Master's in Information & Telecomm. Systems

The J. Warren McClure School of Emerging Communication Technologies offers the Master of Information and Telecommunication Systems (MITS), a professional interdisciplinary degree focusing on the technical and strategic issues related to data communications, cloud and information technologies, systems and services. The program’s focus is on information networks, with special emphasis on the interaction of technology and management issues.

• Technology topics covered in the program include information networks analysis and design, cloud technologies design and management, cybersecurity, software defined infrastructure, Internet of Things, network services and IT integration, broadband networks and wireless communications.
• Management topics include lifecycle management for information networks and cloud technologies, cybersecurity, data privacy and compliance.

The program discusses issues from the perspective of network system, service providers, carriers, equipment manufacturers, consumers, policy makers, and IT managers.

Students taking the normal load of 3 courses per semester complete the program in three regular semesters plus one summer. Admission information is available here.

Ready to apply? Please follow the link for degree seeking students.

Graduate students in the MITS program focus on developing technical and management skills. The program prepares students to successfully join advanced industries in the technology, service and research sectors.

Careers for MITS students

Employers value the comprehensive nature of the MITS degree. Graduates from the program pursue careers as network engineers, computer network specialists, cloud architects, utility analysts, project managers, software engineers, telecom analysts and cybersecurity specialists at a host of companies.

MITS graduates have joined companies such as Amazon AWS, Meta, J.P. Morgan Chase, Google, Oracle, AT&T, Verizon Business, Cisco Systems, Progressive Insurance, Spectrum, Microsoft, PowerNet Global, HSBC Bank, and the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio. Graduates have also moved on to further graduate study after completing the MITS.

Course of Study

The MITS degree is awarded after the successful completion of 36 credit hours in required coursework:

• Core courses (3) provide a solid grounding in the technology and analysis of communication network and information systems, from the perspective of both telecommunication service provider and enterprise voice and data networks. All core courses are in the School of Emerging Communication Technologies.
  • ITS 6250 – Technical Introduction
  • ITS 6000 – Research Methods (other similar OU graduate classes may also be taken with advisor's permission)
  • ITS 6440 – Capstone Class
• Electives (4 courses) deepen your understanding of either communication technology or policy (your choice). You choose from the pool of electives offered by the School of Emerging Communication Technologies.
• The Cognate (minimum of 4 credit hours) is intended to enrich and further focus your interests and expertise. You may take an additional policy or technology course from the School of Emerging Communication Technologies, or select courses from another school or college at Ohio University. Possible cognate areas outside the School include engineering, computer science, mathematics, finance, management, marketing, economics, interpersonal communication, and political science. ITS 6190 Internships may be used for up to two credit hours of the Cognate course with prior approval.
• Your Culminating Experience (1 course) involves the completion of a thesis, professional project, or comprehensive examination.
  • Professional Project/Thesis:
    Project: A study, a system/sub-system that you developed or tested, or a problem solution. You must be the person doing the work. You cannot use work that was done with others. You can use a task you perform within a large project, as long as the work is yours. It may take over one semester to complete a Professional Project. Register for 4 hours project credit.
    Thesis: A research paper with a literature review and research problems. Strongly recommended if you ever plan on a doctorate. Register for 4 hours thesis credit. It generally takes over one year to complete a Thesis.
    You do not have to wait until registered for Professional Project or Thesis to identify a project or thesis topic. Please contact the Program Director to discuss current options.
  • Comprehensive Exam:
    • Register for Reading Course-ITS 6935
    • Receive information from faculty along with learning objectives
    • Over 2 consecutive weeks take a 7-question, 7-hour written exam in Athens (offered November and April of each year)
    • Pass/fail grade

The program is designed to be completed in three semesters (approximately 16 months). Completion time depends on your level of preparation, pace of study, and choice of degree culmination. Here is an example of a three-semester plan of study:

Fall Semester (12 credits)

• Core classes: ITS 6250
• Core classes: ITS 6000
• Cognate courses

Spring Semester (12 credits)

• Specialization: three ITS electives

Fall Semester (12 credits)

• Core classes: ITS 6440
• Specialization: One ITS elective
• Culminating Experience: ITS 6935, ITS 6945, or ITS 6950

Details of the coursework are available in the latest version of the graduate catalog (opens in a new window). The program typically requires three semesters to complete, thus the elective courses available to students will depend on the year and semester a student enrolls. Admission information.

“I was able to apply the knowledge I gained in the MITS graduate program immediately to resolve complex technology issues.” — Kimberly Rometo BS '04/MITS '14, VP, CIO, Miami Dolphins and Hard Rock Stadium