What is the Master of Science in Leadership: Information Technology Management?
Information Technology (IT) Management involves guiding and managing teams, projects, and strategies related to an organization’s technology infrastructure and digital initiatives. IT leaders not only ensure that technology systems are efficient, secure, and aligned with business goals, but they also drive innovation by leveraging new technologies to solve business challenges. This role blends technical expertise with leadership and decision-making skills, helping organizations navigate the complexities of data management, cybersecurity, software development, and system integrations while fostering collaboration across departments.
Why study Master of Science in Leadership: Information Technology Management at UNH College of Professional Studies?
Studying M.S. Leadership: Information Technology Management at the UNH College of Professional Studies offers a unique combination of leadership theory and cutting-edge technology management. The program is designed to equip students with the critical skills to lead IT teams, manage technological change, and align IT strategies with business objectives. With a focus on real-world applications, small class sizes, and faculty with industry expertise, students benefit from a flexible, high-quality education that prepares them for leadership roles in today’s fast-evolving tech landscape.
Potential Career Areas
- IT Project Management
- IT Consulting
- Information Systems Management
- IT Security Management
- Data Analysis
- Business Analysis
- Systems Architecture
- Cloud Solutions Architecture
- Enterprise Management
- Cybersecurity Analysis
- Technology Risk Management
- IT Service Management
- IT Governance Specialty
- Digital Transformation Consulting
- Software Development Management
Curriculum & Requirements
The Master of Science in Leadership (MSLD) with an option in Information Technology Management is tailored for professionals seeking to develop their leadership abilities while mastering the complexities of managing technology-driven organizations. This program integrates leadership theory and practice with a deep dive into IT management, preparing students to lead teams, drive innovation, and strategically manage information systems in today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape. Graduates will gain a comprehensive understanding of organizational leadership, project management, information security, and emerging technologies, empowering them to excel in both leadership and IT roles.
Sample Degree Plan
The following plan is for students who plan to pursue this program on a part-time basis taking one course per term. Students may also enroll on a full-time basis to complete the program in under two years.
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| TERM 1 | ||
| LD 820 | Cultivating Your Leadership Capabilities | 3 |
| TERM 2 | ||
| CMPL 801 | Principles of Information Technology for IT Managers | 3 |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Spring | ||
| TERM 3 | ||
| PM 800 | Introduction to Project Management | 3 |
| TERM 4 | ||
| LD 804 | Leading Teams | 3 |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| TERM 1 | ||
| CMPL 825 | Designing and Analyzing Information Systems | 3 |
| LD 810 | Change Management and Communication | 3 |
| TERM 2 | ||
| MGMT 830 | Strategic Planning and Financial Management | 3 |
| Credits | 9 | |
| Spring | ||
| TERM 3 | ||
| CMPL 820 | Information Privacy, Security, and Continuity | 3 |
| TERM 4 | ||
| CMPL 802 or CMPL 810 or CMPL 815 | Managing Virtualization and Cloud Systems or Current and Emerging Technologies or Managing Artificial Intelligence | 3 |
| FINAL SEMESTER: Fall or Spring | ||
| CMPL 850 | Managing Information Technology Capstone (16 Week Capstone Course) | 3 |
| Credits | 9 | |
| Total Credits | 30 | |
Degree Requirements
Minimum Credit Requirement: 30 credits
Minimum GPA: 3.0
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| CMPL 801 | Principles of Information Technology for IT Managers | 3 |
| CMPL 820 | Information Privacy, Security, and Continuity | 3 |
| CMPL 825 | Designing and Analyzing Information Systems | 3 |
| LD 804 | Leading Teams | 3 |
| LD 810 | Change Management and Communication | 3 |
| LD 820 | Cultivating Your Leadership Capabilities | 3 |
| MGMT 830 | Strategic Planning and Financial Management | 3 |
| PM 800 | Introduction to Project Management | 3 |
| Electives | ||
| Select one course from the following: | 3 | |
CMPL 802 | Managing Virtualization and Cloud Systems | |
CMPL 810 | Current and Emerging Technologies | |
CMPL 815 | Managing Artificial Intelligence | |
| Integrative Capstone | ||
| CMPL 850 | Managing Information Technology Capstone | 3 |
| Total Credits | 30 | |
- 1
Graduate credit is only granted for courses completed with a grade of B- or higher.
Accelerated Master's Overview
Accelerated Master’s programs offer qualified University of New Hampshire undergraduate students the opportunity to begin graduate coursework in select graduate programs while completing a bachelor’s degree. Accelerated master's programs are designed to provide students with an efficient and cost-effective pathway to earn both a bachelor's and master's degree or graduate certificate, enhancing career opportunities and long-term earning potential.
Accelerated Master's Highlights
- Begin studying advanced topics while an undergraduate student with the opportunity to complete a master’s degree or graduate certificate early.
- Master’s degree program students: Earn up to 12* graduate (800-level) course credits while completing a bachelor’s degree. This coursework will count as dual-credit toward both the bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
- Graduate certificate program students: Earn up to 8* graduate (800-level) course credits while completing a bachelor’s degree. This coursework will count as dual-credit toward both the bachelor’s degree and the graduate certificate.
- Students complete the bachelor’s degree, and then officially matriculate into the master’s or graduate certificate program to complete the remaining required graduate-level coursework.
*Some exceptions apply.
Accelerated Master's Admission Requirements
- A minimum 3.2 cumulative GPA is required.*
- A minimum of 90 undergraduate credits must be completed prior to enrolling in graduate (800-level) courses.
- Streamlined Graduate School Application (two letters of recommendation; most standardized tests and application fee are waived).*
*Some exceptions apply.
Accelerated Master's Requirements
- Students must attend a mandatory orientation session.
- Students must submit a special registration form each semester for dual-credit courses and note any DegreeWorks exceptions.
- Students may defer graduate matriculation for up to one year after earning their bachelor’s degree in most programs.
- See the Accelerated Master’s Catalog Policy and Accelerated Master’s Website for additional information and a list of programs. Note that some programs have additional requirements (e.g. higher-grade expectations) compared to the general policy.
Leadership: Information Technology Management (M.S.) Accelerated Option
This graduate degree program is approved to be taken on an accelerated basis in articulation with the following undergraduate program(s):
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Technology Management (B.S.) | ||
| Students select from the following approved 800-level course that can be completed in the undergraduate senior year for dual credit: | ||
| CMPL 801 | Principles of Information Technology for IT Managers (Elective-Undergraduate Program) | 3 |
| CMPL 825 | Designing and Analyzing Information Systems (Elective-Undergraduate Program) | 3 |
| LD 820 | Cultivating Your Leadership Capabilities (Elective-Undergraduate Program) | 3 |
| MGMT 830 | Strategic Planning and Financial Management (Elective-Undergraduate Program) | 3 |
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Information Technology: Cybersecurity (B.S.) | ||
| Computer Information Technology: Data Analytics (B.S.) | ||
| Computer Information Technology: Entrepreneurship & Innovation (B.S.) | ||
| Computer Information Technology: Software Development (B.S.) | ||
| Students select from the following approved 800-level courses that can be completed in the undergraduate senior year for dual credit: | ||
| CMPL 801 | Principles of Information Technology for IT Managers | 3 |
| CMPL 802 | Managing Virtualization and Cloud Systems | 3 |
| CMPL 815 | Managing Artificial Intelligence | 3 |
| CMPL 825 | Designing and Analyzing Information Systems | 3 |
Program Learning Outcomes
Students will have the opportunity to:- Implement organizational IT infrastructures, including integrated virtualization, cloud systems, and artificial intelligence, to enhance operational efficiency and drive innovation.
- Employ project management and leadership principles and ethical practices to effectively plan, execute, and oversee IT projects that align with strategic organizational goals and objectives.
- Apply business intelligence principles, big data analytics, and data privacy/security to inform strategic decision-making processes and mitigate information security risks.
- Employ professional leadership and teamwork skills that foster collaboration and cohesion within diverse IT teams to achieve project objectives, promote knowledge sharing, and achieve organizational goals.
- Evaluate organizational relationships to identify areas in need of improved performance and effectiveness.
- Develop theoretically grounded change management strategies that actualize an organization’s goals and mission.
- Utilize standard IT governance, strategic planning, and financial management principles to develop IT projects that enhance organizational growth, optimize investments, and ensure sustainability and regulatory compliance.
- Evaluate emerging technologies and innovative IT solutions for their potential to drive business growth and efficiency through adoption and integration into IT operations.
Deadlines
Applications must be completed by the following deadlines in order to be reviewed for admission:
- Fall: Rolling Admissions. Final Deadline October 24
- Spring: Rolling Admissions. Final Deadline March 20
- Summer: Rolling Admissions. Final Deadline May 23
- Special: N/A
Campus: Online
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/Essay Questions
Prepare a brief but careful statement regarding:
- Reasons you wish to do graduate work in this field, including your immediate and long-range objectives.
- Your specific research or professional interest and experiences in this field.
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.
