INSY 2303. INTRODUCTION TO M.I.S. AND DATA PROCESSING. 3 Hours. (TCCN = BCIS 1305)

Introduction to business data processing, computer programming, management information systems, and problems involved in business information processing systems. Selected software tools are presented and managerial applications are required. Formerly BUSA 2303; credit will be granted only once.

INSY 3300. INTRODUCTION TO PROGRAMMING. 3 Hours.

An introductory programming course that teaches students how to solve business problems using the scripting language, Python. Students will be exposed to object-oriented programming concepts, file handling, database access, and graphical user interfaces. Prerequisite: INSY 2303.

INSY 3303. COMPUTER NETWORKS AND DISTRIBUTED COMPUTING. 3 Hours.

Concepts of computer networks and data communications. Topics include principles of communication and networking protocols, hardware and software, architectures, and management issues. Formerly INSY 4304; credit will be granted only once. Prerequisite: INSY 2303.

INSY 3304. DATABASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS. 3 Hours.

Comprehensive coverage of database technology and applications. Data models, query processing (SQL), relational database design, and implementation. Topics covered are hierarchical, network, relational, and object-oriented models, data dictionaries, distributed databases, evaluation and selection of database management systems (DBMS), and data administration. Formerly INSY 4302; credit will be granted only once. Prerequisite: INSY 3300.

INSY 3305. INFORMATION SYSTEMS ANALYSIS AND DESIGN. 3 Hours.

This is a survey of the concepts and methods of information systems analysis and design, system development life cycle (SDLC) and methodologies associated with the SDLC. Course covers feasibility analysis, requirements definition, systems design, data design, coding design, programming, and implementation. Prerequisite: INSY 3304 and INSY 4305. INSY 4305 may be taken concurrently.

INSY 3330. INTRODUCTION TO E-COMMERCE. 3 Hours.

Examines current and projected developments in electronic commerce. Topics include the information technologies upon which electronic commerce is based, such as the telecommunications infrastructure; new perspectives on space, time and money in business; electronic consumers and advertising; the effect of e-commerce on logistics and supply chain management; electronic financial markets and digital payment mechanisms; marketing through digital storefronts and virtual corporations; new frontiers of business such as electronic auctions and business to business e-commerce; the relationship between e-commerce and successful business strategy; and finally, public policy. Formerly BUSA 3330; credit will be granted only once. Prerequisite: INSY 2303.

INSY 3331. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR BUSINESS. 3 Hours.

This course introduces students to the fundamentals of artificial intelligence (AI) in business. Students will build a solid understanding of key AI concepts and learn how to apply AI tools to solve real-world business problems using easy-to-use, no-code platforms. The course also explores generative AI tools, such as ChatGPT, and discusses important ethical topics, such as transparency, responsible use, and AI alignment. Through hands-on exercises, projects, and case studies, students will develop practical skills they can apply in a variety of business settings. Prerequisites: INSY 2303.

INSY 4191. STUDIES IN INFORMATION SYSTEMS. 1 Hour.

Advanced studies, on an individual basis, in the various fields of information systems. May be repeated for credit with consent of department chair. Prerequisite: Senior standing and permission of instructor.

INSY 4291. STUDIES IN INFORMATION SYSTEMS. 2 Hours.

Advanced studies, on an individual basis, in the various fields of information systems. May be repeated for credit with consent of department chair. Prerequisite: 90 credit hours and permission of instructor.

INSY 4305. ADVANCED APPLICATION DEVELOPMENT. 3 Hours.

This is a comprehensive Java programming course that not only covers the fundamental object-oriented programming (OOP) topics but also includes advanced Java programming concepts. Topics include structured programming concepts like control structures and methods as well as OOP concepts like encapsulation, composition, inheritance, polymorphism, dynamic binding, and interfaces. The course will also cover Swing components, exception and error handling, and the basics of file processing. Prerequisite: INSY 3300.

INSY 4306. ADVANCED SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT. 3 Hours.

This course will address systems development, testing and deployment using Java. Students will be exposed to advanced Java concepts, including networking, multithreading, JDBC, advanced file handling, and regular expressions. The course will also cover web services and test-driven development using JUnits. Prerequisite: INSY 4305 and INSY 3305. INSY 3305 may be taken concurrently.

INSY 4307. CLOUD COMPUTING. 3 Hours.

This course teaches fundamental aspects of Cloud Computing including Virtualization, Cloud Infrastructure, Networking, and Autoscaling. Students will be taught both concept and practical skills through hands-on assignments using a major Cloud provider's environment (a base for Cloud certifications). Prerequisite: INSY 3300 or equivalent.

INSY 4312. INTRODUCTION TO CYBERSECURITY. 3 Hours.

This course provides an introduction to the field of Information Security. It covers terminology, history, management, technology and practice of Information Security. It will address topics in many of the Security Domains specified by ISC2. Prerequisite: INSY 3303.

INSY 4313. BLOCKCHAIN TECHNOLOGY. 3 Hours.

Students are introduced to fundamental concepts of blockchain technology. First, second, and third generation blockchain technologies are discussed. Students are also assigned case studies and recent research on blockchain to learn the latest developments in the industry.

INSY 4315. ADVANCED WEB DEVELOPMENT. 3 Hours.

Concepts and techniques for Web application development. The course will emphasize the use of Web development tools and techniques to develop web applications. Topics include web application development using technologies such as HTML/DHTML/XHTML, client-side scripting, XML/XSL and server-side scripting. Prerequisite: INSY 3300.

INSY 4321. MOBILE APP DEVELOPMENT. 3 Hours.

This course will provide a broad introduction to principles, techniques, and best practices needed to build user experiences for the web, mobile devices, and desktop environments. Coverage includes User Design, layouts, UX testing plans, and execution. The course focuses on using Cross-Platform Application Development to build native apps on multiple platforms like Android, iOS, and Windows. Students will use contemporary tools to build basic Multi-platform App UI. Prerequisite: INSY 3300.

INSY 4324. ENTERPRISE BUSINESS PROCESS DESIGN. 3 Hours.

This course introduces the concepts and practices of business process design and the execution of common business processes in enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. Students will learn to describe key business processes, identify integration points across business processes, and understand the cross-functional nature of business processes. Prerequisite: Junior standing.

INSY 4325. CAPSTONE IN INFORMATION SYSTEMS. 3 Hours.

This capstone course provides students with an opportunity to integrate knowledge and skills from prior coursework in Information Systems. Students will work in teams to design, develop, and implement a real-world information system project. The course emphasizes systems analysis and design, database design, Java programming, networking, and the use of AI-powered development tools like GitHub Copilot to deliver a functional software solution. Prerequisites: INSY 3305 and INSY 3303.

INSY 4331. SEMINAR IN INFORMATION SYSTEMS. 3 Hours.

Readings and discussion of special topics in information systems. May be repeated for credit with consent of department. Prerequisite: 60 or 90 credit hours and consent of instructor.

INSY 4382. INDEPENDENT STUDIES IN INFORMATION SYSTEMS. 3 Hours.

Independent and directed study of a topic in information systems.

INSY 4391. STUDIES IN INFORMATION SYSTEMS. 3 Hours.

Advanced studies, on an individual basis, in the various fields of information systems. May be repeated for credit with consent of department chair. Prerequisite: 90 credit hours and permission of instructor.

INSY 4392. SPECIAL TOPICS IN INFORMATION SYSTEMS. 3 Hours.

In-depth study of selected topics in information systems. May be repeated when topics vary.

INSY 4393. INFORMATION SYSTEMS INTERNSHIP. 3 Hours.

Practical training in information systems. Analysis of theory applied to real life situations. May be used as an advanced business elective only; graded on a pass/fail basis. No credit will be given for previous experience or activities. May not be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: Junior standing and consent of department internship advisor.

INSY 5182. INDEPENDENT STUDIES IN INFORMATION SYSTEMS. 1 Hour.

Extensive analysis of an information systems topic. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.

INSY 5199. GRADUATE INFORMATION SYSTEMS INTERNSHIP. 1 Hour.

Practical training in information systems. Analysis of theory applied to real life situations. Course counts as an elective and has a pass/fail grade. No credit will be given for previous experience or activities.

INSY 5299. GRADUATE INFORMATION SYSTEMS INTERNSHIP. 2 Hours.

Practical training in information systems. Analysis of theory applied to real life situations. Course counts as an elective and has a pass/fail grade. No credit will be given for previous experience or activities.

INSY 5303. MANAGEMENT OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES. 3 Hours.

This course equips students with a comprehensive understanding of organizational information technologies and systems. It examines their roles and impacts within organizations, key management challenges, the strategic implications of technology, and best practices for leveraging IT to enhance decision-making and competitive advantage. By analyzing critical technologies and real-world applications, students will develop the skills needed to manage information systems effectively and navigate the complexities of IT-driven organizational change in a competitive environment. Prerequisite: MBA classification or consent of the instructor.

INSY 5309. OBJECT-ORIENTED BUSINESS PROGRAMMING. 3 Hours.

Topics include fundamental programming structures, objects and classes, inheritance, and other basic concepts related to OO programming.

INSY 5335. APPLIED DATABASE MANAGEMENT. 3 Hours.

Concepts, tools, and technologies associated with the design, implementation and management of large databases are presented. Topics include data models (with emphasis on E/R model and relational model), database design and implementation, database query language, transaction management, and distributed databases. Recent advances in data management are also discussed. Use of a commercial DBMS is required. Prerequisite: INSY 5309 or INSY 5336 or approval of MSIS Graduate Advisor.

INSY 5336. PYTHON PROGRAMMING FOR BUSINESS APPLICATIONS. 3 Hours.

Designed for aspiring data scientists, this course covers essential programming concepts and tools required to preprocess, manipulate, and analyze effectively. In this hands-on course, students will begin by learning the fundamentals of Python, including variables, data types, control structures (conditionals and loops), functions, data structures, file handling, and object-oriented programming. Building on this foundation, the course introduces powerful libraries used in data science, such as NumPy for numerical computing and Pandas for data manipulation.

INSY 5337. DATA ENGINEERING FOR BUSINESS APPLICATIONS. 3 Hours.

This course provides theoretical and practical introductions to data engineering, focusing on modern tools and scalable data infrastructure. Students will develop proficiency in SQL and the relational model as a foundation for querying and managing structured data. The course covers key data warehousing concepts, including dimensional modeling and design best practices for analytical workloads. Emphasis is placed on understanding ETL vs. ELT pipelines and the differences between batch and streaming data processing. Hands-on labs and projects will guide students through designing and implementing data pipelines and orchestrating workflows using contemporary software applications. Prerequisite: INSY 5335 or consent of graduate advisor.

INSY 5339. INTRODUCTION TO AI FOR BUSINESS. 3 Hours.

This course provides an understanding of data preprocessing and feature engineering as well as machine learning concepts and algorithms using Python. Students will receive hands-on training on supervised learning algorithms such as KNN, Naïve Bayes, Linear and Logistic Regression, Support Vector Machines, Decision Trees and Ensembles, and Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs). Unsupervised learning algorithms such as Association Rules, K-Means, Hierarchical Clustering, t-SNE, and DBSCAN will also be covered. Prerequisite: BSTAT 5325 and INSY 5336.

INSY 5341. ANALYSIS AND DESIGN. 3 Hours.

Analysis and design phase of systems development life cycle. Topics include systems survey, functional specification, interface specification, data design, program design, system testing, and implementation. Prerequisite: INSY 5335.

INSY 5342. ADVANCED SYSTEMS DESIGN. 3 Hours.

This course provides an understanding of state-of-the-art software development methodologies, including those that are fast emerging. The focus will be on how these new methods differ from traditional practices and what research opportunities they afford to IS researchers. There will be a strong emphasis on technical as well as on socio-technical aspects of software development in the context of these new methodologies. Prerequisite: INSY 5341.

INSY 5343. DATA COMMUNICATIONS AND NETWORKING. 3 Hours.

This course discusses technological and managerial issues related to building and managing networks that meet organizational needs, maximize competitive advantage, and protect networks and data from cyber security threats. It addresses fundamental concepts and applications related to data communications and networking including topics such as server architecture, network and transport layers, network design processes and tools, wired and wireless networking, and network security and management.

INSY 5344. BUILDING RESPONSIBLE AND ETHICAL AI APPLICATIONS. 3 Hours.

This course uses a combination of lectures and hands-on exercises to introduce students to the challenges of bias (in data and algorithms), transparency, accountability, explainability, and ethics in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) applications. Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to detect biases in data, build explainable AI/ML applications, evaluate applications for fairness, and address ethical concerns associated with the deployment of AI systems. Prerequisite: INSY 5339.

INSY 5345. CLOUD COMPUTING - THEORY AND PRACTICE. 3 Hours.

Cloud Computing has become an important component in Digital Transformation and Analytics. This course covers technical aspects of Cloud Computing including Software Defined Networking, Virtual Machines, Data Storage, Cybersecurity, APIs, Load Balancing, Auto-Scaling, Containers, etc. In addition to learning concepts, students will also obtain the highly demanded technical skills through hands-on assignments using a major Cloud provider's environment (a base for Cloud certifications). Business aspects from the Cloud providers' and users' perspectives will also be addressed. Prerequisite: INSY 5336 or equivalent. May be taken concurrently.

INSY 5346. BUSINESS INNOVATION THROUGH BLOCKCHAIN TECHNNOLOGY. 3 Hours.

This course covers topics on components of blockchains, cryptocurrencies, smart contracts, tokens, and blockchain governance. Issues such as whether, how, and why businesses in a variety of industries are exploring Blockchain technology to devise potentially disruptive business strategies are also discussed.

INSY 5347. PRINCIPLES OF CYBER SECURITY. 3 Hours.

This course introduces fundamental concepts, terminologies, models, and practices in cyber security. It addresses managerial, technological, legal, and socio-political issues related to cyber security, and discusses how different fields of disciplines interact in this area. The course covers the common Body of Knowledge of security certification exams. Topics include emerging technologies and the risks, threats, and vulnerabilities associated with the digital world; ethical, legal, and social aspects of cyber security; risk management; security investigation and analysis. Prerequisite: INSY 5343. May be taken concurrently with INSY 5343.

INSY 5348. AI AND ANALYTICS FOR MANAGERS. 3 Hours.

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML) technologies offer new opportunities to analyze data, automate business processes, and transform business organizations. This course provides a broad overview of AI/ML technologies and their applications to solve business problems and support managerial decision making. Strategic and operational issues in deploying AI/ML technologies and creating a data-driven decision-making culture within the organization are discussed. A combination of classroom lectures and case analysis are used to provide a real-world perspective of operational and strategic issues related to development, deployment and management of AI/ML and data analytics technologies in business organizations.

INSY 5350. HEALTH CARE INFORMATION SYSTEMS. 3 Hours.

Addresses issues in the development, integration, and management of health care information systems. Specifically, topics in financial information systems, patient care systems, and health care delivery applications will be discussed. Both case studies and real life applications will be studied. Prerequisite: Cohort HCAD Major.

INSY 5352. TOPICS IN OBJECT TECHNOLOGY. 3 Hours.

Coverage of current topics in Object Technology to include the study of object-oriented agents, components, object request Brokers, distributed objects and related implementations of object-oriented software. Also includes the study of design patterns in object-oriented software design. Prerequisite: INSY 5309.

INSY 5355. MANAGING RISK IN INFORMATION SYSTEMS. 3 Hours.

This course provides a broad understanding of the fundamentals of risk management and applies them to the cyber security and digital risk management environments. It addresses how risk, threats, and vulnerabilities impact information systems, discusses strategies and approaches for mitigating risk, and introduces the anatomy of how to create a plan that reduces risk. Topics include risk management basics, risk assessment planning, risk mitigation planning, cost-benefit analysis, business continuity and disaster recovery planning. Prerequisite: INSY 5347.

INSY 5357. ENTERPRISE RESOURCE PLANNING. 3 Hours.

An introduction to enterprise resource planning (ERP), a business management paradigm that integrates all facets of the business, including planning, manufacturing, sales, finance and marketing. Course will cover both the methodology and practice of ERP using commercial software packages.

INSY 5360. COMPUTATIONAL TECHNIQUES FOR BUSINESS ANALYTICS. 3 Hours.

Computer software is the primary analytical tool for business analytics and modern research methods. Data analysts, statisticians, and researchers need technologies and skills using the computer as a tool for structuring and cleaning data sets, creating validation samples, conducting analyses, fitting models, simulating stochastic systems, model validation, and model presentation. Emphasis is placed on the use of data analytic software. Cross-listed with INSY 5360. Prerequisite: BSTAT 5325 or equivalent.

INSY 5373. INFORMATION SYSTEMS PROJECT MANAGEMENT. 3 Hours.

This course introduces students to the concepts and practices of project management and their importance to improving the success of information technology projects. Distinct aspects or characteristics of IT projects which cause these projects to behave differently in the corporate world than do other, non-technical, projects will be discussed.

INSY 5375. MANAGEMENT OF THE DIGITAL ENTERPRISE. 3 Hours.

This course explores the strategic applications of emerging digital technologies-including artificial intelligence, cloud computing, data analytics, blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT)-in driving business and societal transformations. Through in-depth analysis of a variety of real-world contemporary cases, and interactive presentations, students will gain practical insights into how firms harness digital tools to enhance decision-making, streamline operations, and create innovative business models. They will also learn how to evaluate and implement digital technologies that align with the business strategy and goals of an organization to ensure its long-term success.

INSY 5376. ADVANCED AI FOR BUSINESS. 3 Hours.

This course provides an in-depth exploration of deep learning techniques, building on a foundational understanding of neural networks. It begins with a review of basic architectures before advancing to convolutional neural networks (CNNs), recurrent neural networks (RNNs), encoder-decoder structures, and sequence-to-sequence models. The course delves into the transformer architecture, which underpins state-of-the-art models like GPT. Students will gain experience with natural language processing (NLP), large language models, understand how GPT functions, and explore the emerging field of prompt engineering. The course also introduces agentic frameworks that support autonomous decision-making in AI systems. Prerequisite: INSY 5339.

INSY 5377. WEB AND SOCIAL ANALYTICS. 3 Hours.

This course introduces the concepts, techniques, and tools of collecting and analyzing digital data on how users interface with an organization through the web and social media. The Internet and mobile technologies provide the vast sources of user data that describe or imply their behaviors, experiences, and attitudes. Analyzing these web (click) stream data and social media data serves the purposes of strengthening customer relationship management, improving online marketing (e.g. advertising, recommendation, pricing), and increasing the bottom line. The course will consist of lectures, case studies, hands-on exercises, and projects. Prerequisite: BSTAT 5325 or equivalent.

INSY 5378. SPECIAL TOPICS IN AI FOR BUSINESS. 3 Hours.

This advanced course explores cutting-edge and emerging topics in Artificial Intelligence, offering students the opportunity to engage with current trends and applications beyond the foundational curriculum. Topics may include reinforcement learning, AI for IT Operations (AIOps), AI for societal good, and applications of AI in domains such as healthcare, sustainability, and cybersecurity. The course emphasizes technical depth and practical relevance through hands-on projects and case studies. Designed for students with prior exposure to core AI concepts, this course adapts to the evolving AI landscape and enables students to apply advanced AI techniques in real-world contexts. Prerequisite: INSY 5339 or with instructor's permission.

INSY 5379. AI FOR BUSINESS CAPSTONE. 3 Hours.

This is a hands-on course that gives students an opportunity to apply their learning to real-world problems. Students will draw on their repertoire of analytical skills to work on one or more challenging projects. In-class discussions will include advanced topics in AI, Machine Learning, NLP, and other contemporary technologies. In addition to preparing a detailed report, students will present their findings to faculty and/or members of the business community. The course places considerable emphasis on problem-solving as well as on written and oral communication skills. Prerequisite: INSY 5339, INSY 5376 can be taken concurrently with INSY 5379.

INSY 5380. GRAPH MACHINE LEARNING FOR BUSINESS. 3 Hours.

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to Social Network Analysis (SNA), including the computation of structural characteristics, analysis of ego and complete networks, position and role analysis, and statistical methods for hypothesis testing in network contexts. Foundational topics such as centrality measures, community detection, and network visualization are covered in depth. Building on this foundation, the course introduces students to contemporary developments in network science, with a particular emphasis on Graph Neural Networks (GNNs). Applications range from social influence prediction to recommendation systems and link prediction. Prerequisite: INSY 5339.

INSY 5382. INDEPENDENT STUDIES IN INFORMATION SYSTEMS. 3 Hours.

Extensive analysis of an information systems topic.

INSY 5392. SELECTED TOPICS IN INFORMATION SYSTEMS. 3 Hours.

In-depth study of selected topics in information systems. May be repeated when topics vary.

INSY 5399. GRADUATE INFORMATION SYSTEMS INTERNSHIP. 3 Hours.

Practical training in information systems. Analysis of theory applied to real life situations. Course counts as an elective and has a pass/fail grade. No credit will be given for previous experience or activities.

INSY 5698. THESIS. 6 Hours.

Graded F, R, P.

INSY 6182. INDEPENDENT STUDY IN INFORMATION SYSTEMS. 1 Hour.

Doctoral level study of information systems topics. Prerequisite: Doctoral standing.

INSY 6301. SEMINAR IN RESEARCH FOUNDATIONS. 3 Hours.

Integrative analysis of research in information systems, including research philosophies and methodologies, contemporary research topics, dissertation research and future directions for information systems research. Prerequisite: Doctoral standing.

INSY 6306. SEMINAR IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES. 3 Hours.

Focuses on contemporary technology issues in IS development and deployment. Prerequisite: Doctoral standing and INSY 6301.

INSY 6307. SEMINAR IN IS MANAGEMENT. 3 Hours.

Focuses on managerial and organizational issues in IS. Prerequisite: Doctoral standing and INSY 6301.

INSY 6382. INDEPENDENT STUDIES IN INFORMATION SYSTEMS. 3 Hours.

Extensive analysis of an information systems topic.

INSY 6392. SELECTED TOPICS IN INFORMATION SYSTEMS. 3 Hours.

Advanced doctoral level topics in Information Systems. May be repeated when topics vary. Prerequisite: Doctoral standing.