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Information Systems

Richmond, VA
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Degree Overview

Master of Science in Information Systems

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Learn to face the challenges of an information systems professional as part of South University’s Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS) program. The MSIS degree program is a technology-focused degree that provides the opportunity to learn how to manage information and technology in the modern age of information. In addition, the Master of Science in Information Systems degree prepares you for career leadership* opportunities. The curriculum covers a wide array of topics that are essential in the field of information systems, including information systems in converged networks, modern software development methodologies, business intelligence, governance, information security, and emerging technologies.

*South University does not promise or guarantee licensure, employment, or salary amounts.

South University, Richmond, and South University, Virginia Beach, are certified to operate in the Commonwealth of Virginia pursuant to Title 23, Chapter 21.1, §23-276.4 of the Code of Virginia by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (James Monroe Building, 101 North 14th St; Richmond, VA 23219; 804-225-2600; www.schev.edu).

Admission Requirements

Admissions criteria for Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS)

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 2.0 overall grade point average or higher on completed requirements for the baccalaureate degree, or an earned graduate degree from an accredited institution.

Master of Science in Information Systems Program - Required Knowledge Base

For students starting September 17, 2024, and prior.

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.

The Information Technology Infrastructure (MIS5010) 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.

For additional admissions information please see the admissions section here.

Course Requirements

Master of Science in Information Systems: 48 Credits

For students starting September 17, 2024, and prior.

Foundation of Business Courses (Choose 1): 4 Credits
Foundation Information Systems and Technology: 8 Credits
Elective (Choose 1): 4 Credits
Capstone: 4 Credits
Master of Science in Information Systems: 48 Credits

For students starting on or after October 22, 2024.
Offered in 11-week quarters at the Tampa campus only. All other campuses offered in 10-week quarters.

Foundation of Business Courses (Choose 1): 4 Credits
Foundation Information Systems and Technology: 8 Credits
Capstone: 4 Credits

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®).

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:

  1. Articulate the utilization of Information Systems (IS) resources (people, processes, technology, and data) to support enterprise strategy.
  2. Utilize industry standards and guidelines in the analysis and development of IS resources.
  3. Analyze the strategic use of IS resources for a project or organizational goal.
  4. Practice the use of an Enterprise Architecture methodology through the domains of Business Intelligence, IT Governance, and Systems Development.

Career Outlook

These are some of the career options* you can explore when you have earned your degree:

  • Computer and Information System Managers
  • Database Architects
  • Software Developers
  • Web and Digital Interface Designers or Managers
  • Computer and Information Research Scientists

*South University does not promise or guarantee licensure, employment, or salary amounts.

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Fill out the form and a representative will contact you today to better understand your academic goals plus answer any questions you may have.

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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Success Stories

Outstanding Education for Remarkable Careers

We're committed to helping our graduates make impact in their professional and personal lives. We applaud our business and technology alumni and the difference they make. 

Rose Gordon
Rose Gordon Grad Alumni
Class of '11
Master of Business Administration, South University, Atlanta

Engaging in class projects and coursework designed around real-life scenarios enabled me to effectively apply my knowledge to my business ventures. It prepared me for my entrepreneurial journey.

Tonya Hampton 2013
Tonya Hampton Grad Alumni
Class of '13
Bachelor of Business Administration-South University, Online Programs

“I love being a leader. South University helped me reach my full potential in management skills. The faculty and staff always went out of their way to make sure that the University had a positive impact on its students.”

Mike Davis 2011
Mike Davis Grad Alumni
Class of '11
Master of Business Administration-South University, Atlanta

“My graduate degree has given me a depth of understanding in business that allows me to really appreciate what we can add to our clients overall relationship and deliver on it.”

La'Sondrick Bridges 2011
La'Sondrick Bridges Grad Alumni
Class of '11
Master of Business Administration-South University, Columbia

“After talking it through, I realized I could go to school and work full time as well. They really care about you and want you to succeed.”

blue cap and gown graduate icon
Leah N. Williams Grad Alumni
Class of '09
Master of Business Administration-South University, Columbia

“A few years ago, I decided that I wanted to take my career to the next level and realized that an MBA would allow me to achieve that goal. When I first showed interest in South University, I met my admissions officer, Shakeara Hudson. She made the application process as easy as possible, and then she checked on me continuously while I was a student just to make sure I was on track to complete my MBA. She even attended my graduation ceremony and spoke with me afterwards.”