2016-2017 University Catalog
Information Systems, MS
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Banner Code: VS-MS-ISYS
School: Volgenau School of Engineering
Department: Computer Science
The mission of the MS-ISYS program is to allow students, with diverse baccalaureate and professional backgrounds, to obtain a high-quality MS degree, which is designed to:
- Provide students with the theoretical knowledge and hands-on project experience needed to analyze, design, build, deploy, maintain, and manage modern information systems; and
- Prepare students for technical or managerial careers in information systems in large and small organizations in both industry and government.
Data, information, and knowledge are crucial to the modern enterprise. MS in Information Systems (MS-ISYS) addresses both the theoretical and engineering aspects of assessing user requirements; designing and building databases; specifying enterprise architectures; implementing large-scale information systems; and working with users to promote their effective organizational use.
The career paths open to graduates include technical and management positions. Technical positions include systems analyst, data administrator, database administrator, information architect, systems architect, decision analyst, data warehouse administrator, database programmer, web-based information systems designer and programmer, information engineer, and knowledge engineer. Management positions include chief information officer, chief knowledge officer, chief privacy officer, project manager, and webmaster.
An accelerated master’s option is available to students in the information technology , applied computer science , or computer science bachelor’s program. See each listing for specific requirements.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must hold a four-year (120-credit) baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution and have earned a GPA of 3.00 or better in the last 60 credits. They also must meet the following requirements:
- Submit the appropriate application with three letters of recommendation from people directly knowledgeable of the applicant’s professional and academic competence, a one-page goals statement, and a work résumé.
- Complete the self-evaluation section of the online application. This information is used by the admissions committee to assess an applicant’s academic preparation for the MS program. Students with some deficiencies in preparation may be admitted provisionally pending completion of foundation courses required for the program.
- The GRE is only required for those who have not earned a Bachelor’s degree from a US Institution.
- International students must submit their English proficiency scores.
Foundation Requirements
To ensure students have an adequate background in mathematical methods, computer technology, and programming knowledge, the program requires the following foundation courses or their equivalents: INFS 501 - Discrete and Logical Structures for Information Systems , INFS 515 - Computer Organization Course and Operating Systems , INFS 519 - Program Design and Data Structures , and SWE 510 - Object-Oriented Programming in Java .
Prospective students are asked to complete a department self-evaluation form indicating whether previously taken courses may satisfy these foundation requirements. On acceptance, students are advised of the necessary foundation courses to be satisfactorily completed to meet this requirement. Foundation courses do not earn credit toward the MS degree; however, they must be successfully completed with a grade of B or better before enrolling in the core curriculum.
Students may test out to indicate they have the requisite knowledge for the foundations courses. The exams are given before classes begin in January and August, and can only be taken once. Registration is not required; students need only be present at the date, time, and location specified, and bring some form of photographic identification. Detailed information is available on the department web site. Students failing any of the exams must take the equivalent course before enrolling in the core curriculum courses.
Advising
The department holds orientation meetings in January and August to advise newly admitted and continuing students. Members of the faculty are present to answer questions and offer advice concerning programs of study. Detailed information is available on the department web site.
The department also provides an advising function to students, as outlined in the student advising form available from the department. Each student is assigned a faculty advisor with whom to confer on matters related to degree requirements. A plan of study form for the MS degree should be completed and submitted by the student soon after admission to the program. This plan serves as a guide for the student.
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