The Master of Science degree in Management Information Systems (MSMIS) is offered by the Department of MIS in the College of Business. This program has a balanced emphasis on theory and practice in order to provide graduates with business and computer skills that are necessary for a career in the field of information technology and be able to manage the information system function within an organization. This degree program will prepare graduates with a broad-based knowledge of information systems design, development, implementation, evaluation, and maintenance. Through state-of-the-art topics such as object oriented, e-business, networks, and data modeling, this program will prepare graduates to be responsive to the growing demand of the information economy. The graduates of this program will understand the dynamic nature of information technology and will be able to evaluate the technology's application for problem solving, decision-making, competitive advantage, innovation, and so on. Several courses in this program include term projects that require students to organize team activities, analyze problems and propose solutions, rationalize and explain project-related decisions, document and communicate progress, collect and analyze data, write up results, and give professional presentations. Written and oral communication skills of the graduates are enhanced through these activities. More specifically, this degree program will prepare graduates to have:
In-depth understanding of systems thinking and ways that information technology can be used to enhance effectiveness of the
individual and organizations.
Ability to critically analyze business problems and apply scientific methods and computer applications to obtain business
solutions.
Comprehensive understanding of the theoretical basis of management information systems and current research questions.
Ability to learn on a continuing basis to stay current with rapidly changing technologies.
Ability to effectively communicate the technology and its application to business executives and users of information systems.
Knowledge and skills to function as an information technology professional in public or private organization.
Preparedness to enter a doctoral program in MIS.
DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
Completion of the degree requirements for the Master of Science in Management Information Systems include:
Completion of a minimum of 36 credit hours of MS in MIS courses.
Completion and defense of Master's thesis.
A grade point average of at least 3.0 for course work required for the degree.
No grade lower than C is acceptable.
Each student's program of course work must be selected in consultation with and approved by the student's advisor and the Department chair, and may include up to two courses (a total of 6 units) from selected disciplines other than MIS such as cognitive psychology, computer science, accounting, or economics. Students are expected to select a research advisor by the end of their first year, to attend all departmental seminars, and to present a research seminar prior to graduation. Students are also expected to publish at least one research-based paper in a peer-reviewed journal.
Students with unsatisfactory progress toward the degree requirements are subject to dismissal. A student with a grade of C or lower in any of the required courses for the degree will be put on probation for one semester. A student with two grades of C or lower will be dropped from the program. Students are required to register for six hours of thesis. They are advised to split these six hours of thesis and register for three hours each during the last two semesters.