MCIT Program FAQ
The MCIT program is intended for bright, motivated students who have little or no background in Computer Science and who are looking to start a rewarding, successful career in computing and technology or pursue further education in this field.
The MCIT program is intended for students without backgrounds in Computer Science or related fields, and expects no prior experience in programming or developing software. Those with undergraduate degrees in Computer Science or related fields, or who have programming experience beyond the introductory level, should consider our department’s M.S.E. programs instead.
MCIT students are required to take a core curriculum of six courses that are designed to provide a solid foundation in Computer Science in the first year. Each student then takes his/her choice of four advanced electives.
The six required courses fall into three distinct categories:
Software Development, Data Structures and Algorithms:
CIT-591: This course covers introductory programming and provides students with knowledge of software development tools and techniques.
CIT-594: This course builds upon CIT-591 and covers advanced programming techniques, data structures and algorithms.
Mathematical Foundations, Algorithmic Analysis and Theory of Computation:
CIT-592: This course provides an introduction to discrete math - a crucial cornerstone to understanding the thinking behind various advances in modern computer science.
CIT-596: This course builds upon CIT-592, and uses mathematical techniques and the theoretical foundations of computation to introduce students to more advanced algorithms and algorithmic thinking.
Computer Architecture and Systems Programming:
CIT-593: This course teaches students about the inner workings of a computer, starting from transistors and building up towards modern computer architecture. It demystifies the boundary between hardware and software and teaches MCIT students what really goes on within a computer.
CIT-595: This course builds upon CIT-593, and shows students how they can use their knowledge of underlying computer architecture to design software systems. It equips students with the tools required to write programs for various devices in networked environments.
These six core classes are offered exclusively to MCIT students, and often serve as a common bonding ground. These courses are followed by four advanced computer science electives of the student’s choosing. A wide variety of electives are offered every year, and each student can tailor their choice of subjects according to their interest.
In total the MCIT degree requires the completion of 10 courses. The degree is usually completed in three or four semesters.
MCIT students with previous graduate-level work at other institutions are allowed to transfer in up to two courses. Students who feel that they are already knowledgeable in a required course can request a waiver for that course, which will be granted subject to that particular course’s instructor approval. Note that waived courses do not reduce the overall number of courses required for the degree.
Yes, we have a number of part-time students, typically taking one course a semester. However, note that all MCIT courses are regular graduate-level courses that are scheduled during the academic term. We do not currently offer evening courses, but some courses are taught as late as 4:30pm-6pm.
No. The first year MCIT curriculum is designed to be a continuous one year program, with classes taught in the spring building upon material taught in the fall. Due to this sequence of course offerings, candidates cannot start in the spring semester.
Our admissions process is a rigorous one, and we strongly believe that if admitted, you have the full potential to succeed both in the program and beyond. The MCIT program has had outstanding graduation rates, and our students are often surprised by their own technical abilities and transformation after the program. Moreover, MCIT students have a vast array of resources to help them succeed. Our faculty are very invested in the success of this group of students, and their support, together with the MCIT program’s strong alumni connections and a devoted Career Services department, ensure that MCIT students are primed to succeed even if the tech industry is new to them.
MCIT applications are handled by the same system that handles applications for other CIS graduate programs. Information on materials required can be found here.