Information Systems, M.S. (User Experience Engineering Concentration)

General Program Information

Jeff Roach, Ph.D., Graduate Coordinator
469 Nicks Hall
(423) 439-6966
e-mail: roachj@etsu.edu

Forrest Duncan, Academic Advisor

470 Nicks Hall

e-mail: duncanjf@etsu.edu

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

Faculty: Ahmad Al Doulat, Biju Bajracharya, Douglas Battleson, Brian Bennett, Chelsie Dubay, Matthew Harrison, Stephen Hendrix, Ghaith Husari, Mohammad Khan, Phil Pfeiffer, Jack Ramsey, Tahsin Rezwana, Jeff Roach, Shehenaz Shaik, Christel Young

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.

User Experience Engineering Concentration Information

The User Experience Engineering concentration provides students with a developer-oriented option for studying User Experience (UX) and online user behavior. User experience engineers blend UX with front-end development to ensure the presentation of information is usable, stable, and attractive to the end-user.

Admissions Requirements

In addition to admission policies established by the Graduate School, all applicants must submit

Three letters of recommendation that address the applicant’s academic ability, professional maturity, and communication skills.
A personal essay that discusses the applicant’s reason for pursuing the M.S. in Information Systems.
A curriculum vita, detailing any IT-related work experience.
An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) is required.

*International Applicants: Demonstration of English proficiency as specified by the Graduate School Admission Policies is required.

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. Such evidence could include (e.g.) post-secondary coursework and/or business experience in any of the following:

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
art, particularly graphic design

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.

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

User Experience Engineering Concentration: 12 credits

CSCI 5200 - Software Systems Engineering (3 credits)
CSCI 5710 - Information Architecture (3 credits)
CSCI 5927 - Human Computer Interaction (3 credits)
or
MSDM 5030 - Consumer Behavior in the Online Environment (3 credits)
MSDM 5050 - Web Analytics (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.

Capstone Presentation

All M.S. graduate students must successfully present their capstone project or thesis to their advisory committee. Students construct their own advisory committee, which must be approved by the department. Successful completion of the presentation is determined by the graduate faculty, using rubrics and procedures outlined in the Computing Student Handbook.

Computing Graduate Exit Exam

All graduate students in the Department of Computing pursuing a Master of Science degree must successfully complete the Computing Graduate Exit Exam. Successful completion of the exam is determined by the graduate faculty. The department follows the process outlined in the Culminating Experience section of the graduate academic policies and procedures.

International Student Seminar

International students in the Information Systems graduate program completing an M.S. degree must complete four credits of the International Student Seminar as part of their degree requirements. Please consult with your advisor or the department for more information.