Master of Professional Studies in Informatics
Overview
A relatively new and rapidly evolving area, informatics is increasingly used to solve today’s problems. Whether it’s used to create information and communication technologies, design decision support systems, develop 3-D visualizations, or devise mobile applications, informatics can be applied across a wide range of industries to address a variety of privacy, security, healthcare, environmental, educational, and social challenges.
In response, Northeastern University offers the Master of Professional Studies in Informatics. Designed to improve your computing skills and enhance your knowledge of computing applications, this master’s degree in informatics prepares you to excel in the fast-growing and dynamic field of informatics.
Program Objectives
- Gain a strategic framework for aligning competitive strategies, core competencies, and information systems
- Examine concepts, architectures, protocols, standards, and security models for digital networks
- Acquire tools and techniques for effectively managing small, medium, and large programming projects
- Learn how to adopt a multi-disciplinary approach to research and analysis
- Understand what is required to research, identify, design, implement, secure, and manage technology
- Explore cutting-edge software principles and programming techniques
Curriculum
Required Courses (24 q.h.)
| ITC 6000 | Database Management Systems | 3 q.h. |
| ITC 6010 | Information Technology Strategy and Governance | 3 q.h. |
| ITC 6020 | Information Systems Design and Development | 3 q.h. |
| ITC 6030 | Computer Systems and Networks | 3 q.h. |
| ITC 6035 | Information Technology Project Management | 3 q.h. |
| ITC 6040 | Informatics Capstone | 3 q.h. |
| ITC 6045 | Information Technology Policy, Ethics, and Social Responsibility | 3 q.h. |
| ITC 6300 | Foundations of Information Security Management | 3 q.h. |
Information Security Management Concentration (18-20 q.h.)
Students may choose the below concentration or they may take 18 q.h. from the electives section below:
| ITC 6330 | CISSP Preparation | 3 q.h. |
| ITC 6310 | Information Security Governance | 3 q.h. |
| ITC 6315 | Information Security Risk Management | 3 q.h. |
| ITC 6320 | Information Security Technology | 3 q.h. |
Choose two of the following courses:
| ITC 6325 | CISA Preparation | 3 q.h. |
| ITC 6305 | IT Infrastructure | 3 q.h. |
| MIS 6082 | Network Protection | 4 q.h. |
| MIS 6080 | Network Security Concepts | 4 q.h. |
Elective Courses (18 q.h.)
Choose six of the following courses:
| ITC 6015 | Enterprise Information Architecture | 3 q.h. |
| ITC 6025 | Design for Usability | 3 q.h. |
| ITC 6315 | Information Security Risk Management | 3 q.h. |
| ITC 6335 | Data Warehousing and Data Mining | 3 q.h. |
| ITC 6340 | Mobile and Wireless Networks and Applications | 3 q.h. |
| ITC 6345 | Systems and Network Administration | 3 q.h. |
| ITC 6350 | Information Architecture for e-Business and e-Government | 3 q.h. |
| ITC 6355 | Web Application Design and Development | 3 q.h. |
| GIS 5101 | Introduction to Geographic Information Systems | 3 q.h. |
| GIS 5102 | Fundamentals of GIS Analysis | 3 q.h. |
| GIS 6360 | Spatial Databases | 3 q.h. |
| GIS 6370 | Internet-Based GIS | 3 q.h. |
| ITC 7120 | Healthcare Information Systems | 3 q.h. |
| ITC 7105 | Emerging Technologies in Healthcare | 3 q.h. |
| ITC 7110 | Legal and Social Issues in Healthcare Informatics | 3 q.h. |
| PJM 6000 | Project Management Practices | 3 q.h. |
Total Quarter Hours: 42-44
Admissions Requirements
Below are the official Admissions Requirements for this program.
- Online application
- Statement of purpose (500-1000 words): identifying your educational goals and expectations from the program; please be aware that the University's academic policy on plagiarism applies to applicant's statement of purpose
- Professional resume: current resume that displays job responsibilities, relevant experience, and education history
- Two letters of recommendation: from individual(s) with either academic or professional knowledge of your capabilities, such as a faculty member, current employer, mentor, or colleague
- Official undergraduate degree documentation
- Proof of English language proficiency: ONLY for students for whom English is not their primary language: English language proficiency guidelines
For general admissions information and recommended admissions deadlines, Graduate Admissions.
Tuition
Estimated total tuition for this program is $22,470.00.
Tuition for individual courses is based on the number of quarter hours. Most courses are 3-6 quarter hours. See Graduate Tuition Rates for details.
Use our Tuition Calculator below to see if transfer credit or tuition reimbursement from your employer could reduce your total tuition.
Tuition Calculator
Please note: The estimated total tuition is based on tuition rates for Academic Year 2011-12 and does not include any fees or other expenses. Some courses and labs have tuition rates that may increase or decrease total tuition. Tuition and fees are subject to revision by the president and Board of Trustees at any time.
Student Profile
Who Will Your Classmates Be?
Designed for individuals working in healthcare, IT consulting, education, finance, manufacturing, and communications, this program prepares IT professionals for management positions. Applicants to this program may have the following job titles:
- Computer technician
- Systems analyst
- Systems administrator
- Software engineer
- User interface specialist
- Network engineer
- Network administrator
- Database administrator
- Application developer
- Web application developer
- Information security specialist
- Data communications specialist
- Application programmer
- Web programmer
- Project manager
- Software architect
- IS manager
- Technical support specialist
A bachelor’s degree is required, preferably in business, communication, information systems management, or computer science. While not mandatory, 5-15 years of previous experience is preferred.
Career Outlook
Put Your Degree to Work
As long as technology remains a driving force in our world, there will remain a keen need for professionals who can adeptly apply technology skills to solve problems. In fact, opportunities in the information technology and computing world are outstanding, with numerous jobs and attractive salaries. While overall job prospects are excellent, demand for informatics experts is expected to be even greater in the areas of healthcare, marketing, and education. Put simply, next-generation IT leaders who can foster technological change and solve complex problems are likely to be highly sought after.
Talk to an Enrollment Coach
We can walk you through your program options and the application process.
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Meet the enrollment coaches
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- "It is exciting to work with students who show such an amazing energy and enthusiasm toward advancing their personal and professional lives through our programs."
- Linda
- "It is always inspiring to work with students who are passionate about furthering their education. I enjoy being a part of the academic process in assisting students with the resources to fulfill their academic interests and needs."