Information Systems and Operations Management - Graduate Programs
The ISOM Department offers the MS in Business Analytics and the MS in Information Systems. These programs are AACSB-International accredited and STEM approved.
Our graduate students are prepared for advancement in rewarding and challenging careers in such fields as business analyst, systems analyst, project management, systems design, and business analytics. Other College of Business graduate students can enhance their expertise in specific areas by using Information Systems, Operations Management, and Business Statistics courses as electives.
Our advisors are:
Dr. Alan Cannon, Ph.D. Coordinator
Statistics and Operations Management (Business Administration)
Dr. Carolyn Davis, Graduate Advisor
Information Systems, MS
Business Analytics, MS
Dr. Radha Mahapatra, Ph.D. Coordinator
Information Systems (Business Administration)
Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA)
OBJECTIVE
The Master of Science in Business Analytics is designed to prepare graduates to identify and implement opportunities for the strategic use of business analytics with an emphasis on business. Students gain knowledge of a broad range of disciplines and functions in the business as well as specialized knowledge of business analytics and its accompanying skill set. An intensive curriculum covering business intelligence, data mining, econometrics, marketing research, statistical techniques prepares students for careers in the field of business analytics.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Admission to the M.S. in Business Analytics (MSBA) program is based on completion of the general admission requirements of the Graduate School as specified under the Graduate Admissions Requirements and Procedures in the Graduate Catalog.
Admission criteria include the following:
- An undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.25 on a 4.0 scale, as calculated by Graduate Admissions, is typical of a successful candidate. This will be integrated into a formula or index that multiplies the GPA by 200 and adds the resulting value to the GMAT score. An index score greater than 1200 is typical of a successful candidate.
- The GMAT or the GRE will be considered for an admission decision. Quantitative and Verbal percentiles on the GMAT/GRE should be above the 50th percentile. A GMAT score of 580 is typical of a successful candidate.
- An applicant whose native language is not English must demonstrate a sufficient level of skill with the English language to assure success in graduate studies as defined under Admissions Requirements and Procedures in the Graduate Catalog. In addition, the applicant must successfully complete a face-to-face interview (either in person or online) with the MSBA Graduate Advisor.
- Educational objectives and quality of written expression of the application essay.
- Letters of recommendation from three persons familiar with the applicant’s academic background and/or work experience who can assess the applicant’s potential success in graduate school.
- Professional work experience. Applicants should submit a resume that highlights professional and personal accomplishments, linguistic abilities, computer expertise, analytics expertise, and leadership experience.
Unconditional Admission
For unconditional admission, an applicant must meet criteria 1 through 5.
Probationary Admission
For an applicant with an index score below 1200, probationary admission may be available when other criteria show positive indicators for admission. Students admitted on probationary status must meet probationary admission conditions as specified by the MSBA Graduate Advisor.
Provisional, Deferred and Denied Admission
Provisional, deferred, and denied admission decisions meet the criteria as defined under Admissions Requirements and Procedures in the Graduate Catalog.
Degree Requirements
The MSBA is a non-thesis program consisting of 36 semester hours to include required courses in the areas of business acumen and communication, data acquisition and architecture, and statistics and analytics. Electives sufficient to complete the program are selected with approval of the MSBA Graduate Advisor. When there is equivalent work/course experience, the student must meet with the MSBA Graduate Advisor to select alternate coursework.
| ACCT 5307 | MEASUREMENT AND ANALYSIS FOR BUSINESS DECISION-MAKING | 3 |
| MANA 5344 | Evidence-Based Management | 3 |
| INSY 5337 | DATA WAREHOUSING AND BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE | 3 |
| INSY 5339 | PRINCIPLES OF BUSINESS DATA MINING | 3 |
| ECON 5337 | BUSINESS & ECONOMIC FORECASTING | 3 |
| INSY 5379 | BUSINESS ANALYTICS CAPSTONE PROJECT | 3 |
| Elective courses as approved by the MSBA Graduate Advisor | ||
Foundation Requirements
When the applicant does not have a business degree, three of the following foundation courses are required making the program a total of 45 semester hours.
| ACCT 5301 | ACCOUNTING ANALYSIS I | 3 |
| ECON 5311 | ECONOMIC ANALYSIS | 3 |
| FINA 5311 | BUSINESS FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT | 3 |
| MARK 5311 | MARKETING | 3 |
| MANA 5312 | MANAGEMENT | 3 |
Transfer Credit
A maximum of 9 hours of advanced coursework may be transferred in from other AACSB-accredited schools if approved by the MSBA Graduate Advisor.
Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS)
Objective
The Master of Science in Information Systems is designed to provide graduates with both a general knowledge of business and a specialized knowledge of information systems. Students are exposed to the theory, research, and practical applications of numerous information systems areas including management information systems, database management systems, systems analysis and design, and data communications; and may take electives in general systems concepts, electronic commerce, business analytics, problem formulation, computer science, management sciences, research, and other related fields. The program is designed to prepare students for information systems careers in business and industry, as well as in government and nonprofit organizations.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the M.S. in Information Systems (MSIS) program is based on completion of the general admission requirements as specified under Admissions Requirements and Procedures in the Graduate Catalog.
Admission criteria include the following:
- An undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 on a 4.0 scale (as described in the Graduate Catalog) is typical of a successful candidate. This will be integrated into a formula or index that multiplies the GPA by 200 and adds the resulting value to the GMAT score. An index score greater than 1080 is typical of a successful candidate.
- The GMAT or the GRE will be considered for an admission decision. Quantitative and Verbal percentiles on the GRE should be above the 40th percentile. Quantitative and verbal percentiles on the GMAT should be above the 30th percentile. The GMAT is preferred. A GMAT score of 480 is typical of a successful candidate. The GMAT or GRE test may be waived for applicants with an earned graduate degree in an appropriate information systems related discipline or profession. The GMAT or GRE test may also be waived for applicants with five or more years of increasing responsibility in managerial, professional, and/or technical positions in the information systems or related field as proven by their resume and supervisor confirmation. The GMAT/GRE test may also be waived for applicants who meet the Facilitated Admission and Fast Track criteria as defined under Admissions Requirements and Procedures in the Graduate Catalog.
- An applicant whose native language is not English must demonstrate a sufficient level of skill with the English language to assure success in graduate studies as defined under Admissions Requirements and Procedures in the Graduate Catalog.
- Educational objectives and quality of written expression of the application essay.
- Letters of recommendation from three persons familiar with the applicant’s academic background and/or work experience who can assess the applicant’s potential success in graduate school.
- Professional work experience. Applicants should submit a resume that highlights professional and personal accomplishments, linguistic abilities, computer expertise, professional certification or licensure, and leadership experience. In addition, the immediate supervisor should submit a letter confirming work experience.
Unconditional Admission
For unconditional admission, an applicant must meet criteria 1 through 5.
Probationary Admission
For an applicant with an index score below 1080, probationary admission may be available when other criteria show positive indicators for admission. Students admitted on probationary status must meet probationary admission conditions as specified by the MSIS Graduate Advisor.
Provisional, Deferred and Denied Admission
Provisional, deferred, and denied admission decisions meet the criteria as defined under Admissions Requirements and Procedures in the Graduate Catalog.
Degree Requirements
The Department of Information Systems and Operations Management provides two Master’s tracks: a Thesis Option for those intending to later pursue a Ph.D. in Information Systems, and a Non-Thesis track, a traditional flexible option. The thesis track program provides preparation for entry into a Ph.D. program. The second option is the flexible non-thesis program enabling a degree candidate greater flexibility in designing their program.
The thesis option consists of a minimum of 30 semester hours
Master of Science in Information Systems: Thesis Option
| BSTAT 5325 | ADVANCED STATISTICAL METHODS | 3 |
| INSY 5309 | OBJECT-ORIENTED BUSINESS PROGRAMMING | 3 |
| INSY 5335 | APPLIED DATABASE MANAGEMENT | 3 |
| INSY 5341 | ANALYSIS AND DESIGN | 3 |
| INSY 5357 | ENTERPRISE RESOURCE PLANNING | 3 |
| Elective courses approved by the Graduate Advisor | 9 | |
| Thesis work taken in the last semester | 6 | |
| Total Hours | 30 | |
The thesis student must be enrolled in six hours of thesis. Once the student is enrolled in the thesis course, continuous enrollment is expected. The student must be enrolled in six hours of thesis during the semester in which the thesis is defended and the final Master’s Examination is unconditionally passed. The degree candidate must defend the thesis in a final oral examination open to all members of the Faculty.
The non-thesis option consists of 33 semester hours.
Master of Science in Information Systems: Non-Thesis Option
| BSTAT 5325 | ADVANCED STATISTICAL METHODS | 3 |
| INSY 5309 | OBJECT-ORIENTED BUSINESS PROGRAMMING | 3 |
| INSY 5335 | APPLIED DATABASE MANAGEMENT | 3 |
| INSY 5341 | ANALYSIS AND DESIGN | 3 |
| INSY 5357 | ENTERPRISE RESOURCE PLANNING | 3 |
| INSY 5375 | MANAGEMENT OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES | 3 |
| Elective courses approved by the Graduate Advisor | 15 | |
| Total Hours | 33 | |
The non-thesis option electives can be focused in two tracks: systems development and business analytics. The systems development track concentrates on the analysis, design, and implementation of business systems and their management issues. Courses in this track cover such topics as object-oriented technology, data base design, advanced systems design techniques, and project management. The business analytics track concentrates on technologies and skills needed to analyze big data to gain insights which help improve business decisions and planning. Courses in this track would cover such topics as data mining, data warehousing, statistical computing, and selective statistics topics. The student must meet with the MSIS Graduate Advisor to determine the appropriate coursework for the selected track.
When there is equivalent work/course experience, the student must meet with the MSIS Graduate Advisor to select alternate coursework. An approved 3-credit hour graduate internship (INSY 5399 GRADUATE INFORMATION SYSTEMS INTERNSHIP) may also be taken as an elective.
Transfer Credit
A maximum of 9 hours of advanced coursework may be transferred in from other AACSB-accredited schools if approved by the MSIS Graduate Advisor.