One student’s roadmap to earning his master’s degree

As the first in his family to attend university, Moses Lahai ’26 didn’t have a road map to guide him. So he created one himself.

Through accelerated programs at TU, Lahai jump-started his master's degree in applied information technology during his undergraduate career. He’s using what he’s learned at TU to blend his passions for computer science and the arts. Now Lahai is well on his way to earning his advanced degree in a shorter timeframe.

Accelerated programs enable Tigers to immerse themselves in a field of study they’re passionate about while paying undergraduate tuition for graduate-level or certificate courses. 

“I really value education. I’m the first person in my family to attend college, and I’m part of the first Black fraternity in the nation,” Lahai says. “So many of my line brothers have master’s degrees—pursuing one just felt right.”

Building blocks of a dream 

Lahai always had a curiosity for technology. When he was growing up, computer parts were frequently found around his house. When his cousin got him into building computers, Lahai was hooked.

Midway through his senior year of high school, he built his first computer solo and taught himself graphic design—which soon turned into his gig as the graphic designer and photographer for his school’s newspaper.

Lovingly deemed a renaissance man by his friends, Lahai is always finding ways to expand his skillsets. As he began his journey at TU, he created avenues to fuse his passions for technology and photography—and he’s remained true to that commitment throughout his undergraduate career and accelerated program experience.

Staying ahead of the game

Through his involvement with student organizations, The Lab, Money & Minorities, the StarTUp, and the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Lahai was inspired by friends pursuing additional higher education opportunities.

“I really value education, and I knew I wanted to pursue a master’s degree because knowledge is power,” he says.

The biggest advantages of accelerated programs are time and experience. I was able to take up to 9 graduate credits as an undergrad. That saved me at least a semester.

MOSES LAHAI 26'

Lahai learned about TU’s accelerated programs early as an undergraduate information technology major. After encouragement from a friend, he met with Cheryl Thomas Brown, program director for the master’s in applied information technology program, to learn more. She helped him craft a structured, individualized program that aligned with his major and put him on track to apply to the program.

“The biggest advantages of accelerated programs are time and experience,” Lahai says. “I was able to take up to 9 credits of graduate coursework as an undergrad. That saved me at least a semester.”

TU offers 50+ options across all six colleges and, by taking an accelerated program, students have fewer master’s credits to complete after earning their bachelor’s degrees. They are immediately several steps closer to their next professional or academic goal.

“It’s a much easier transition from undergrad to grad through the program,” Lahai adds. “You already know what to expect at a graduate level, and you’ve met most of the faculty.”

Blending STEM and the arts for good

Lahai is living proof that passions for STEM and the arts can be beautifully married to innovate both worlds. While pursuing his bachelor’s degree via an accelerated pathway, Lahai dedicated himself to the TU and greater Baltimore communities through creative and networking support.

In fall 2024—in collaboration with fellow Tigers Elijah Brantley and Jephthah Dzinedza—Lahai and his peers established TU’s first official multimedia services student organization, The Lab.

“We’re essentially a one-stop shop for anyone who wants to make a campaign of their own,” Lahai says.

Through connections made in The Lab, Lahai hosted his first photography exhibition, “Take me to Free Town,” in the Center for the Arts on campus. The exhibit expressed his interpretation of 90s culture in Sierra Leone, in collaboration with Baltimore-based Sierra Leonean models and fashion designers.

Hosting his first exhibit further reinforced the power of creativity, networking and the refusal to remain in one lane.

Though he's passed the torch on to the next class of visionaries in The Lab, Lahai's journey at TU continues as his passions for technology and multimedia light the way to his master's degree.