Program Description and Admission

The Master of Science in Computer Information Systems program is designed for students who desire to advance their careers in information technology.  The Master of Science (MS) in Computer Information Systems (CIS) consists of 30 credit hours with a minimum grade of B- in each course and a 3.0 overall GPA. A project/internship component of 3 credit hours is part of the core requirements. Students will complete all the core requirements of 18 credit hours and choose 12 credit hours of electives offered based on faculty expertise and market demands. The department may offer additional electives from time to time. A full-time student could complete the Master’s degree in two years.

To be considered for admission to the MS in CIS program, students must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in any field. If the field of major is related to CIS, students are eligible to be admitted directly into the graduate program. If the field of major is not related to CIS, students will be admitted conditionally.

Students should have obtained an undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.0. Students with a GPA slightly below 3.0 who are returning to college with relevant work experience may be admitted if their applications contain sufficient evidence of their skills and ability to succeed in graduate work. 

Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are not required. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

For questions, contact: Dr. Bhaskara Kopparty, Computer Information Systems Department: 219-980-6638, or come visit us: Hawthorn Hall, Room 325.

Program Objectives and Goals

The objective of this program is to prepare graduates with a sound basic understanding of computers coupled with knowledge of systems and applications in computer science. The coursework will cover advanced applications and will prepare students for employment at an advanced level.

Graduates from the MS in CIS program will be informed critical thinkers, be proficient in their chosen medium, and have advanced knowledge of computer information systems.

This Master’s degree can prepare students for continued advance study, including doctoral degrees in computer science or informatics. Students with a Bachelor’s degree will find the MS in CIS as a path to advanced employment in a number of IT related occupations, such as business analyst, data analyst, information security analyst, computer and information systems analyst, and project manager. Each of these occupations currently is in high demand.

The goals of this Master’s degree are to develop proficiency in the practice of computing and to prepare students for professional leadership roles. Each graduate should be able to:

• Formulate solutions to computing problems
• Analyze and compare alternative solutions to computing problems
• Design and implement effective solutions to computing problems
• Apply sound principles to the synthesis and analysis of computer systems
• Work effectively in teams to design and implement solutions to computational problems
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Think critically and creatively, both independently and with others
• Recognize the social and ethical responsibilities of a professional working in the discipline
• Seek out, develop, and adapt to new developments in the field of computer science

Curriculum

Core Courses – 18 credit hours

• Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (CSCI B551) – 3 credit hours
• Information Systems Development (CSCI P532) – 3 credit hours
• System and Protocol Security & Information Assurance (INFO I533) – 3 credit hours
• Advanced Web Page Development (CSCI C605)– 3 credit hours
• Informatics Project Management (INFO B505) – 3 credit hours
• Independent System Development (CSCI Y790) – 3 credit hours

Elective Courses – 12 credit hours

Electives: At least half of all Elective credits must be in courses numbered 600 or above.

• Data Analysis Using R (CSCI C504) – 3 credit hours
• Business Intelligence Using SAP (CSCI C603) – 3 credit hours
• Predictive Analytics and Data Mining (CSCI B565) – 3 credit hours
• UNIX/LINUX Administration (CSCI C606)– 3 credit hours
• Topics in Systems (CSCI B649) - 3 credit hours