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Master of Enterprise Architecture inEnterprise Architecture and Business Transformation

Program summary

This online master's program in enterprise architecture and business transformation (EABT) integrates both business strategy and enterprise technical execution. EABT improves organizational efficiency, effectiveness, and agility by delivering holistic business-aligned and digitally focused systems.

100% Online

Complete your Penn State course work at your own pace and 100% online.

Application deadline

Apply by July 1 to start August 26

Credits and costs

33 Credits$1,017 per credit

Nationally Recognized

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Our graduate IT programs are highly ranked by U.S. News & World Report.

Gain Skills to Leverage Technology, Understand Strategy, and Transform Business

  • Design, develop, create, and apply an effective risk strategy across the enterprise.

  • Communicate the value of enterprise architecture with business and technology stakeholders.

  • Think analytically and critically about the application of concepts and methods in enterprise architecture frameworks.

  • Understand the importance of effective modeling and project portfolio management.

  • Operate within the highest ethical values and standards in the management of the enterprise architecture process.

Online Enterprise Architecture Courses

This 33-credit online master’s degree program offers you a comprehensive education in the principles and practice of enterprise architecture by integrating strategic, business, and technology planning methods.

The EABT degree is not focused solely on the technocentric side of enterprise architecture; it is an interdisciplinary degree that covers business and engineering, information sciences, and project/portfolio management, offering you a broader, more comprehensive perspective.  

The program includes courses in:  

  • enterprise architecture foundations 
  • business architecture 
  • information technology architecture 
  • enterprise security and risk architecture 
  • organizational leadership 
  • strategic management 
  • financial management

Up to 10 graduate credits may be transferred into the program from an accredited institution (as permitted by the Graduate School). At least 18 credits must be in courses at the 500 or 800 level, with at least 6 credits at the 500 level. 

Please note that as per the Graduate School transfer credit policy, credits that have been applied toward the degree requirements for a previous degree, whether at Penn State or elsewhere, may not be applied to degree requirements for a graduate degree at Penn State. 

Required Courses (24 credits)

  • 3
    credits

    Focuses on the development and application of business architecture as a holistic discipline that produces a common understanding of the organization that is used to align strategic objectives and tactical initiatives.

  • 3
    credits

    Theoretical foundations and practice of enterprise architecture.

  • 3
    credits

    Theoretical foundations and practice of enterprise modeling.

    • Prerequisite

      EA 871

  • 3
    credits

    This course is intended to provide an exposure to the foundational concepts associated with each of the three primary layers of the enterprise information technology architecture stack: the enterprise applications architecture, the enterprise data architecture, and the enterprise technology infrastructure architecture.

    • Prerequisite

      EA 871

  • 3
    credits

    Analytical skills to produce credible, meaningful answers to critical risk management questions across enterprise architecture layers, including the supply chain.

    • Prerequisite

      EA 871

  • 3
    credits

    Integrating multiple functional business areas to resolve global business problems and improve organizational performance.

Choose 2 courses from the following list:

  • 3
    credits

    Overview of human behavior in organizations, and implications for managing and leading individuals, teams, and organizations.

  • 3
    credits

    Application of techniques available to aid managers in sound financial decision making.

  • 3
    credits

    Addresses the managerial challenge of strategy implementation, particularly by examining the organizational elements that must be drawn into line to support a strategy, as well as the immense difficulties of changing an organization. Relies on two overarching frameworks: a model of organizational alignment and a model for managing the change process.

Elective Courses (select 6 credits)

Select 6 credits only from the following categories:

Business Architecture

  • 3
    credits

    Surveys emerging trends and disruptors in technology and industry that create new markets and influence decision-making, product development, business models, and business practices associated with innovation.

Project Management

  • 3
    credits

    A problem-based, interdisciplinary course in project management skills and techniques needed to manage projects in a modern business environment.

  • 3
    credits

    A problem-based course that emphasizes project cost control and teaches students to apply techniques to control projects in business.

    • Prerequisite or concurrent

      MANGT 510

  • 3
    credits

    An examination of organizational theories and processes of organizational behavior.

  • 3
    credits

    A problem-based course that focuses on linking projects to overall corporate strategy.

    • Prerequisite or concurrent

      MANGT 510

Security Architecture

  • 3
    credits

    Essential skills and knowledge for effectively utilizing networks and internet technologies to facilitate, manage, and secure data communications and applications.

  • 3
    credits

    This graduate course improves understanding in an organizational setting of the principles and practices of cyber forensics as well as the management of information security.

  • 3
    credits

    This course provides theoretical and applied foundations of information security and assurance.

Supply Chain

  • 3
    credits

    Introduction to the core concepts of the strategic supply chain management framework, including process orientation, a systems viewpoint, intra-frim coordination, and extended enterprise collaboration.

  • 3
    credits

    Performance metrics used in supply chain management, both within the enterprise and across the extended enterprise.

    • Prerequisite or concurrent

      SCM 800

  • 3
    credits

    An overview of the strategic role that supply management has in effective supply, demand, and value chain operations.

    • Prerequisite

      SCM 801

  • 3
    credits

    Planning strategies for managing manufacturing and service operations within supply chains.

    • Prerequisite

      SCM 801

Culminating Experience (select 3 credits)

  • 3
    credits

    Students are trained to identify a specific problem within a general topic area, frame a research question, conduct a literature review, and develop a research plan to collect and analyze data. Then students continue by implementing the research plan, actually collecting and analyzing a small amount of data, and presenting results in a formal research paper.

  • 3
    credits

    Develops additional capabilities for leading, communicating, and implementing enterprise architecture.

Course Availability

If you're ready to see when your courses will be offered, visit our public LionPATH course search (opens in new window) to start planning ahead.

Start or Advance Your Career

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One of the many advantages of enterprise architecture is its application to a host of positions and opportunities. You can use the knowledge gained from this program and the support of Penn State career resources to pursue careers in a variety of fields, depending on your goals.


Job Titles Related to This Degree

Although enterprise architecture is seen in many organizations, EABT is responding to a rapid change in business demands on technology, and many career paths are emerging for enterprise architects. The following roles are often held by people with this type of degree:

  • Business Systems Analyst
  • Computer Systems Analyst
  • Information Architect
  • Information Systems Director (IS Director)

Employment Outlook for Occupational Fields Related to This Degree

Estimates of employment growth and total employment are provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and are subject to change. While these occupations are often pursued by graduates with this degree, individual outcomes may vary depending on a variety of factors. Penn State World Campus cannot guarantee employment in a given occupation.

Computer and Information Systems Managers

15.4%
employment growth (10 years)
533,220
total employment

Computer Systems Analysts

9.6%
employment growth (10 years)
505,210
total employment

Database Architects

10%
employment growth (10 years)
62,470
total employment

Career Services to Set You Up for Success

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From the day you're accepted as a student, you can access resources and tools provided by Penn State World Campus Career Services to further your career. These resources are beneficial whether you're searching for a job or advancing in an established career.

  • Opportunities to connect with employers
  • Career counselor/coach support
  • Occupation and salary information
  • Internships
  • Graduate school resources 

Ready to Learn More?

Get the resources you need to make informed decisions about your education. Request information on this program and other programs of interest by completing this form.

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Ready to take the next step toward your Penn State master's degree?

Apply by July 1 to start August 26. How to Apply 

Costs and Financial Aid

Learn about this program's tuition, fees, scholarship opportunities, grants, payment options, and military benefits.

Costs and Financial Aid

Graduate Tuition

Graduate tuition is calculated based on the number of credits for which you register. Tuition is due shortly after each semester begins and rates are assessed every semester of enrollment.

2023–24 Academic Year Rates

Tuition rates for the fall 2023, spring 2024, and summer 2024 semesters.

How many credits do you plan to take per semester?Cost
11 or fewer$1,017 per credit
12 or more$12,203 per semester

2024–25 Academic Year Rates

Tuition rates for the fall 2024, spring 2025, and summer 2025 semesters.

How many credits do you plan to take per semester?Cost
11 or fewer$1,027 per credit
12 or more$12,325 per semester

Financial Aid and Military Benefits

Some students may qualify for financial aid. Take the time to research financial aid, scholarships, and payment options as you prepare to apply. Military service members, veterans, and their spouses or dependents should explore these potential military education benefits and financial aid opportunities, as well.

Earn a Valuable Credential along the Way

A figure walking on a path that includes a certificate part of the way through their progress

Show mastery of specific subjects before your degree is complete. Thanks to shared courses across programs, students can often earn a certificate along with their degree in less time than if they earned them separately.

Certificate Programs Related to This Degree

Many courses in the master’s program may be double counted toward requirements for one or more graduate certificates. This allows you to add a respected credential to your résumé faster and begin to recoup your educational investment sooner.

The following certificates can be earned while completing this degree program:

Gain the expertise to align your organization's higher-level strategic objectives with tactical enterprise-level projects and technology initiatives to improve overall effectiveness and efficiency. This program is recognized by the Business Architecture Guild.

Learn more about the Graduate Certificate in Business Architecture

Develop a unique skill set that incorporates business, strategy, and the technology that powers it. This online graduate certificate program can provide you with the expertise to make strategic decisions and create IT solutions that solve complex business challenges.

Learn more about the Graduate Certificate in Enterprise Architecture

Gain advanced knowledge of enterprise information security technology, gap analysis, migration planning, and network strategy with this online enterprise information and security technology architecture certificate program.

Learn more about the Graduate Certificate in Enterprise Information and Security Technology Architecture

Who Should Apply?

The master's in EABT is designed for experienced professionals currently working in the IT field who are responsible for, or will be responsible for, business strategy and vision. If you want to enhance your professional competencies, advance your career, and position yourself to take on greater roles, this program is an excellent choice for you.

A successful applicant should have a minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience and a bachelor's degree in information technology, business, or engineering; bachelor's degrees from other disciplines may also be accepted, depending on professional experience.

Use Enterprise Architecture (EA) to Bring Value to Your Organization

EA continues to evolve from its roots in information technology management to a strategic discipline for the entire enterprise. EA prepares experienced IT and enterprise architecture professionals for leadership in transformative business strategies.

Today, enterprise architecture is recognized as a critical enabler of business transformation and has evolved into a bridge that links business strategy with tactical execution. 

The EA approach produces several things of value to the organization: 

  • a clear understanding of the strategic requirements of the enterprise 
  • models of the future state, which illustrate what the enterprise should look like across all viewpoints in support of the business strategy 
  • a road map of the change initiatives required to reach that future state 
  • the requirements, principles, standards, and guidelines that will steer the implementation of change initiatives 

The successful EABT professional needs to integrate strategic, business, and technological planning methods with an ability to understand, analyze, justify, and communicate the solution to enterprise architecture problems.

Set Your Own Pace

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Whether you are looking to finish your program as quickly as possible or balance your studies with your busy life, Penn State World Campus can help you achieve your education goals. Many students take one or two courses per semester.

Our online courses typically follow a 12- to 15-week semester cycle, and there are three semesters per year (spring, summer, and fall). If you plan to take a heavy course load, you should expect your course work to be your primary focus and discuss your schedule with your academic adviser. 

To Finish Your Degree in One to Two Years

  • Take 3–4 courses each semester

To Finish Your Degree in Two to Three Years

  • Take 2–3 courses each semester 

To Finish Your Degree in Three to Four Years

  • Take 1 course each semester

Convenient Online Format

This program's convenient online format gives you the flexibility you need to study around your busy schedule. You can skip the lengthy commute without sacrificing the quality of your education and prepare yourself for more rewarding career opportunities without leaving your home.

A Trusted Leader in Online Education

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Penn State has a history of more than 100 years of distance education, and World Campus has been a leader in online learning for more than two decades. Our online learning environment offers the same quality education that our students experience on campus.

How to Apply to Penn State

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Apply by July 1 to start August 26

Application Instructions

Deadlines and Important Dates

Complete your application and submit all required materials by the appropriate deadline. Your deadline will depend on the semester you plan to start your courses.

  • Fall Deadline

    Apply by July 1 to start August 26
  • Spring Deadline

    Apply by November 1 to start January 13

Steps to Apply

  1. For admission to the Graduate School, an applicant must hold either (1) a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or (2) a tertiary (postsecondary) degree that is deemed comparable to a four-year bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution. This degree must be from an officially recognized degree-granting institution in the country in which it operates.

    GPA — All applicants are expected to have earned a junior/senior grade point average of 3.0 or higher. A minimum of 2 years relevant work experience is recommended. Successful applicants are expected to have an overall GPA of 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale) or higher for their undergraduate study (and/or graduate-level studies). However, accomplishments demonstrated through work experience and recommendation letters from an applicant's academic adviser or employer will also play an important role in the admission decision. A minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience, related security certifications, or completion of the introductory course pathway is recommended.

  2. You will need to upload the following items as part of your application:

    Official transcripts from each institution attended, regardless of the number of credits or semesters completed. Transcripts not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation. Penn State alumni do not need to request transcripts for credits earned at Penn State, but must list Penn State as part of your academic history. If you are admitted, you will be asked to send an additional official transcript. You will receive instructions at that time.

    Test Scores — GRE test scores are not required and will not be accepted as part of your application.

    English Proficiency — The language of instruction at Penn State is English. With some exceptions, international applicants must take and submit scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Minimum test scores and exceptions are found in the English Proficiency section on the Graduate School's "Requirements for Graduate Admission" page. Visit the TOEFL website for testing information. Penn State's institutional code is 2660.

    References (2) — You will need to initiate the process through the online application by entering names, email addresses, and mailing addresses of two professional contacts. Upon submission of your application, an email will be sent to each contact requesting they complete a brief online recommendation regarding your commitment for success in an online program. Please inform all recommenders that they must submit the form in order for your application to be complete.

    Program-Specific Questions/Materials

    Résumé — Upload your résumé to the online application.

    Program-specific questions — Please submit your responses with your application.

    Original Statement of Written Expression — Please include a brief sample illustrating your writing skills, organization and clarity, critical thinking, and consistent use of citations and references. This may be extracted from a previous academic paper (e.g., class essay, dissertation, thesis, journal article, capstone project, or research paper) or work-related report (e.g., white papers, policy briefs, news articles, and grant applications). If part of a group report, only include the part for which you were responsible and/or include a note explaining the document’s context and authorship. As a suggested length, limit your sample to less than ten pages, double-spaced. At the top of each page, please indicate "WRITING SAMPLE," along with your name, numbering each page.

    Statement of Interest — Please include a written personal statement in your application to share information that you deem important to your candidacy. Be sure to include why you are a qualified applicant and how this degree will assist you in meeting your future career goals. You may wish to describe aspects of your background and interests — intellectual, personal, and/or professional — and how you will uniquely contribute to the IST community and/or the related professions. As a suggested length, limit your statement to one or two pages, double-spaced. At the top of each page, please indicate "STATEMENT OF INTEREST," along with your name, numbering each page.

  3. To begin the online application, you will need a Penn State account.

    Create a New Penn State Account

    If you have any problems during this process, contact an admissions counselor at [email protected].

    Please note: Former Penn State students may not need to complete the admissions application or create a new Penn State account. Please visit our Returning Students page for instructions.

  4. You can begin your online application at any time. Your progress within the online application system will be saved as you go, allowing you to return at any point as you gather additional information and required materials.

    • Choose Enrollment Type: "Degree Admission"
    • Choose "WORLD CAMPUS" as the campus

    Checking Your Status 
    You can check the status of your application by using the same login information established for the online application form. 

    Technical Requirements  
    Review the technical requirements for this degree program. 

  5. 5. Complete the application.

Admissions Help

If you have questions about the admissions process, contact an admissions counselor at [email protected].

Admission to the Master of Enterprise Architecture in Enterprise Architecture and Business Transformation program is competitive. A faculty-led admissions committee considers all submitted materials and makes admissions decisions based on the strength of the candidate's credentials. Limited spaces are available.

Contact Us

Customer service representative wearing a headset

Have questions or want more information? We're happy to talk.

To learn more about the Master of Enterprise Architecture in Enterprise Architecture and Business Transformation, please contact:

Chrissie Fitzgerald
Graduate Programs Manager
College of Information Sciences and Technology
The Pennsylvania State University
E108 Westgate Building
University Park, PA 16802
[email protected]

For general questions about Penn State World Campus, please contact:

World Campus Admissions Counselors
Phone: 814-863-5386
[email protected]

Learn from the Best

The Master of Enterprise Architecture in Enterprise Architecture and Business Transformation is offered in partnership with the Penn State College of Information Sciences and Technology, which is a leader among an emerging group in higher education known as i-schools, or information schools.

Your faculty members in this online program are the same faculty who teach our respected on-campus programs. They are a diverse group of thought leaders from many fields, including business, information science, computer science, engineering, psychology, chemistry, and artificial intelligence.

Faculty

  • Forrest Briscoe

    • Degree
      Ph.D., Management, MIT Sloan
    • Degree
      B.A., Harvard College

    Forrest Briscoe is a professor of management and a Frank and Mary Jean Smeal Research Fellow in the Penn State Smeal College of Business. He teaches courses in strategic management, business ethics, social entrepreneurship, and organizational theory. His research examines strategic decision-making in relation to a variety of topics, including corporate stakeholders, workforce management, resource allocation, social responsibility, and data governance.

  • Brian H. Cameron

    • Degree
      Ph.D., Learning and Performance Management Systems, Penn State
    • Degree
      MBA, Penn State
    • Degree
      B.S., Computer Science, Shippensburg University

    Dr. Brian H. Cameron is the associate dean for Professional Graduate Programs and a clinical professor of information systems in the Penn State Smeal College of Business. Dr. Cameron is also the founding director of the Center for Enterprise Architecture in the Penn State College of Information Sciences and Technology and the founding president of the Federation of Enterprise Architecture Professional Organizations (FEAPO). He has worked with a wide portfolio of companies on a variety of consulting engagements, ranging from systems integration projects to enterprise and business architecture planning and design. Dr. Cameron has consulted with Accenture, AT&T Wireless, Avaya, Boeing, EMC Corp., Lockheed Martin, NSA, Oracle, Raytheon, U.S. Marine Corps, and many others. He has served on the boards and working committees of several international professional organizations and journals and is a special academic adviser to the Business Architecture Guild. Dr. Cameron’s current research focus is effective value measurement for enterprise and business architecture.

  • Neil Efrom

    • Degree
      M.S., Business Technology, Marymount University
    • Degree
      B.S., Industrial Management, Carnegie Mellon University

    Mr. Neil Efrom is the acting co-department head for MITRE's Enterprise Transition Planning and Execution department. He has more than 25 years of experience in business process re-engineering and enterprise architecture projects for commercial companies and government organizations.

  • Edward J. Glantz

    • Degree
      Ph.D., Information Sciences and Technology, Penn State
    • Degree
      MBA, Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania
    • Degree
      B.S., Mechanical Engineering, Penn State
    • Degree
      B.A., General Arts and Science, Penn State

    Dr. Edward J. Glantz, P.E., has been with the College of IST faculty since 2009. Prior to joining IST, Dr. Glantz served 10 years as a faculty member of Penn State's Smeal College of Business. His career spans more than 20 years of managing technology, research, and marketing in the manufacturing and telecommunication industries, including startup work.

  • David Hollar

    • Degree
      M.S., Computer Science, Rochester Institute of Technology
    • Degree
      B.S., Computer Science, Lenoir-Rhyne University

    David Hollar is a principal enterprise architect for the MITRE Corporation’s Enterprise Strategy & Transformation Innovation Center, providing advice and guidance to senior executives within the federal government. He has more than 25 years of experience working with federal government and private industry on system development, enterprise architecture, and transition planning and execution. His areas of interest and expertise also include enterprise transformation, technology strategy, and risk analysis.

  • Carla D. Kendrick

    • Degree
      Ph.D., Organization and Management, Capella University
    • Degree
      M.A., Computer Resource Management, Webster University
    • Degree
      B.A., Communications, University of Alabama

    Dr. Carla D. Kendrick is an adjunct instructor with the Penn State College of Information Sciences and Technology. She is also a principal enterprise architect with The MITRE Corporation. Her career spans more than 37 years of providing advice and guidance for senior executives in establishing and using enterprise architecture (EA), systems engineering principles, management strategies, strategic planning, organization management, and program management.

  • Jerry Krawczyk

    • Degree
      M.S., Environmental Sciences, Johns Hopkins University
    • Degree
      B.A., Mathematical Sciences, University of California, Santa Barbara
    • Degree
      B.A., Mathematical Economics, University of California, Santa Barbara

    Jerry Krawczyk is an enterprise technology leader at Penn State with more than 20 years of experience dedicated to higher education with a focus on enabling institutional transformation. Jerry is a recognized leader for holistically assessing institutional needs, organizational/financial constraints, and information technology solutions to deliver services supporting the university’s strategic priorities. Further, he is an engaged leader with a passion for team-building, staff development, and organizational transformation.

  • Jeffrey A. Krug

    • Degree
      MLE, Institute for Management and Leadership in Education, Harvard University
    • Degree
      Ph.D., Strategic Management, Indiana University Bloomington
    • Degree
      M.S., International Business, Penn State
    • Degree
      B.A., Economics, Penn State

    Dr. Jeffrey A. Krug is an adjunct professor of management in the Smeal College of Business, where he teaches courses in strategic management, leadership, and innovation & technology. His research focuses on corporate strategy, mergers and acquisitions (M&As), global strategy, and the effects of M&As on acquired top management teams.

  • Kyle Leibenguth

    • Degree
      MBA, Penn State
    • Degree
      M. Finance, Penn State
    • Degree
      B.S., Louisiana State University

    Kyle Leibenguth is an instructor for the Penn State Smeal College of Business Online MBA and Professional Graduate Programs. Kyle is an industry professional in manufacturing, specifically project finance, project management, engineering, and operations. His focus areas include program management for a team of project engineers, capital budgeting, and project controls.

  • Anna Levy

    • Degree
      Ph.D., Information Sciences and Technology, Penn State
    • Degree
      M.S., Information Sciences and Technology, Penn State
    • Degree
      MLS, Library and Information Sciences, Pratt Institute School of Information
    • Degree
      B.A., Library Science and Bibliography, Moscow State University of Culture and Arts

    Dr. Anna Levy has been an instructor for the College of IST and World Campus since 2014. Prior to joining IST, Dr. Levy served 8 years as an adjunct faculty member of Queen College Graduate School of Library and Information Studies (CUNY). Her career spans more than 30 years of conducting library and academic research, including work as a reference librarian and a bibliographer. Dr. Levy’s primary research interests include e-government research at the municipal level, public administration, and town-gown relations, particularly focusing on the analysis of the impacts of social media and mobile technology on local governance in the information age.

  • Celeste Newcomb

    • Degree
      MBA, Business (International Business, Health Care), Johns Hopkins University
    • Degree
      B.A., History

    Celeste Newcomb is an instructor of management and organization in the Penn State Smeal College of Business. Until 2021, she served as an affiliate faculty member in the College of Nursing and the College of Health and Human Development's Health Policy and Administration Department. She has more than 15 years of experience working in management and health care.

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Ready to take the next step toward your Penn State master's degree?

Apply by July 1 to start August 26. How to Apply