1. education

Master of Science in
Information Technology Management
The Master of Science in Information Technology Management is a
competency-based degree program that represents a path for successful
IT professionals to launch their careers and build them to an executive
level. The graduate will advance his or her knowledge and skills through
a practical, real-world program based on sound principles of Information
Technology revolving around three primary themes: communication,
technical competence and strategic vision: effective communication as
essential to management at all levels, in all areas of human endeavor;
and strategic vision that takes individuals and organizations beyond
immediate difficulties and successes to a perception of future challenges
and preparations to meet those challenges.
MSITNM
Understanding the Competency-Based Approach
Practically speaking, what does it mean when we say that WGU programs are competencybased? Unlike traditional universities, WGU does not award degrees based on credit hours or
on a certain set of required courses. Instead, students earn their degrees by demonstrating their
skills, knowledge, and understanding of important concepts through a series of carefully
designed assessments.
Progress through your degree program is governed, not by classes, but by satisfactory
completion of the required assessments that demonstrate your mastery of the competencies. Of
course, you will need to engage in learning experiences as you brush up on competencies or
develop knowledge and skills in areas in which you may be weak. For this learning and
development, WGU has a rich array of learning resources in which you may engage under the
direction of your mentor. You will work closely with your mentor to schedule your program for
completing the assessments. (We discuss assessments in much more detail later in this guide.)
You will work closely with additional faculty members as you proceed through courses of study
that are designed to lead you through the content you must master in order to pass individual
assessments.
The benefit of this competency-based system is that it makes it possible for people who are
knowledgeable about a particular subject to make accelerated progress toward completing a
WGU degree even if they lack college experience. You may have gained your skills and
knowledge of a subject on the job, accumulated wisdom through years of life experience, or,
indeed, took a course on a particular subject. WGU awards a degree to you based on the skills
and knowledge that you possess and can demonstrate, not the number of credits you have on
your transcript.
Accreditation
Western Governors University is the only university in the history of American higher education
to have earned accreditation from four regional accrediting commissions. WGU's accreditation
was awarded by (1) the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, (2) the Higher
Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, (3) the
Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of
Schools and Colleges, and (4) the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities
of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. The university’s accreditation status is now
managed by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). The WGU
Teachers College is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
(NCATE). The nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing
Education (CCNE). The Health Informatics program is accredited by the Commission on
Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).
The Degree Plan
The focus of your program is your personalized Degree Plan. The Degree Plan is a detailed
blueprint of the learning resources and assessments that comprise your program. The length of
your program depends on both the amount of new information you need to learn and the
amount of time you plan to devote each week to study.
MSITNM
© 2011 Western Governors University 11/6/14
2
Students will vary widely in the specific skills and information they need to learn. For example,
some may be highly knowledgeable in a subject matter and would not need to engage in new
learning opportunities. Others may find that portions of the program require completely new
learning and that they may need to take an online class or participate in a study module to
acquire the knowledge and skills needed to pass the program competencies in that area. Some
individuals may be able to devote as little as 1520 hours per week to the program, while others
may have more time. For this reason, you will complete pre-assessments to help your mentor
form a profile of your prior knowledge and experience for use in creating your Degree Plan.
WGU’s Mentoring Approach
Our mentoring approach is a powerful component of the WGU educational experience. When
you enroll at WGU, you will begin interacting with your personal mentor, course mentors, and
support staff. Your mentor takes an active role and a personal interest in your success. Whether
by e-mail or phone, your mentor will be your “point person” of communication throughout your
program. Your mentor will help motivate you to work hard to complete your program. When you
have questions or concerns, your mentor team will help you resolve them.
You and your mentor will work together to evaluate your educational background, strengths, and
weaknesses. With this analysis, your mentors will help determine in which areas you are
already competent (and can move quickly to assessment) and areas you need to work on; this
will become your personalized Degree Plan. Your mentor will direct you to the Courses of Study
that contain the best learning resources for you (courses, texts, independent study modules,
etc.) and are supported by course mentors that serve as your content experts for each area of
study. As you proceed through your academic program, you and your mentor will determine
when you are ready for the required assessments. If you are ready, your assessment will be
scheduled. You will follow this same process as you proceed through each domain.
Connecting with Other Mentors and Fellow Students
As you proceed through your Degree Plan, you may also have direct contact with other faculty
members. These communications can take a variety of forms, including participation in learning
communities, office hours via the courses of study, and webinars. As a WGU student, you will
have access to your own personal MyWGU Student Portal that will provide a gateway to
courses of study, learning communities, and program communities where you will have
interactions with faculty and other students. Courses of study and communities are specifically
designed to support you as you develop competencies in preparation for your assessments
through the utilization of threaded discussions, blogs, and chats that are guided by content
experts. You will access your program community during the Education Without Boundaries
introductory course to network with peers who are enrolled in your program and to receive
continued support through professional enrichment and program-specific chats, blogs, and
discussions. WGU also provides a Student Services Associate to help you and your mentor
solve any special problems that may arise.
Orientation
The Orientation focuses on acquainting the student with WGU’s competency-based model,
distance education, technology, and other resources and tools available for students. You will
MSITNM
© 2011 Western Governors University 11/6/14
3
also utilize tutorials, message boards, online chats, and other activities to connect with other
students in your program. This orientation is completed before you start your first term at WGU.
Transferability of Prior College Coursework
Because WGU is a competency-based institution, it does not award degrees based on credits
but on demonstration of competency. However, if you have completed college coursework at
another accredited institution, you may have your transcripts evaluated and may be able to have
some lower-division or co-requisite assessments cleared. The guidelines for determining what
will “clear” through transfer vary based on the degree program.
The following transfer guidelines generally apply to graduate programs: Graduate domains (i.e.,
subject areas) cannot be cleared through transfer. Requirements in the domains that can be
considered the degree major cannot be cleared through transfer. Furthermore, WGU does not
clear any requirements based on the student's professional experience and does not perform a
"resume review" or "portfolio review" that will automatically clear any degree requirements.
Degree requirements and transferability rules are subject to change in order to keep the degree
content relevant and current.
Remember, WGU's competency-based approach lets you take advantage of your knowledge
and skills, regardless of how you obtained them. Even when you do not directly receive credit,
the knowledge you possess may help you accelerate the time it takes to complete your degree
program.
Continuous Enrollment, On Time Progress, and Satisfactory Academic
Progress
WGU is a “continuous enrollment” institution, which means you will be automatically enrolled in
each of your new terms while you are at WGU. Your terms are six months long. Longer terms
and continuous enrollment allow you to focus on your studies without the hassle of unnatural
breaks between the shorter terms that you would experience in a more traditional environment.
At the end of every six-month term, you and your mentor will review the progress you have
made and revise your Degree Plan for your next six-month term.
WGU requires that students make measurable progress toward the completion of their degree
programs every term. We call this On Time Progress – denoting that you are on track and
making progress toward on time graduation. As full-time students, graduate students must enroll
in at least eight (8) competency units each term, and undergraduate students must enroll in at
least twelve (12) competency units each term. Completing at least these minimum enrollments
is essential to On Time Progress and serves as a baseline from which you may accelerate your
program. We measure your progress based on the assessments you are able to pass, not on
your accumulation of credit hours or course grades. Every time you pass an assessment, you
are demonstrating that you have mastered skills and knowledge in your degree program. For
comparison to traditional grading systems, passing an assessment means you have
demonstrated competency equivalent to a “B” grade or better.
WGU has assigned competency units to each assessment so that we can track your progress
through the program. A competency unit is equivalent to one semester credit of learning. Some
MSITNM
© 2011 Western Governors University 11/6/14
4
assessments may be assigned three competency units while other assessments may be as
large as 12 competency units.
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) is particularly important for financial aid students
because you must make SAP in order to maintain eligibility for financial aid. We will measure
your SAP quantitatively by reviewing the number of competency units you have completed each
term. As full-time students, WGU graduate students must enroll in at least eight competency
units each term, and undergraduate students must enroll in at least 12 competency units each
term. In order to remain in good academic standing, you must complete at least 66.67% of the
units you attempt – including any assessments you add to your term to accelerate your
progress. Additionally, during your first term at WGU you must pass at least three competency
units in order to remain eligible for financial aid. We know that SAP is complex, so please
contact a Financial Aid Counselor should you have additional questions.
Assessments
Your Degree Plan will include the assessments needed to complete your program. To obtain
your degree you will be required to demonstrate your skills and knowledge by completing the
following assessments:
Performance Assessments contain, in most cases, multiple scored tasks such as projects,
essays, and research papers. Performance assessments contain detailed instructions and
rubrics for completing each task and are submitted in TaskStream, an online project
management and grading tool.
Objective Assessments are designed to evaluate your knowledge and skills in a domain of
knowledge. Most objective assessments include multiple-choice items, multiple-selection items,
matching, short answer, drag-and-drop, and point-and-click item types, as well as case study
and video-based items.
Capstone Project: The Capstone Project is the culmination of the student’s WGU degree
program. It requires the student to demonstrate the integration and synthesis of competencies in
all domains required for the degree, particularly in the area of emphasis.
Oral Defense: The final Master's exam will be a comprehensive oral defense. This exam may
be face to face when possible but will most likely be done through a telephone conference.
Questions related to your work in the program will test your preparation and ability to synthesize
and practically apply information obtained from your courses, self-directed study, and project
experiences. The purpose of the exam is a checkpoint to assure that you have acquired the
critically required skills and knowledge specified in the program competencies.
As mentioned earlier, we have assigned competency units (CUs) to each assessment in order
to measure your academic progress. As a graduate student, you will be expected to enroll in a
minimum of eight competency units each term. A standard plan, at eight units per term, would
look similar to the one that follows.
Your personal progress can be faster, but your pace will be determined by the extent of your
transfer units, your time commitment, and your determination to proceed at a faster rate.
MSITNM
© 2011 Western Governors University 11/6/14
5
STANDARD PATH for MASTER OF SCIENCE in
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT
Course Description
Risk Management
Current and Emerging Technology
Cyberlaw, Regulations, and Compliance
Technical Writing
Power, Influence, and Leadership
Advanced Networking Technology
Disaster Recovery Planning, Prevention and Response
Information Technology Management
Technological Globalization
MS, Information Technology Management Capstone Written Project
MS, Information Technology Management Capstone Oral Defense
CUs
2
3
3
3
3
3
2
3
3
3
2
Term
1
1
1
2
2
2
3
3
4
4
4
In this example, the program will take four terms for the student to complete. The standard path
shown above lists the courses of study (assessments) and the associated competency units by
term. The Degree Plan will include greater detail about the courses of study, including the
assessments and their associated standard learning resources.
Learning Resources
You will work with your mentor to select the various learning resources needed to prepare for
the required assessments. In most cases, the learning materials you will use are independent
learning resources such as textbooks, e-learning modules, study guides, simulations, virtual
labs, and tutorials. WGU works with dozens of educational providers, including enterprises,
publishers, training companies, and higher educational institutions to give you high quality and
effective instruction that matches the competencies that you are developing. The cost of many
learning resources is included in your tuition, and you can enroll directly in those through your
Degree Plan as your mentor has scheduled them. Some resources (e.g., many textbooks) are
not covered by your tuition, and you will need to cover those costs separately. WGU has
excellent bookstore and library arrangements to help you obtain the needed learning resources.
Changes to Curriculum
WGU publishes an Institutional Catalogue, which describes the academic requirements of each
degree program. Although students are required to complete the program version current at the
time of their enrollment, WGU may modify requirements and course offerings within that version
of the program to maintain the currency and relevance of WGU’s competencies and programs.
As these changes are implemented, WGU will ensure that the length of the student’s degree
program (i.e., total competency unit requirements) will not increase and that competency units
already earned will be applied to the updated program version. When program requirements are
updated, students returning from term break or returning after withdrawal from the University will
be expected to re-enter the updated version of the program.
MSITNM
© 2011 Western Governors University 11/6/14
6
Areas of Study Within the
Master of Science in Information Technology
Management
The Master of Science in Information Technology Management Program is a 30-credit-unit
graduate course of study designed to enable WGU students to develop a high level of
competence across a full range of IT subject matter areas and disciplines to successfully
manage and lead governmental, academic, research and competitive industrial enterprises now
and in the future. The content of these courses includes technical, financial, management and
human relations disciplines, to awareness of the profound environmental, economic, political
and social changes under way in America and in the global community that will absorb the
impact of these profound changes directly and indirectly.
The following section includes the domains of knowledge, which are then followed by their
associated assessments (including the four-character code that is used to identify the
assessment), and the sample learning resources that have recently been used to help students
gain the competencies needed to pass the assessments. Your specific learning resources and
level of instructional support will vary based on the individual competencies you bring to the
program and your confidence in developing the knowledge, skills, and abilities required in each
area of the degree. Please note that the learning resources included in the following sections
are sample resources that will vary based on your own Degree Plan and the resources current
at the time you enroll in the program. The Degree Plan and learning resources are dynamic, so
you need to review your Degree Plan and seek the advice of your mentor regarding the
resources before you purchase them.
Risk Management
Content focuses on categorizing levels of risk and understanding how risk can impact the
operations of the business through a scenario involving the creation of a risk management
program and business continuity program for a company and a business situation reacting to a
crisis/disaster situation affecting the company. This course covers the following competencies:
MSITNM

The graduate applies the problem solving process to solve organizational and team
problems, and develops strategies to avoid decision-making pitfalls.

The graduate analyzes risks and values and uses a variety of decision analysis tools
and decision theory to evaluate alternatives during decision-making processes.

The graduate analyzes enterprise continuity plans and the continuity planning process to
ensure the inclusion of essential elements, processes, and stakeholder roles.

The graduate applies international standards to company operations and assesses and
recommends strategies for maintaining organizational stability and continuity in the
global marketplace.

The graduate develops and analyzes organizational contingency plans for responding to
sudden and rapid environmental changes.

The graduate evaluates internal and external risks and recommends risk mitigation
strategies and techniques to an organization.
© 2011 Western Governors University 11/6/14
7

The graduate develops and assesses enterprise risk management programs for
organizations and incorporates industry best practices in risk management processes
and programs.

The graduate uses risk control and risk optimization analytics and strategies to maximize
returns relative to risk for organizations.

The graduate makes ethical decisions for the use of information technology and creates
processes to maintain the security of data in information technology systems.
Risk Management
Performance assessment
Sample Learning Resources:
SkillSoft provides e-text versions of the following texts:
Spedding, L.S., & Rose, A. (2007). Business risk management handbook: A sustainable
approach. Burlington, MA: CIMA Publishing. ISBN: 0750681748. (cost of this
resource is included in tuition and fees)
Hiles, A. (Ed.). (2007). The definitive handbook of business continuity
management (2nd ed.). West Sussex, England: Wiley & Sons. ISBN:
0470516380. (cost of this resource is included in tuition and fees)
eBrary provides e-text versions of the following texts:
Blyth, M. (2008). Risk and security management: Protecting people and sites
worldwide. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley. ISBN: 9780470373057. (cost of this resource is
included in tuition and fees)
Merna, T. & Al-Thani, F.F. (2008). Corporate risk management (2nd ed.). Hoboken, NJ:
Wiley. ISBN: 9780470518335. (cost of this resource is included in tuition and
fees)
Current and Emerging Technology
This course focuses on the tools and skills to evaluate the acceptance and adoption of
technology within various types of organizational cultures. The course will address topics such
as diffusion, innovation, hype theory, needs analysis, change agents, implementation planning,
and adoption models. Students will demonstrate the ability to make sound judgments regarding
the selection, adoption, implementation, and evaluation of technologies as they related to
organizational culture, strategy, and objective. This course covers the following competencies:
MSITNM

The graduate integrates theories surrounding the adoption and diffusion of technology
into the evaluation of prospective technologies.

The graduate conducts a needs analysis of an organization that identifies issues and
problems for which an innovative technology might represent a solution.

The graduate evaluates potential benefits of the adoption of various leading-edge
technologies.

The graduate evaluates potential implications of the adoption of various leading-edge
technologies.
© 2011 Western Governors University 11/6/14
8

The graduate recommends innovative technology solutions in alignment with a given
organization's mission and goals.

The graduate analyzes potential organizational culture barriers to the adoption of new
technology for a given organization.

The graduate develops adoption plans that address organizational culture and potential
obstacles to the successful adoption of innovative technology.
Current and Emerging Technology
Performance assessment
Sample Learning Resources:
VitalSource provides an e-text version of the following texts:
Valacich, J.S., George, J.F., & Hoffer, J.A. (2012). Essentials of systems analysis and
design (5th ed.). Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson. ISBN: 0137067119.
(e-text, cost of this resource is included in tuition and fees).
White, M.A., & Bruton, G.D. (2007). The management of technology and innovation: A
strategic approach. Mason, Ohio: Thomson South-Western. ISBN: 0324144970.
(e-text, cost of this resource is included in tuition and fees)
Betz, F. (2011). Managing technological innovation: Competitive advantage from
change (3rd ed.). Hoboken, New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons Inc. ISBN:
9780470547823. (e-text, cost of this resource is included in tuition and fees)
SkillSoft provides an e-text version of the following texts:
Chew, E.K., & Gottschalk, P. (2009). Information technology strategy and management:
Best practices. Hershey, Pennsylvania: IRM Press. ISBN: 9781599048024. (etext, cost of this resource is included in tuition and fees).
Austin, R.D., Nolan, R.L., & O’Donnell, S. (2009). The adventures of an IT leader.
Boston, Massachusetts: Harvard Business School Publishing. ISBN:
9781422146606. (e-text, cost of this resource is included in tuition and fees).
Davis, C.K. (2003). Technologies & methodologies for evaluating information
technology in business. Hershey, Pennsylvania: IRM Press. ISBN: 1931777489.
(e-text, cost of this resource is included in tuition and fees)
Lientz, B.P., & Rea, K.P. (2004). Breakthrough IT change management: How to get
enduring change results. Burlington, Massachusetts: Elsevier ButterworthHeinemann. ISBN: 0750676868. (e-text, cost of this resource is included in
tuition and fees)
WGU Library E-reserves provides access to other electronic items. (cost of this
resource is included in tuition and fees)
Cyberlaw, Regulations and Compliance
Cyberlaw, Regulations and Compliance prepares students to participate in legal analysis of
relevant cyberlaws and address governance, standards, policies, and legislation. Students will
conduct a security risk analysis for an enterprise system. In addition, students will determine
MSITNM
© 2011 Western Governors University 11/6/14
9
cyber requirements for third‐party vendor agreements. Students will also evaluate provisions of
both the 2001 and 2006 USA PATRIOT Acts. This course covers the following competencies:

The graduate develops a legal analysis addressing legal issues, standards, policies,
legislation, and governance related to cybercrimes for enterprise systems.

The graduate evaluates the application of current laws and regulations in situations
involving constitutional controversy and authority, deterring terrorism, ethical
implications, or cybercrime.

The graduate explains the underlying principles governing e- commerce third-party
vendor agreements and translates them into practical recommendations for the
implementation of such agreements.

The graduate ensures alignment of regulatory requirements and standards with
appropriate information security and assurance controls for organizations that process or
hold privacy, financial, or medical information electronically.

The graduate selects appropriate business practices that ensure the protection of
intellectual property.

The graduate analyzes cybercrime scenarios to determine potential implications to
enterprise continuity.
Cyberlaw, Regulations and Compliance
Performance assessment.
Sample Learning Resources:
VitalSource provides an e-text version of the following text:
Ku, R.S.R., & Lipton, J.D. (2010). Cyberspace law: Cases & materials (3rd. ed.). New
York: Aspen Publishing. ISBN: 978-0735589339. (cost of this resource is
included in tuition and fees)
SkillSoft provides an e-text version of the following texts:
Senft, S., & Gallegos, F. (2009). Information technology control and audit (3rd ed.).
Auerback Publications. ISBN: 9781420065503. (e-text, cost of this resource is
included in tuition and fees)
Smedinghoff, T.J. (2008). Information security law: The emerging standard of corporate
compliance. (e-text, cost of this resource is included in tuition and fees)
Desai, J. (2010). Service level agreements: A legal and practical guide. IT Governance.
ISBN: 9781849280693. (e-text, cost of this resource is included in tuition and
fees)
The following documents from ISO/IEC 27002 Standard:
ISO/IEC 27001 Information technology - Security techniques - Information security
management systems - Requirements
ISO/IEC 27002 Information technology - Security techniques - Code of practice for
information security management
MSITNM
© 2011 Western Governors University 11/6/14
10
ISO/IEC 27005 Information technology - Security techniques - Information security risk
management
Technical Writing
As IT professionals are frequently required to interface with customers, clients, other
departments, organizational leaders, and even other institutions, strong communication skills
are vital. In this course, students learn to communication accurately, effectively, and ethically to
a variety of audiences. Students design communication to fit oral, print, and multi-media
contexts. They develop rhetorical sensitivity in both their writing and their design decisions. This
course covers the following competencies:

The graduate develops effective technical communication documents that adhere to the
standards and expectations of a given industry.

The graduate conducts an audience analysis to determine effective and persuasive
communication strategies.

The graduate develops technical communications that integrate the required and implied
specifications of an appropriate technical communication genre.

The graduate develops technical communications that accurately incorporate relevant
document design principles.

The graduate presents technical data according to appropriate principles of clarity and
conciseness.

The graduate presents technical data according to appropriate principles of ethics.

The graduate presents technical data using appropriate principles of logic.

The graduate applies appropriate grammar and usage principles in technical
communication documents.

The graduate modifies technical communications based on usability testing to ensure
that the needs of a variety of specified audiences are met.

The graduate adapts technical writing into other forms of communication in order to meet
the needs of multiple audiences.
Technical Writing
Performance assessment
Sample Learning Resources:
SkillSoft provides an e-text version of the following text:
MacLennan, J., & Books24x7, Inc. (2009). Effective communication for the technical
professions (2nd ed.). Don Mills, Ontario: Oxford University Press. ISBN:
9780195425475. (e-text, cost of this resource is included in tuition and fees)
MyTechCommLab in MyLabsPlus. This online interactive system allows students to
move at their own pace as they work through the course exercises and work with
live writing tutors to develop technical communication skills, as well as provides
access to an e-text version of the following text:
MSITNM
© 2011 Western Governors University 11/6/14
11
Lannon, J.M., & gurak, L.J. (2011). Technical communication. Boston, Massachusetts:
Pearson. ISBN: 9780205779642. (e-text, cost of this resource is included in tuition
and fees)
Power, Influence, and Leadership
This course focuses on the development of the critical leadership and soft skills necessary for
success in information technology leadership and management. The course focuses specifically
on skills such as cultivating effective leadership communication, building personal influence,
enhancing emotional intelligence (soft skills), generating ideas and encouraging idea generation
in others, conflict resolution, and positioning oneself as an influential change agent within
different organizational cultures. This course covers the following competencies:

The graduate selects appropriate leadership strategies that produce best possible
solutions to effect change or achieve a goal.

The graduate evaluates the influence of organizational culture on the successful
completion of a specified task or project.

The graduate evaluates verbal and nonverbal message strategies for the extent to which
they encourage collaborative communication and problem-solving.

The graduate selects appropriate strategies that foster engagement and collaboration
among a variety of teams.

The graduate recommends effective strategies for promoting innovative solutions in
specified decision-making processes.

The graduate incorporates strategies that leverage change within an organization's
culture in efforts to build commitment and buy-in for a specified task or project.

The graduate integrates strategies to address competing sources of power and influence
into efforts to overcome obstacles to the successful completion of a specified task or
project.

The graduate justifies the use of specific conflict management strategies as a means of
maximizing results for all relevant stakeholders.
Power, Influence, and Leadership
Performance assessment
Sample Learning Resources:
SimuLearn and vLeader provide a self-paced virtual role play simulation program that
allows students to learn and practice leadership and business skills.
Advanced Networking Technology
This course prepares students to support the ever growing interconnectivity needs of
organizations. Students will learn about advanced networking concepts, devices and strategies
to provide superior network connectivity to organizations. A review of common yet critical
network devices and technologies will be provided such as switches, routers, hubs, firewalls, T1s, ATM, fiber and others. Students will also be prepared to review existing network
MSITNM
© 2011 Western Governors University 11/6/14
12
environments and provide specifications to upgrade and enhance such networks. This course
covers the following competencies:

The graduate selects appropriate protocols, topologies, architectures, and devices to
facilitate growth within existing networks.

The graduate designs appropriate local area network (LAN) configurations to meet
projected organizational networking needs.

The graduate designs appropriate wireless networks to meet projected organizational
networking needs.

The graduate designs appropriate wide area network (WAN) configurations and
connections to external networks to meet projected organizational networking needs.

The graduate designs enterprise data storage solutions to meet projected organizational
data storage needs.

The graduate recommends appropriate network applications and virtualization
technologies that support network infrastructure.

The graduate evaluates whether network performance meets organizational availability,
stability, and speed requirements.

The graduate recommends network security best practices in the design of new and
existing networks.
Advanced Networking Technology
Performance assessment
Sample Learning Resources:
CourseSmart provides e-text versions of the following texts:
Tannenbaum, A.S., & Wetherall, D.J. (2011). Computer networks (5th ed.). Prentice
Hall. ISBN: 100132126958. (e-text, cost of this resource is included in tuition and
fees)
Disaster Recovery
This course prepares students to plan and execute industry best practices related to conducting
organization-wide information assurance initiatives and to preparing an organization for
implementing a comprehensive Information Assurance Management program. It covers the
following competencies:
MSITNM

The graduate evaluates the background, purpose, and value of a comprehensive
disaster recovery plan; integrates principles of disaster recovery and enterprise
continuity; and documents the plans in disaster recovery and enterprise continuity brief.

The graduate evaluates a communication plan that describes how upper management
can communicate to stakeholders issues related to the support and protection of network
technology; makes recommendations; analyzes and proposes budgets; and develops
procedures and protocols for joint enterprise continuity planning with the board,
investors, and other key stakeholders.
© 2011 Western Governors University 11/6/14
13

The graduate assesses risks and controls in the enterprise that relate to the recovery of
network systems and technology following a disaster.

The graduate identifies, evaluates, and applies network response procedures for attacks
with special circumstances.

The graduate assesses needs, threats, and solutions prior to and during a network
disaster.
Disaster Recovery Planning, Prevention and Response
Performance assessment.
Sample Learning Resources:
Disaster Recovery Planning, Prevention and Response delivered through Soomo
that provides access to Harvard Cases and other learning activities.
SkillSoft provides an e-text version of the following text:
Hiles, A. (2007). The definitive handbook of business continuity management (2nd ed.).
West Sussex: John Wiley & Sons. ISBN: 978-0-470-51638-6. (cost of this
resource is included in tuition and fees)
WGU Library E-Reserves provides electronic access to the following:
A Comprehensive, Best-Practices Approach to Business Resilience and Risk Mitigation
Resilient Infrastructure: Improving Your Business Resilience
Information Technology Management
This course will prepare students to cope with information technology resources in a manner
beneficial to their company. Such skill includes estimating both the cost and value of IT to the
company, setting priorities for project selection, management of IT projects, and handling risk.
These responsibilities imply an ability to align technology with an organization’s strategic goals.
In total, students will develop the ability to effectively administer and manage current and
emerging technologies within an organization. This course covers the following competencies:
MSITNM

The graduate evaluates the financial stability of an organization’ s information
technology through the analysis of internal and external financial reports.

The graduate evaluates the value of various information technology initiatives and
systems through the application of standard quantitative data analysis methods.

The graduate evaluates potential information technology investments utilizing standard
cost-benefit analysis techniques.

The graduate recommends strategies to mitigate internal and external risks to
information technology projects.

The graduate prioritizes the need to maintain legacy IT systems against the
implementation of new IT systems based on the needs and goals of a given
organization.

The graduate creates defendable information technology budgets that effectively adapt
industry-standard recommendations to the organization’ s needs.
© 2011 Western Governors University 11/6/14
14

The graduate effectively communicates complex technical information to non-IT,
executive-level audiences.

The graduate evaluates potential vendor proposals based on both quantitative and
qualitative criteria.

The graduate integrates change management strategies into IT project plans to ensure
the effective implementation of various projects.

The graduate creates project plans to allocate and schedule resources in support of
organizational goals.
Information Technology Management
Performance assessment
Sample Learning Resources:
CourseSmart provides an e-text version of the following texts:
Brown, C.V., DeHayes, D.W., Hoffer, J.A. Martin, E.W., & Perkins, W.C. (2009).
Managing information technology (6th ed.). Upper Saddle River, New Jersey:
Prentice Hall. ISBN: 9780131789548. (e-text, cost of this resource is included in
tuition and fees)
SkillSoft provides e-text versions of the following text:
Austin, R.D., Nolan, R.L., & O’Donnell, S. (2009). The adventures of an IT leader.
Harvard Business Press. ISBN: 9781422146606. (e-text, cost of this resource is
included in tuition and fees)
Lientz, B.P., & Rea, K.P. (2003). Breakthrough IT change management: How to get
enduring change results. Burlington, Massachusetts: Elsevier. ISBN:
9780750676861. (e-text, cost of this resource is included in tuition and fees)
MindEdge provides an online simulation environment to explore the challenges of an IT
leader.
Technological Globalization
This course is designed to equip students to better understand the fundamental, galvanizing
and transformational role of advanced IT communications, networks and services in all major
industries; advanced IT is an unparalleled force multiplier in scientific research, energy
production and use, health and medicine. IT is a critical resource in the global community,
economically, socially, politically and culturally. This course covers the following competencies:
MSITNM

The graduate analyzes information and communication technologies to take advantage
of global market opportunities.

The graduate produces a plan for addressing the challenges of multiculturalism and
geographic dispersion as they impact information and communication technology.

The graduate analyzes the influence and significance of key technologies that
encourage global communication.

The graduate analyzes present and emerging global technologies to identify significant
trends.
© 2011 Western Governors University 11/6/14
15

The graduate evaluates Information Technology initiatives in a global context to ensure
alignment with organizational mission.

The graduate evaluates standards and international fora and their critical role in the
globalization of communication technology.

The graduate makes recommendations to adopt potential communication technologies
that may support an organization's global business initiatives.
Technological Globalization
Performance assessment
Sample Learning Resources:
SkillSoft provides e-text versions of the following texts:
Furht, B., & Escalante, A. (2010). Handbook or cloud computing. New York: Springer.
ISBN: 9781441965233. (e-text, cost of this resource is included in tuition and
fees)
Halpert, B. (2011). Auditing cloud computing: A security and privacy guide. New York:
John Wiley & Sons. ISBN: 9780470874745. (e-text, cost of this resource is
included in tuition and fees)
Hartley, D. (2010). 10 steps to successful social networking for business. Alexandria:
ASTD. ISBN: 9781562867171. (e-text, cost of this resource is included in tuition
and fees).
Jue, A.L., Marr, J.A., & Kassotaki, M.E. (2010). Social media at work: How networking
tools propel organizational performance. New York: Jossey-Bass. ISBN:
9780470405437. (e-text, cost of this resource is included in tuition and fees)
Kelsey, T. (2010). Social networking spaces: From Facebook to Twitter and everything
in between. New York: Apress. ISBN: 9781430225966. (e-text, cost of this
resource is included in tuition and fees)
Kock, N. (2010). E-collaboration technologies and organizational performance: Current
and future trends. New York: ISBN: 9780470521724. (e-text, cost of this
resource is included in tuition and fees)
Krutz, R.L., & Vines, R.D. (2010). Cloud security: A comprehensive guide to secure
cloud computing. New York: John Wiley & Sons. ISBN: 9780470589878, (e-text,
cost of this resource is included in tuition and fees)
Marks, E., & Lozano, B. (2010). Executive’s guide to cloud computing. New York: John
Wiley & Sons. ISBN: 9780470521724. (e-text, cost of this resource is included in
tuition and fees)
Morse, D.R. (2010). Multicultural intelligence: Eight make-or-break rules for marketing
to race, ethnicity, and sexual orientation. Boston, Massachusetts: IGI Global.
ISBN: 9780980174564. (e-text, cost of this resource is included in tuition and
fees)
Murugean, S. (2010). Handbook of research on Web 2.0, 3.0, and X.0: Technologies,
business, and social applications. Boston, Massachusetts: IGI Global. ISBN:
9781605663845. (e-text, cost of this resource is included in tuition and fees)
MSITNM
© 2011 Western Governors University 11/6/14
16
Vance, C., & Yongsun, P. (2006). Managing a global workforce: Challenges and
opportunities in international human resource management. Armonk, New York:
M.E. Sharpe, Inc. ISBN: 9780765610706. (e-text, cost of this resource is
included in tuition and fees)
Van der Graaf, S., & Washida, Y. (2007). Information communication technologies and
emerging business strategies. Boston, Massachusetts: IGI Global. ISBN:
9781599042343. (e-text, cost of this resource is included in tuition and fees)
Velte, A.T., Velte, T.J., & Slsenpeter, R. (2010). Cloud computing: A practical approach.
A practical approach. New York: McGraw-Hill/Osborne. ISBN: 9780071626941.
(e-text, cost of this resource is included in tuition and fees)
Capstone Project
The Capstone Project is the culmination of the student’s WGU degree program. It requires the
student to demonstrate the integration and synthesis of competencies in all domains required
for the degree, particularly in the area of emphasis. It includes a work product specified in
consultation with and with the approval of the mentor. It may be a project, a set of policy
recommendations, a business plan, a marketing plan, action research, a strategic plan, a
product, or a service.
MS, Information Technology Management Capstone Written Project
Students will be able to choose from three areas of emphasis, depending on personal
and professional interests. Students will complete a capstone project that deals with a
significant real-world business problem that further integrates the components of the
degree. Capstone projects will require an oral defense before a committee of WGU
faculty.
MS, Information Technology Management Capstone Oral Defense
The final Master's exam will be a comprehensive oral defense. This exam may be face
to face when possible but will most likely be done through a telephone conference.
Questions related to your work in the program will test your preparation and ability to
synthesize and practically apply information obtained from your courses, self-directed
study, and project experiences. The purpose of the exam is a checkpoint to assure that
you have acquired the critically required skills and knowledge specified in the program
competencies.
Need More Information? WGU Student Services
WGU has a Student Services team dedicated exclusively to helping students achieve their
academic goals. The Student Services Office is available during extended hours to assist
students with general questions and administrative or accessibility issues. The Student Services
team members help students resolve issues, listen to student issues and concerns, and make
recommendations for improving policy and practice based on student feedback. The Student
Services team provides a formal means by which students can express their views, and those
views in turn inform the decisions we make.
Student Services team members also assist students with unresolved concerns to find equitable
resolutions. To contact the Student Services team, please feel free to call (866) 903-0110 or
MSITNM
© 2011 Western Governors University 11/6/14
17
email studentservices@wgu.edu. We are available Monday through Friday, 6 AM to 12 AM
and Saturday and Sunday, 10 AM to 7 PM, MT.
If you have inquiries or concerns that require technical support, please contact the WGU IT
Service Desk. The IT Service Desk is available Monday through Friday, 6 AM to 12 AM and
Saturday and Sunday, 10 AM to 7 PM, MT. To contact the IT Service Desk, please call 1-877HELP-WGU (877-435-7948) and select option 2 or email servicedesk@wgu.edu.
For the most current information regarding WGU support services, please visit the “Help” tab on
the Student Portal at http://my.wgu.edu.
MSITNM
© 2011 Western Governors University 11/6/14
18