Program: Information Systems, M.S.I.S. - Georgia State University

Apr 04, 2025

2022-2023 Graduate Catalog

Return to: 7110 Department of Computer Information Systems

Simha Magal, Program Director

The Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS) is designed to meet the needs of students who want to build a strong background in information systems and the application of information and communications technology in business.

In today’s highly competitive global environment, the effective deployment of information technology has become critical to business success. New applications of information technology strike at the heart of what management does and how organizations are structured and compete. In many respects these applications are redefining the nature of work and its organization.

There is a continuing shortage of specialists and managers with the combination of business and technology skills needed to bring about this reshaping of international industries. The purpose of the Master of Science in Information Systems program is to produce graduates who are able to combine their general business knowledge with the latest information systems tools and techniques to enable organizations to compete strongly in the global marketplace. Graduates, through the use of optional concentrations in their programs of study, will be prepared for careers in specific areas such as information systems management; health informatics; or information technology consulting, project management, database management, and systems development.

The MSIS program is usually offered only as a cohort program.

Degree Requirements

Regulations for the Degree

The regulations, policies, and procedures given in the “Master’s Enrollment” and “Master’s Programs” sections of this chapter apply to the Master of Science in Information Systems students. A maximum of 12 hours of transfer credit is permitted in this 33-hour program.
Course Requirements. The course requirements for the Master of Science in Information Systems and the format of the program follow. Consult the Course Descriptions chapter for prerequisites to the graduate courses listed below.

Subject to availability, MSIS students are expected to do full-time or part-time field study in the last two semesters in the program. MSIS students are required to begin their field study in the semester preceding the one in which they will graduate.

Students may complete the MSIS by meeting the requirements (2.a.) through (2.d.) above. Subject to course availability, students may additionally qualify for the following concentrations by substituting the below required courses in the concentration in place of Elective Courses detailed in (2.c.) above.

Foundation Courses

The MSIS degree program foundation includes successful completion of the programming courses CIS 3260 Introduction to Programming. The requirement for CIS 3260 may be waived upon approved evidence of equivalent accredited undergraduate coursework with a grade of at least C or successful completion of approved online courses and exams in programming as directed by the CIS Graduate Program Coordinator.

CIS 326- Introduction to Programming

Required Courses (9 Hours)

Required Courses in Computer Information Systems. These five courses comprise the “MSIS Core”:

CIS 8010 - Process Innovation 3 Credit Hours
or
MIT 8010 - Business Process Innovation 3 Credit Hours
CIS 8040 - Fundamentals of Database Management Systems 3 Credit Hours
CIS 8080 - Information Systems Security and Privacy 3 Credit Hours
or
MIT 8080 - Security and Privacy of Information and Information Systems 3 Credit Hours

Elective Courses (18-21 hours)

Elective Courses in Computer Information Systems and Related Fields: Any 8000 level CIS or MIT graduate courses may be used to satisfy the electives requirements subject to approval by the MSIS faculty advisor.

Capstone Requirement (3-6 Hours)

Selected from:

CIS 8391 - Field Study in Computer Information Systems 1 to 6 Credit Hours
MIT 8990 - IT Management Capstone Project 0 to 6 Credit Hours
CIS 8990 - MS-CIS Thesis Research 0 to 6 Credit Hours

Optional Concentrations Available Within the MSIS

Program of Study/Course Prerequisites

With the exception of cohort-enrolled students, each student’s program must be planned in consultation with an M.S. faculty adviser in the Department of Computer Information Systems for approval by the MSIS coordinator before a non-required course is taken. Students may contact the department for the name of their faculty adviser and to schedule an appointment. A copy of the program will be filed with the Office of Graduate Student Services for review and approval. Progress toward the degree, including clearance for graduation, cannot be confirmed without an approved program of study. Any changes in the program must be approved by the faculty adviser and a copy of the changes sent to Office of Graduate Student Services. Students always must consult the Course Descriptions chapter of the graduate catalog to determine if they have met the prerequisites for any course to be taken.

Time Limit

The time limit for completing the Master of Science in Information Systems is five years from the semester the first course in section B or C (above) is taken.

For additional information, please visit the following website: robinson.gsu.edu/masters-programs/ms-in-information-systems/.

7220.10 4 + 1 Programs

The Department of Computer Information Systems in the Robinson College of Business and the Department of Computer Science jointly offer a combined BS in Computer Science/MS in Information Systems program. The program is designed to take five years, at the end of which, a student will receive both a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and a Master of Science in Information Systems. The graduate level coursework permits a choice of emphasis in Managing Information Technology or Information Systems Development. The program requires application. Please see the Computer Science undergraduate program for the complete description of this joint offering.
The Department of Computer Information Systems in the Robinson College of Business and the Department of Mathematics and Statistics jointly offer a combined BS in Mathematics/MS in Information Systems program. The program is designed to take five years, at the end of which, a student will receive both a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and a Master of Science in Information Systems. The graduate level coursework permits a choice of emphasis in Managing Information Technology or Information Systems Development. The program requires application. Please see the Mathematics undergraduate program for the complete description of this joint offering