The development of the World Wide Web has permanently changed the way that we as a society solve problems. Our technological future will continue to include a mixture of computers and multi-purpose computing devices, information media, and communication technologies. Many educational programs are narrowly focused on a particular technology in isolation from other technologies. While new technology needs to be developed, there is a much larger need: the successful deployment of technology. Business and industry today rely on the integrated power of application software, networks, databases, and multimedia to stay competitive.

However, to be successfully deployed and utilized, technology must be filtered through an understanding of how humans need to use evolving technological systems. The role of the information technologist is to understand the fundamental problems facing business, industry, and education and to wisely apply available technologies in meeting user needs. The information technologist views the "larger picture" - the needs of the enterprise as encompassed in the needs of the end users.

The MS program in Information Technology (MS/IT) offered by the Department of Information Technology at RIT is a forty-eight credit (twelve 4-credit courses including the capstone experience) degree program. It is designed with a highly flexible framework that allows students to design a program of study that suits their own goals and interests within the discipline of information technology. Students should have a background in programming, computer architecture and data communications, and website design. Bridge coursework is available to satisfy the program prerequisites. The program of study consists of a core course on the underlying themes and directions of information technology, nine (9) concentration courses, and one (1) elective. The degree is completed with a capstone experience: a MS project (4002-898) or a thesis (4002-897).

Students select areas from the diverse sub-fields of the IT discipline in which to concentrate their studies. Concentrations are available in website design and multimedia, computer gaming, human-computer interaction, application development and software project management, networking and system security, database concepts, electronic commerce, and learning and performance technology. IT-related concentration topics may also be selected from other departments at RIT. Students who wish to add practical experience to their studies may work for up to six (6) months on a cooperative educational experience (co-op).

Students can study either full or part time; selected concentrations are available online in distance-learning format. A program of study based entirely on the available online concentrations can be completed entirely online without a residency requirement. Students studying full-time can complete the degree in 2 years; part-time students typically take 2 - 3 years to complete the degree.