Information Systems, M.S. (Data Analytics 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.

Data Analytics Concentration Information

The Data Analytics concentration will allow students to develop strategies for using data to gain business advantages, through inspecting and cleaning data, using programming to analyze and visualize data, and using the information gained to make meaningful decisions.

Admissions Requirements

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

1. Three letters of recommendation that address the applicant’s academic ability, professional maturity, and communication skills. 
2. A personal essay that discusses the applicant’s reason for pursuing the M.S. in Information Systems.
3. A curriculum vita, detailing any IT-related work experience. 
4. 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  
• data management and analysis  

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)

Data Analytics Concentration: 12 credits

• CSCI 5000 - Data Management (3 credits)
• CSCI 5010 - Programming for Data Analytics (3 credits)
• CSCI 5047 - Data Analytics and Visualization (3 credits)
• CSCI 5050 - Decision Support 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.