Master of Science in Information Systems 2000

The master’s degree program in Information Systems provides advanced training in systems development methodology and the use of information technology in enabling organizational transformation and competitive strategies. Students in this program will become conversant in both new technologies and business strategies. Future career possibilities include systems analysts, project leaders, IT consultants, and information resource managers, who can integrate people, process, and organization to provide creative information technology solutions.

For more information on placement or advising issues about this degree there is a special website for students to learn more.

The program follows a three-phase sequence, with each phase preparing the student for the subsequent phase. The master’s degree program consists of:

• Prerequisite Phase
• Core Knowledge Phase
• Advanced Phase: Standard Program

Concentration options:

• E-Commerce Technology Concentration
• Systems Development Concentration
• Data Warehousing Concentration
• IT Project Management Concentration
• Computer Supported Collaborative Work
• Networking Concentration

Upon acceptance into the master’s degree program, the student will meet with a faculty advisor to discuss required courses for the Prerequisite Phase. The Prerequisite Phase is intended to ensure that all students enter graduate courses with an equivalent background. While completing this phase, a student is considered a conditionally admitted master’s student. In the Core Knowledge Phase, a student will follow a sequence of courses to acquire an understanding of the technological and theoretical foundations for the particular degree. In the Advanced Phase of the program, the fundamental information learned previously allows a student to study advanced topics within their chosen degree either in the standard program or in one of the IS concentrations. This phase adds depth to the work completed in the Core Knowledge Phase. Individual interests and needs are also addressed through a series of elective courses chosen in consultation with the student’s faculty advisor.

Prerequisite Phase

*Students with extensive programming experience may take CSC 225 instead of CSC 215 and CSC 310.

By taking these courses and receiving a grade of a B- or better in each, the student will have completed the requirements of the Prerequisite Phase. All or part of the Prerequisite Phase may be waived if a student has the equivalent academic background. Alternatively, students with practical experience may complete a Graduate Assessment Examination (GAE) to show competency in a prerequisite. All students are blocked from enrolling in Core Knowledge Phase courses prior to completing their prerequisites. The student must submit a Change of Status request when the Prerequisite Phase is completed to inform the Student Services offices that the block can be removed. The form must be submitted two weeks before the student intends to register for graduate level classes. The student will then be considered a fully admitted student, and may pass to the Core Knowledge Phase of the program.

Core Knowledge Phase

Core Knowledge Courses

Students must complete the Prerequisite Phase before beginning the Core Knowledge Phase. However, while completing the Prerequisite Phase courses, students may take Core Knowledge Phase courses with consent of their faculty advisor. Fully admitted students in the Core Knowledge Phase may register for a maximum of four Advanced Phase courses prior to passing the Core Knowledge Examination. A student must receive a grade of C- or better in each of the Core Knowledge Phase courses, and also in subsequent courses in the degree program. The Core Knowledge Phase courses for the MS in Information Systems are:

Core Knowledge Examination

This examination covers the subject matter of the Core Knowledge Phase courses. Students take this examination following successful completion of the Core Knowledge Phase course requirements. The Core Exam is offered three times during the academic year. Students are allowed at most two attempts at this examination. Two failures result in dismissal from the graduate program. Possible grades on the Core Exam are Pass, Fail and Pass with Distinction. Students who pass the Core Exam with distinction and maintain a 3.75 grade point average will graduate with distinction. The student must submit a written application three months before taking the Core Exam. A student must finish the Prerequisite Phase in order to be eligible for the Core Exam. There is no charge for the Core Exam.

To be eligible for core exam application, a student must have completed all prerequisite courses or be registered for the final prerequisite course in the quarter before the core exam for which the student is applying. Additionally, a student must successfully complete all prerequisite courses (B- or better required) before being allowed to sit for any core exam. Failure to successfully complete a core class (grade of C- or better required) may result in an administrative cancellation of the student's core exam(s).

Advanced Phase

The Advanced Phase consists of ten courses.  The student can elect the standard program or one of the IS concentrations during the advanced phase.  The standard program retains the structure of former IS program.  Concentrations are new options to provide students focused career preparation. 

Standard Program

This option provides the greatest flexibility for course selection.  In this program, the students must complete the following three required courses, and take IS 577 after completion of the Core Knowledge Phase.

Students must also complete three of the following courses:

Students must also choose two courses from one of the following areas in consultation with their faculty advisor:

Two elective courses must also be completed. See elective course restrictions below.

Information System Concentrations

• E-Commerce Technology Concentration
• Systems Development Concentration
• Data Warehousing Concentration
• IT Project Management Concentration
• Computer Supported Collaborative Work
• Networking Concentration

E-Commerce Technology Concentration

Three elective courses must also be completed. See elective course restrictions below.

Systems Development Concentration

Three elective courses must also be completed. See elective course restrictions below.

Data Warehousing Concentration

Three elective courses must also be completed. See elective course restrictions below.

IT Project Management Concentration

Three elective courses must also be completed. See elective course restrictions below.

Computer Supported Collaborative Work

Three elective courses must also be completed. See elective course restrictions below.

Networking Concentration

Three elective courses must also be completed. See elective course restrictions below.

Elective Course Restrictions

Elective courses are in the range of 420-699 and must be from the school of CTI. Credit for courses taken outside of the school will only be given if approved by a faculty advisor. Courses suggested for any Prerequisite Phase in any concentration do not count for elective credit. Any course required for the student’s concentration but taken as part of the requirements of another degree earned by the student may be waived, but cannot be used for elective credit.