Program Overview
Areas of specialization:
A collaborative effort of SCS and Northwestern's Robert R. McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science, the MSCIS program enables students to study computing and information technology on a flexible basis. The program combines the study of computer science methodologies - software processes, engineering, telecommunications, and multimedia technologies - with content delivery over data networks. It is ideal for those interested in learning the state of the art and state of the practice in the information technology field.
The program is distinct from traditional computer science programs because of its emphasis on the development and management of software projects within business organizations. Graduates of the MSCIS program typically find positions as quality assurance analysts, 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, start up companies, nonprofits, and government agencies.
Along with a sound theoretical grounding in computer technology, the MSCIS program focuses on the applications and implementation of information technology. The teaching emphasizes best practices and the most current advances to keep students abreast of trends in this rapidly changing field. Additionally, MSCIS students may select an optional area of specialization to focus their academic and professional interests. Core and specialization courses emphasize modern distributed applications, their design and implementation, evaluation, underlying enabling technologies, theoretical models, and the networks through which computer-based technologies travel.
Curriculum
The program requires 11 units of credit to earn the MS degree: six core courses, three electives, a leadership course, and a capstone project. Students are encouraged but not required to use their elective courses to form an area of specialization. MSCIS courses are offered at the Chicago Loop and Chicago lakefront SCS locations.
Core Courses
(6 courses)
Database and
Internet Technologies
This specialization focuses on a set of skills that allow students to function in the roles of designer, analyst, project manager, or administrator - not just in the current database development environment but also in future dynamic computing environments. It focuses on the modeling and design of relational database systems as well as the development of real-world applications based on best practices and sound design principles. Practical emphasis is placed on normalization procedures, user interfaces, client/server technologies, web e-commerce databases, and database security issues. This specialization uses commercially available database systems to verify database design, balance the program load between client and server, store large-scale data into data warehouses, exchange data between databases, and process XML data flows.
Information Systems Security
Securing and safeguarding data and information is an ever-increasing urgent concern in modern times, especially in a post-9/11 world. The information systems security specialization focuses on skills that allow students to design a secured system and make recommendations for the protection of sensitive corporate data in accordance with commerce and privacy regulations. Students learn how to secure network systems (LAN, WAN, wireless). Topics include VPN, firewalls, intrusion detection systems, cryptography, anti-virus, anti-spam, and application security techniques. Students also learn the managerial and administrative aspects of security such as vulnerabilities, countermeasures, network security architectures, policy development and legal/ regulatory issues, risk management, and disaster recovery planning.
Software Project
Management and Development
This specialization is designed to meet the needs of computer professionals, allowing them to gain state-of-the-art and state-of-practice knowledge without interrupting their current career paths. The objective is to provide students with a comprehensive foundation in information systems together with the current skills required of those interested in the design, development, implementation, and quality assurance of software products.
Leadership Class (1
Course)
SCS strives to equip its students with fundamental skills in effective leadership, communication, innovation, and change management. To gain exposure to theories and best practices in these administrative areas, MSCIS students join other SCS graduate students in a 10-week leadership class. With these skills complementing the core curriculum, graduates are better prepared to face the challenges of the modern workplace.
Capstone
Project (1 Course)
The capstone project is a culminating educational experience that melds theoretical with applied knowledge. MSCIS students may pursue their capstone experience independently or as part of a team.
- CIS 498 Computer Information Systems Project
or
- CIS 590 Research Thesis Independent Project
Graduation
Students must complete the Application
for a Degree (PDF Format) and the Master's
Degree Candidate Certification forms and submit them to SCS by the deadlines listed in the graduate
calendar.
|
