Marywood University

What you'll study

The programme combines core information systems theory with hands-on technical and managerial skills. Typical modules cover systems analysis and design, database management, network fundamentals and administration, information security and risk management, IT project management, and data analytics for business. You will study IT strategy and governance, service management principles (including ITIL-aligned practices), and contemporary topics such as cloud services and enterprise architectures.

Teaching mixes lectures, laboratory work and project-based learning. Most students complete a capstone project or practicum that requires designing or improving a real-world information system or service for an organisation, often in partnership with local employers. Elective options allow you to focus on technical tracks (for example, databases, cybersecurity, cloud) or managerial tracks (for example, IT strategy, business analytics, service operations).

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Degrees in information technology, computer science, management, business or related fields are directly relevant, but applicants from other disciplines who can demonstrate quantitative aptitude or relevant professional experience are also considered. Typical application materials include official transcripts, a current résumé, a personal statement outlining professional goals and reasons for pursuing the degree, and one or more letters of recommendation.

Applicants without key prerequisites (for example, basic programming, statistics or database concepts) may be asked to complete preparatory coursework. International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency in line with university policy. The programme evaluates applicants holistically and takes professional experience and academic potential into account.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a range of roles that sit at the intersection of technology and business. Common career paths include:

• Systems analyst or systems developer, designing and implementing business applications
• IT manager or IT service manager, overseeing teams and aligning IT services with organisational needs
• Business analyst or data analyst, using data to inform decision-making and process improvement
• IT project manager, leading technical projects from planning to delivery
• Database administrator, network administrator or cybersecurity analyst, focusing on technical operations and protection of information assets
• Consultant in technology strategy, service management or digital transformation initiatives

Marywood graduates also move into leadership roles within healthcare, education, non-profits and small-to-medium enterprises where effective information management and service delivery are strategic priorities. The programme’s applied capstone and practicum options help build a portfolio of work to show prospective employers.

Why study at Marywood University

Marywood offers a personalised learning environment with relatively small class sizes and direct access to faculty who have both academic and practical experience in information systems and IT management. The university’s location provides links to regional employers and community organisations for internships and practicum projects, allowing students to apply classroom learning to live organisational needs.

Students benefit from campus support services including academic advising, the Career Development Center and access to computing labs and software relevant to information systems work. The programme’s balance of technical training and management content is designed to develop both hands-on competencies and leadership skills needed to manage information services effectively across sectors.