The Future of Higher Education: What Makes the IT Master's Program at FERNFH Special?
The Master’s program in Information Technology at Ferdinand Porsche FERNFH not only offers flexibility through its blended learning model but also specifically prepares students for the challenges of the digital future. Find out exactly how in this interview with program director Martin Setnicka, BA, MA, MSc, PhD.
The IT Master’s program is designed to be pursued while working and is based on a blended-learning model that combines online phases with a few, scheduled in-person sessions. This allows students to organize their study time flexibly while focusing on practical knowledge. In addition, FERNFH offers a high degree of customization in all its degree programs through elective and individualized courses, as well as optional specializations.
Martin Setnicka, program director, explains:“Students can tailor their education to their interests and career goals through various specializations.”The program offers a wide range of specializations, from data science to cybersecurity to sustainable IT architectures, which help students prepare for the digital future.
IT Trends: What Will Be Important in the Future?
In particular, the program’s focus on artificial intelligence (AI)—a topic currently dominating academic discourse—is, in the program director’s view, highly relevant to a well-rounded and future-oriented higher education in the field of IT: “AI is no longer just a buzzword. Here, students not only learn how to use AI, but also understand how it works.” Otherimportant topics integrated into the program include cybersecurity (ethical hacking and protection against AI attacks), cloud and edge computing (IT architectures of the future), and resilience and sustainability (green IT and the twin transition).
Practical Focus and Programming: How Practical Is the Program?
The practical component of the program varies depending on the specialization. For fields such as data science or web engineering, programming and the use of IT tools are central components of the program. Students who focus on sustainable IT or resilience work more with concepts and strategic analyses. “It’s about understanding and further developing IT technologies. Whether or not programming is involved depends on the individual’s area of focus,”says Setnicka.Students learn not only to use existing solutions but also to develop new technologies themselves.
Future Prospects: Which specializations are in particularly high demand?
The master's program offers five forward-looking specializations: Business Informatics | Data Science & AI | Web Software Engineering & E-Commerce Technology | Security | Resilience & Sustainability.
According to Setnicka, data science & AI, IT security, and sustainable IT will be in particularly high demand in the future.“All five specializations are relevant for the future. Companies need secure, intelligent, and resource-efficient solutions—and that’s exactly where this degree program comes in.”
What's the biggest IT cliché that just isn't true?
“IT is for men.” A common stereotype is that IT is only for men.Setnicka disagrees:“There are still fewer women in IT, but that’s not due to a lack of talent or interest. The industry needs diverse perspectives. Women are playing an increasingly important role, especially in fields such as data science, UX design, cybersecurity, and AI.”As the number of female role models in IT grows, so does the acceptance of women in technical professions.
Career Opportunities and Alumni Success Stories
The IT master’s program at FERNFH opens the door to a wide range of career opportunities. Graduates find success in roles such as IT project manager, data scientist, or IT security expert. “Our graduates are well-prepared for the demands of the digital world, and thanks to their hands-on training and leadership skills, they have excellent prospects for leadership positions,”explains Setnicka.
The Fascination of IT and Tips for Students
“What fascinates me about IT is the speed at which the industry is evolving. New technologies, solutions, and opportunities are constantly emerging,”says Setnicka. He has an important piece of advice for students:“The ability to quickly familiarize yourself with new technologies and adapt to change is crucial. In the fast-paced world of IT, it’s essential to recognize new developments early on and understand their relevance.”
You can find more information about the master's program here:Master's in Information Technology
