Academic Programs

Graduate Degree Programs and General Requirements

The university’s Armour College of Engineering, Chicago-Kent College of Law, College of Architecture, College of Computing, Institute of Design, Lewis College of Science and Letters, and Stuart School of Business award graduate degrees. In many fields, students in master’s programs may choose either a thesis track or non-thesis track program. These academic units also work together to offer a wide variety of joint- and dual-degree programs.

Credit Requirements

The Master's and Master of Engineering degrees are fulfilled by traditional graduate students with a minimum of 30 credit hours earned beyond the bachelor's degree at Illinois Institute of Technology. The Master of Science degree is fulfilled by traditional graduate students with a minimum of 32 credit hours earned beyond the bachelor’s degree.

Two additional master's completion options are applicable to qualified students: 1) graduate transfer credit of up to nine credit hours; or 2) accelerated master's admission after bachelor's degree completion at Illinois Tech.

With academic approval, a maximum of nine credit hours, earned prior to matriculation into an Illinois Tech graduate program, may be applied to a master's degree, subject to the graduate studies rules and restrictions published in the Transfer Credit section of the Graduate Bulletin. In special cases, students may obtain course credit by completing a Credit by Proficiency Examination, subject to the approval of their respective advisers, academic unit heads, and the VP for Academic Affairs.

The doctoral degree is fulfilled with a minimum of 72 credit hours (or more) earned beyond the bachelor's degree, of which at least 36 credit hours of academic coursework is required. Consult the Graduate Bulletin for the minimum doctoral degree credit requirements by program. Research requirements are fulfilled with a minimum of 24 research (691) credit hours earned, and a maximum of 50% or 48 research (691) credit hours, whichever is lower, of the doctoral program credit requirement. The equivalent of at least one year of full-time work devoted to research is required. In general, this requirement is fulfilled when the oral defense is passed. With academic approval, a master’s degree, up to 32 credit hours, may be transferred from an accredited institution or foreign institution meeting Illinois Institute of Technology requirements.

Doctoral Degrees

Law Degrees

Master of Science Degrees

Professional Master’s Degrees

These programs are specifically designed with the needs of professionals in mind. Most are course-only and do not require a thesis. In addition, the GRE requirement may be waived for applicants to professional master’s degree programs who hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. institution with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0/4.0.

Incubator Programs

Incubator programs are new state-of-the-art degree programs. They combine more than one discipline in their composition (see below). They are developed with best practices in mind so that students have multiple options, including changing majors to another discipline that the incubator program allows them to experience and gain credits towards. If an initially offered incubator program is not permanently adopted by the faculty, students will be able to complete their studies in the original program or change majors. 

Incubator Programs contain the core of two current majors being offered for the purpose of maintaining existing courses and keeping the development of new courses to an absolute minimum. This would include the core of the curriculum and maintain a ‘module’ of free electives. There will be multiple points of curricular integration, inclusive of early in the program by design but also at different stages of the program. Some courses would, in particular, act as points of intersection between the disciplines, inclusive of practicum, experience-based, research, and entrepreneurial approaches. To help meet our learning objectives and intended contribution to a multidisciplinary program, no more than two courses may count for both disciplines in the combined major's program. 

The (temporary programs under the) incubator maintains faculty and administrative oversight, simplifying the process of offering new programs. It follows the CIM process for “Not Significant” changes, even as new programs will need to be properly reported to our accrediting bodies:

  1. A norm of 32 credits.

  2. Setting up modules consisting of the following; discipline topic 1, discipline topic 2 and free electives may be considered as a structure.

  3. A question will arise of what balance to strike. The incubator approach will instruct us as an institution on the right ‘formula’ for student success.

  4. All new programs will undergo appropriate regulatory processes, including required accreditation review and submission, both on initial approval, and if sunset without transitioning out of the incubator to regular status, upon decommissioning

  5. Program proposed, developed (including a minimal outline of an assessment program, with a specific designated assessment coordinator responsible for annual reports), and approved within the Academic Unit with Academic Dean approval.

  6. Proposed, discussed, and approved at appropriate studies committee.

  7. Proposed, discussed, and approved by the UFC.

  8. Accepted by Provost and President.

Accelerate Master's Program (AMP)

There are four paths to the completion of an accelerated master's degree at Illinois Tech:

  1. Co-terminal paired bachelor's and master's programs completed concurrently (see more information in the Co-Terminal Degree Programs section)
    1. These programs have been pre-selected for pairing between the same academic discipline of undergraduate study or a different discipline.
    2. Graduate co-terminal admission is required when a student reaches a minimum of 60 earned or in-progress credit hours (see more information in the Synopsis of Co-Terminal Studies section).
    3. The student must submit a declaration of shared and non-shared courses (explicitly for graduate use) in the first semester of co-terminal enrollment.
  2. Co-terminal unpaired bachelor's and master's programs completed concurrently
    1. These programs are not a pre-selected pair.
    2. The student must have advance approval from both the undergraduate and graduate academic units for the program of interest, including the intended shared courses.
      1. The approval process is called a Declaration of Intent and may be filed after the first semester of undergraduate enrollment.
      2. Selected shared courses must explicitly satisfy the approved graduate curriculum without course substitution.
    3. Subsequent admission to the master's program of interest is required.
    4. The student must submit a declaration of shared and non-shared courses (explicitly for graduate use) in the first semester of co-terminal enrollment.
  3. Post-baccalaureate master's program (Illinois Tech alums only)
    1. A master's program that has explicit course requirements, of which the student has fulfilled some shared courses during the completion of an Illinois Tech bachelor's degree.
    2. The bachelors will be earned no earlier than three years prior to the first term of master's enrollment.
      1. Up to nine credit hours of relevant coursework may be shared between the two degrees.
      2. Consideration of course substitution is at the discretion of the graduate academic unit.
  4. Dual degree program with an Illinois Tech partner institution
    1. Two concurrent master's degree programs, with prior agreement for specific programs between Illinois Tech and a selected partner institution.
    2. The number of applicable shared credits is determined by the terms of the partnership agreement, but may not exceed nine credit hours. In most cases six credit hours are allowed.
    3. Consideration of course substitution is at the discretion of the graduate academic unit.

Dual Graduate Degrees

Depending upon interest, capabilities, and goals, and with the permission of their advisors and academic unit heads, students may choose dual (joint) graduate degree programs with up to 9 shared credits, or select one of the options listed below:

Master of Design/Master of Public Administration
Master of Management/Master of Information Technology and Management
Master of Management/Master of Science in Computer Science
Master of Laws/Master of Business Administration
Master of Science in Industrial-Organizational Psychology/Master of Management

Co-Terminal Degree Programs

Co-terminal degrees provide an opportunity for students to gain greater knowledge in specialized areas while completing a smaller number of credit hours with increased scheduling flexibility than the completion of two degrees separately. Because most co-terminal degrees allow students to share course credit (a maximum of nine credit hours), students may complete both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in as few as five years. Up to a combined total of nine applicable credit hours earned prior to matriculation into an Illinois Institute of Technology graduate degree program, subject to the graduate studies rules and restrictions, may be considered for 1) external transfer credit for graduate transfer credit use; 2) internal transfer credit from an Illinois Institute of Technology undergraduate program; and/or 3) shared co-terminal program credit. More information regarding this policy is available in the Transfer Credit section of the Graduate Bulletin.  

All co-terminal degree requirements must be completed within six years of undergraduate matriculation, or the student will be dismissed from the co-terminal degree program. A student who is placed on undergraduate academic probation may be dismissed from the co-terminal program pending review.

Co-terminal students maintain their undergraduate student status while completing graduate coursework, and can maintain financial aid eligibility when applicable.

The following are legacy co-terminal degree pairings as of June 2022. Students may also work with advisers to identify alternate bachelor's and master's degree pairings, pending the approval of the prospective graduate program and the student's undergraduate program. More information is available in the Co-Terminal Advising section of this bulletin.

Applied Mathematics

Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics/Master of Science in Applied Mathematics
Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics/Master of Data Science
Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics/Master of Mathematical Finance
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science/Master of Science in Applied Mathematics

Architecture

Bachelor of Architecture/Master of Engineering in Construction Engineering and Management
Bachelor of Architecture/Master of Science in Architecture 

Biology

Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry/Master of Biology with Biochemistry specialization
Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry/Master of Science in Biology for the Health Professions
Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry/Master of Science in Biology with Biochemistry specialization
Bachelor of Science in Biology/Master of Biology  
Bachelor of Science in Biology/Master of Science in Biology
Bachelor of Science in Biology/Master of Science in Biology for the Health Professions
Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering/Master of Science in Biology for the Health Professions
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry/Master of Science in Biology for the Health Professions
Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biochemistry and Biophysics/Master of Science in Molecular Biochemistry and Biophysics

Business

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration/Master of Public Administration
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration/Master of Science in Finance
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration/Master of Science in Marketing Analytics
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry/Master of Science in Sustainability Analytics and Management
Bachelor of Science in Engineering Management/Master of Public Administration
Bachelor of Science in Social and Economic Development Policy/Master of Public Administration

Chemical and Biological Engineering

Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering/Master of Chemical Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering/Master of Biological Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering/Master of Chemical Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry/Master of Chemical Engineering

Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering

Bachelor of Architecture/Master of Engineering in Construction Engineering and Management
Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering/Master of Engineering in Architectural Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering/Master of Engineering in Construction Engineering and Management
Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering/Master of Engineering in Structural Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering/Master of Engineering in Environmental Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering/Master of Engineering in Construction Engineering and Management
Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering/Master of Engineering in Environmental Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering/Master of Engineering in Structural Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering/Master of Engineering in Transportation Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Engineering Management/Master of Public Administration

Computer Science

Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics/Master of Computer Science
Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics/Master of Science in Computer Science
Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence/Master of Artificial Intelligence
Bachelor of Science in Biology/Master of Computer Science
Bachelor of Science in Biology/Master of Science in Computer Science
Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering/Master of Computer Science
Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering/Master of Science in Computer Science
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science/Master of Artificial Intelligence
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science/Master of Computer Science
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science/Master of Science in Computer Science
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science/Master of Data Science
Bachelor of Science in Physics/Master of Computer Science
Bachelor of Science in Physics/Master of Science in Computer Science

Electrical and Computer Engineering

Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering/Master of Biomedical Imaging and Signals
Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering/Master of Science in Computer Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering/Master of Science in Electrical Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering/Master of Science in Computer Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering/Master of Science in Electrical Engineering

Food Science and Nutrition

Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry/Master of Food Safety and Technology
Bachelor of Science in Biology/Master of Food Safety and Technology
Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering/Master of Food Process Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry/Master of Food Safety and Technology

Industrial Technology and Management

Bachelor of Industrial Technology and Management/Master of Industrial Technology and Operations

Information Technology and Management

Bachelor of Information Technology and Management/Master of Cyber Forensics and Security
Bachelor of Information Technology and Management/Master of Information Technology and Management

Intellectual Property Management and Markets

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science/Master of Intellectual Property Management and Markets

Mechanical, Materials, and Aerospace Engineering

Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering/Master of Engineering in Materials Science and Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering/Master of Engineering in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Materials Science and Engineering/Master of Engineering in Materials Science and Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering/Master of Engineering in Materials Science and Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering/Master of Engineering in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Physics

Bachelor of Science in Physics/Master of Health Physics
Bachelor of Science in Physics/Master of Science in Physics

Graduate Certificate Programs

Designed to provide knowledge in a specialized area within an academic discipline, these programs typically consist of 9-12 credit hours of coursework that might otherwise be applicable to a master’s degree. Students who successfully complete graduate certificate programs and who subsequently apply for admission and are admitted to a master’s degree program at the university may apply all approved coursework taken in the certificate program and passed with a grade of “B” or better toward the master’s degree. Admission to a certificate program does not guarantee future admission to a degree program.

With a few exceptions, Illinois Institute of Technology's graduate certificate programs are eligible for the Gainful Employment Programs. For a complete list of eligible certificates, see iit.edu/grad_adm.

Biology

Cell and Molecular Biology
Genomics
Microbiology and Immunology

Chemical and Biological Engineering

Biological Engineering
Current Energy Issues
Pharmaceutical Engineering
Polymer Science and Engineering
Process Operations Management

Chemistry

Analytical Method Development
Analytical Spectroscopy
Chromatography
Materials Chemistry
Regulatory Science

Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering

Architectural Engineering
Building Energy Modeling
Construction Management
Earthquake and Wind Engineering Design
Infrastructure Engineering and Management
Transportation Systems Planning

Computer Science

Computational Intelligence
Cyber-Physical Systems
Data Analytics
Database Systems
Distributed and Cloud Computing
Information Security and Assurance
Networking and Communications
Software Engineering

Electrical and Computer Engineering

Advanced Electronics
Applied Electromagnetics
Communication Systems
Computer Engineering
Control Systems
Electricity Markets
Power Electronics
Power Engineering
Signal Processing
Wireless Communications Engineering

Food Science and Nutrition

Food Process Engineering
Food Processing Specialist
Food Safety and Industrial Management
Food Safety and Technology

Humanities

Instructional Design
Technical Communication

Information Technology and Management

Advanced Software Development
Cyber Security Management
Cyber Security Technologies
Information Technology Innovation, Leadership, and Entrepreneurship
System Administration
Systems Analysis
Web Design and Application Development

Mechanical, Materials, and Aerospace Engineering

Computer Integrated Design and Manufacturing
Product Quality and Reliability Assurance

Physics

Radiological Physics

Psychology

Psychiatric Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation Counseling
Rehabilitation Engineering Technology

Professional Certificates

Stuart School of Business


Business Administration

Compliance and Pollution Prevention
Corporate Finance
Financial Toolbox
Innovation and Emerging Enterprises
Marketing Management
Risk Management
Sustainable Enterprise
Trading

Public Administration

Economic Development and Social Entrepreneurship
Nonprofit and Mission-Driven Management
Public Management
Security, Safety, and Risk Management