Master of Science in Computer Information Systems

The Masters of Science in Computer Information Systems (MSCIS) degree program, offered by the School of Continuing Studies in collaboration with the Robert R. McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science, is designed to prepare its graduates for the technology-oriented jobs of the future that will require project management, systems development, network management, and information systems management skills.

Reflecting the dynamic nature of information technology, we review our curriculum annually with our technology advisory board to insure that we are meeting the needs of the competitive global business environment. The curriculum integrates industry practice with theory and presents enduring principles as well as the specific technical and organizational skills that will help students to accelerate their careers. The curriculum is designed to follow the ACM/AIS guidelines that were developed, leveraging the expertise of both industry and academia. We are the beneficiaries of an active and engaged local technology community that shares knowledge and internship and job opportunities with our students.

Please be sure to review the important dates pertaining to this program.

Program Outcomes

The objectives of the MSCIS program are to:

• Provide the technical and organizational knowledge needed to understand how to use technology to achieve business goals and strategies, manage technology resources and leverage information for competitive advantage
• Prepare students for positions related to computer information systems in software development, business systems analysis, data warehousing, IT consulting, network management, and project management through specializations
• Provide students with technical expertise, communication skills, team work and collaboration skills, and strong analytic and problem-solving skills by integrating practical learning experiences into our pedagogy

Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of the MSCIS program, students are able to:

• Understand the fundamentals of project management, the systems development process, information management, and business information systems through our core courses
• Understand and apply current information technologies for database administration and management, telecommunications management, and software development through our specializations
• Demonstrate proficiency in professional communication through our instructional pedagogy and through our leadership course
• Understand how to work in and manage project teams to achieve project goals through our capstone experience

Careers in Computer Information Systems

The digital global economy has resulted in tremendous change in the practice of computer information systems in all organizations in the past decade and this has accelerated in the past few years. Technology careers of the future include: outsourcing management, project management, business requirements analysis, quality assurance, decision support systems, business process analysis, data warehouse management, and telecommunications management.

A Professional Degree

The MSCIS is a professional degree that integrates the information, business, and technology cultures. It is focused on the practice of IT in organizations, emphasizing communication, working in and managing teams, and aligning technology projects with business priorities.

Our students are typically working professionals who wish to advance their knowledge and skills in order to seek leadership opportunities and positions in organizations of all kinds. Some are fulfilling their ambition to pursue a technology-oriented career while others are seeking to enhance their current profession with deeper knowledge of computer information systems. The program is designed to meet the needs of both audiences.

The program is distinct from traditional computer science programs because it emphasizes the management of software development projects within business organizations rather than preparing students to be professional programmers or developers.

Graduates of the MSCIS degree program typically find positions as project managers, database administrators, software engineers, systems analysts, business analysts, and application developers. They pursue their careers in a variety of organizations including large and mid-size corporations, startup companies, nonprofits, and government agencies.