There are two potentially opposing trends currently at work in the field of networking and systems administration. One trend is for the reduction of staffing levels and increased calls for efficiency and management oversight in the provision of IT services. The opposing trend is for increasingly complex network environments, and a greater recognition of the power of information technology to be a strategic enabler of corporate adaptation. These trends can only co-exist through reliance on a highly educated and technologically proficient networking and system administration staff that understands both the technology and the application of that technology to business issues and opportunities. This degree program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and the technical skills to successfully compete in this environment.

This is a unique one-of-a-kind Master of Science program in computer networking and systems administration that balances both the theoretical and practical aspects of this growing field. This program is available in both an online format as well as a traditional campus setting.

Program Vision

This degree program goes beyond the issues associated with local area networking and system administration to examine the organizational and technological issues involved in enterprise scale networks such as: emerging network technologies, network processing, high performance computing, network programming and security.

The program is designed to prepare graduates to assume leadership positions in for-profit and not-for-profit organizations dealing with emerging network technologies or to continue their education through the pursuit of advanced degrees.

Program Structure

The degree program is based upon a core of 28 quarter-credits followed by a 16-credit, depth concentration, and a 4-credit thesis - for a total of 48 quarter-credits of graduate study. Concentration study is designed to address the knowledge and skills appropriate to the larger scale of today’s corporate enterprises; and is available in the following areas, among others:

• Networking,
• Systems administration,
• Security.

In addition courses from the College of Business are included so that the student develops an awareness of how information technology supports and fits within today's highly competitive business environments.

Core Knowledge Areas

Throughout the courses that make up this degree program, the following key knowledge areas are emphasized:

• Emerging trends in enterprise computing,
• Network design and performance modeling,
• Network security,
• Organizational behavior and leadership,
• Project management.

Prerequisite Background

This masters program requires solid object-oriented programming skills (C++ required), knowledge of fundamental data communications and networking theory, and experience with current systems administration practices - including operating system scripting.  Students applying without this background will need to complete bridge study to ensure that they have the prerequisite knowledge necessary for success.

For More Information

Check out:

• The program handbook.
• Email us at: InformaticsGrad@rit.edu
• Call us at (585) 475-2700