Masters in Information Systems

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Information Systems is a technically-oriented degree that conveys a deeper understanding of technology in a business context. It allows students from any background to increase their technical expertise in Information Technology and Information Systems.

Graduates with a Master of Science in Information Systems would qualify for job opportunities in several areas:

In addition to these and other job opportunities, graduates who wish to progress to a Ph.D. in Information Systems will have a solid foundation of coursework and a good exposure to Information Systems research.

Curriculum (33 Credit Hours)

Information Systems Core (9 Credits)

All students enrolled in the M.S. in Information System will complete three core courses:

Concentration (12 Credits)

Students, when applying to the program, choose one of four concentration options:

Cybersecurity Management

This concentration focuses on defending physical and virtual information assets. It features the following courses:

CSCI 5460 - Network and Information Security
CSCI 5470 - Cyber Risk Governance
CSCI 5480 - Cybersecurity Analytics
CSCI 5607 - Information Risk Management

Data Analytics

This concentration focuses on managing, manipiulating, and presenting data to gain business advantages. It features the following courses:

Information Management

This concentration focuses on managing information assets. It includes a case study on information systems in healthcare. It features the following courses:

User Experience Engineering

This concentration focuse on developing effective and usable user interfaces for websites and other applications. It features the following courses:

Electives (6 Credits)

Students may choose two additional 5xxx courses with advisor approval. No more than 3 courses in the degree's program of study may be designated 5xx7.

Capstone Experience (6 Credits)

Students must choose one of the following capstone sequences.

Independent Computing Project

This capstone allows students to complete a project under an advisor's mentorship. It includes two required courses:

CSCI 5900 - Independent Study
CSCI 5950 - Independent Computing Project

Information Systems Project

This capstone immerses students in a group effort to initiate, design, develop, test, and deliver a software product. It includes two required courses:

CSCI 5915 - Information Systems Project 1
CSCI 5925 - Information Systems Project 2

Thesis

This capstone allows students to research a topic under an advisor's mentorship. It includes two required courses:

Additionally, thesis students are encouraged to devote an initial independent study to their theses.

All students must complete a presentation to their advisor and committee members. Consult with the department for more information about the presentation.

Delivery Format

The M.S.I.S. may be completed by taking courses in-person, online, or a combination of the two. In-person course offerings will normally be evening courses to allow maximum flexibility for participation.

Admission Criteria

In addition to admission policies established by the Graduate School, all applicants must submit the following:

Undergraduate transcripts that show the equivalent of an overall GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Three letters of recommendation that address the applicant’s academic ability, professional maturity, and communication skills.
A personal essay that discusses the applicant’s reason for pursuing the M.S. in Information Systems.
A curriculum vitae, detailing any IT-related work experience.

In addition to these criteria, international applicants must demonstrate English proficiency as specified by Graduate School Admission Policies.

Applicants will be evaluated for admission based on evidence of preparedness for graduate study in information systems, as attested to by academic performance and/or professional experience. Such evidence could include (e.g.) post-secondary coursework and/or business experience in any of the following:

For all four concentrations:
- systems and software development, including analysis and design
- courses that feature mathematics at the level of probability and statistics, calculus, and/or discrete mathematics, or beyond

For specific concentrations:
- Data Analytics concentration: data management and analysis
- User Experience concentration: art, particularly graphic design
- Information Management and Cybersecurity Management concentrations: IT-related fields, management, marketing, computer security

The GRE is not required for admission to this program.

Department of Computing