Computers, the internet, software and data are now an ever-present fact of our personal and business lives. We are now in the information age and business leaders need a strong understanding of how information is created, used, moved and protected. Strong IT leaders can be a competitive advantage for businesses. The EMBA- IT program prepares business leaders for managing the impacts of IT on businesses, individuals and society. This program is designed to educate students on the technical, organizational and financial implications of leading an organization. Understanding how IT can support larger business objectives while avoiding the pitfalls of the industry that are so prevalent.
 

The following are the degree objectives for the EMBA IT program:

• An understanding of how an effective IT organization supports the mission and objectives of the company and employees it serves.
• A review of the major technologies currently in use in the IT industry focusing on current development in data networking, processing and storage as well as software applications and software development methods, including emerging developments.
• An appreciation of the benefits and costs of using various technologies to meet the needs of a variety of end- users and businesses.
• Learn the techniques for effectively managing IT projects, including the human aspects of the changes often brought about by IT transformation.
• The critical importance of protecting IT networks and the data it carries and stores. How cyber security has become the biggest threat of our time and ways to protect IT information and the business it supports.
• A broad range of managerial skills including the importance and practice of accounting, finance, marketing, management, and law. Students will learn how to apply these skills in the framework of IT decision making and project analysis
• Exposure to, and analysis of, a variety of strategic options, including financial, technical, value chain, marketing, and organizational dimensions
• An appreciation for the importance of, and boundaries for, ethical management decisions
• Students will also be effective communicators, quantitatively literate, and effective team members and leaders 

Admissions

The general requirements for admission to graduate studies at APU are found in the Admissions section of the catalog. In addition, there are several specific requirements for the EMBA IT program as follows:

1. A current resume demonstrating appropriate managerial experience of two years or more
2. Two letters of recommendation dated within the past year
3. 500-800 word essay outlining personal and professional goals as related to the EMBA program
4. Official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions attended*
5. Completion of admissions interview with program area faculty

*For applicants lacking an appropriate undergraduate degree, at least 60 credits of completed undergraduate work, 5 years of progressively responsible administrative experience, GMAT test with a score of at least at the 50th percentile will be required. Admission of applicants lacking an undergraduate degree will be reported to the Graduate Studies Committee.

Prerequisites

Students are adequately prepared for EMBA-IT entry if they have a bachelor’s degree* in business or a related technical discipline, along with managerial work experience in the telecommunications/information technology sector. Coursework or work experience in accounting, finance, economics, and management, with math competency through algebra and statistics is expected. Students with non-business majors are welcome, and the faculty encourages students with a wide variety of undergraduate experience to apply for admission. If, however, a student’s undergraduate transcript does not indicate adequate preparation in quantitative skills and business, the student may be admitted and required to take some prerequisite courses. Students may also demonstrate that they have acquired prerequisite knowledge through work experience or self-study.