Offered at South University, Austin; South University, Montgomery; South University, Online Programs; South University, Orlando Learning Site; South University, Richmond; South University, Tampa; and South University, Virginia Beach.
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.
The Master of Science in Information Systems program is delivered in two modalities: fully online and blended. Students enrolled in the blended modality meet face-to-face in the classroom and asynchronously online on alternating weeks over the 11-week quarter.
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.
