Internet of Things and Internet Technologies

Graduate Program Coordinator: Dr. Velma Latson 

The Master of Science in IoT & Internet Technologies (IoT&IT). Smart devices now carry out more activities/tasks than ever before, and current IT devices will need to be linked to these smart devices. Smart devices have been designed and implemented in isolated disciplines (e.g., information sciences and engineering), but the need for current IT devices to link to the smart devices requires a new approach to IoT. This new approach requires the need to appropriately blend disciplines to focus primarily on the essential challenges of IoT: 1) IoT development, 2) IoT deployment, 3) IoT convergence, 4) IoT security, and 5) IoT cross-pollination across disciplines. The IoT&IT program will provide in demand technology-driven skills that turn data into intelligence. Graduates build an ecosystem of hardware, software, and services, that leads to careers in a technology-based industry that seeks smart intelligence areas such as smart energy, smart homes, smart transportation, and smart medical devices. This program focuses on device/product development, research, issues regarding machine-to-machine connectivity and communication and privacy to meet this evolving research area to meet the marketplace.  Graduates of the master’s program in IoT&IT will:

• Diagram and build IoT machines and ecosystems models with existing and emerging hardware and software entities.
• Reconstruct models to customize and maintain state-of-the-art IoT devices, internet technologies, and networks.
• Investigate and weigh data-driven decisions linking current IT infrastructure to emerging IoT infrastructure.
• Select and differentiate IoT applications, internet technologies, and protocols commonplace to the industry.
• Evaluate the legal and ethical implications of their work and the impact of decision-making in industry and the community.

Admission to the Program 

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and have a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or better (on a 4.0-point scale). In addition to meeting the general admission requirements of the Graduate School, applicants to the IoT & Internet Technologies (IoT&IT) program must fulfill departmental criteria. The IoT&IT Graduate Admissions Committee considers applicants on an individual basis. An applicant who fulfills the following requirements may be granted unconditional admission to the program: a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution and completion of the following computer technology courses (or equivalent): CTEC 214 -Client Operating Systems, CTEC 302-Computer Networking, CTEC 345 - Foundations of Computer and Network Security, CTEC 120 - Principles of Secure Coding Using Java, CTEC 220 - Advanced Secure Programming  using Java Programming, and CTEC 350 - Principles and Methods of Intrusion Detection and Prevention.

Applicants who do not have the required computer technology background may be granted provisional admission, subject to completion of these requirements within the first four semesters. Completion of these requirements will not be a part of the applicant’s graduate program. An applicant who does not have the required computer technology courses but has gained the knowledge of its contents through work experience or self-study may request a waiver, provided the student takes and passes a departmental examination for that course. For more details, the student should consult with his/her advisor upon admission to the program.

Program Requirements

The requirements for the master’s degree in IoT & Internet Technologies (IoT&IT) are as follows:

A minimum of 36 credit hours as described below, with an overall grade point average of 3.00 or better. The coursework must include:

Core Courses (36 credits):

CTEC 621, CTEC 641, CTEC 651, CTEC 661, CTEC 671, CTEC 681, CTEC 691, CTEC 701, CTEC 711, CTEC 712, CTEC 720 and CTEC 721.

1. A minimum of 30 credits, excluding prerequisite courses, must be completed at Bowie State University. Therefore, no more than six (6) graduate related technology and information science credits may be transferred from other institutions.
2. A student must complete all degree requirements within a period of seven (7) consecutive years.
3. Students with a strong undergraduate computer technology or information science background are encouraged to substitute required courses with more advanced electives. Written permission of a graduate advisor is required. Also, each student is required to develop a program of study plan in consultation with his/her advisor. A total of 36 credits are needed to graduate.