Master of Science in Information Systems Online and On Campus, Northwestern University School of Continuing Studies

Program Overview:

Master of Science in Information Systems

The part-time MSIS program trains students in information systems methodologies, with an emphasis on design, implementation and evaluation of software applications and theoretical models. Courses are taught by leaders in the field, and each includes project based study from real-world cases. The degree provides access to professionals anticipating the next tech trends. Students may choose to take some or all classes online, and can choose from specializations which complement their professional experience and interests. The diverse cohort of peers drawn to technology management enhances class conversations, and opens networking opportunities beyond the classroom. Fully accredited, SCS online courses marry the best aspects of online technology with the interactivity of the classroom in a format designed to work with students' busy schedules. Learn more about SCS's distance learning philosophy.

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Information Systems Faculty Perspective

Faisal Akkawi, PhD
Faculty director of MS in Information Systems program, researches reactive/adaptive intelligent systems and was selected for NASA Faculty Fellowship Program for advanced diagnostic and advanced caution/warning system for International Space Station.

Program Goals

Ability to develop and manage software projects
Build effective leadership techniques and communication skills necessary to implement change management and innovation
Network within a population of peers and leading information systems professionals from prominent public and private organizations

Areas of Specialization

This program offers six areas of specialization, which must be declared at the time of application:

Curriculum Overview

The Master of Science in Information Systems degree requires 11 units of credit—three core courses, one leadership course, six elective courses based on an area of specialization and one capstone (498) or thesis (590) project. View the curriculum details for this program.

Core Courses:

CIS 313-0 OR 313-DL Telecommunication Networks
This course provides an overview of telecommunications and computer networks. Course work includes the study of signals and bandwidth concepts, spectra, basics of electronics, information and coding, modulation, multiplexing, transmission systems, transmission media, analog versus digital communications, computer networks, and switching techniques.

Note for students in the MSIS program: This is a core course for students pursuing the MSIS degree.

Note for students in the online MMI-DL program: This is a track course for students pursuing the MMI degree.

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CIS 314-0 OR 314-DL Object-Oriented Programming

This course focuses on developing complex programs using an object-oriented language. Students write programs that utilize functions and methods for code modularization and arrays for solving problems. Information hiding, encapsulation, inheritance, polymorphism, exception handling, and other principles of object-oriented programming will be introduced.

Note for students in the MSIS program: This is a core course for students pursuing the MSIS degree.

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CIS 317-0 OR 317-DL Database Systems Design & Impl

This course covers the fundamentals of database design and management. Topics include the principles and methodologies of database design, database application development, normalization, referential integrity, security, relational database models, and database languages. Principles are applied by performing written assignments and a project using an SQL database system.

Note for students in the MSIS program: This is a core course for students pursuing the MSIS degree.

Note for students in the online MMI-DL program: This is a track course for students pursuing the MMI degree.

Note for students in the MSPA program: This is a core course for students pursuing the MSPA degree.

Note for all students: This course was previously called Introduction to Databases.

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CIS 498-0 OR 498-DL CIS Capstone Project

This course provides experience in the development of large multi-tier information systems. The project will cover all aspects of the software development life cycle (i.e., analysis, design, implementation, testing, deployment), as well as project management and software configuration management. Students will use Java, an object request broker, and a database management system to develop a three-tier application using a use-case-driven, iterative, and incremental methodology.

The earliest students may take this course is in the quarter of their final class. Students must have completed CIS 313, CIS 314, CIS 317, and CIS 394.

The online version of this course are only for students in the online MSIS-DL program. On-campus students must take on-campus sections.

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CIS 590-0 Thesis Research

This final project is meant to represent the culmination of students’ experience in the program and must demonstrate mastery of the curriculum and ability to conduct sustained independent research and analysis. The project may be applied or may be a traditional scholarly paper, in both cases a write-up following the paper’s program-specific guidelines is required. Students must submit a proposal and secure a first reader in order to register; for further details students are advised to review the student handbook and contact their academic advisor.

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LEADERS 481-0 Leadership

The purpose of this course is to identify the fundamental leadership behaviors that enable people to excel in their careers, and to help students apply these behaviors to personal and professional success. The course builds from the basic premise that leadership is learned and looks at the theory and practice of leadership at the individual and organizational level. The course will explore definitions of leadership, the importance of leadership, leadership styles, the role of vision and integrity, the importance of giving and receiving feedback, how to lead change and solve problems, effective teamwork, and communication strategies. The culmination of the class will be a personal leadership development plan formulated by each student.

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LEADERS 481-DL Leadership

The purpose of this course is to identify the fundamental leadership behaviors that enable people to excel in their careers, and to help students apply these behaviors to personal and professional success. The course builds from the basic premise that leadership is learned, and looks at the theory and practice of leadership at the individual and organizational level. The course will explore definitions of leadership, the importance of leadership, leadership styles, the role of vision and integrity, the importance of giving and receiving feedback, how to lead change and solve problems, effective teamwork, and communication strategies.

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