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Frequently Asked Questions: MSCIT Program

1. Who should apply to the MSCIT program?
2. What are the deadlines for applications?
3. How do I apply to the program?
4. Do I need to take the GRE?
5. How soon will I hear if I've been accepted?
6. What makes MSCIT at NKU highly desirable?
7. How long will it take me to complete the MSCIT at NKU?
8. I need to attend graduate school full-time. Can I earn the MSCIT this way?
9. Are any graduate assistantships available?  NEW
10. I notice many of the 400-level undergraduate courses are cross-listed at the 500-level. What is this for?
11. What is the tuition for this program?
12. Where is NKU?

1. Who should apply to the MSCIT program?

Anyone who meets the admissions standards and is interested in the description is welcome to apply. Individuals with various knowledge levels of IT are interested in MSCIT program. Most (but not all) of our students fit into one of the following profiles:

• Some students have a Bachelor of Science in CIT from NKU or other universities. They want to refine and consolidate their knowledge, or seek an advanced degree for career enhancement.
• Some students have a technical degree (such as BS in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, etc.) with some IT experience. They want to understand the concepts of various IT areas and to apply this knowledge in various IT settings.
• Some students have a bachelor degree in a different area. They understand the increased demand for IT occupations and want to shift their career path.[top]

2. What are the deadlines for applications?

Deadlines for receipt of materials are: August 1 for fall semester, December 1 for spring semester, and May 1 for summer session (International students deadline are: June 1 for fall semester and October 1 for spring semester). [top]

3. How do I apply to the program?

There are several steps involved in applying:

• Read carefully the admission requirements. If you have any questions, contact Dr. Traian Marius Truta, MSCIT Program Director.
• Complete and submit an online application (including the application fee). There are also hard copies of the form available if you do not wish to apply online; however, applying online is less expensive.
• If you need the GRE test, take it and have your scores officially submitted to the NKU Graduate School.
• Direct your transcripts to the NKU Graduate School. They should be sent by your previous universities.
• Submit a current resume and a one-page statement of IT background experience, career goals, and relevant personal interests. These documents should be submitted to NKU Graduate School.
• Once all parts are submitted to the NKU Graduate School, your file will be forwarded to Dr. Traian Marius Truta, MSCIT Program Director and reviewed.

The address of the NKU Graduate School is: Office of Graduate Programs, Northern Kentucky University, Nunn Drive, Highland Heights, KY 41099. Please mention Attn. MSCIT Program Director.[top]

4. Do I need to take the GRE?

The GRE requirement will be waived if the applicant has earned one of the following:

• a bachelor’s degree in a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) field, with a GPA of 3.0; or
• a previous graduate degree from regionally accredited institution; or
• 12 hours of graduate work at a regionally accredited institution with at least 3.5 GPA. [top]

5. How soon will I hear if I've been accepted?

Once your file is complete (it's your responsibility to check with the NKU Graduate School to check its status - you are especially advised to double-check on the timely submission of your transcripts and GRE scores), we typically respond (accept / reject / postponed acceptance) within 4-6 weeks; however, some borderline applicants may get placed on our waiting list. You will receive a letter that notifies you of our admission decision. [top]

6. What makes MSCIT at NKU highly desirable?

NKU's location in the tri-state region close to major corporations makes this program highly desirable to seasoned professionals wishing to attend part-time or even full-time in the evenings, weekends, online or to full-time graduate students. Unlike many graduate programs, ours will allow its students to select most courses from various electives instead of prescribing a set, required course list without options. This flexibility and variety allows our graduate students to tailor each program suited to the individual's academic interests and career goals. Graduate students in Computer Information Technology will enjoy hands-on classes that will combine the practical technological component with a deep understanding of IT concepts and methodologies. As in our undergraduate programs, the students will enjoy an up-close and personal educational experience and positive working relationship with our excellent faculty members. [top]

7. How long will it take me to complete the MSCIT at NKU?

Full-time students:

The typical course load for full-time students is 9 hours but students are allowed to take 12 hours. With a minimum of 30 hours for the graduate program, a student could complete our program as quickly as three semesters (ie: 12+12+6=30), though four semesters or more is likelier and less difficult to complete.

Part-time students:

If taking 3 hours per term, it will take you 10 terms. Obviously, the more courses you take, the fewer semesters you'll have. However, it is important for graduate students to arrange a course load that is reasonable to balance with your other responsibilities. [top]

8. I need to attend graduate school full-time. Can I earn the MSCIT this way?

While the program is designed primarily for part-time students, there is nothing to prevent you registering for a full-time course load in a given semester (9+ hours). Be advised that the classes are offered in the evenings and occasionally on Saturdays. [top]

9. Are any graduate assistantships available?

Each year, one full-time student (must be enrolled a minimum of 9 credit hours each semester) will be selected as the MSCIT Graduate Assistant. The Graduate Assistant will receive tuition remission (free in-state tuition) and a stipend for 20 hours of work each week. The Graduate Assistant duties include installing and maintaining servers and other computer systems in the Computer Science department and various other duties as assigned by the Graduate Program Director.

Students interested in being considered for an assistantship for 2009 -2010 academic year must apply online before July 22, 2009 at Human Resources (under the student section). More details can be found here. [top]