The Master of Science in information technology program prepares students for a professional IT or computing-related career and for advanced studies in a computing discipline. Focusing on project-based education – including the use of cutting-edge tools – and hands-on work in the field, the flexible program features full- and part-time options.
What is information technology?
Information technology is an extensive field that touches all technological aspects around us, from mobile applications, social platforms and virtual reality to cloud services, data centers, high-speed networks and automation. IT professionals work in a range of industries to develop, adapt, integrate and manage computing technologies that solve complex problems and enable innovations. Designed for people with a strong interest in computing as well as working professionals, the flexible M.S. in information technology (M.S. IT) program at UNH Manchester is rooted in project-based and applied learning.
Why choose UNH Manchester’s Information Technology program?
UNH Manchester’s M.S. IT program combines learning activities with authentic project experiences and the use of cutting-edge tools and platforms. Through applied, real-world learning in the field, M.S. IT graduates are prepared for a professional IT or computing-related career and for advanced studies in a computing discipline. The program is designed with flexibility in mind, offering full- and part-time enrollment. Housed at UNH’s Manchester campus, M.S. IT students are in the heart of the state’s tech, corporate and financial activity, which opens doors to a wealth of internship and job opportunities.
Potential careers
- Cloud solutions architect
- Computer network architect
- Database developer/administrator
- Development operations engineer
- Full stack developer
- Information security analyst
- Information technology manager
- Mobile application developer
- Network administrator
- Software engineer
Diligent undergraduate students in our computer information systems or computer science programs have the opportunity to earn a bachelor's degree and M.S. IT in as little as five years by taking graduate-level classes during senior year at UNH Manchester.
Curriculum & Requirements
The MS in Information Technology program is a professional graduate program in the applied and fast-changing field of Information Technology. The program prepares students for a professional IT or computing-related career and for advanced studies in a computing discipline. Offered at the University's urban campus in Manchester, a city that embraces cultural diversity, the program welcomes students from all over the word. With classes scheduled during the day and in the evening in fall, spring, and summer terms, the program gives students the flexibility to enroll full- or part-time.
Tools, platforms, and programming languages used in IT industry evolve rapidly. Capitalizing on the campus location in New Hampshire's largest city and the state's corporate and financial center, the program requires an internship experience. With support from many business, technology and non-profit organizations who sponsor internships, students integrate authentic professional experiences in their academic coursework early in the program.
Degree Requirements
The M.S. IT program has two options for completion:
- Master's Project Option (33 Credits): 10 courses (30 credits) and Master's Project course (3 credits)
- Master's Thesis Option (30 Credits): 8 courses (24 credits) and Master's Thesis (6 credits)
Both options require completion of 18 core credits.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Students are required to complete 3 credits in each of the six core areas below. | ||
| Data | 3 | |
| COMP 820 | Database Systems and Technologies | 3 |
| or COMP 821 | Big Data for Data Engineers | |
| Operations | ||
| COMP 835 | Secure Networking Technologies | 3 |
| or COMP 851 | System Integration and Architecture | |
| Intelligent Systems | ||
| COMP 840 | Machine Learning Applications and Tools | 3 |
| or COMP 841 | Practical Artificial Intelligence | |
| Development | ||
| COMP 805 | Full Stack Development | 3 |
| or COMP 830 | Software Development | |
| Security | ||
| COMP 815 | Information Security | 3 |
| or COMP 885 | Applied Cryptography | |
| Professional Experience 1 | 3 | |
| COMP 801 | Integrated Computing Practice | 3 |
Internship (Select from the following) 2 | ||
COMP 890 & COMP 891 | Internship and Career Planning and Internship Practice | |
COMP 890 & COMP 892 | Internship and Career Planning and Applied Research Internship | |
COMP 891 | Internship Practice | |
COMP 892 | Applied Research Internship | |
| Elective Courses | 6-12 | |
Master's Project Option requires 12 credits of elective coursework. Master's Thesis Option requires 6 credits of elective coursework | ||
| Elective courses can be in various disciplines, including computer science (CS), computing (COMP), business and administration (ADMN), analytics and data science (DATA), and more. Depending on the culminating experience option (project or thesis), there are two or four elective courses required. | ||
| Culminating Experience | ||
| Select one of the following: | ||
| COMP 898 | Master's Project | 3 |
| COMP 899 | Master's Thesis | 6 |
- 1
Students are required to enroll in COMP 801 Integrated Computing Practice within their first nine credits in the program.
- 2
Students are required to enroll in at least 1 credit of Professional Experience upon successful completion of nine credits in the program. COMP 891 Internship Practice and COMP 892 Applied Research Internship may be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits.
This graduate program is approved to be taken on an accelerated basis in articulation with certain undergraduate degree programs.
General Accelerated Master's policy, note that some programs have additional requirements (e.g. higher grade expectations) compared to the policy.
Please see the Graduate School website and contact the department directly for more information.
- Analyze complex computing problems and identify solutions by applying principles of computing.
- Design, implement, and evaluate computing solutions that meet IT computing requirements.
- Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.
- Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.
- Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in IT activities.
- Identify and analyze user needs in the process of developing and operating computing systems.
Deadlines
Applications must be completed by the following deadlines in order to be reviewed for admission:
- Fall: May 1
- Spring: October 1
- Summer: N/A (summer has been closed per the department)
Application fee: $65
Campus: Manchester
New England Regional: No
Accelerated Masters: Yes (for more details see the accelerated masters information page)
New Hampshire Residents
Students claiming in-state residency must also submit a Proof of Residence Form. This form is not required to complete your application, but you will need to submit it after you are offered admission or you will not be able to register for classes.
Transcripts
If you attended UNH or Granite State College (GSC) after September 1, 1991, and have indicated so on your online application, we will retrieve your transcript internally; this includes UNH-Durham, UNH-Manchester, UNH Non-Degree work and GSC.
If you did not attend UNH, or attended prior to September 1, 1991, then you must upload a copy (PDF) of your transcript in the application form. International transcripts must be translated into English.
If admitted, you must then request an official transcript be sent directly to our office from the Registrar's Office of each college/university attended. We accept transcripts both electronically and in hard copy:
- Electronic Transcripts: Please have your institution send the transcript directly to grad.school@unh.edu. Please note that we can only accept copies sent directly from the institution.
- Paper Transcripts: Please send hard copies of transcripts to: UNH Graduate School, Thompson Hall- 105 Main Street, Durham, NH 03824. You may request transcripts be sent to us directly from the institution or you may send them yourself as long as they remain sealed in the original university envelope.
Transcripts from all previous post-secondary institutions must be submitted and applicants must disclose any previous academic or disciplinary sanctions that resulted in their temporary or permanent separation from a previous post-secondary institution. If it is found that previous academic or disciplinary separations were not disclosed, applicants may face denial and admitted students may face dismissal from their academic program.
Letters of Recommendation: 2 Required
Recommendation letters submitted by relatives or friends, as well as letters older than one year, will not be accepted.
Personal Statement
Applicants are required to answer the questions below. No more than two pages are allowed for this statement (with font size no smaller than 11 pt). Less is more! Be concise and precise.
- Why is this degree important to you?
- What qualifications and experiences make you a good candidate for the program?
- What knowledge areas are you eager to master and what professional skills will be the most valuable to you?
- What challenges do you foresee with completing the required coursework?
- A course in the program requires on average 8 to 10 hours per week of study time. Describe the support (from work, family, or others) and/or plans you have to fit this time requirement in your life.
- In your opinion, what distinguishes an accomplished and competitive professional with this degree?
Resume
Current resume limited to no more than two pages.
Important Notes
All applicants are encouraged to contact programs directly to discuss program-specific application questions.
International Applicants
Prospective international students are required to submit TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent examination scores. English Language Exams may be waived if English is your first language. If you wish to request a waiver, then please visit our Test Scores webpage for more information.
Explore Program Details
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Adjunct Faculty
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Adjunct Faculty
International students are eligible to complete up to 3 years of optional professional training. This must occur after completion of all degree coursework requirements, excluding thesis or equivalent; or, occurs after completion of degree. The proposed employment must be directly related to your field of study/primary major and commensurate to your degree level.
Graduates of this program are able to identify, analyze and meet the IT needs of all users, whether they are end-users of information systems, managers of enterprise applications, developers of IT solutions or customers of IT-reliant work systems. You'll learn skills in core and advanced information technology, preparing you to develop, integrate and evaluate the IT systems and services that help organizations achieve their goals.
This program will help you develop the skills to advance your career in the areas design and development of databases web systems, network management, software development and design, interface design and more.
| Job Title | Job Growth* | Median Salary** |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Systems Manager | 12% | $139,220 |
| Computer Network Architect | 6% | $104,650 |
| Computer Programmer | -7% | $82,240 |
| Computer Science Teacher, Postsecondary | 15% | $78,630 |
| Computer Systems Analyst | 9% | $88,270 |
| Database Administrator | 11% | $87,020 |
| Information Security Analyst | 28% | $95,510 |
| Network and Computer Systems Administrator | 6% | $81,100 |
| Software Developer | 24% | $103,560 |
| Web Developer | 15% | $67,990 |
*Bureau of Labor Statistics, projected job outlook from 2016 to 2026. The average growth rate for all occupations is 7 percent.
**Bureau of Labor Statistics, median annual wages reported in May 2017.
Tuition & Fees
The anticipated tuition rates are available here. Please note that these are subject to change.
Financial Aid
You may complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to apply for Federal Unsubsidized Direct Loans, the only form of federal financial aid available to graduate students. The basic eligibility requirements to be considered for Financial Aid include:
- Enrollment in a degree program
- Attending classes at least half-time (5 or more credits per semester)
- Documentation of United States citizenship or eligible non-citizen status
- Must maintain satisfactory academic progress
Our MSIT program welcomes students from all over the world, and UNH Manchester is located in the heart of a city that embraces cultural diversity. Read more about our city.
Getting Your Visa
The office of International students will assist you with your visa process. Visit our graduate International Students page for further details about the application process and other questions you may have.
The Computing Technology Industry Advisory Board (CT-IAB) advises and supports the Computing Technology program in its effort to meet the economic development needs in New Hampshire and the region, and to educate computing majors at UNH Manchester in three degree programs: computer information systems, B.S.; computer science, B.A.; and information technology, M.S.
The CT-IAB provides counsel and support in
- Curriculum design and authentic project experiences
- Lab infrastructure and services
- Partnerships with business, industry, government, educational and nonprofit organizations
- Developing educational pathways to computing education and careers for all, in particular for underrepresented students
- The board includes computing professionals, researchers and leaders who represent local industry, business, government, education and nonprofit organizations.
- Barbara Bancoft, Nashua Community College, Professor and Computer Networking Program Coordinator
- Gunjan Choudhary, Software Development Manager, Autodesk; Adjunct Faculty, UNH Manchester
- Dan Couture, Fitbit, Senior Data Integration Engineering Technology
- Eric Esposito, Director of Technology, SilverTech, Inc.
- Ken Gitlitz, NHTI, Professor of Computer Engineering
- Rich Greene, MITRE Corp, Lead Staff
- John Grossmith, Salesforce, Lead Solution Engineer
- Scott Innes, Fidelity Investments, Software Engineer
- Peter LaMonica, Manchester Community College, MCC IT Department Chair
- Tommy McCarthy, Autodesk, Software Engineer
- Ed Nelson, Production Architecture Engineer, Vantiv; Adjunct Faculty, UNH Manchester
- Suzanne Poirier, Director of Software Engineering, Skillsoft
- Vance Poteat, Nashua Community College, Professor and Engineering and Computing Science Dept. Chair
- Brice Rader, Liberty Mutual, Principal Software Engineer
- Bethany Ross Abbott, NS1, Technical Operations Manager
- Andy Schwab, NHTI, Assistant Professor, IT Program
- Jason Syversen, CEO & Computer Security Entrepreneur, Siege Technologies, LLC
- Rola Tokatli, Merrimack Valley Accountable Care Organization, Senior Business Intelligence Data Analyst
- Matt Vartanian, Raytheon, Software Engineer
- Jeff DeLangie, Director, Technology Resource Center, Manchester School District
- David Hubbs, Professor, Nashua Community College
- Earl LaBatt, Principal Engineer, OPNET Technologies; Adjunct Faculty, UNH Manchester
- Frank Polito, Professor and Program Chair, NHTI
- Craig Smith, Reliability Engineer, Tapjoy
- Chris Zalegowski, IT/IS Manager, NH Public Defender
Interested in pursuing your M.S. in Information Technology but don't know where to begin? We've compiled the most frequently asked questions about the program to help start you on the path towards a master's degree. If you have additional questions, please contact UNH Graduate School Manchester Campus at 603-641-4313 or unhm.gradcenter@unh.edu.
Application Process
What academic degree is the basis for admission?
A bachelor's degree in a computing-related area is the basis for admission. We like to see students who have taken computer science courses related to data structures and algorithms, systems and tools, and database design and development. Prerequisite courses are required depending on your academic/professional background.
I have a 3-year bachelor’s degree. Does this meet the requirement for admissions?
Admission requires applicants to have a 4-year bachelor’s degree, or the equivalent of one. Some bachelor’s degrees are 3 years in length, which are ineligible unless procured from a university which has been accredited by the NAAC at the ‘A’ level and graduated with first-class honors or higher. If you are unsure of whether the university from which you graduated meets these standards, please contact Madison Ferreri, assistant director of admissions at UNH Manchester.
I don't have a bachelor's degree in a computing-related area, but I've worked in the computing field and would like to apply for the master's. What do I do?
Prospective students with undergraduate degrees in other fields are invited to apply. The application review process is a holistic process that takes into account relevant work experience, your personal statement and resume, and recommendation letter.
What is the deadline for application to the program?
Fall: June 15 (International Deadline); August 1 (Domestic Deadline)
Spring: November 15 (International Deadline); January 1 (Domestic Deadline)
Summer: April 1 (Part-time enrollment ONLY)
What is the application procedure for international students?
International students are eligible to apply if they’ve earned a bachelor’s degree from a four-year institution or if they’ve completed a three-year degree from at a university which has been accredited by the NAAC at the ‘A’ level, and graduated with first-class honors or higher. No pre-application is necessary. Simply click here and follow the outlined steps: Apply, Submit Documents and Monitor Status.
Is the GRE general test required?
No.
Which test is required for international students?
The test required for international students is the TOEFL or IELTS unless the applicant completed their bachelor’s degree from a university where English is the primary language of instruction and can demonstrate advanced proficiency.
Accelerated Master's Program
I'm a senior in a bachelor’s program and very much interested in the accelerated master’s program. What are the requirements and how do I apply for it?
The Accelerated Master's program allows UNH Seniors to take up to 12 credits of dual coursework during their senior year (departments may allow for a lower amount). You must be a UNH senior with a minimum 3.20 cumulative GPA at the time of admission, and you must be admitted for the semester you wish to take dual coursework. The application is available here. Please contact Madison Ferreri of the UNH Graduate School with any questions.
I've been admitted in the Accelerated Master’s program and I'm finishing up my bachelor’s degree at UNH. When I register for a graduate course, what else should I do to have the credits count to both my undergraduate and master’s degrees?
If admitted, students will not be able to accept their offer through the online application portal. To formally accept their offer, students will be required to attend a mandatory advising session. During the session, students will complete the necessary acceptance form to fully enroll and will receive additional paperwork required for registration.
Program Prerequisites
What prerequisites do I need to take if I don't have a bachelor's in computing?
If you don’t have a bachelor’s in computing, you need to reach out to the Graduate Program Coordinator to determine how your academic background prepares you for starting the program. The outcome of that discussion is a plan of study that includes the prerequisites you need to take.
What are the language prerequisites for admission for international students?
All applicants who are not native English speakers are required to demonstrate a sufficient level of proficiency in the English language to meet the admission requirement of the Graduate School. Proficiency can be demonstrated by the receipt of a bachelor's or advanced degree from an accredited institution of higher education in the United States or from a university in another country where English is the primary language of instruction. All other non-native speakers must take the TOEFL/IELTS or other English Testing exams and submit recent scores to our office as part of their application packet.
What are the minimum TOEFL/IELTS scores?
The minimum scores are specific to the test type, and are as follows:
- TOEFL (Paper Based): 550
- TOEFL (Computer Based): 213
- TOEFL (Internet Based): 80
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System): 6.5
- TOEFL IPT* (Institution Administered): On case-by-case basis
- TOEIC* (Test of English for International Communication): On case-by-case basis
- PTE Academic: 59
What are the deadlines for TOEFL/IELTS test submission?
For additional questions related to TOEFL/IELTS test deadlines, please contact our Graduate School. Your application will not be considered complete until your test score has been submitted.
Tuition/Financial Aid
What are the tuition rates for this program?
See Tuition & Costs for full information on tuition, fees, and refunds.
Who is eligible for financial aid?
Graduate students who are enrolled in a degree program at least half time (5 or more credits per semester) and are a U.S citizen or eligible non-citizen may be considered for Federal Financial Aid. Graduate students are reviewed for loans and work study. There are no Federal or University grants or scholarships awarded to graduate students by the UNH Financial Aid Office.
Do I qualify for financial aid as an eligible non-citizen?
Generally, you are an eligible non-citizen if you are (1) a permanent U.S. resident with a Permanent Resident Card (I-551); (2) a conditional permanent resident (I-551-C); (3) the holder of an Arrival-Departure Record (I-94) from the Department of Homeland Security showing any one of the following designations: “Refugee”, “Asylum Granted”, “Parolee” (I-94 confirms that you were paroled for a minimum of one year and status has not expired), T-Visa holder (T-1, T-2, T-3, etc.) or “Cuban-Haitian Entrant”; or (4) the holder of a valid certification or eligibility letter from the Department of Health and Human Services showing a designation of “Victim of human trafficking”.
Are grants and scholarships awarded to UNH graduate students?
There are no Federal or University grants or scholarships awarded to graduate students by the UNH Financial Aid Office. Students who have been enrolled for a semester are eligible for graduate student appointments based on outstanding academic performance and strong recommendation letters from program faculty and graduate coordinator. These appointments are highly competitive, so please do not count on this as a way to fund your expenses.
Where can I find more information about student loans?
Financial Aid for graduate students is available in the form of Federal student loans. For more information and to fill out an application visit: http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/.
Transfer Credits
How many courses can I transfer from another institution?
A maximum of two courses for up to eight semester credit hours are approved for transfer. Courses must be at the graduate level; cannot have been used or in the process of being used in earning another graduate degree; cannot have been taken while completing a bachelor's degree. A grade of B or better must be earned.
What do I do to get the courses transferred?
You have to provide an official transcript showing the credits and grades earned along with a Transfer Credit (External UNH) Request Form.
I have a master's degree from UNH and would like to do a second masters. Can I transfer graduate credits from my first master's into this program?
You may apply up to 12 credits earned in the first master's degree with approval of the Graduate Coordinator. Thesis or research credits from the first program may not be counted towards the requirements of the second program.
Course Information
What is the deadline to register for classes?
If you register for fall courses, start the registration process as early as April prior to the fall semester. If you register for spring courses, start in October. This way you allow yourself time to consult with your advisor, who needs to approve your course registration. It also avoids the situation of not being able to register because the class is full. Student must meet with their faculty advisor prior to registering for their first semester of courses. This will be arranged at orientation.
When are the classes scheduled and what is their duration?
Classes are scheduled during the day or in the evening, weekdays, once a week per course. Class meetings start at 5:30 or 6:00 and take between 2 to 3 hours.
The learning model for the program's classes blends face-to-face time and interactions during the scheduled class meetings with online interactions facilitated by a variety of communication and collaboration tools. There are no exclusively online classes offered in the program at this time.
Where can I find course descriptions?
The Graduate School Online Catalog is the resource for course descriptions. Select Level- Graduate, Degree/Program- Master’s then search and click on the program link.
Internships
Are international students eligible for internships during the course of study?
Yes, international students are eligible for internships. The program requires that students enroll in at least 1-credit internship upon completion of 9 graduate credits in the program of study. For more information please contact Professor Karen Jin, Internship coordinator in the department. The Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) is the best source to find answers to any question that international students have. We highly recommend that you contact the office with your questions.
How many internships can an international student do?
International students can participate in more than one internship as long as it meets institutional and immigration requirements. The Internship Coordinator will work with you to determine the appropriate credit hours for your specific internship opportunity. Curricular Practical Training (CPT) employment authorization is required for all off campus internships that international students participate in. An Immigration Advisor will guide you on the use of CPT shortly after you begin your degree program.
When am I eligible for an internship?
The program academic rule states that students are required to
1. Enroll in at least one credit of their internship by enrolling in either COMP 890, COMP 891 or COMP 892 after successful completion of 9 credits in their program of study.
2. Complete a minimum of three credits in COMP 890 Internship as a graduation requirement.
It is important to note that the summer semester is not considered an official semester, therefore students who began the program in January are not required to register for an internship until the fall semester. However, they would be allowed to enroll in an internship during the summer semester and request CPT if offered an off-campus internship.
Visit this website for CPT requirements https://www.unh.edu/global/curricular-practical-training. For further details contact Christine.Rousseau@unh.edu.
Where can I go for help in finding an internship?
Career and Professional Success has several resources that can help in your internship search. You can meet individually with a career advisor to put together your customized internship searching plan; these appointments can be scheduled through our online system called Handshake. Handshake can also be used to find and apply for internship positions, learn about career fairs and events with employers, and track your internships. You should start your internship preparation as soon as possible; it takes 1-2 semesters of searching and networking before obtaining a position. Stop by Career and Professional Success in Suite 430 to begin your internship search!
Change of Degree
I'm currently enrolled in another master’s program at UNH and would like to enroll in this program. What's the procedure to change my degree to your department?
Instructions about how to change a degree to a different department at UNH are at: Change of Degree Form with Instructions . In a nutshell, you need to fill out a new application and submit two new letters of recommendation from faculty at UNH (one of which should be from your current advisor).
What is the deadline for changing my degree to your department?
Fall: July 1
Spring: December 1
Summer: April 1
If you have any questions, please contact the UNH Graduate School Manchester Campus at 603-641-4313 or unhm.gradcenter@unh.edu.
Program News
