Systems Technology, MS

Program and Course Delivery

The Master of Science degree program in Systems Technology is designed for working professionals. The program offers two delivery modes allowing students to pursue the degree either via online courses for a 100% online program or with course delivery that includes both online courses and courses offered in a face-to-face, on-campus format.

At the time of application, applicants are required to identify the mode of delivery that they intend to pursue. Flat-rate tuition will be assessed to students pursing this degree via 100% online delivery; students pursing the degree with face-to-face, on-campus courses will be assessed graduate tuition and fees rates plus applicable distance learning course fees. Change of delivery mode may be considered with approval of the Graduate Coordinator and Dean of the Graduate School and, if approved, cannot be applied retroactively.

Application and Prerequisite Requirements

In addition to the general application and admission requirements of the Graduate School, admission requires a degree from an accredited institution in technology, engineering technology, engineering, or a closely aligned program. Applicants without this background may be considered; however, leveling courses will be required to ensure an acceptable knowledge base. Required leveling courses will be determined by the departmental Graduate Affairs Committee on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the Department Head of Engineering Technology and communicated to the Graduate School at the time of admission.

Degree and Course Requirements

The Master of Science in Systems Technology requires completion of 30 graduate credit hours as follows:

Thesis Track

Students pursuing the thesis track must complete 24 credit hours of coursework and 6 hours of STEC 599 . Of the 24 credit hours of coursework, 15 credit hours are any combination of the required coursework. The remaining 9 credit hours of coursework consist of approved elective courses. A maximum of 3 credit hours may be applied from directed independent study courses. No more than 6 credit hours may be applied from courses below the 500-level. All courses must be approved by the committee chair, department graduate coordinator, and department head.

Project Option

Students pursuing the project option must complete 27 credit hours of coursework and 3 credit hours of STEC 594 . Of the 27 credit hours of coursework, 15 credit hours are any combination of the required coursework. The remaining 12 credit hours of coursework consist of approved elective courses. A maximum of 3 credit hours may be applied from directed independent study courses. No more than 6 credit hours may be applied from courses below the 500-level. All courses must be approved by the committee chair, department graduate coordinator, and department head.

Comprehensive Requirement

All master’s degree candidates are required to demonstrate a general, comprehensive knowledge of a field of study. The defense of thesis or project constitutes the final examination for the degree and, as such, requires that the student demonstrate a general, comprehensive knowledge of the field of study.

Graduate Assistantships

A limited number of graduate assistantships are available on a competitive basis and may take the form of tuition waivers or stipends and tuition waivers. Students receiving a tuition waiver only are required to put in 10 hours a week of service to the department (grading, assisting in laboratories, monitoring computer laboratories, etc.). Students receiving stipends and tuition waivers are required to put in 20 hours of service to the department. Graduate students supported by individual faculty members on research grants are expected to work on a funded project.