Rensselaer currently offers two degree programs in Information Technology, a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology and a Master of Science in Information Technology. Both are highly interdisciplinary, drawing courses from four of the five academic schools at Rensselaer. In addition, all of Rensselaer’s schools offer Ph.D. programs that can be focused in IT-related areas. A research Track in IT is also under development as part of the Ph.D. in Multidisplinary Science.

Bachelor’s Degree
The B.S. in IT was created in 1998 and graduated its first full class of students in May 2002. Currently, there are more than 150 students enrolled. In May 2005, the average starting salary for graduates was $55,000. Nearly all graduates found rewarding employment opportunities or continued on to graduate school. A minor in Information Technology is also available.

Master’s Degree
The M.S. in IT was created in 2000 and graduated its first students a year later. The program is available on the Troy campus, the Hartford campus, and through Education for Working Professionals. Approximately 100 students are enrolled. Starting salaries averaged $61,000 in 2005.

Doctoral Study in IT
Ph.D. opportunities in IT exist across the Rensselaer campus. From engineering and science to management, the humanities and social sciences, and architecture, IT research is one of the two highest research priorities of Rensselaer along with Biotechnology.

The Faculty of IT
The IT degree programs are the responsibility of the Faculty of Information Technology and the Associate Dean of Science and Information Technology. The 76 members of the IT faculty come from the five academic schools at Rensselaer and have joint appointments in IT.