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Program GuidebookMaster of Science, Information Technology ManagementThe Master of Science in Information Technology Management is acompetency-based degree program that represents a path forsuccessful IT professionals to launch their careers and build them to anexecutive level. The graduate will advance his or her knowledge andskills through a practical, real-world program based on sound principlesof Information Technology revolving around three primary themes:communication, technical competence and strategic vision: effectivecommunication as essential to management at all levels, in all areas ofhuman endeavor; and strategic vision that takes individuals andorganizations beyond immediate difficulties and successes to aperception of future challenges and preparations to meet thosechallenges.
Understanding the Competency-Based ApproachPractically speaking, how do competency-based programs like those offered at Western GovernorsUniversity (WGU) work? Unlike traditional universities, WGU does not award degrees based oncompletion of a certain number of credit hours or a certain set of required courses. Instead, you will earnyour degree by demonstrating your skills, knowledge, and understanding of important concepts.Progress through a degree program is governed not by the amount of time you spend in class but by yourability to demonstrate mastery of competencies as you complete required courses. Of course, you willneed to engage in learning experiences as you review competencies or develop knowledge and skills inareas in which you may be weak. To help you acquire the knowledge and skills you need to completeyour courses and program, WGU provides a rich array of learning resources. Your program mentor willwork closely with you to help you understand the competencies required for your program and to help youcreate a schedule for completing your courses. You will also work closely with course instructors as youengage in each of your courses. As subject matter experts, course instructors will guide you through thecontent you must master to pass the course assessments.The benefit of this competency-based system is that enables students who are knowledgeable about aparticular subject to make accelerated progress toward completing a degree, even if they lack collegeexperience. You may have gained skills and knowledge of a subject while on the job, accumulatedwisdom through years of life experience, or already taken a course on a particular subject. WGU willaward your degree based on the skills and knowledge that you possess and can demonstrate—not thenumber of credits hours on your transcript.AccreditationWestern Governors University is the only university in the history of American higher education to haveearned accreditation from four regional accrediting commissions. WGU's accreditation was awarded by(1) the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, (2) the Higher Learning Commission of theNorth Central Association of Colleges and Schools, (3) the Accrediting Commission for Community andJunior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, and (4) the Accrediting Commissionfor Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. The university’saccreditation status is now managed by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities(NWCCU), which reaffirmed WGU’s accreditation in February 2020. The WGU Teachers College isaccredited at the initial-licensure level by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation(CAEP) and by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP). The nursingprograms are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The HealthInformation Management program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for HealthInformatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). The College of Business programs areaccredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).The Degree PlanThe focus of your program is your personalized Degree Plan. The Degree Plan is a detailed blueprint ofthe courses you will need to complete in order to earn your degree. The Degree Plan also lays out theaccompanying learning resources and assessments that compose your program. The list of courses inthe Degree Plan is often referred to as the standard path. The amount of time it takes to complete yourprogram depends on both the amount of new information you need to learn and the amount of time youplan to devote each week to study. Your program mentor and course instructors will help you assess yourstrengths and development needs to establish a study plan.Students vary widely in the specific skills and information they need to learn. For example, some studentsmay be highly knowledgeable in a particular subject matter and would not need to engage in new learningopportunities. Other students may find that portions of the program require them to learn new informationand that they need to take an online class or participate in a study module to acquire the knowledge andskills needed to fulfill program competencies in that area. Some individuals may be able to devote as littleMSITM 201808 2019 Western Governors University 2/25/212
as 15–20 hours per week to the program, while others may need to devote more time. For this reason,pre-assessments are there to help your program mentor form a profile of your prior knowledge and createa personalized Degree Plan.How You Will Interact with FacultyAt WGU, faculty serve in specialized roles, and they will work with you individually to provide theguidance, instruction, and support you will need to succeed and graduate. As a student, it is important foryou to take advantage of this support. It is key to your progress and ultimate success.Upon your enrollment, you will be assigned a program mentor—an expert in your field of study who willprovide you with regular program-level guidance and support from the day you start until the day yougraduate. Your program mentor will set up regular telephone appointments (weekly at first) with you,which you will be expected to keep. The mentor will review program competencies with you and work withyou to develop a plan and schedule for your coursework. Your program mentor will serve as your mainpoint of contact throughout your program—helping you set weekly study goals, recommending specificlearning materials, telling you what to expect in courses, and keeping you motivated. In addition to regularcalls, your program mentor is available to help you resolve questions and concerns as they arise.You will also be assigned to a course instructor for each course. Course instructors are doctoral-levelsubject matter experts who will assist your learning in each individual course. When you begin a newcourse, your assigned course instructor will actively monitor your progress and will be in touch to offerone-on-one instruction and to provide you with information about webinars, cohort sessions, and otherlearning opportunities available to help you acquire the competencies you need to master the course.Your course instructor can discuss your learning for the course, help you find answers to contentquestions, and give you the tools to navigate the course successfully. In addition, you will communicatewith course instructors by posting in the online learning community and participating in live discussionsessions such as webinars and cohorts.For many of the courses at WGU, you will be required to complete performance assessments. Theseinclude reports, papers, presentations, and projects that let you demonstrate your mastery of the requiredcompetencies. A separate group of faculty members, called evaluators, will review your work todetermine whether it meets requirements. Evaluators are also subject matter experts in their field ofevaluation. If your assessment needs further work before it “passes,” these evaluators, who review yourwork anonymously, will provide you with instructional feedback to help you meet evaluation standardsand allow you to advance.Connecting with Other Mentors and Fellow StudentsAs you proceed through your Degree Plan, you will have direct contact with multiple faculty members.These communications can take a variety of forms, including participation in one-on-one discussions,chats in the learning communities, and live cohort and webinar opportunities. As a WGU student, you willhave access to your own personal MyWGU Student Portal, which will provide a gateway to your coursesof study, learning resources, and learning communities where you will interact with faculty and otherstudents.The learning resources in each course are specifically designed to support you as you developcompetencies in preparation for your assessments. These learning resources may include readingmaterials, videos, tutorials, cohort opportunities, community discussions, and live discussions that areguided by course instructors who are experts in their field. You will access your program communityduring your orientation course to network with peers who are enrolled in your program and to receivecontinued support through professional enrichment and program-specific chats, blogs, and discussions.WGU also provides Student Services associates to help you and your program mentor solve any specialproblems that may arise.OrientationMSITM 201808 2019 Western Governors University 2/25/213
The WGU orientation course focuses on acquainting you with WGU’s competency-based model, distanceeducation, technology, and other resources and tools available for students. You will also utilize WGUprogram and course communities, participate in activities, and get to know other students at WGU. Theorientation course must be completed before you can start your first term at WGU.Transferability of Prior College CourseworkBecause WGU is a competency-based institution, it does not award degrees based on credits but ratheron demonstration of competency. However, if you have completed college coursework at anotheraccredited institution, or if you have completed industry certifications, you may have your transcripts andcertifications evaluated to determine if you are eligible to receive some transfer credit. The guidelines fordetermining what credits will be granted varies based on the degree program. Students entering graduateprograms must have their undergraduate degree verified before being admitted to WGU. To review moreinformation in regards to transfer guidelines based on the different degree programs, you may visit theStudent Handbook found at the link below and search for “Transfer Credit Evaluation.”Click here for the Student HandbookWGU does not waive any requirements based on a student's professional experience and does notperform a "résumé review" or "portfolio review" that will automatically waive any degree requirements.Degree requirements and transferability rules are subject to change in order to keep the degree contentrelevant and current.Remember, WGU's competency-based approach lets you take advantage of your knowledge and skills,regardless of how you obtained them. Even when you do not directly receive credit, the knowledge youpossess may help you accelerate the time it takes to complete your degree program.Continuous Enrollment, On Time Progress, and Satisfactory AcademicProgressWGU is a “continuous enrollment” institution, which means you will be automatically enrolled in each ofyour new terms while you are at WGU. Each term is six months long. Longer terms and continuousenrollment allow you to focus on your studies without the hassle of unnatural breaks between terms thatyou would experience at a more traditional university. At the end of every six-month term, you and yourprogram mentor will review the progress you have made and revise your Degree Plan for your next sixmonth term.WGU requires that students make measurable progress toward the completion of their degree programsevery term. We call this “On-Time Progress,” denoting that you are on track and making progress towardon-time graduation. As full-time students, graduate students must enroll in at least 8 competency unitseach term, and undergraduate students must enroll in at least 12 competency units each term.Completing at least these minimum enrollments is essential to On-Time Progress and serves as abaseline from which you may accelerate your program. We measure your progress based on the coursesyou are able to pass, not on your accumulation of credit hours or course grades. Every time you pass acourse, you are demonstrating that you have mastered skills and knowledge in your degree program. Forcomparison to traditional grading systems, passing a course means you have demonstrated competencyequivalent to a “B” grade or better.WGU assigns competency units to each course in order to track your progress through the program. Acompetency unit is equivalent to one semester credit of learning. Some courses may be assigned 3competency units while others may be as large as 12 competency units.Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) is particularly important to students on financial aid because youmust achieve SAP in order to maintain eligibility for financial aid. We will measure your SAP quantitativelyby reviewing the number of competency units you have completed each term. In order to remain in goodMSITM 201808 2019 Western Governors University 2/25/214
academic standing, you must complete at least 66.67% of the units you attempt over the length of yourprogram—including any courses you add to your term to accelerate your progress. Additionally, duringyour first term at WGU you must pass at least 3 competency units in order to remain eligible for financialaid. We know that SAP is complex, so please contact a financial aid counselor should you have additionalquestions. *Please note: The Endorsement Preparation Program in Educational Leadership is not eligiblefor federal financial aid.CoursesYour Degree Plan includes courses needed to complete your program. To obtain your degree, you will berequired to demonstrate your skills and knowledge by completing the assessment(s) for each course. Ingeneral there are two types of assessments: performance assessments and objective assessments.Performance assessments contain, in most cases, multiple scored tasks such as projects, essays, andresearch papers. Objective assessments include multiple-choice items, multiple-selection items,matching, short answer, drag-and-drop, and point-and-click item types, as well as case study and videobased items. Certifications verified through third parties may also be included in your program. Moredetailed information about each assessment is provided in each course of study.Learning ResourcesWGU works with many different educational partners, including enterprises, publishers, trainingcompanies, and higher educational institutions, to provide high-quality and effective learning resourcesthat match the competencies you are developing. These vary in type, and may be combined to create thebest learning experience for your course. A learning resource can be an e-textbook, online module, studyguide, simulation, virtual lab, tutorial, or a combination of these. The cost of most learning resources areincluded in your tuition and Learning Resource Fee. They can be accessed or enrolled for through yourcourses. Some degree-specific resources are not covered by your tuition, and you will need to coverthose costs separately. WGU also provides a robust library to help you obtain additional learningresources, as needed.Mobile Compatibility:The following article provides additional details about the current state of mobile compatibility for learningresources at WGU. It includes a list that can be referenced to determine the mobile friendliness of all corecourse materials used in a program.Student Handbook article: Can I use my mobile device for learning resources?Standard PathAs previously mentioned, competency units (CUs) have been assigned to each course in order tomeasure your academic progress. If you are an undergraduate student, you will be expected to enroll in aminimum of 12 competency units each term. Graduate students are expected to enroll in a minimum of 8competency units each term. A standard plan for a student for this program who entered WGU withoutany transfer units would look similar to the one on the following page. Your personal progress can befaster, but your pace will be determined by the extent of your transfer units, your time commitment, andyour determination to proceed at a faster rate.MSITM 201808 2019 Western Governors University 2/25/215
Standard Path for Master of Science, Information Technology ManagementCourse DescriptionCUsTermTechnical Communication31Information Technology Management31Power, Influence and Leadership31Financial Management for IT Professionals22IT Sourcing and Development in a Global Economy22Managing Technology Operations and Innovation32Technological Globalization32Project Management43Current and Emerging Technology33MS, Information Technology Management Capstone43Changes to CurriculumWGU publishes an Institutional Catalog, which describes the academic requirements of each degreeprogram. Although students are required to complete the program version current at the time of theirenrollment, WGU may modify requirements and course offerings within that version of the program tomaintain the currency and relevance of WGU’s competencies and programs. When programrequirements are updated, students readmitting after withdrawal from the university will be expected tore-enter into the most current catalog version of the program.MSITM 201808 2019 Western Governors University 2/25/216
Areas of Study for Master of Science, Information TechnologyManagementThe following section includes the areas of study in the program, with their associated courses. Yourspecific learning resources and level of instructional support will vary based on the individualcompetencies you bring to the program and your confidence in developing the knowledge, skills, andabilities required in each area of the degree. The Degree Plan and learning resources are dynamic, soyou need to review your Degree Plan and seek the advice of your mentor regarding the resources beforeyou purchase them.Information Technology ManagementTechnical CommunicationThis course covers basic elements of technical communication, including professional written communication proficiency;the ability to strategize approaches for different audiences; and technical style, grammar, and syntax proficiency.This course covers the following competencies: Begin your course by discussing your course planning tool report with your instructor and creating your personalizedcourse plan together. The graduate decides the genre that is best suited for a defined audience in order to meet a specific businesscommunication need. The graduate generates technical information according to principles of ethics, clarity, and conciseness to ensurecontent integrity. The graduate conducts an audience analysis to plan effective and persuasive communication strategies. The graduate creates technical communications incorporating accurate, relevant design principles for ensuringaudience comprehension. The graduate assesses the effectiveness of the delivered communication for future improvement of communicationdeliverables.Information Technology ManagementIT Management introduces the key topics and skills needed to lead next-generation technology organizations. This courseexplores how common applications and innovation drive value and business needs. Ethical and regulatory complianceissues are discussed, including current practices for risk management, disaster recovery, and cybersecurity. Students willalso analyze the key leadership skills and traits necessary to lead responsive, competitive, and innovative organizations.This course has no prerequisites.This course covers the following competencies: Begin your course by discussing your course planning tool report with your instructor and creating your personalizedcourse plan together. The graduate articulates the functions of basic computer hardware, software, and networking components in businesssystems in order to communicate effectively as an IT leader. The graduate manages risk management, disaster recovery, and cybersecurity for the protection of all of anorganization. The graduate implements best practices and innovations for acquiring, developing, and deploying information systemsthat meet business needs. The graduate explains how common applications and information systems provide value to an organization for thepurpose of acquiring stakeholder support. The graduate analyzes key leadership skills and traits necessary for leading responsive, competitive, and innovativeorganizations. The graduate identifies ethical, legal, and compliant IT practices to safeguard an organization, individuals, and society.IT Sourcing and Development in a Global EconomyIT Sourcing and Development in a Global Economy examines the practice of sourcing and developing global IT projectsfrom a management perspective. In today’s organizations, leaders look for efficient and effective ways to deliver goods andMSITM 201808 2019 Western Governors University 2/25/217
services. This course will allow students to explore the strategic, operational, tactical, and security-related impacts on theorganization of sourcing and supporting a global IT project. Students will cultivate a deep understanding of the documents,skills, and stakeholders needed for any given project and develop the ability to leverage these elements to achieve success.This course will also explore the ethical, cultural, and regulatory considerations surrounding sourcing and managing ITprojects in a global space. There are no prerequisites for this course.This course covers the following competencies: Begin your course by discussing your course planning tool report with your instructor and creating your personalizedcourse plan together. The graduate determines which stakeholders, documents, tools, or skills are necessary to ensure successful sourcingand support of global IT projects. The graduate explains how an adherence to ethics, an understanding of regulations, and a sensitivity tomulticulturalism can contribute to the success of global IT projects. The graduate proposes appropriate sourcing and operational strategies for global IT projects.Managing Technology Operations and InnovationManaging Technology Operations and Innovation explores the importance of innovation in the processes of operationsmanagement and business competition. From the formulation of tactical operations plans to strategic objectives, ITexecutives need to create partnerships to drive innovation within an organization. This course provides students with thepractical knowledge and understanding of operations management concepts, business models, methods, tools, applications,and best practices used by successful organizations to improve their operations. This course has no prerequisites.This course covers the following competencies: Begin your course by discussing your course planning tool report with your instructor and creating your personalizedcourse plan together. The graduate creates partnerships with business and IT stakeholders, incorporating innovation into the organization. The graduate formulates the alignment of IT operations with an organization's strategic vision and objectives. The graduate manages resources and business processes to support an operationally efficient and innovative ITenvironment. The graduate determines the viability of current and new business processes and tools to support technologyoperations and innovation in the organization.Technological GlobalizationTechnological Globalization explores information and communication technologies used to meet business needs in globalmarkets. IT executives must analyze their organization’s technological needs, develop internationally-capable strategicplans, and mitigate the operational challenges of each of the countries in which the organization does business. This courseprovides students with the practical knowledge and understanding of how to plan, evaluate, and successfully integrateeffective and efficient technical communication solutions in the global business market. This course has no prerequisites.This course covers the following competencies: Begin your course by discussing your course planning tool report with your instructor and creating your personalizedcourse plan together. The graduate evaluates the application of technologies when recommending global communications solutions to meetbusiness goals. The graduate creates an information and communication globalization plan to address international marketopportunities and challenges. The graduate evaluates the effects of international standards on the application of technology in global markets. The graduate analyzes information technology trends and initiatives in a global context to ensure alignment with anorganization’s mission and business goals.Power, Influence and LeadershipPower, Influence and LeadershipPower, Influence, and Leadership focuses on the development of the critical leadership and soft skills necessary for successin information technology leadership and management. The course focuses specifically on skills such as cultivating effectiveMSITM 201808 2019 Western Governors University 2/25/218
leadership communication, building personal influence, enhancing emotional intelligence (soft skills), generating ideas andencouraging idea generation in others, resolving conflicts, and positioning oneself as an influential change agent withindifferent organizational cultures. There are no prerequisites for this course.This course covers the following competencies: Begin your course by discussing your course planning tool report with your instructor and creating your personalizedcourse plan together. The graduate selects appropriate leadership strategies that produce best possible solutions to effect change or achievea goal. The graduate evaluates the influence of organizational culture on the successful completion of a specified task orproject. The graduate evaluates verbal and nonverbal message strategies for the extent to which they encourage collaborativecommunication and problem-solving. The graduate selects appropriate strategies that foster engagement and collaboration among a variety of teams. The graduate recommends effective strategies for promoting innovative solutions in specified decision-makingprocesses. The graduate incorporates strategies that leverage change within an organization’s culture in efforts to buildcommitment and buy-in for a specified task or project. The graduate integrates strategies to address competing sources of power and influence into efforts to overcomeobstacles to the successful completion of a specified task or project. The graduate justifies the use of specific conflict management strategies as a means of maximizing results for allrelevant stakeholders.IT ManagementFinancial Management for IT ProfessionalsFinancial Management for IT Professionals develops learners’ skills in financial management, budgeting, and procurement.This course teaches how to leverage financial know-how to improve workplace decision-making. This course also provideslearners with the knowledge and skills necessary to spend money on the right projects and equipment, while aligningoperating budgets with strategic initiatives. There are no prerequisites for this course.This course covers the following competencies: Begin your course by discussing your course planning tool report with your instructor and creating your personalizedcourse plan together. The graduate creates IT capital and operating budgets that meet an organization’s mission and goals. The graduate analyzes how financial information influences organizational decision-making, operational sustainability,and productivity. The graduate manages the acquisition and replacement of technology resources for an organization.Project ManagementProject Management is a thorough exploration of the inputs, tools, techniques, and outputs across the five process groupsand 10 knowledge areas identified in the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) Guide. The essential conceptsand practical scenarios included enable students to build the competencies required to successfully complete the CAPMcertification exam. There is no prerequisite for this course.This course covers the following competencies: Begin your course by discussing your course planning tool report with your instructor and creating your personalizedcourse plan together. The graduate explains the core concepts that make up the Project Management Institute framework and life cycle andthe environment in which projects operate. The graduate describes the artifacts, inputs, outputs, and processes associated with the Project ProcurementManagement knowledge area. The graduate describes the artifacts, inputs, outputs, and processes associated with the Project StakeholderManagement knowledge area.MSITM 201808 2019 Western Governors University 2/25/219
The graduate describes the purpose, activities, and interrelationships of the five project management process groups. The graduate examines the competencies, experience, and skills necessary to effectively manage a project. The graduate describes the artifacts, inputs, outputs, and processes associated with the Project IntegrationManagement knowledge area. The graduate solves problems using the artifacts, inputs, outputs, and processes associated with the Project Scope,Time, and Cost Management knowledge areas. The graduate describes the artifacts, inputs, outputs, and processes associated with the Project Quality Managementknowledge area. The g
The WGU orientation course focuses on acquainting you with WGU’s competency-based model, distance education, technology, and other resources and tools available for students. You will also utilize WGU program and course communities, participate in activities, an
