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

General Program Information

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

• CSCI 5230 - Software Project Management (3 credits)
• CSCI 5520 - Research Methods in Computer Science (3 credits)
• CSCI 5730 - Enterprise Information Systems (3 credits)

Information Management Concentration: 12 credits

• MGMT 5230 - Strategic Leadership (3 credits)
• CSCI 5000 - Data Management (3 credits)
• CSCI 5710 - Information Architecture (3 credits)
• CSCI 5847 - Health Information Systems (3 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.