Department of Computing

College of Business and Technology

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 presents concerns related to the defense of an organization’s physical and virtual information assets. It features the following courses:

 

Data Analytics

This concentration presents strategies for using data to gain business advantages, through inspecting and cleaning data, using programming to analyze and visualize data, and using the resulting information to make effective decisions. It features the following courses:

Information Management

This concentration introduces students to managing an organization's information assets, including storing data and presenting it to consumers. The concentration includes a case study in the use of information systems in healthcare. It features the following courses:

User Experience Engineering

This concentration presents strategies for developing effective and usable user interfaces for websites and other applications. Topics include information architecture, human-computer interaction, consumer behavior in online environments, and web analytics, including search engine optimization. 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. All students must pass a final oral examination by completing a presentation to their advisor and committee members. Consult with the department for more information about the presentation.

Independent Computing Project

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

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: 

Thesis

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

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

 

 

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 College of Graduate and Continuing Studies, all applicants will be evaluated based on the following factors:

  1. Academic performance and/or professional experience. Academic and professional preparation in information systems or a computing field is helpful but not required. Students without previous coursework in information systems or information technology may be admitted provisionally.
  2. Three letters of recommendation that evaluate the applicant’s academic ability, professional maturity, and communication skills.
  3. A personal essay that discusses the applicant’s reason for pursuing the M.S. in Information Systems.

International Applicants: Demonstration of English proficiency as specified by the College of Graduate and Continuing Studies Admission Policies is required, together with an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale).

The GRE is not required for admission to this program.

 

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