Curriculum: Master of Science in Information Systems

Next Term Application Deadline

November 30, 2022

Total Credits

36-44 credit hours

Next Term Starts

January 09, 2023

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Curriculum at a Glance

Become a Leader in Information Systems

In a technology-driven world, information systems are more important than ever. Business leaders are increasingly called upon to use data and technology to innovate, transform, and drive business decisions. Because of this IS professionals are in-demand across a variety of industries—from consulting, finance, technology, retail, and more.

UC’s online Master of Science in Information Systems degree will provide you with the knowledge and hands-on experience to effectively design and implement technology, manage projects, drive business decisions, and communicate data insights.

The University of Cincinnati Online’s Master of Science in Information Systems program provides a flexible, innovative curriculum, accommodating students with diverse educational backgrounds and work experiences. The program is known for its strengths in the areas of ERP, business intelligence, database design and modeling, and project management. Flexible class options accommodate working, part-time students.

Experience-based learning

We understand the importance of hands-on learning. That why you won’t just learn about business and technology, you’ll gain real-life experience that will set you a part in the workforce. To meet the credit hours for the industry practicum (also known as the experiential component of this program), MS Information Systems students have three options:

Engage in a six-to-eight month internship (co-op).
- Obtaining a co-op/internship is very much like obtaining a full-time job, and it will be up to you to obtain the position. We will, however, do all we can to help you get placed through partnerships we have with companies and through resources provided by the Lindner College of Business Career Services office.
Work on a meaningful, in-depth independent information systems project.
- Most part-time students choose this option. If applicable and the project has been approved, this can be completed at your current place of employment.
Conduct information systems research.

- The information systems research option should culminate in a written research paper and is geared toward students on a Ph.D. path.

To receive an MSIS degree, there are certain requirements that need to be obtained. Completion of the following categories:

For students with undergraduate business degree (36 credit hours)

20 hours core
14 hours elective
2 hours Industry Practicum

For students without undergraduate business degree (44 credit hours)

20 hours core
14 hours elective
2 hours Industry Practicum
8 hours Basic Business Knowledge (BBK)

CURRICULUM AT A GLANCE

MSIS Core Courses Electives Industry Practicum Basic Business Knowledge (BBK)

Students must take 20 hours of core courses.

Course	Title / Description	Credit
IS7012	Web Development with .Net Course: IS7012 Credit: 2 This course is an introduction to the development of web-based applications, using Microsoft's Visual Studio and covering ASP.Net using Visual C#. Students will be expected to develop a simple web application that incorporates these technologies. Students will learn how to integrate the front-end (web site) with the back end (database) of an application. The course will cover the implementation of navigational structures, input and validation controls, and data controls in web applications.	2
IS7020	Systems Analysis and Design Course: IS7020 Credit: 2 There is no activity more fundamental to the field of information systems (IS) than the analysis, design, and development of systems. In this course, students will learn to analyze and document the requirements for a system, using two distinct approaches to process modeling. The first of these is BPMN (Business Process Modeling Notation) - a technique that is quickly becoming the standard for business process modeling. The second is an Object Oriented approach, using UML (Unified Modeling Language) - specifically, students will learn to draw use-case diagrams, class diagrams, and sequence diagrams.	2
IS7024	XML and Web Services Course: IS7024 Credit: 2 This course introduces the concept of Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) and its two main components - web services and XML. First, the course covers the structure of XML files, including XML Schemas and namespaces. Next, techniques to transform (XSLT) and extract information from XML files (XPATH) are presented. Finally, the main components of Web Services, such as WSDL and SOAP, are discussed. The course uses Visual Studio 20008, Visual C#, ASP .Net, and Windows Communication Foundation as a way for students to practice the concepts discussed in the lectures.	2
IS7030	Data Modeling Course: IS7030 Credit: 2 This course provides in-depth coverage of the principles of data modeling. Starting at the highest level of abstraction, the data requirements culled out from user requirements specification are rendered as a conceptual data model using Entity-relationship modeling grammar. Students then learn how to map the conceptual model to the logical tier using relational modeling grammar, in preparation for the ultimate database design. Workshop sessions are included to provide students hands-on modeling opportunities. A basic introduction to Structured Query Language (SQL) is also included.	2
IS7032	Database Design Course: IS7032 Credit: 2 This course provides in-depth coverage of the principles of database design. It is a follow on to IS 7030. Having learned to develop relational data models in the first course, students start this course with concepts related to validating and revising the database design using normalization theory. This is followed by relational algebra and structured query language (SQL) for data definition (DDL), data manipulation(DML), data control (DCL), and deeper level of data querying (DQL) for the implementation of the database design. Finally, higher level normalization concepts are introduced. Workshop and laboratory sessions are included to provide hands-on learning experience in normalization procedures and SQL.	2
IS7034	Data Warehousing and Business Intelligence Course: IS7034 Credit: 2 This course is designed for the comprehensive learning of data warehousing technology for business intelligence. Data warehouses are used to store (archive) data from operational information systems. Data warehouses are useful in generating valuable control and decision-support business intelligence for many organizations in adjusting to their competitive business environment. This course will introduce students to the design, development and operation of data warehouses. Students will apply and integrate the data warehousing and business intelligence knowledge learned in this course in leading software packages.	2
IS7036	Data Mining for Business Intelligence Course: IS7036 Credit: 2 This course is designed for the in-depth learning of data-mining knowledge and techniques in the context of business intelligence. The topics include association rules, classification, clustering and text mining. Students will apply and integrate the business intelligence knowledge learned in this course in leading software packages.	2
IS7050	Enterprise Resource Planning 1 Course: IS7050 Credit: 2 Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems are large, cross-functional systems designed to promote integration among the various business areas. While there are many ERP systems, SAP has, by far, the highest market share. An important step in implementing SAP is configuration, which involves selecting options in SAP to align with the specific requirements of the business. This course is a hands-on introduction to SAP configuration. Specifically, students will go through the process of setting up a small trading company on SAP, including setting up the organization structures, master data, and rules; and processing transactions to test the setup. The course covers three SAP modules - FI, MM, and SD.	2
IS7060	IS Project Management Course: IS7060 Credit: 2 This course focuses on the management of IS projects, although many of the concepts examined also apply to other projects. Planning, organizing, staffing, and controlling projects require traditional management skills as well as an understanding of specific project management tools and techniques. This course starts with an overview of project management concepts. It then discusses project planning, monitoring, and controlling. It also covers the politics of projects, project staff, and teamwork issues. The Project Management Institute's "A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge," along with current research and management trends related to IS project management, provide the framework for the material covered in this class. The course uses Microsoft Project for hands-on exercises.	2
IS8044	IS Security Course: IS8044 Credit: 2 This course is an overview of the field of Information Security, Privacy, and Assurance. It introduces students to the key issues associated with protecting information assets, determining levels of protection and response to security incidents, and designing a consistent, reasonable information security system, with appropriate intrusion detection and reporting features. Topics covered in the course include: inspection and protection of information assets, detection of and reaction to threats to information assets, pre- and post-incident procedures, technical and managerial responses, and an overview of the Information Security Planning and Staffing functions.	2

Students must take 14 hours of electives.

Course	Title / Description	Credit
IS8034	Big Data Integration Course: IS8034 Credit: 2 This course presents an overview of the principles of data integration, the fundamental basis for developing useful and flexible business intelligence platforms. Modern data integration needs differ from traditional approaches in four main dimensions that parallel differences between big data and traditional data: volume, velocity, variety, and veracity.	2
IS8036	Survey of Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence Course: IS8036 Credit: 2 This course is a survey of Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) from the Data Scientist’s perspective. It explores ML and AI topics, current and emerging technologies, and applications for students to gain understanding of the successful implementation of ML and AI to address key business and industry problems.	2
BANA6043	Statistical Computing Course: BANA6043 Credit: 2 This is a course on the use of computer tools for data management and analysis. The focus is on a few popular data management and statistical software packages such as SQL, SAS, SPSS, S Plus, R, and JMP although others may be considered. Data management and manipulation techniques including queries in SQL will be covered. Elementary analyses may include measures of location and spread, correlation, detection of outliers, table creation, graphical displays, comparison of groups, as well as specialized analyses.	2
BANA6037	Data Visualization Course: BANA6037 Credit: 2 This course provides an introduction as well as hands-on experience in data visualization. It introduces students to design principles for creating meaningful displays of quantitative and qualitative data to facilitate managerial decision-making.	2
BANA7025	Data Wrangling Course: BANA7025 Credit: 2 This course provides an intensive, hands-on introduction to data management and data manipulation. You will learn the fundamental skills required to acquire, munge, transform, manipulate, and visualize data in a computing environment that fosters reproducibility.	2
BANA7038	Data Analysis Methods Course: BANA7038 Credit: 2 This course covers the fundamental concepts of applied data analysis methods. Various aspects of linear and logistic regression models are introduced, with emphasis on real data applications. Students are required to analyze data using major statistical software packages. BANA 7038 should not be taken for credit by MS-Business Analytics students.	2

Students must complete an industry practicum.

Course	Title / Description	Credit
IS7092	Industry Practicum 2 Course: IS7092 Credit: 1-3 This course is associated with the experiential component of the MS-IS program. It is a follow on to IS 7090. The purpose of this course is to allow students to engage in longer and more complex projects (whether as part of a co-op/internship, or an independent project) that go beyond the scope of a single course (IS 7090).	1-3

These courses are required for students without an undergraduate business degree accredited by AACSB.

Course	Title / Description	Credit
ACCT 7000	Foundations in Accounting Course: ACCT 7000 Credit: 2 This course educates students in the fundamentals of finance and accounting. The methods covered are used extensively throughout the MBA program. Topics include: the accounting process that results in the preparation of financial statements for external users, techniques for analyzing a basic set of financial statements, using accounting information to support management decisions, and using time value of money techniques to evaluate capital asset decisions. (MS Accounting students cannot earn credit by taking this course.) This course cannot be used as an elective course for Lindner College of Business Master's programs.	2
IS 7011	Information and Technology Management Course: IS 7011 Credit: 2 This course employs the case method to discuss the managerial and strategic implications of the use of Information Systems in organizations. The course starts with a review of concepts related to Information Technology in the realm of networking,databases, application development, and architecture. Next, it examines the value of Information Technology in modern organizations. Finally, multiple cases are discussed, covering themes like Enterprise Resource Planning, Digital Convergence, e-Marketing and Social Media, Disruptive Innovations, Virtual Teams, and IT Resources and Capabilities.	2
BANA 7011	Data Analysis Course: BANA 7011 Credit: 2 Introduction to data analysis and statistical methods with focus on practical decisions using quantitative models in a spreadsheet environment. Topics include sources of data, descriptive and graphical statistical methods, probability, distributions, sampling and sampling distributions, estimation, confidence intervals, and hypothesis testing. This course may not be used as an elective course for Lindner College of Business Master's programs.	2
FIN 7000	Foundations in Finance Course: FIN 7000 Credit: 1 Upon completion of this course, students should be able to: 1. Apply concepts and perform Time Value of Money calculations 2. Understand differences in interest rates (due to differences in risk, horizon, and compounding) 3. Use present value calculations to solve bond pricing and risk applications 4. Use present value calculations to solve stock valuation applications This course cannot be used as an elective course for Lindner College of Business master's programs.	1
MKTG 7000	Marketing Foundations Course: MKTG 7000 Credit: 1 The purpose of this course is to provide students with a foundation in Marketing. Concepts such as segmentation, targeting, positioning, customer and market analysis, and basic marketing planning will be introduced. This course cannot be used as an elective for Linder College of Business master's students.	1

FAQs

What do MS in Information Systems Graduates do after Graduation?

MSIS students come to the program with very diverse backgrounds and professional goals, and they pursue a variety of roles after graduation. The Masters of Science in Information Systems program equips students with broad technical skills to be at the forefront of technological innovation and open doors in many technology management fields.

An example of our alumni job titles include Data Analyst, Business Intelligence Consultant, Information Technology Consultant, IT Risk and Compliance Consultant, Product Intelligence Manager, Technical Program Manager, and more.

Learn more about the career services offered by the University of Cincinnati Online and MSIS, by speaking with a faculty member today.
What skills will I learn with a MS in Information Systems?
University of Cincinnati Online students will learn a variety of skills from their MS in Information Systems. Those skills include:
- Hardware, software development and programming
- Systems analysis
- Database systems and design
- Networking and operating systems
- Data mining
- Emerging technologies
- Mobile applications
- Computer security
If you are data driven, and highly analytical, a MS in Information Systems is the graduate degree you’ve been looking for.
Is the GMAT or GRE required for MSIS?
The GMAT/GRE is required for the MSIS program; however, waivers are available. Factors determining eligibility are listed below.

We highly recommend applying to your program of choice before taking the GMAT/GRE or sending us your scores.

You may be eligible for an entrance exam waiver if you:
- Completed at least 6 graduate credits in a relevant field with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher
- Have a professional certification or licensure (via exam) in a relevant field
- Have numerous years of relevant work experience (7+) with demonstrated advancement
- Have an undergraduate business degree from a domestic AACSB accredited institution with cumulative 3.5 GPA or higher