Frequently Asked Questions

Most MSIT students complete the degree in one to two years, but students who need more time can progress at their own pace.

Yes, you can complete the MSIT as a part-time or full-time student. We recommend that part-time students take no more than two courses per term if they are balancing a full-time job or other responsibilities.

All general MSIT courses are available online, on campus or via a hybrid approach. However, if you pursue a specialty track, you must take electives on campus in Thousand Oaks.

Yes, you can choose to specialize in:

• Cybersecurity
• Data Analytics
• IT Management

Alternatively, you can earn a general MSIT degree.

If you choose a specialization, you will fulfill the requirements through elective courses — you will not need to take any additional credits. Learn more about these specialization tracks on our MSIT curriculum page.

Yes, our students work with real-world data to develop practical business solutions. 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

This hands-on experience gives Cal Lutheran graduates an edge in the market, preparing them to step into new roles and deliver immediate value.

The School of Management offers a variety of events and career services to students. Here are some of those opportunities:

• Networking Events: The School of Management hosts several events throughout the year where students can interact with business and community leaders. These include the Entrepreneur Speaker Series, PRiME Competition, New Venture Competition, ACG Cup and more​​​​.
• Career Services: The Cal Lutheran Career Services center supports students in planning for their careers and pursuing their purposes. The center posts more than 200 job and internship postings each week and has more than 20,000 employers contacts. They also offer events and on-demand tools for career mapping, interview preparation and more.
• HUB 101: This is a coworking and incubation space for the regional startup community. It offers classes, seminars, speakers and office space all within an environment that fosters networking and creative enterprise​​​​​​.

The School of Management also has collaborative relationships with many local associations. These include the Association for Corporate Growth (a hub for the city’s business community); the Los Angeles Venture Association (Southern California’s premier forum for entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, angel investors and professional advisors); and the Economic Development Collaborative of Ventura County.

You can find out about some of our career-building activities in our “Careers with a Master’s in Information Technology” section.

Yes, Cal Lutheran offers a variety of funding options from internal and external sources. These include:

• 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 find out more about funding your education.

Cal Lutheran being designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) signifies that we meet specific criteria set by the U.S. Department of Education, primarily that at least 25% of our full-time undergraduate student population identifies as Hispanic or Latino.

Being an HSI also reflects Cal Lutheran’s broader commitment to diversity and community engagement. We offer a wide range of resources and opportunities, including scholarships, mentorship programs and courses that celebrate Hispanic cultures and heritage. We believe in creating a supportive space where students from all backgrounds can thrive and make lasting connections.

Cal Lutheran warmly welcomes individuals of all faiths and belief systems. Our inclusive community does not require affiliation with any church, religion or religious organization. We embrace diversity in all walks of life, so that every member of our community feels valued and respected.

We’re happy to help. You can talk to a graduate enrollment specialist via phone at 805-521-9856. You can also email your questions to somgradprograms@callutheran.edu.