Masters (MS) in Information Communication Technology

Our graduate program in Information Communication and Technology is for anyone who helps make technology work for people. Our students have experience working with technology, and often are responsible for troubleshooting, maintaining, securing data, and developing software and technological infrastructure. But they are also responsible for communicating about these technologies in ways that everyone can understand. This graduate program is ideal for those who lead these efforts for their organization. 

All ICT graduate students are required to take three (3) credit hours with the ICT 696 practicum course that will allow them to put into practice the skills they’ve learned in the program. This is done near the end of the students' time in the program, and many students utilize their current employment to meet this need. The program can assist students in finding a practicum, though this is ultimately the student’s responsibility. 

This depends on each student and their ability to manage the heavy course load of enrolling full-time, which is 9 credit hours (or 3 classes) per semester. Students who enroll full-time may find it difficult to keep even a part-time job. Students who are able to manage a full-time courseload can take advantage of our Graduate Tuition Cap and save on tuition, which offers a flat tuition rate per semester when enrolled in 9 or more credit hours.

No, all classes are asynchronous. This means that students complete the course requirements according to the syllabus and deadlines, but they have flexibility within their own schedule to complete coursework at times that work best for their schedule. We recommend students log in everyday to ensure they are staying on top of communication and assignments.

It's important to know how to approach learning in an online degree program. Online classes are not harder nor easier than in-person classes, but they are different due to their asynchronous modality. This means students going into an online master's program should expect to:

• Develop a routine: Login to your online class routinely (we recommend at least once daily) to receive updates and contribute meaningfully to any ongoing discussion boards.
• Be good time managers: Determine when you have time to work on coursework throughout the week so you don't fall behind or put off assignments until the last minute.
• Communicate: If you are having any trouble, message your peers and/or your instructor right away to ask for help or clarification. Never be afraid to reach out to your instructors or Student Affairs if you need assistance--we have many resources to help you, but we need to know your situation to act accordingly on your behalf.

If you need additional support in navigating the online classroom, Canvas (our learning management system) has a number of helpful tools, including a module for new students that walks through everything you need to know about navigating information in your online class.

No, you are awarded the same diploma from UK as students who take classes in-person. There is no denotation of “online” on your diploma or your transcripts.

Yes. Our faculty are happy to meet with our students by phone call, email, or an online meeting. You are also welcome to set up an in-person appointment if you ever find yourself in Lexington.

No. As long as you have a four-year degree from an accredited university, with a 3.0 GPA, you are a candidate for our program. We have students with degrees in a wide variety of areas in our program.

Admission requirements include an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0, a graduate GPA of at least 3.0 (if applicable), 3 recommendations, a resume/CV, and a personal statement. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Your cost may vary based on how long it takes you to progress through the program. Part-time students (less than 9 credit hours) are charged an hourly rate. Full-time students are charged a flat tuition fee for all hours 9 or higher. The cost per credit hour is listed near the top of this page. To see the full-time rate, please visit https://www.uky.edu/studentaccount/tuition and look for “Graduate Students Enrolled Exclusively in Distance Education Courses – full time”.

Yes! As an incentive to be enrolled full-time (more than 9 credit hours) exclusively in a distance education program, students receive a capped tuition rate.  To see the current term’s capped tuition rate, please visit https://www.uky.edu/studentaccount/tuition and look for “Graduate Students Enrolled Exclusively in Distance Education Courses -- full-time.” This is the per semester rate you will pay when enrolled for more than 9 credit hours.

For our fully-online programs, it does not matter what state you live in. The rate is the same no matter where you live. 

While the School of Information Science does offer graduate assistantship positions and ICT students may apply to them, they are heavily Library-Science focused. You can see more information and apply for assistantships on the following webpage: https://ci.uky.edu/sis/students/scholarships/graduate-fellowships-and-assistantships.