Information Systems
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Master of Science in Information Systems
South University’s online* Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS) can prepare you to seek career leadership** opportunities and make you competitive in this increasingly technology-dependent world. The master’s in information systems online program is designed to be a technology-focused degree that teaches you how to manage information systems and technology in modern enterprises.
The MSIS degree program curriculum covers areas such as information systems in converged networks, modern software development methodologies, business intelligence, governance, information security, and emerging technologies. Your Master of Science in Information Systems courses will also emphasize program management, organizational communication, information architecture, and strategic thinking, helping you master the principles and practices required to effectively solve management of information systems and technology problems for real business applications amidst an ever-changing digital world.
*Fully online programs can have a ground clinical or practicum experience.
**South University does not promise or guarantee employment or salary amounts.
Admission Requirements
Admissions criteria for Master of Science in Information Systems (MS)
Graduate Admissions - Masters level
Prospective students are required to submit the following:
- Completion of application for admission
- Official transcripts for bachelor or graduate degree within 5 weeks of the class start date (refer to Conditional Acceptance). (All credentials earned outside the United States must be evaluated by a NACES or AICE-member credential evaluation service). Please speak with an admissions representative for more information.
Note: See program notes and specific requirements below for each graduate - masters level degree program
Specific requirements for admission to classified graduate status are:
- A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
- Completion of application for admission.
A 2.7 overall grade point average or higher on completed requirements for the baccalaureate degree, or an earned graduate degree from an accredited institution with a CGPA of 3.0 or higher.
Master of Science in Information Systems Program
As determined by the Program Director or Chair, students with a non-technical degree or lacking IT-related experience are required to successfully complete MIS5010 Information Technology Infrastructure, with a "C" or better. Students must enroll in the course within the first two quarters of their admission to the University. The course is designed to provide students with a required knowledge base of emerging trends in information systems, how information systems work, and how to manage IT infrastructures.
Required knowledge base or foundational undergraduate course credits do not count towards the total number of credits for graduation nor do they count in the Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA); however, they do count in determining the maximum time frame (MTF) and the Incremental Completion Rate (ICR). Student must achieve a "C" or better within three attempts or will be academically dismissed from the University.
Provisional Admission:
Applicants with an undergraduate degree CGPA of less than a 2.7, but not lower than a 2.3, or a graduate degree CGPA of less than 3.0, but not lower than a 2.7, will be considered for provisional admission. Students who do not attain a 3.0 GPA in the first quarter will be dismissed. Students cannot appeal the dismissal from the university as a result of failure to meet the conditions of provisional admission.
For additional admissions information please see the admissions section here.
Course Requirements
Outcomes
Offered at Austin, Online Programs, Orlando, Richmond, Tampa, and Virginia Beach.
Note: Not all Online Program offerings are available to residents of all U.S. states. Please contact an admissions representative for further information.
The Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS) program prepares students for a career or advancement within the Information Systems (IS) profession, or related fields. The program is designed for professionals and continuing students with diverse backgrounds. The MSIS program curriculum focuses on merging business and IS theories while emphasizing practical applications.
The core competencies of the MSIS program covers a wide range of topics, including business intelligence, data management, knowledge acquisition, information technology (IT) governance, service management, IS development and auditing, systems analysis and design, object-oriented enterprise modeling, information security, and risk management.
The program aims to equip students with analytical and critical-thinking skills to identify and solve problems within an interrelated systems context. Students learn to define problems and communicate solutions effectively by using oral, visual, and analytical means, as well as utilizing frameworks such as business cases, service level agreements, use cases, and corporate dashboards.
The MSIS program draws on recognized industry frameworks, best practices, and standards through alignment with certifications established by the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA®), the Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL®), and the Project Management Institute (PMI®). To aid the academic and professional advancement of students through hands-on experience, the MSIS program incorporates technology resources via the IBM Academic Initiative.
The program emphasizes project-based learning and students perform an IT/IS industry analysis of skills, certifications, technologies, and methodologies required in their targeted careers. This leads to the development of a portfolio of projects, which is vetted by industry experts. This approach is also supported by an elective internship course.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
After completion of the Master of Science in Information Systems, graduates will be able to:
- Articulate the utilization of Information Systems (IS) resources (people, processes, technology, and data) to support enterprise strategy.
- Utilize industry standards and guidelines in the analysis and development of IS resources.
- Analyze the strategic use of IS resources for a project or organizational goal.
- Practice the use of an Enterprise Architecture methodology through the domains of Business Intelligence, IT Governance, and Systems Development.
Career Outlook
South University's master's degree in Information Systems can prepare you for a career in, or advancement within, a wide range of positions, including:
- Computer and Information Systems Managers
- Computer and Information Research Scientists
- Software Developers, Systems Software
- Software Quality Assurance Engineers and Testers
- Web Administrators
- Geospatial Information Scientists and Technologists
- Geographic Information Systems Technicians
- Database Architects
- Data Warehousing Specialists
- Business Intelligence Analysts
- Search Marketing Strategists
- Document Management Specialists
Online Classroom
Haven’t experienced online learning before or wondering what it’s like to earn your degree online at South University? While the mode of learning is different from the traditional classroom experience with added convenience and flexibility, we hold the same high standards of academic excellence in the online classroom.
South University’s online programs combine a curriculum designed for student outcomes and a classroom designed for flexibility and engagement. Our online classroom learning platform, Brightspace, provides you with a host of features to enhance your learning experience, including:
- Advanced media content
- Personalized navigation
- Simplified online learning atmosphere
- Access to digital books
- Emailing and instant messaging options
We provide more than just an online classroom, bringing a range of campus experiences and services online. In addition, the online classroom is accessible on the go via mobile devices and with tools like the Pulse App. Pulse helps you stay connected and on track with your course by providing a number of features such as course calendars, readings and assignments, feedback and grades, and announcements.
Read more about online requirements here.
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Campuses offer flexible learning formats* including: on-campus, virtual instructions, and online courses.
*Clinical, practicum, and externship requirements exist in certain programs and require field experiences. Learning formats may not be flexible.
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