Master of Science in Information Systems
About This Program
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.
The Department of Information Systems and Operations Management provides two master’s tracks: a thesis option and a thesis-substitute option. The thesis track provides preparation for entry into a PhD program. The thesis-substitute track provides the degree candidate greater flexibility in designing their program.
Competencies
- Upon completion, students will be able to design and deploy data management systems to support business decision making and advanced analytics applications.
- Upon completion, students will be able to plan, coordinate, and lead information systems projects, ensuring effective resource and team management.
- Upon completion, students will be able to align IT initiatives with organizational goals, applying technology solutions to enhance business performance.
- Upon completion, students will be able to employ analytical methods and critical thinking to address complex information systems challenges.
- Upon completion, students will be able to develop and implement data governance, security, and privacy measures to protect organizational information assets.
Admissions Criteria
Admission to the MS in Information Systems (MSIS) program is based on completion of the general admission requirements as specified under the Graduate Admissions Requirements and Procedures in the Catalog.
Unconditional Admission Without Committee Review
Individuals who meet each of the following two conditions are given unconditional admission:
- Applicant holds an earned bachelor's degree from an AACSB-accredited college or university, or equivalent, with a minimum GPA of 3.00 on the last 60 hours of undergraduate work, and
- GMAT/GRE must have verbal and quantitative scores at the 50th percentile or higher.
Admission with Committee Review
Applicants who require committee review are considered for admission using the following factors, with no single factor used as the primary criterion for making admission decisions.
- Undergraduate and graduate GPA (overall, major, and last 60 hours) and program accreditation status of the applicant's degree granting institution;
- Score on the GMAT/GRE (including separate scores on the verbal and quantitative portions);
- Applicant's professional work experience and professional certification/licensure; and
- Letters of reference and personal statement provided by the applicant.
By considering the totality of the applicant's circumstances, including the factors listed above, the Graduate Studies Committee will evaluate an applicant's readiness to successfully complete the graduate program. Depending on the judgment of the committee, the decision may be to grant unconditional admission, probationary admission, provisional admission, deferred admission, or to deny admission. The decision of the committee is final. 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 Catalog. International applicants must submit a TOEFL score or IELTS score that meets the standards as listed in the admission requirements.
Curriculum
Thesis Option
| Foundations | ||
| BSTAT 5325 | ADVANCED METHODS FOR ANALYTICS | 3 |
| INSY 5337 | DATA WAREHOUSING AND BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE | 3 |
| INSY 5336 | PYTHON PROGRAMMING | 3 |
| INSY 5373 | INFORMATION SYSTEMS PROJECT MANAGEMENT | 3 |
| Thesis or Thesis Substitute Option | ||
| Select one of the following options. | 18-21 | |
| Thesis | 18 | |
Electives | ||
Select four courses numbered 5000 or higher with approval by the Graduate Advisor. 1 | ||
| THESIS | ||
| Thesis Substitute | 21 | |
| MANAGEMENT OF THE DIGITAL ENTERPRISE | ||
Electives | ||
Select six courses numbered 5000 or higher with approval by the Graduate Advisor. 1 | ||
| Total Hours | 30-33 | |
- 1
Foundation courses may not be used as advanced electives.
Program Completion
THESIS OPTION
The MS Information Systems 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 thesis option consists of a minimum of 30 semester hours.
Thesis-Substitute Option
The MS Information Systems thesis-substitute option electives can be chosen from a variety of offerings and can be customized to the student’s interest. The student must meet with the MSIS Graduate Advisor to determine the appropriate coursework for the electives.
When there is equivalent coursework, the student must meet with the MSIS Graduate Advisor to select alternate coursework. An approved 3-credit hour graduate internship (INSY 5399) may also be taken as an elective. Students who do not have coursework in information systems will be required to take INSY 5309 or INSY 5336, INSY 5335, and INSY 5341 as part of their electives.
The non-thesis option consists of 33 semester hours.