Graduate Program Coordinator:
Dr. Andrew Mangle. amangle@bowiestate.edu
Room 3318, Center for Business and Graduate Studies
The Master of Science in Management Information Systems (MSMIS) program is designed to prepare students for careers in the analysis, design, implementation, and management of information systems and information technology (IT). The program, which consists of 36 semester credit hours, offers three tracks: Data Analytics, Information Systems Security, and Enterprise Information Systems; and one concentration: Information Assurance. For the first three tracks, the program requires eighteen (18) credit hours of Core courses, six (6) credit hours of practicum or research courses, and twelve (12) credit hours of elective courses. The Information Systems Security concentration requires eighteen (18) credit hours of Core Courses, and eighteen (18) credit hours of concentration courses: 15 credit hours core including six (6) credit hours of practicum or research, and 3 credit hour elective courses.
Program Goals
The program goal is to produce information systems (IS) professionals, who will be able to:
- Prepare requirement specifications with both functional and non-functional requirements.
- Design solutions by developing data, process, and object models, architectures and integrating information technologies.
- Design, develop and maintain a data management solution for businesses.
- Design and develop data and analytics applications and products.
- Provide consulting in the applications of latest data analytics, communication, enterprise and e-commerce technologies.
- Lead digital strategy and innovation as well as pursue entrepreneurial opportunities using advanced and emerging information technologies.
- Manage IS projects and IS units in organizations.
- Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements for security and privacy of data and information.
- Consult in the field of information systems and cybersecurity for government and industries.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must submit evidence of completion of a baccalaureate from an accredited institution, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5, and satisfy other general admission requirements established by the Graduate School. Applicants are encouraged to submit a resume, and a one-page summary of interest in information/technology/information systems and their applications.
The undergraduate degree coursework should include College Algebra, Statistics or Quantitative Methods, a Programming Language, Business and Management, and Computer Applications. Applicants who do not meet the prerequisite conditions may be granted conditional admission and may be required to complete some or all of the following foundation courses:
- MGMT 241 - Principles of Management or equivalent
- ECON 351 - Business Statistics or equivalent
- INSS 500 - Introduction to Information Systems
- INSS 505 - Object Oriented Programming or equivalent
Students who have some work experience and certifications in a related field, but do not have the requisite academic background may qualify for admission to the MSMIS program. GRE or GMAT is not required for admission.
Degree Requirements for Concentration in Information Assurance
A minimum of 36 credit hours consisting of 18 credit hours of Core Courses, and 18 credit hours of Concentration courses: 15 credit hours core and 3 credit hour elective courses.
Core Courses (18 Credits)
INSS 515 - Principles & Practices of Information Systems
INSS 538 - Data Communications and Networks
INSS 540 - Information Systems Analysis & Design
INSS 550 - Data Management
INSS 573 - Digital Innovation & Entrepreneurship
INSS 575 - Information Systems Project Management
Those who have completed these courses from other accredited institutions within the last 5 years prior to registration can transfer up to six (6) credit hours. Those who have relevant IT experience can test out of these courses and substitute them with other approved courses needed to satisfy the 36-credit program requirement.
Concentration Courses (18 Credits)
Concentration Core (15 credits)
INSS 635 - Information Systems Security
INSS 681 - Computer and Cyber Forensics
INSS 778 - Information Security Risk Management
Two Practicum or Research courses: Practicum or Research
Practicum Option
INSS 780 - Information Systems Practicum
INSS 788 - Information Systems Practicum II
Research Option
INSS 790 - Professional Seminar
INSS 798 - Directed Thesis Research
Concentration Elective Courses (3 credits)
INSS 670 - Auditing, Monitoring, and Intrusion Detection
INSS 673 - Digital Business Security
INSS 686 - Information Privacy and Security
INSS 689 - Applied Cryptography
INSS 725 - Issues in Information Systems Management
Curriculum Sequence
The following sequence represents a typical selection of courses. The recommended course sequence is:
First and Second Semesters
INSS 515 - Principles & Practices of Information Systems
INSS 573 - Digital Business Innovation and Entrepreneurship
INSS 575 - Information Systems Project Management
INSS 538 - Data Communications and Networks
INSS 540 - Information Systems Analysis & Design
INSS 635- Information Systems Security
Third and Fourth Semesters
INSS 550 - Data Management
INSS 778 - Information Security Risk Management
INSS 780 - Information Systems Practicum I or INSS 790 - Professional Seminar
INSS 681- Computer and Cyber Forensics
INSS 788 - Information Systems Practicum II or INSS 798 - Directed Thesis Research
Elective (1 course)
Program of Study
Each student is required to complete a Program of Study form in consultation with his/her advisor, during the first semester of enrollment. The program of study designates the student’s concentration/track selection and is required for advancement to candidacy. Students are strongly encouraged to discuss with their assigned Academic Advisor or the Program Coordinator for advisement concerning a program of study.
Advancement to Candidacy
Students are advanced to candidacy upon completion of the core coursework required for the program with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.25. It is the responsibility of the student to apply for advancement to candidacy.
