Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT)

MSIT is a 16-20 month program that includes technology, business, and innovation, preparing the next generation of ICT leaders in Africa. This program is for students interested in an interdisciplinary curriculum that covers key topics in data science, cyber security, software engineering, and networks, among others.

On average, a student spends over 900 hours interfacing with industry and gaining practical experience during the completion of their degree.

Apply to CMU-Africa

Learn more about when applications open and how to apply to CMU-Africa.

MSIT tracks

The MSIT degree curriculum offers three different areas of focus. All three tracks lead to the same MSIT degree and are distinguished by the coursework and the type of project completed as part of the degree. Tracks offered include:

  • Professional
  • Research
  • Entrepreneurship

The Professional Track is designed specifically for students interested in developing team project skills and becoming information technology (IT) professionals.

The Research Track is designed for students interested in pursuing a research career or a Ph.D. after their MSIT.

The Entrepreneurship Track is for students who want to develop their own entrepreneurial projects and technology business skills.

What are units?

CMU uses units instead of credits to indicate the average number of hours required per week for a full-semester course. A nine-unit class requires nine hours of work a week on the course.

Requirements for the MSIT degree

Those interested in an MSIT degree must complete components that involve a defined number of units. There are core courses for each component that provide a solid engineering foundation as well as electives that allow students to customize their degree.

Students must have:

  • 144 units to graduate (but no more than 168)
  • A cumulative quality point average of at least 3.0 (i.e., a B grade in each course)

Each focus has its own unit or time requirements.

For the Professional Track, the 144 units include 60 units of core courses, 60 units of elective courses, which can include up to 12 units of undergraduate credit (courses with numbers between XX-300 and XX-599), and up to 15 units of MSIT Independent Study (04-980), 24 units of MSIT Practicum (04-900), seminars, and a three-month master's internship.

For the Research Track, the 144 units include 60 units of core courses, 48 units of elective courses, which can include up to 12 units of undergraduate credit (courses with numbers less than XX-600), 36 units of Engineering Research Project (04-990), seminars, and a three-month master's internship.

For the Entrepreneurship Track, the 144 include 60 units of core courses, 60 units of elective courses, which can include up to 12 units of undergraduate credit (courses with numbers less than XX-600), 24 units of an entrepreneurship project, seminars, and a three-month master’s internship.

Course catalog

To get an idea of what courses CMU offers, check out the course catalog.

Student Induction Program

Before their first semester, prospective students who are accepted into the MSIT program must attend the Student Induction Program in July and August. 

The program includes:

  • Seminars
  • Discussions and assignments
  • Common procedures
  • Tools and methods used in the master’s program

Other degree programs

Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering (MS ECE)

Master of Science in Engineering Artificial Intelligence (MS EAI)