MS in Communication and Information Technology
It’s not enough to be prepared for tomorrow.
You want a hand in shaping it.
It all begins with a program designed to get you there: the Master of Science degree in Communication and Information Technology (CIT) at Alma College. Be on the forefront of cybersecurity. Find new ways to set up networks, utilize the cloud, and be a trusted source for IT insights. And that’s just the beginning.
Get to Know MS in Communication and Information Technology
Meet the Faculty
View the MS in CIT Handbook
A detailed overview of the program's structure and requirements.
Become an IT authority.
Organizations are looking for IT leaders. By entering our graduate-level CIT program at Alma College, you’ll advance your leadership skills by learning from industry experts who have made their mark in the tech industry and continue to influence 21st-century IT systems and practices. After all, to be the best, you need to learn from the best. Enhanced IT leadership skills can be your launchpad for a skyrocketing career.
Grow your network.
As a graduate-level student of technology, you want your contributions to be personally recognized. The CIT program combines the flexibility of low-residency learning with the familiarity of professors who know you by name. By attending working sessions on campus and getting to know our community, you’ll gain more than an understanding of networks. You’ll become part of one.
Be prepared for tomorrow and have a hand in shaping it.
Program Overview
CIT is a rigorous, graduate-level academic course of study where you’ll learn industry-demanding, relevant skills across the disciplines of communication and information technologies, focusing on solving real-world 21st century business and technology problems.
This graduate program is designed to prepare you to lead organizations through the rapidly evolving technological and regulatory landscape. CIT is an interdisciplinary professional master’s program that cultivates communication and leadership skills along with a foundation in technical knowledge and business analytics. You’ll gain an in-depth knowledge of networks, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and data analytics while also developing leadership and communication skills.
CIT is a low-residency program that allows you to learn when it fits into your schedule. You’ll receive regular check-ins with your classmates and faculty to ensure you’re on track to master the class material.
Program Highlights
This flexible program design ensures you can learn from many different outstanding instructors and industry professionals from across the country.
The majority of each seven-week class is taught online and is flexible in its scheduling to allow working professionals to remain employed while also enrolled in CIT. Online instruction also consists of weekly live access to faculty for discussion and guidance.
You’ll have an opportunity to attend working weekend sessions in-residence that foster both the student community and the culture of the CIT program, focusing on special projects on critical topics as well as serving in the final semester as the capstone to the program.
Who is it for?
Alma’s CIT program is for students who want to be the information technology leaders of the future. Our students come from all walks of life and a wide range of technical experience. Some students possess technical bachelor’s degrees and are looking for other advanced skills; while others have little current technical proficiency but are looking to make a career move into information technology.
What all students have in common is a strong intellectual curiosity, the desire to be academically challenged at the graduate level, and the goal to make a lasting impact on their profession and their lives by bringing advanced CIT skills as part of their ever-evolving skill set.
Admissions & Aid
Not sure where to begin? We’re here to help you every step of the way.
Admission Criteria
Admission Criteria
Admission Criteria
Admission to the Master of Science in Communication and Information Technology (CIT) program is based on evaluation of the following:
- Undergraduate academic performance GPA of at least a 3.0 cumulative grade point average.
- Students with under a 3.0 will be considered on an individual basis by the faculty reading committee based on academic and professional experience(s).
- Graduate-level work should show similar academic performance.
- Writing quality.
- Students entering a graduate program at Alma are expected to demonstrate their ability to effectively communicate their viewpoint(s).
- Academic and/or professional preparation.
- Students should show that they are adequately prepared to succeed at the graduate level.
- International Applicants.
- Provide English Language Proficiency (official score reports can be emailed to admissions@alma.edu)
- TOEFL iBT score of 79 (school code: 1010).
- IELTS score of 6.5.
- Interview with CIT program director.
These guidelines represent the minimum requirements for admission; however, meeting these requirements does not guarantee admission. Overall academic record, writing quality, and preparedness will be major factors in evaluating applications. The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is not required for admission to the CIT program.
Application Requirements
Application Requirements
Application Requirements
To apply to a graduate program at Alma College, students must submit an application for admission and the following materials. Additional program specific requirements will be listed on the program application.
- Statement of Purpose – explaining your intellectual interests, preparation, and goals.
- A minimum of two letters of recommendation.
- Transcripts from both undergraduate and/or graduate coursework completed.
- To be considered for admission, you must have completed, or be on track to complete, an undergraduate degree from an accredited college/university prior to the start of the program.
- Resume or curriculum vitae (CV).
Application Deadline
Application Deadline
Application Deadline
- Fall Term – August 1
- Winter Term – November 15
Academic Calendar
Academic Calendar
Academic Calendar
Students accepted to the Alma College M.S. in Communication and Information Technology can begin in either the Fall or Winter academic semester, with alternative start dates also available. Core curriculum classes will be offered during both Fall and Winter. There is no program requirement to participate in classes in consecutive semesters.
Fall 2024
August 26, 2024 – December 6, 2024
Winter 2025
January 6, 2025 – April 18, 2025
Tuition & Fees
Tuition & Fees
Tuition & Fees
Learn more about the tuition and fees and cost of attendance for the MS in Communication and Information Technology
Financial Aid
Financial Aid
Financial Aid
Our students take advantage of the program’s low residency format to continue with their current employment and finance their education from their own resources. Students are encouraged to complete the free application for federal student aid (FAFSA).
If you need additional assistance or have other questions, contact the Financial Aid office at (989) 463-7347.