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:
- IT Security Specialist
- Cybersecurity Consultant
- Director of Information Security
- Data Analyst
- Business Intelligence Analyst
- Business Intelligence Developer
- Information Specialist
- Information Systems Manager
- User Experience Designer
- User Experience Manager
- User Experience Architect
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:
- CSCI 5230 - Software Project Management
- CSCI 5520 - Research Methods in Computer Science
- CSCI 5730 - Enterprise Information Systems
Concentration (12 Credits)
Students, when applying to the program, must choose one of four concentration options:
Cybersecurity Management
The Cybersecurity Management concentration ensures students understand cybersecurity concepts before developing strategies to prevent threats to an organization's information. Protecting data that resides in and moves between information systems is vital for any organization, as evidenced by the number of information breaches occurring each year. In addition, students will use analysis techniques to detect particular types of cybersecurity attacks. Coursework includes:
- CSCI 5460 - Network and Information Security
- CSCI 5470 - Cyber Risk Governance
- CSCI 5480 - Cybersecurity Analytics
- CSCI 5607 - Information Risk Management
Data Analytics
The Data Analytics concentration will allow you to develop strategies for using data to gain business advantages, through inspecting and cleaning data, using programming to analyze and visualize data, and using the information gained to make meaningful decisions. Coursework includes:
Information Management
The Information Management concentration introduces students to managing an organization's information assets, including how data are stored and presented to consumers. In addition to a study of strategic leadership, the concentration offers a case study in the use of information systems in the healthcare field. Coursework includes:
- BADM 5230 - Strategic Leadership
- CSCI 5000 - Data Management
- CSCI 5710 - Information Architecture
- CSCI 5847 - Health Information Systems
User Experience Engineering
The User Experience Engineering concentration provides students with a developer-oriented option for studying User Experience (UX) and online
user behavior. User experience engineers blend UX with front-end development to ensure
the presentation of information is usable, stable, and attractive to the end user.
Coursework includes:
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 at the end of their capstone sequence. Consult with the department for more information about the procedures that govern the presentation.
Independent Computing Project
The Independent Computing Project capstone allows students to explore a project idea and complete it under the mentorship of a faculty advisor. Required coursework includes:
- CSCI 5900 - Independent Study
- CSCI 5950 - Independent Computing Project
Information Systems Project
The Information Systems Project capstone gives students an immersive experience in information systems use, analysis, and development lifecycle within a group setting. Students will work together to initiate, design, develop, test, and deliver a large-scale information systems product. Required coursework includes:
- CSCI 5915 - Information Systems Project 1
- CSCI 5925 - Information Systems Project 2
Thesis
This research-oriented capstone allows students who are interested in cutting-edge Information Systems topics to scientifically explore a topic under the mentorship of a faculty advisor. Students in this capstone are encouraged to take CSCI 5900 as an elective during their second semester. Required coursework includes:
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:
- 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.
- Three letters of recommendation that evaluate 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.
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.