Program Description
The M.S. in Information Systems program addresses the effective analysis, design, creation, management and evaluation of information systems for individuals and organizations. The Information-systems professional is to understand and improve the ways organizations derive value from information. Marshall’s Information Systems program offers an immersive educational experience to students at the intersection of business, information technology, and the human element. An M.S. in Information Systems degree provides graduates with the knowledge and skills to:
- Use information technology to improve organizational effectiveness;
- Manage complex business and information system challenges; and
- Apply design thinking, critical thinking, problem solving, and information technology skills to assist organizations meet current needs, changing demands and future growth.
Admission Requirements
Applicants should follow the admissions process described in this catalog or at the Graduate Admissions website.
A four-year bachelor’s degree in a major related to information systems with a GPA of 2.75 or higher out of 4.0 is required. Applicants with a four-year bachelor’s degree in a major other than an information systems-related program may be admitted to the program with a condition of successful completion of the following two bridge courses with a grade of B or above in the first semesters of the program:
- Programming Languages (CS 110 Computer Science I)
- Database Management Systems (CS 410D atabase Engineering)
Foreign nationals must provide proof of English proficiency with a minimum score 6.5 In IEL TS or 80 on TOEFL IBT (or 550 paper-based) and must have met all other admission criteria prior to registering for the first semester of courses. Applicants must submit official transcripts of all college-level courses. Whether a student meets the above requirements will be determined by the chair or deslgnee of the Weisberg Division of Computer Science, based on the information provided in the admission application and transcripts.
Program Requirements
Students must complete 30 graduate credit hours, including at least 24 credit hours at Marshall University. The degree consists of 21 credit hours of required courses and 9 hours of approved elective courses.
| Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required: | ||
| MIS 678 | Management Information Systems | 3 |
| MIS 605 | Systems Analysis and Design | 3 |
| MIS 610 | Systems Quality Assurance | 3 |
| MIS 621 | Information Structures I | 3 |
| MIS 622 | Emerging Tech in Info Systems | 3 |
| MIS 624 | Data Warehousing | 3 |
| MIS 647 | IT Disaster Plan and Recovery | 3 |
| Electives: | ||
| Select three courses approved by the student’s advisor to complete the program. The thesis option as described below can be used to replace 6 credit electives. | 9 | |
| Total Credit Hours: | 30 | |
Thesis Option (6 CR)
The thesis option offers a student an opportunity for serious investigation into an area of interest by completing a 3 credit Thesis I course and a 3 credit Thesis II course. Thesis work ls typically conducted over two semesters and the 6 CR of the thesis option courses cannot be combined in a semester. A thesis option can be taken after the completion of 12 credit hours. Students must summarize their thesis work in the form of a formal written document and deliver an oral presentation.