Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT)

The 16-20 month MSIT program strikes a fine balance between 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 telecommunications among others.

On average, a student spends over 900 hours interfacing with industry through the master’s practicum and corporate internship, which are prerequisites for degree completion.

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

MSIT tracks

There are three tracks from which students may choose:

The professional track is for:

  • Students who are interested in becoming IT professionals
  • Students looking to develop a career in existing businesses

The academic track is for:

  • Those interested in pursuing a research career and/or Ph.D. after their MSIT. A faculty research advisor must first approve students based on their skills and interest in the faculty’s work. Students will then work closely with that professor, who will guide and supervise their research.

The entrepreneurship track is for:

  • Students looking to develop their own innovation projects to solve a real problem

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 (which is a B 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 Practicum (04-900),  seminars, and a three-month master's internship.

For the academic 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 MSIT 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.

Mandatory orientation

Before their first semester, those who are accepted into the MSIT program must attend a four-week orientation from July-August.

The orientation will include:

  • 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 (MSECE)

Master of Science in Engineering Artificial Intelligence (MS EAI)

Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Advanced Studies Program (MS-AD in ECE)