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master of science in applied technology (MSAT)

The Master of Science in Applied Technology (MSAT) equips professionals to design, implement, and manage technology solutions across education, business, health, government, and non‑profit settings. The program emphasizes real‑world problem solving, evidence‑based practice, and leadership in technology‑rich organizations.

Practice‑Focused. Career‑Ready.

  • Flexible delivery: Courses are offered face‑to‑face and online (asynchronous/synchronous), with a working‑professional friendly pace.
  • Hands‑on learning: Projects, a 200‑hour practicum, and a culminating research & development experience ensure you build a portfolio employers value.
  • Modern stack: Coursework spans instructional design, digital media, networking, information systems, assistive tech, cybersecurity awareness, and legal/ethics in tech.

What You Can Expect

Through close faculty mentorship, interdisciplinary coursework, and applied research and studio‑style labs, candidates develop the skills to architect secure, user‑centered technology solutions; manage IT and data initiatives; and lead change in technology‑rich organizations. You’ll complete a 200‑hour practicum and a research‑and‑development capstone, graduating ready to drive digital transformation across K–12, higher education, government, nonprofit, and industry.

Where Graduates Go

Network Engineer • Systems/Network Administrator • Technology Specialist • Court Technology Administrator • Production Control Specialist • Higher Education Administrator • Admissions/Student Success roles • Web Developers • Graduate study (Ed.D./Ph.D.)

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to:

  1. Apply technical and pedagogical knowledge to analyze problems and engineer solutions in diverse, fast‑changing technology contexts.
  2. Model high ethical standards in personal and professional communities.
  3. Engage in continuous professional learning and leadership in technology.
  4. Connect theory, practical applications, and entrepreneurial thinking to deliver impact.

 

Curriculum at a Glance — 33 Credit Hours

Core (21 hours)

  • APT 501 Instructional Design System (3)
  • APT 503 Graphic Design Principles (3)
  • APT 505 Organization & Administration of Information Technology (3)
  • APT 508 Networking Administration & Maintenance (3)
  • APT 509 Management Information Systems (3)
  • APT 591 Practicum in Applied Technology (3)
  • APT 592 Research & Development in Applied Technology (3)

General Track (12 hours)

  • APT 502 Distance Technologies (3)
  • APT 504 Production of Digital Media (3)
  • APT 507 Assistive Technology (3)
  • APT 510 Legal Issues in Applied Technology (3)

Program Total: 33 hours. Students complete a comprehensive exam and successfully defend a final project. The General Track includes a supervised 200‑hour practicum.

Signature Learning Experiences

  • APT 591 Practicum (3 cr.) — Supervised, field‑based experience (200 hours) aligning theory with practice; includes weekly reflections and artifacts.
  • APT 592 Research & Development (3 cr.) — Culminating project integrating program competencies; produce a major product, scholarly paper, and presentation.

Course Highlights (selected)

  • APT 508 Networking Administration & Maintenance — Hands‑on systems and network administration, fundamentals through security and troubleshooting using contemporary tools and virtual labs.
  • APT 505 Organization & Administration of IT — Strategic management of IT resources, organizational structures, and decision‑support for performance improvement.
  • APT 504 Production of Digital Media — Digital imaging, audio, video, and web; build a professional portfolio.
  • APT 503 Graphic Design Principles — Visual communication, typography, and brand identity across print and digital deliverables.
  • APT 510 Legal Issues in Applied Technology — Intellectual property, privacy, cybersecurity, and ethics for tech‑enabled workplaces.

Modality & Learning Technologies

  • Primary LMS: Canvas.
  • Online sections are designed for strong instructor presence, clear milestones, and timely feedback.

Progression & Program Policies (summary)

  • Good standing: Maintain a 3.0 GPA in graduate coursework.
  • Course grades: A grade of C or below in any APT course must be repeated at the next offering.
  • Milestones: Apply for Admission to Candidacy after 12 hours; register for the Comprehensive Exam in your final semester.

Refer to the Graduate School for complete policies (time limits, leaves of absence, continuous enrollment, and graduation procedures).

Faculty Name Title Interest Area(s)

 Kenley Obas

 Assistant Professor

 Applied technology leadership, networking and AI
 Janae M. Whitfield  Adjunct Faculty Instructional Design
 Benjamin Henry  Adjunct Faculty Organization Theory and Design

Contact

Instructional Support Programs
College of Education, ÂÜÀòÊÓƵ
Ralph Abernathy Hall
Phone: 334‑229‑6829
Graduate School: 334‑229‑4275