The University of South Carolina’s Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing’s online Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT) program was ranked No. 25 in the most recent U.S. News & World Report rankings. The program addresses the workforce's need for expertise in information technology and digital transformation to work effectively in data and technology centric environments. 

“Unlike many universities that combine IT into broader computer science or business programs, USC offers a specific MSIT degree focused on the integration, deployment, development, and management of modern IT systems,” says Jorge Crichigno, chair of the Department of Integrated Information Technology. “The curriculum is practical and industry-aligned with a flexible format, customizable curriculum and goals, and foundation and advanced options.”

The online MSIT offers specialized training in managing large-scale information systems and data. For IT students or professionals, the program is built around in-demand technologies including artificial intelligence and machine learning, cybersecurity, networking, and user experience and interface design. Students will also learn to analyze client information technology needs and develop, integrate, and evaluate innovative solutions.

“The MSIT program has had a meaningful impact on my professional growth as a network engineer,” says alum Lucas Bowers. Bowers graduated in December 2025 with his MSIT and currently works as a network engineer for Medical Services of America. He says that his degree helped him grow professionally by expanding his technical knowledge and confidence in handling more complex responsibilities.

Bowers added that his degree provided the skills he uses daily in networking, security and infrastructure, while also improving his ability to contribute to larger projects and broader IT discussions. Beyond the technical work, the online MSIT has helped position him for continued leadership opportunities by improving how he approaches planning, risk, and decision-making.

“The program has prepared me for future growth by helping me move beyond daily technical tasks and think at a higher level about technology strategy, security and organizational impact,” Bowers says. “It has given me stronger analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as a better understanding of how to evaluate systems, manage change, and support long-term IT initiatives.”

The online MSIT program is designed to meet the individual needs of each student, regardless of whether they have an IT background. Students without a computing background may take foundation courses before diving into graduate-level topics. Electives allow students to customize their learning, from database systems and enterprise analytics to cyber infrastructure and AI.

The program directly contributed to my ability to secure competitive technical roles and continue progressing professionally.

-  Ehsan Soltanmohammadi

For graduating seniors, the MSIT will help accelerate career goals with hands-on learning. For professionals, the MSIT provides the skills to lead in the digital transformation age with hands-on learning and industry connections. Through a flexible curriculum, career opportunities for MSIT graduates include:

• AI/Machine Learning Security Engineer
• IT Manager
• Cloud Solutions Architect
• Information Security Manager/Analyst
• Business Intelligence Developer
• Network Architect

The online MSIT also has strong partnerships and incorporates technology from leading companies, including Cisco Systems, Palo Alto Networks and AWS. Courses can be taken 100% online, in-person or hybrid format. Students may enroll full-time or part-time, making it easier to balance work and graduate study.

Full-time students typically complete their degree in under 18 months, while part-time students often finish in less than 24 months. The program also allows students to tailor courses to their interest by selecting a professional track (30 credits) focusing on career advancement or research track (33 credits) focusing on applied research opportunities.

According to Crichigno, the online MSIT can significantly expand career potential and eligibility for senior or leadership roles, which are commonly linked with higher salaries and career mobility. One example is Ehsan Soltanmohammadi, a 2024 alum who currently works as a software data engineer at CCC Intelligence Solutions in San Diego, California.

“The program helped me transition more deeply into data engineering and machine learning engineering,” Soltanmohammadi says. “Through hands-on projects, I gained experience applying AI models, building production-oriented data pipelines, and working with cloud-based architectures. This practical exposure was instrumental during my internship and in shaping my professional trajectory.”

Soltanmohammadi added that the online MSIT significantly strengthened his technical depth and practical problem-solving skills.

“It positioned me to work on advanced data engineering and AI-driven projects, expand my responsibilities in distributed systems and cloud environments, and take greater ownership in designing scalable solutions,” he says. “The program directly contributed to my ability to secure competitive technical roles and continue progressing professionally.”

Ali AlSabeh chose the research track and graduated with a Ph.D. in information technology in 2024. He is currently a tenure-track faculty at the University of South Carolina Aiken.

“The training I received - particularly in scientific publishing and hands-on research - strongly aligned with the position’s requirements and helped me stand out among a large pool of candidates,” AlSabeh says. “I have now been employed for a year and a half with a competitive salary, and my role allows me to supervise students on various cybersecurity projects beyond the classroom.”

AlSabeh says that the state-of-the-art research he conducted now allows him to teach a broad range of courses within his department and develop new course offerings.

“The program, under Dr. [Jorge] Crichigno’s supervision, required that I publish my research in competitive conferences and journals,” AlSabeh says. “In addition, I was deeply involved in developing educational materials on advanced networking and cybersecurity topics and disseminating them nationwide. The combination of rigorous research and instructional development enabled me to demonstrate strong competencies as a Ph.D. candidate.”

If you want to advance your technical expertise and integrate technologies into organizations to reach your professional goals, apply now to the Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing’s MSIT program. Applications are currently being accepted until April 20.