Mar 28, 2024  
2022-2023 Graduate Catalog 
    
2022-2023 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Information Systems, M.S. (Information Management Concentration)


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General Program Information


Phil Pfeiffer, Ph.D., Graduate Coordinator
467 Nicks Hall
(423) 439-5355
e-mail: phil@etsu.edu

Brian T. Bennett, Ph.D., Department Chair
4-464 Nicks Hall
Box 70711
(423) 439-5328
e-mail: bennetbt@etsu.edu 

 

Faculty: Brian Bennett; Mathew Desjardins; Edward Hall; Matthew Harrison; Stephen Hendrix; Ghaith Husari; Mohammad Khan; Phillip Pfeiffer; Tony Pittarese; Jack Ramsey; Tahsin Rezwana; Jeffrey Roach; David Tarnoff

The Department of Computing offers three graduate programs, including the Master of Science in Computer Science, the Master of Science in Information Systems, and a Graduate Certificate in Data Analytics. The Master of Science in Information Systems is a technically-oriented degree for anyone who wants to understand technology in a business context. This degree allows students from any background to increase their technical expertise in Information Technology and Information Systems.

Information Management Concentration


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 healthcare field’s use of information systems.

Admissions Requirements


In addition to admission policies established by the Graduate School, all applicants are required to submit the following:

  1. Undergraduate transcripts that show the equivalent of a major in a computing field with an overall GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
  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 Computer Science. 
  4. A curriculum vita, detailing any IT-related work experience.   

In addition to the criteria above, international applicants must demonstrate English proficiency as specified by the Graduate School Admision Policies. 

Applicants will be evaluated for admission based on evidence of preparedness for graduate study in information systems, as attested to by academic performance and/or professional experience. Applicants without sufficient academic or professional experience may be admitted provisionally. Applicants lacking academic preparation may be required to complete (with a B- or higher in each course) undergraduate foundation courses in computer science and mathematics. Related professional experience, such as programming, systems analysis, and/or systems design, may be substituted for some foundation courses. Applicants who do not meet the GPA requirement may be admitted provisionally and must complete their first 9 credit hours in the program of study with a grade of B or higher in each course.

For all four concentrations:   

  • systems and software development, including analysis and design 
  • courses that feature mathematics at the level of probability and statistics, calculus, and/or discrete mathematics, or beyond  

For specific concentrations:  

  • Data Analytics concentration:  data management and analysis  
  • User Experience concentration:  art, particularly graphic design  
  • Information Management and Cybersecurity Management concentrations: IT-related fields, management, marketing, computer security

Articulation Agreement


Students enrolled in the Graduate Certificate in Data Analytics may apply all 12 credits into the M.S. in Information Systems with the approval of the M.S. in Information Systems Program Coordinator. All credits must meet GPA requirements and the Graduate School Transfer of Credit policy and matriculation limits.

Graduation Policy


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.

International Students: Must complete 4 credits of the International Student Seminar to meet graduation requirements.

Information Systems, MS Degree Requirements: 33 credits


Core Requirements 9 credits
Concentration 12 credits
Advisor Approved Electives 6 credits
Capstone 6 credits
TOTAL 33 credits

Information Management Concentration: 12 credits


Advisor Approved Electives: 6 credits


Students may choose unduplicated courses from other concentrations as electives as well as relevant special topics courses. Students may take at most one independent study course and three dual-listed courses during the program of study.

  • CSCI 5xxx (3 credits)
  • CSCI 5xxx (3 credits)

Capstone: 6 credits


Choose one of the following options: Thesis, Information Systems Project, or Independent Project.

International Student Seminar Policy


International Students : Must complete 4 credits of International Student Seminar  as part of their graduate program.

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