networks against threats of all kinds.
You can now earn a Certificate in Cybersecurity alongside your master’s degree at no additional cost. Learn more about our Data-Driven Cybersecurity Certificate.
I’ve been extremely pleased with my experience so far in the MS IT program here at the University of Cincinnati. The professors have been responsive and available when I’ve needed help, and have designed their courses in ways that encourage online interaction among students.
Andrew H. MSIT
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