MS in Information Systems

Area of Study Overview

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The Master of Science (MS) degree program with an area of study in Information Systems is an applications-oriented degree program that prepares learners for leadership positions in the information technology (IT) field. The 36-to-39-credit program* is offered completely online and is designed for working IT professionals interested in professional advancement and those preparing for transition into the field.

The program can be completed in less than two years on a part-time basis and without the need for students to sacrifice their professional and personal responsibilities. Online courses are delivered asynchronously, so students can access and complete their assignments on their own schedule and set their own pace.

Graduates will develop a broad, technical understanding of current and emerging technologies in the IT field, high-level knowledge of systems engineering concepts and a solid foundation in the technological basis of the internet. Graduates will also acquire a deep understanding of the current and future effects of the convergence of computer systems and telecommunications system technology.

Advisory:

*Students who are not working IT professionals will be required to take MSI-501: Foundation of Information Technology as part of the core requirements, bringing the total credits needed to earn the degree to 39. Students who are IT professionals at the time they are admitted into the program will not be required to take MSI-501, pending a review by the dean.

Credit Distribution

I. Core Courses (15-18* Credits)

MSI-501Foundations of Information Technology*

3

APS-610Cost Estimation and Financial Management for Engineers and Technologists

3

APS-600Enhancing Performance in Technology Organizations

3

APS-510Project Management for Technology

3

APS-601Technology Innovation and Commercialization

3

APS-602Managing People in Technology-Based Organizations

3

II. Area of Study (15 Credits)

MSI-502Telecommunications and Networking

3

MSI-503Object-Oriented Application Development

3

MSI-504Information Systems Analysis, Modeling, and Design

3

MSI-505Principles of Database Design

3

MSI-506Operating Systems

3

III. Capstone (6 Credits)

APS-700Master Project in Applied Science and Technology

6

Total Credit Hours: 36-39

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the area of study, students will be able to:

  • demonstrate advanced level knowledge and technical skills of the principles and theories of information technology;
  • analyze the societal implications of the technical, ethical, and regulatory issues of information technology;
  • compare and contrast major information technology (IT) components;
  • develop an effective strategic plan that includes marketing, product, project, and personnel management for an IT business;
  • demonstrate graduate-level knowledge of computer networks and data communications and be able to apply networking concepts to their organizations; and
  • apply major types of distributed database management systems and their basic architectures and concepts.