Home » Professional Development & Continuing Education » IT Executives Program

Professional Development & Continuing EducationIT Executives Program

Comprehensive executive-level leadership training for IT leaders in the government, public & private sector.

Program & Events Centers & Institutes Sponsorship Certification Programs Upcoming Events

Class Location/Format

**The 2024-2025 IT Leaders – IT Executives Program will be delivered VIRTUALLY*, via Microsoft Teams – with live presenters and facilitators.**

*While we are planning an all-virtual format, there may be a potential opportunity for a few select in-person sessions and/or networking opportunities throughout the program, for those who are able to attend in-person at Harrisburg University. Those who are not local or choose to not attend in-person will still be able to attend all sessions virtually. More information and details will be provided to program participants when/if we are able to hold any “hybrid” sessions during the course of the program.

About the Course

The IT Executives (ITE) Program targets the unique challenges experienced by those in the most senior roles, regardless of whether they lead private sector or public sector organizations. Today’s IT Executives require sophisticated skill sets in leadership, strategy, and management. The IT Executives Program immerses IT leaders in a comprehensive study of executive-level issues, including IT strategy and planning, continuity of operations planning (COOP), governance, communications, security, workforce development, and the skills necessary to earn a seat at the executive table.

The IT Executives Program (ITE) is part of the overarching IT Leaders (ITL) Program, which also includes the IT Managers Program. The IT Executives track includes approximately 21 more hours of education than the IT Managers track, with sessions specifically for IT Executives. IT Executives will join IT Managers for their educational part of the program. Combining parts of these programs offers many benefits, including the opportunity for IT Executives and IT Managers to interact during educational sessions, as well as, breaks and lunches. Interaction and collaboration between IT Executives and IT Managers provide a better understanding and perspective of each other’s roles.

Wherever relevant, topics will be addressed in the context of planning and response to unexpected events. Lessons learned from those in class will further enhance the knowledge of ITL attendees.

Target Audience

The IT Executives Program is specifically designed for current and aspiring senior-level IT executives.

Program Benefits

Designates IT professionals with a recognized credential representing essential qualifications for the role of CIO.
Enhances the skills required to lead at the executive level, by focusing on strategy, communications, policy, finance, personnel and emerging technologies.
Provides senior level IT professionals with a venue for peer learning, network building and brainstorming.
Uses an applied strategic project for candidates to demonstrate mastery and produce a tangible product or service to benefit the organization.
Allows IT Executives to hear from thought-leaders and industry experts with expansive knowledge and experience in topics taught as part of the program.
Through the program, current and aspiring senior-level IT Executives earn six (6) college credits that can be applied to a master’s degree at Harrisburg University, a Certificate of Completion, and the opportunity for the Certified Government CIO (CGCIO^TM) designation, in addition to learning to manage the demands of their increasingly complex roles. Harrisburg University will counsel those interested in receiving college credits to ensure they meet all requirements.

Featured Presenters from Past Sessions

President & CEO, Unisys
Global Chief Information Office (CIO, Deloitte
CIO, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
CIO, United States Department of General Services
VP, Global Mobility, CISCO
Chief Information Officer, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Executive Director, Pennsylvania House of Appropriations
Special Agent, Federal Bureau of Investigation
Former Deputy Commissioner, Pennsylvania State Police

Curriculum

The curriculum is designed to address specific issues or challenges routinely associated with leadership required by the organization’s most senior IT Executive.

The curriculum is supplemented by a Capstone Project, whereby IT Executives have an opportunity to apply what is learned through the curriculum.

Learning Methods

The program is comprised of presentations, group exercises, networking, peer learning, and an individual capstone project.

Schedule and Topics Covered

Classes meet two (2) days per month, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm, ET.

Module 1: IT Leader’s Role in the Digital Age
Module 2: Leadership Styles, Emotional Intelligence & Trusting Relationships
Module 3: Business Strategies & Strategic Planning Tools
Module 4: 360 Communications, Negotiation Techniques & Selling Your Ideas
Module 5: Data-Driven Decision Making for Leaders
Module 6: Understanding & Leading Organizational Change / Agile, Lean, & Project Management
Module 7: Continuity of Operations (COOP) / Cybersecurity
Module 8: Digital Organizations, Innovation, & Emerging Technologies
Module 9: Capstone Presentation & Graduation

Pre-Requisites (Qualifications)

To be considered for the IT Executives Program, applicants must be IT Professionals who oversee an IT organization, such as the CIO or IT Director for a for-profit entity, government agency, collective of agencies, local government, school district, or non-profit organization.

Those aspiring to be elevated into an IT leadership position may also be admitted given approval of their sponsor.

Expectations and Class Attendance Policy

Each participant is expected to complete the Capstone project outlined in the “Curriculum” section.

Some sessions will require pre-readings such as articles, case studies, or research. Significant preparation time is not expected, given attendees have a “day job.”

Attendance at a minimum of 90% of the sessions is required.

Certificate of Completion, Credits, PDUs

Certificate
Targeting the unique challenges of public and private IT Executives, graduates of this program will earn two specific credentials including Harrisburg University’s Information Technology Executive Certificate as well as the nationally recognized Certified Government Chief Information Officer (CGCIO™) Certificate.

Credits
Graduates of the course will also be awarded six (6) academic credits that can be applied to a Master’s degree at Harrisburg University.

Professional Development Units (PDUs)
Graduates of the program are eligible for up to 135 Professional Development Units (PDU) through the Project Management Institute (PMI).

Registration Fees and Policies

2023-2024 TUITION FEES*

For-profit organizations (private-sector):$3,495
Non-profit organizations and government (public-sector): $2,945

*Those accepted into the program or their organizations are responsible for the per-participant cost of the program. Tuition fee is not collected at time of application. Accepted applicants of the program will receive a tuition invoice at a later date.

Application Process

Application Deadline: Friday, September 20, 2024

Candidate Application

Candidates will complete an application form to present their learning goals, past experiences, expertise, and knowledge they will bring to the cohort for consideration. [CLICK ON “APPLY NOW” AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE]

Required: Letter of Support/Recommendation
A letter of support/recommendation is also required from the candidate’s supervisor.

Candidates should provide the following information to their supervisor for letter submission:

The letter should include current position and responsibilities of the applicant, along with skills, knowledge, and any special projects for which the applicant is responsible.

The letter should be addressed to “ITE Directors” and emailed to ProfessionalEd@HarrisburgU.edu with the subject line as, “ITE Nomination Letter for [YOUR FIRST AND LAST NAME]”

Note: Your application will not be considered complete until your letter of support/recommendation has been received.

Acceptance Notification

Applicants will be notified whether they have or have not been accepted into the program. At that time, accepted applicants will receive full course details and information on Orientation.

See the specific deadlines under “Next Cohort” at the bottom of the page.

Recent ITE Graduates

Watch the 2023-2024 IT Leaders Certificate Program Graduation Recording

Accepting Applications for the 2024-2025 IT Leaders – IT Executives (ITE) Program are now CLOSED.

If you are interested in applying for a future cohort, please email us at ProfessionalEd@HarrisburgU.edu to be added to our email list to receive updates and announcements.

Format & Location:

The 2024-2025 IT Leaders – IT Executives Program will be delivered VIRTUALLY*, via Microsoft Teams – with live presenters and facilitators.

Class Time:

Class runs from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm, EST/EDT

Application deadline:

Friday, September 20, 2024

All applications and nomination letters are due by this date.
See the “Application Process” above for detailed information.

Application Status Notification:

On/By Friday, September 27, 2024

All applicants will be notified of their acceptance or non-acceptance into the program by this date

Class Dates

2024-2025 IT Executives (ITE) Cohort Schedule

Module #/Topic	Days	Dates
Orientation	Friday	October 4, 2024
Module 1 – IT Leader’s Role in the Digital Age	Tuesday-Wednesday	October 8-9, 2024
Module 2 – Leadership Styles, Emotional Intelligence & Trusting Relationships	Tuesday-Wednesday	October 29-30, 2024
Module 3 – Business Strategies & Strategic Planning Tools	Tuesday-Wednesday	December 3-4, 2024
Module 4 – 360 Communications, Negotiation Techniques and Selling Your Ideas	Tuesday-Wednesday	January 7-8, 2025
Module 5 – Data-Driven Decision Making for Leaders	Tuesday-Wednesday	February 11-12, 2025
Module 6 – Understanding & Leading Organizational Change / Agile, Lean, and Project Management	Tuesday-Wednesday	March 11-12, 2025
Module 7 – Continuity of Operations (COOP) / Cybersecurity	Tuesday-Wednesday	April 15-16, 2025
Module 8 – Digital Organizations, Innovation, and Emerging Technologies	Tuesday-Wednesday	May 20-21, 2025
ITE/BRM Capstone Presentations ITM Class Project Presentation/ITL Year In Review Session/Graduation	Monday-Friday	Week of June 9-13, 2025

Note: Order of Module topics subject to change, based on speaker availability.

Our Centers and Institutes The Government Technology Institute (GTI)

Harrisburg University’s Government Technology Institute is a driving force in educating IT Leaders, empowering them with increased skills to make “Good Government Great Government.” GTI connects government technology leaders with the expertise of its sponsors, as well as Harrisburg University faculty and advisors. Through its education, training, resources, and networking, Government Technology professionals use GTI to explore and collaborate on successful, cost-effective technology solutions.

Under the leadership of GTI Executive Director Charlie Gerhards, the GTI and its affiliated centers support learning, IT innovation, entrepreneurship, and intergovernmental collaboration that enhance the management, and leadership skills of the government workforce involved in information technology.

Learn More

ADA Statement: HU is committed to providing equal education opportunity and full participation for persons with disabilities. It is HU’s policy that no qualified person be excluded from participating in any HU program or activity, be denied the benefits of any HU program or activity, or otherwise be subject to discrimination regarding any HU program or activity. Should you potentially require an accommodation under the ADA to participate in this program, please email ProfessionalEd@HarrisburgU.edu. Please send your request for an accommodation at least 5 business days in advance of the event or program.