Information Technology

The Master of Science in Information Technology is designed for current and aspiring professionals in charge of developing, implementing, operating, and managing information systems in a variety of organizations. Students in this program will gain a broad technical understanding of current and emerging technologies in the industry, a familiarity with systems engineering concepts, and a solid foundation in net-centric computing. They will also have a firm grasp of current and future effects of the convergence of the telecommunications, media, and information technology sectors.

Faculty with both academic and industry backgrounds also provide a practical perspective. Real-world problems and opportunities with software intensive systems are explored, and methods to evaluate, adopt and take advantage of emerging technologies are learned. MS-IT students will be working closely with fellow IT professionals, to complete class assignments within teams, to prepare students for the real-world work environment and build their professional networks.

Program outcomes. Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

• Build a foundation of critical thinking skills on which to make professional judgments relating to information technology.
• Design and implement solutions aligned with information technology needs.
• Solidify an understanding of theoretical methods, principles, and tools used in the information technology industry.
• Examine the fundamental information technology issues and processes in today's organizations relating to systems engineering, computer networking, database technologies, IT governance and strategy, Web development, and information assurance.

Your learning experience.

• Design and implement innovative IT solutions that align with the evolving needs of organizations and industries.
• Build a solid foundation in theoretical principles, tools, and methods.
• Gain a comprehensive understanding of current and emerging technologies, including net-centric computing, systems engineering concepts, data mining, and data-warehousing.
• Analyze the convergence of telecommunications, media, and information technology industries to prepare for the future impact of these intersecting fields.

All-inclusive tuition. ANU tuition includes all fees (application, course, technology, graduation, etc.), textbooks, and lab equipment (where applicable).

Refresher privilege. As part of our commitment to keeping graduates' skills and training up to date, the University allows its graduates to return at any time to retake courses in their respective fields, subject to availability. No tuition fees will be charged for this benefit; graduates will be responsible for any additional costs associated with books, equipment, or third-party testing fees.

Practicum requirement. This program requires students to maintain professional experience directly related to their fields of study for a minimum of five (5) hours per week throughout the student's full-time term enrollment. Each position of employment or other professional activity requires academic leadership's acceptance of an attestation form, signed by the student and the student's employer or professional activity supervisor, verifying that the practicum is aligned with the program learning outcomes.

To be admitted to a master's degree program at the University, applicants must have completed a baccalaureate degree (or another graduate-level degree) from a regionally or nationally accredited institution based in the United States or an appropriately recognized foreign institution. The applicant's academic performance must meet one of the following minimum standards: a 2.5 GPA or higher on a 4.0 scale at the bachelor's level, a 3.0 GPA or higher for the most recent 12 quarter credit hours of graduate coursework, or at least three years of relevant professional experience.

Applicants to graduate programs under the Dean of Technology must hold a bachelor's degree in information technology (or a related field) or a bachelor's degree in another discipline plus at least three years of professional experience in a technology field (as verified by a resume).

For the convenience of its students, the University operates on a quarter-based schedule with year-round classes. Students may begin their programs at any of the starting dates during the year.

Full-time graduate students enroll in at least 8 credit hours per 10-week term, which typically means two 4-credit courses offered across 5-week or 10-week sessions.

The University courses use both synchronous (live) and asynchronous (on-demand) interactions. Courses are delivered online (delivered through Canvas with scheduled Global Learn™ sessions) and through hybrid instruction (combining online coursework with required in-person residencies).

Students attend a live session at specific times and days each week through video conferencing. Many classes offer scheduling options to meet different circumstances, such as frequency of meetings, daytime meetings, evenings, and weekends.

Upcoming start dates: November 15, 2026; January 3, 2027; February 7, 2027; March 21, 2027; April 25, 2027; June 6, 2027; July 11, 2027; August 22, 2027; September 26, 2027; November 7, 2027; December 12, 2027.

Tuition. Tuition is $422 per quarter credit hour; for the 56 credit hours this program requires, total program tuition is $23,632. Tuition is charged on a per-credit-hour basis and billed each academic term. All textbooks are included in the student's tuition.

All-inclusive pricing. ANU tuition includes all fees (application, course, technology, graduation, etc.), textbooks, and lab equipment (where applicable). The University's all-inclusive pricing provides the equipment needed to complete all coursework; some items are loaned and must be returned within 15 days after graduation or withdrawal.

Fees applicable to all students. Transcript fee $10 (first copy free); returned check/declined credit card fee $25; transaction chargeback 10% + $15; diploma reprint $50; duplicate ID $10; experiential learning evaluation $50 per course; challenge exams $50 per exam. Fees are non-refundable after 5 calendar days from enrollment.

Estimated annual cost of attendance (three terms). Tuition: review program cost. Food and Housing $5,720 (living with parent/guardian) or $9,728 (not living with parent/guardian); Transportation $2,864; Books, Course Materials, Supplies, and Equipment $936; Personal Expenses $2,752 or $4,816.

Payment. All students must pay tuition in full before the term begins, unless they are enrolled in a program with limited seats. Students using federal aid or loans must have all forms completed and payment schedules finalized before the term starts; students using employer, Veterans Education Benefits, or other third-party tuition assistance must have an approved contract on file for delayed payment.

Federal aid. Students seeking to participate in federal and/or most state financial aid programs must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA); ANU's school code is 010489. Federally funded aid available to eligible students includes the Federal Pell Grant, the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), William D. Ford Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans, and Federal Work-Study.

Military and veterans. American National University is approved by the State Approving Agency for the education and training of eligible veterans and their dependents. Military education benefits include the Montgomery GI Bill®, the Post-9/11 GI Bill®, the Yellow Ribbon Program and Military Tuition Assistance; ANU's Blue Ribbon Grant provides up to 35% of the total amount paid toward direct educational costs (up to $18,000) after military education benefits are exhausted.

Institutional grants. ANU institutional aid includes the Business Partnership Grant, President's Grant, Private Loan Supplemental Grant, Refer a Friend Grant ($750), Workforce Development Grant, University Transfer Grant and ANU Legacy Merit Scholarship, each subject to its eligibility terms and available funding.

Kentucky residents. Residents of the Commonwealth of Kentucky may also qualify for the College Access Program (CAP) grant (maximum $5,300 for 2026-27), the Go Higher Grant (up to $1,000) and the Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarship (KEES).

Where could your degree take you?

• Network Administrator
• Network Architect
• IT Manager
• Chief Technology Officer
• Network and Security Engineer
• Web Developer
• Integration Engineer
• Network and Systems Administrator

Student outcomes.

• Master of Science in Information Technology (Louisville, 2024-2025 ABHES annual report): 89% retention and 78% placement. Graduates found employment as Network Engineers and Engineering Technicians.

High Tech, High Touch. Our eLearning environment utilizes advanced technology for a highly interactive experience. We offer much more than simply an "online degree", but rather a holistic educational experience combining multiple modes of course delivery with comprehensive financial aid, student services, library resources, and career services support.

Global Meet. Access to education and career counseling services from anywhere is a key component of our Global eUniversity: admission counseling, student services, financial aid planning, career counseling and academic advising through live video, live chat, phone, email, web portal, or in person at one of our learning sites.

Global Teach. We provide educational services at the university level anywhere you are located: through e-books, virtual labs, online research libraries and databases.

Global Learn. eLearning takes the distance out of "distance learning" by providing the environment we're famous for through online delivery combining Canvas LMS (learning management system) with Global Learn Video Conferencing. For certain healthcare programs, such as our medical assisting and pharmacy technician programs, each student is provided with a lab kit, with which they complete assignments while under the watchful eyes of their instructors.