MSIT Program Quick Facts
Duration: 12 to 24 months, on average
Class schedule: Weeknight classes available
Formats: On campus, online, hybrid*
Location: Available everywhere, based in Thousand Oaks, California
Starts: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
Next start date: October 27, 2025
*Note: Only general MSIT courses are available online. If you pursue a specialty track, you will take your elective courses at our Thousand Oaks campus.
Whether you’re breaking into IT or leveling up your existing career, we know what you need: practical, portfolio-ready expertise that powers you to lead in tech.
With a Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT) degree from California Lutheran University, you’ll gain the foresight and skills to move from fixing IT problems to shaping IT strategy.
Request Information
To learn more about the Graduate Degree Programs offered by the Cal Lutheran School of Management and download a brochure, please fill out the form. You can also get in touch with an enrollment specialist directly by calling us at 805-521-9856.
Why Cal Lutheran?
Format that works with your life.
Our MSIT program’s flexible format means you can advance your education on your terms: on-campus, online or hybrid.
Skills that you can use immediately.
Every project and skill we teach is built to transfer directly into your work the next day.
Mentorship that moves you forward.
We offer one-on-one advising to keep your goals at the center of your journey.
Connections that last beyond the classroom.
Join a purpose-driven community recognized for higher access, higher earnings and more support.
“The MSIT program prepared me for a position at a large endpoint security company. I use the skills I learned in digital forensics, ethical hacking and cloud security on a daily basis in the workplace.”
Career Outcomes: What Can You Do With an MSIT Degree?
An MSIT degree from Cal Lutheran is built for every stage of your career. IT professionals can move into high-impact leadership positions or specialized roles in data analytics or cybersecurity. Career changers gain the foundation to jumpstart their career in this growing, high-demand industry.
Here’s a look at the careers a graduate IT education can lead to.
Curriculum Snapshot: What Will You Learn in an MSIT Program?
Our MSIT curriculum is designed to connect theory with practice. We combine technology implementation and leadership strategy through hands-on projects to prepare you to become the professional that employers are actually looking for.
What you’ll experience:
- Evening and online classes designed with working professionals in mind
- Practice with the same tools and frameworks used by IT subject matter professionals
- Collaborative learning environment with intentionally small class sizes
- Real-world connections with faculty and industry professionals
You’ll learn to:
- Plan and lead IT strategy that aligns tech decisions with business goals
- Design, implement and secure complex systems that keep organizations running
- Translate data and technical insight into clear action plans
Learn More About Our Curriculum
Choose your track
Specialize in cybersecurity, data analytics or IT management to gain the focused expertise that sets you apart in the job market and prepares you for your dream role.
If you’re a current Cal Lutheran undergraduate, reach out to discuss how you can take MSIT courses during your senior year.
Frequently Asked Questions
This program is built for both experienced technology professionals and career changers ready to take their first step into the field. We don’t require an IT background. All you need is a bachelor’s degree and the ambition to grow.
Most MSIT students complete the degree in one to two years, but students can progress at their own pace if they need more time.
Both fields shape how organizations use technology, but they focus on different sides of the equation.
In a master’s in information technology, you’ll explore the tools themselves: networks, infrastructure, cloud systems, cybersecurity and the architecture that keeps everything running. It’s built for people who want to design, implement and manage the technology that powers organizations.
A master’s in information systems focuses on how those tools serve business goals. It leans more toward data, process design and strategy.
General MSIT courses (required core courses) are offered online, on campus in Thousand Oaks or in a hybrid format. If you choose a specialty track in cybersecurity, data analytics or IT management, your electives will be completed on campus.
Absolutely. Every student works with real-world data to solve real-world problems. Past projects have included:
- Examining 15 years of domestic flight data to get insights into the causes of flight delays and recommend the best times, days and airlines for smooth travel
- Analyzing over 12.5 million Amazon customer reviews to create a new approach for consumer product recommendations
- Using Yelp and Foursquare data to develop relevant travel suggestions
- Analyzing a dataset of 45,000 posts from X (formerly Twitter) to identify which aspects of a new product are receiving the most public attention
These projects go beyond textbook simulations to give you market-ready skills and stories to tell in your next interview.
Yes, Cal Lutheran offers a variety of funding options from internal and external sources, including:
- Scholarships
- Grants
- Credit reductions
- Veterans benefits
- Employer discounts
Visit our financial aid page for detailed information. You can also call a graduate enrollment specialist at 805-521-9856 to discuss funding your education.
Ready to Take the First Step?
Download our brochure, and explore our curriculum, admission and FAQ pages.
