M.S. in Information Technology

All MSIT applicants must demonstrate successful completion of preparatory coursework prior to their formal application to the master's program, and are expected to have competency in the following areas:

Proficiencies in:

• Networking
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Computer Programming
• Database Design
• Web technologies

Proficiencies may be demonstrated through a combination of previous undergraduate coursework, internship experience, research experience, and/or full-time, industry-relevant work experience.

Students with non-tech degrees who cannot satisfactorily demonstrate proficiencies in one or more of the above proficiencies may be ineligible for admission.

Non-tech degree? No problem. Meet with our Graduate Recruiter, Francis Nwagbara, about our Graduate Certificate in Software Development Engineering (GC-SDE) and possible pathways to transition into IT.

The MSECE application is built into the UW Graduate School application. This allows applicants to share additional information about their education, training, and work experience. For more details, see SET Graduate Program Application Process.

Application items include:

• Personal Statement: Your personal statement should discuss your interest in computer science and systems.
• Resume
• 2 Letters of Recommendation
• Proof of English Language Proficiency (ELP): Refer to Graduate School Policy 3.2 for more information. No waivers of this requirement may be given. 
• Transcripts: Upload one transcript from each post-secondary school you have attended. Applicants must provide evidence of the successful completion of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with at least a 3.0 GPA. The Graduate School will require an official transcript for degree verification after you have accepted an offer of admission.
• (OPTIONAL) Official Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores from within the last 5 years
  • Students missing one or more prerequisite courses, or who have a cumulative GPA below 3.0 (on a 4.0 U.S. grading scale) are strongly encouraged to include GRE scores to strengthen their application.
  • See SET Graduate Program Application Process for submission details.
• $90 application fee

Application Fee Waivers are distributed by the UW Graduate School. More information on the required qualifications and instructions to apply for a fee waiver can be found on the UW Application Fee Waivers page.

Thesis 

Intended for students considering a PhD program. Involves long-term, in-depth, advanced academic research, extensive academic writing, and original research contributions to their disciplinary field and/or scholarly communities. Requires one a Master’s Supervisory Committee of one Graduate Faculty Advisor and at least one Graduate Faculty Committee Member. Produces master’s thesis.  

Capstone Project 

Designed for students who want to focus on practical solutions to real-world problems – often related to the student’s employer, company, and/or industry – through the hands-on application of what they’ve learned. Emphasizes advanced experience, critical analysis, and the mastery of industry-relevant skillsets. Requires one a Master’s Supervisory Committee of one Graduate Faculty Advisor and at least one Graduate Faculty Committee Member. Research is less exhaustive and can produce a combination of deliverables.  

Core Courses

• TINFO 501 Data Structures and Algorithms for IT I
• TINFO 502 Data Structures and Algorithms for IT II
• TINFO 503 Computer Networks for IT
• TINFO 504 IT Project Management
• TINFO 598 Master’s Seminar

Elective Courses

• TINFO 510 Cloud Computing
• TINFO 520 Cyber Forensics
• TIFNO 530 Machine Learning for IT
• TINFO 540 Wireless & Mobile Network Security
• TINFO 550 Human-Computer Interaction
• TINFO 560 Internet of Things
• TINFO 570 IT Automation
• TINFO 580: Homeland Security
• TINFO 590 DevOps
• TINFO 600 Independent Study or Research
• TINFO 700 Master's Thesis
• TINFO 701 Internship
• TINFO 702 Capstone Project

Current tuition information can be found on the UW Tacoma's Office of the Registrar site, under Tier III. Note that costs are different for Washington State Resident and Non-Resident, as shown in the tuition tables: 

Most applicable fees are included in the listed tuition rate, but some courses will require additional fees.

*For quarterly tuition costs for more than 18 credits, see the charts on the OPB website.

Educational Objectives

• Develop a product or process by applying knowledge of programming, web structures, databases, human-computer interaction, networking, and security tools.
• Participate effectively as a member of a development team and undertake leadership roles when appropriate.  
• Continue seeking knowledge and contribute to the IT body of knowledge.
• Make positive contributions to community and society by applying skills and abilities learned.  
• Make decisions related to work that demonstrate an understanding of the importance of being an ethical computing professional.  
• Apply communication skills to effectively promote ideas, goals, or products. 

Learning Outcomes

• Be able to demonstrate an understanding of requirements analysis approaches and project management concepts.
• Be able to analyze user requirements and technology needs and document the scope, schedule, and resources needed for the project.  
• Be able to develop efficient and effective systems solutions to safely secure information assets and intellectual property.  
• Be able to design a solution to support implementation, modification, and review of IT systems.  
• Be able to evaluate new approaches and technologies in information technology and justify if they are applicable to advance existing IT systems and management.  
• Be able to describe IT professional responsibilities and apply in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.  
• Be able to perform as a team leader and support team members in IT projects.