SALT LAKE CITY - Western Governors University (WGU), is now accepting applications for its new M.S. in Information Technology-Network Management degree. The online university's newest degree program, which focuses on leadership and management, is designed for students with IT network training who want to advance their careers. Students may begin coursework in this new degree program on May 1.

The online network management master's degree program is designed to prepare IT professionals to become strategic leaders in the rapidly changing information technology marketplace, providing advanced technical network training as well as communication and managerial skills.

Like all of WGU's accredited, competency-based degree programs, the M.S. IT-Network Management program is built for working adults looking for an educational opportunity that fits with and advances their careers - not one that gets in the way of their busy lives. WGU uses technology to facilitate education in ways that work for individual learners, allowing them to study, complete assignments, and take tests on their schedule and at their pace. Competency-based learning allows students to advance through their programs as soon as they're able to demonstrate mastery of the material - competencies that are defined by academic and industry experts to reflect the latest needs of the marketplace. Because WGU measures learning rather than time spent in class, professionals with knowledge and skills from work and previous college experience can often move through their programs more quickly, saving both time and money.

Key topics and areas of study covered by this new information technology degree are:

Organizational management
Current and emerging technology
Cyberlaw, regulations, and compliance
Risk management
Power, influence, and leadership
Advanced networking technology
Network security challenges
Technical writing
Disaster recovery planning, prevention, and response
Technological globalization
Information technology management

Source: Western Governors University