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Master of Science in Management Information Systems MS in MIS

College of Management / Management Information Systems
Graduate degree / Master of Science

About The Program

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The Master of Science in Management Information Systems (MS in MIS) represents an important state-of-the-art concept in graduate education in the field of management information systems (MIS). Merging management and technology education, it is designed to help both technically-oriented information technology (IT) professionals and those from other fields gain expertise in the management of information systems in modern organizations.

The MS in MIS's program goal is to prepare you for management, high-level work and potential leadership in management information systems and related fields, and general management in organizations where information technology is important. The program targets working adults who desire high quality applied MIS education along with solid theory.

The MS in MIS program will help you:

  • prepare for management of IS, IT, and related functions;
  • prepare to be a leader in the integration of IT into the firm to help meet organizational goals;
  • prepare for management of IT planning processes; and
  • broader strategic uses of IT
  • understand the uses and value of newer technologies in the enterprise
  • enhance competencies related to one concentration area of choice: business analytics, database administration, information management, information assurance and security, systems analysis and design, and systems development.

The Master of Science in MIS promotes Metropolitan State's well-known ability to tie theory to practice, with a cutting-edge MIS education designed to have a "shelf life" that outlasts successive generations of hardware and software. The program core gives a strong background in management and information technology areas. Flexibility in elective courses, plus applications emphasis throughout courses, internships and the final integrative project gives students a strong base for the future. All MIS-related programs at Metropolitan State are STEM-related (CIP 11.XX Computing/Information Technology). However, USCIS SEVP recognition of these programs as STEM for international students' OPT purposes is pending.

The program is designed to serve several distinct groups of Information Technology Management professionals who need a strong mix of management theory and practice along with technological competence. This group needs more technical education than an MBA student, but less than a student who will be working in a purely technical capacity. Those students include:

  • General management professionals who need to understand how to manage the technical and IT aspects of their organizations. These students need the mix of management and technical work that leads to stronger technological understanding and analytical skills, resulting in stronger general management in firms where IT is a part of their competitive strategy.
  • Technical professionals who need to upgrade and update their technological skills while also updating their analytical and management abilities.
    • Technical and project managers also need this type of mix, as well as data, systems analysts, solution architects and managers who will be progressing in their careers.

Any managerial or higher level professional in organizations where IT is important will find the MS in MIS of great value.

The MS in MIS prepares you in the areas of: data analytics, strategic IT management, IT strategy and Internet strategy, supply chain management, IT security management, electronic commerce, enterprise resource planning (ERP), globalization, human factors, knowledge management, customer relationship management (CRM), managing the IT function (operationally), project management, systems analysis and design, social networking strategies for organizations, business/information analytics and business intelligence technology management, mobile, network and telecommunications

Curriculum

The Prerequisite Phase assesses and ensures your readiness to begin graduate work in the MS in MIS program. Prerequisite courses include College Algebra, Statistics and a programming language (programming language can be satisfied concurrently with your first year classes). You may not take MS in MIS Phase I, II or III program classes until these prerequisite courses have been successfully completed and you are fully admitted to the program.

Phase I focuses on the functional disciplines of business and organizations as they apply to modern information systems. It provides a solid grounding in the core IT competencies, management, and marketing theories, processes and skills needed by managers in today's rapidly changing environment.

Phase II consists of a choice of six concentration areas with room for free MIS graduate electives which you choose to best meet your own educational and career needs. The choice of concentration areas is important and enables you to apply for and earn one or more graduate certificates. See the course requirements section below for details. Phase III is the synthesis and capstone phase. The work in this phase calls for you to integrate what you have learned in previous courses and professional experiences to form a coherent picture of IT management within organizations.

Phase III is the synthesis and capstone phase. The work in this phase calls for you to integrate what you have learned in previous courses and professional experiences to form a coherent picture of IT management within organizations.

The program makes use of an innovative applied project to "bring it all together." Effective communication is fundamental to good management, and so you are expected to demonstrate writing skills by completing a written report about your work on this project, which is performed with a cohort.

Student outcomes

A student graduating with a Master of Science in Management Information Systems will be able to:

  • Evaluate leadership in IT, applying theoretical principles to practical situations
  • Design effective IT management-related problem-solving strategies for organizations.
  • Evaluate a wide range of current technological alternatives to solve problems in an MIS context.
  • Make solid business driven decisions.  
  • Effectively communicate IT strategies and their implementation solutions to a wide range of organizational recipients.

Using the choice of Phase II concentration areas, students demonstrate advanced competence in their selected concentration:

  • Business analytics: Employ data analytics tools, statistical methods, and visualization approaches to derive patterns, trends, and performance indicators to answer relevant business questions at the operational, management and governance levels.
  • Database administration: Develop organizational strategies based on using data as a competitive tool, to meet tactical and strategic organizational objectives.
  • Information management: Interact with and oversee technical staff in meeting information management needs.
  • Information assurance and security: Develop and deploy policies and other safeguards of information assets to manage and respond to internal and external information assurance threats.
  • Systems analysis and design: Develop and improve system design methodologies to enhance the systems in your organization and to oversee development projects in traditional and emerging IT systems."

Potential Career Opportunities

  • IT and Business Technology Management
  • Technology Product Owner/Manager
  • Scrum Master
  • Chief Information Officer
  • Systems Analysis
  • Computer Technician
  • Technical Support
  • Information Technology Specialist
  • Computer Operator
  • System Development
  • Web Development

How to enroll

Program eligibility requirements

Familiarity with information systems and technologies demonstrated by at least one of the following:

  • Undergraduate degree in IT/IS/MIS related major
  • 12 credits of undergraduate IT/IS/MIS related coursework as part of any major
  • 12 graduate credits in IT/IS/MIS related degree or certificate program
  • Earned industry certification in IT/IS/MIS related area
  • Work experience of at least one (1) year in IT/IS related role, or two (2) years in any functional business role with significant use of management information systems.

Application instructions

Questions?

For questions about applying to the Master of Science in Management Information Systems program, email graduate.studies@metrostate.edu (preferred) or call 651-793-1302.

Deadlines

Application deadlines will not be waived. Applications for admission are not considered until all requirements are met and fees received.

U.S. citizens:

July 1 - Fall semester
Nov. 15 - Spring semester
March 15 - Summer semester

International students:

May 1 - Fall semester
Sept. 1 - Spring semester
No Summer Admissions

Application packet

Applications are complete once all requirements are met and fee received. Completed application files will be forwarded to the College of Management Graduate Admission Committee for review, please allow 7-10 business days.

Late applications: applications will continue to be accepted beyond the deadline, however we cannot guarantee admission, though we can defer admission to the next available semester. Incomplete applications will be moved to the next available semester for up to three terms total, giving applicants who need it, up to one year to complete their application file.

Application file

A complete application file consists of two parts (three for international applicants.) Begin by completing the online graduate application. All application materials become the property of Metropolitan State University and are not returned.

Part one

  • Complete the Online Graduate Application  - You will use your Minnesota State StarID  to complete the application. If you don't have a Minnesota State StarID you will create one at the beginning of the application.
    • If you encounter difficulty with the online application please contact admission office.
  • $20 non-refundable application fee; pay online
    • Waived for graduates of Metropolitan State, and for certified veterans & active military.
  • Official transcripts
    • Transcript showing a baccalaureate degree or equivalent earned from a regionally accredited institution with grade-point average or narrative description describing courses completed.
    • Transcripts from any graduate or professional programs are required.
    • All transcripts from non-U.S. schools must be evaluated (course-by-course) by either ECE (preferred) or WES.
    • Electronic transcripts should be sent to admissions@metrostate.edu

    • Paper transcripts should be sent directly from the sending institution (preferred) to:

      Metropolitan State University
      Attn: Graduate Admissions
      700 East Seventh Street
      Saint Paul MN 55106

Part two

After you have submitted your online application, log in to the Applicant Portal using your StarID and password to upload application materials, and check on the status of your application.  The Applicant Portal will indicate missing application items.

  • Current Resume; upload via the Applicant Portal using your StarID.
    • One year of professional work experience is required for the program.
  • Two reference letters from employers or others who can attest to the importance of the master's degree in enhancing your professional development. Personal reference letters are not accepted. The reference letter should include:
    • How long the reference has known the applicant and in what capacity
    • Applicant’s experience with information systems related work
    • Potential for leadership in the business or information systems field
    • Information regarding the applicant’s ability to pursue and successfully complete a graduate program
  • Admission Essay; upload via the Applicant Portal using your StarID. Your admission essay will serve as both a goals statement and a writing assessment. The admission essay is extremely important to the application review process. Submit your essay in 600-700 words (about three pages) in 12-point font, double-spaced, clearly written, well-organized, with correct grammar, accurate spelling and punctuation, good sentence structure, and clear sub-headings. Make sure that you carefully address each of the following:
    • Pledge of Authorship: Please begin your admissions essay with the following statement: (Your essay will not be accepted if this is not included.) I, (complete name)____________________________________, verify that this admissions essay is my own work, and I am fully aware that discovery otherwise will invalidate my entire application.
    • Describe the kinds of responsibilities and positions you have held in your past work and professional experience (volunteer or employed), both IT-related and others.
    • Explain why you are pursuing a graduate degree at this time in Management Information Systems (MIS).  Please note areas of particular interest in the MS in MIS program and why you are interested.
    • Describe how a master's degree in MIS will enhance your career and life plans for the future.
    • Students who are currently enrolled in a College of Management Graduate Certificate Program and have completed at least eight credits in the program with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher may apply to the MS in MIS program without submitting reference letters or an essay.

Part three - international students only

In addition to parts one and two, international applicants in the U.S. or abroad, on any type of visa, are required to provide this information for admission to the university.

Required by the application deadline:

  • Official scores must be submitted, student copies are not acceptable. Metropolitan State University's school code for TOEFL is 6445.
    • Proof of English proficiency (official TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo score)
      • Minimum scores: TOEFL 80 IBT, 213 CBT, 550 PBT, IELTS 6.5, or Duolingo 105-110
      • IBT=internet based; CBT=computer based; PBT=paper based

Required only if admitted to the program:

  • If you are offered and accept admission to the program, you are required to provide this information to complete your admission to the university:
    • Financial statement (F1 visa only)
    • Immunization records
    • Copies of passport, visa, I-94, and international home address and phone numbers

Courses and Requirements

SKIP TO COURSE REQUIREMENTS

If the Director of the Graduate MIS Program determines that you have full prior competence in a certificate course, you may be given credit for the competency and allowed to take sufficient alternate credits to meet the total credit requirement of the certificate (e.g. if you have completed a graduate 4 credit Project Management course that is accepted, you would be allowed to consider that function completed within the certificate, and can then take an alternate 4 credits, agreed upon with the Director).

Students wishing to take graduate courses from other programs to count towards their degree may consult with the Director of the Graduate MIS Program for permission to do so.

Prerequisites Students must have successfully completed a statistics course with a letter grade of B or better OR completed MBA Math at 80% before they can be fully admitted to the MS in MIS program and take any graduate-level courses.

+ First year requirements

This prerequisite can be completed in the first year of the program, but completion in the first semester is highly recommended: A visual programming course or certificate. Courses at Metro State that meet this requirement are listed below. This prerequisite can also be waived by the Director of the MIS Graduate Programs if sufficient evidence of visual programming knowledge is demonstrated through work experience.

Structure, design, and implementation of object-oriented computer programs. Topics include sequential structures, selection structures, repetition structures, recursion, quadratic sorting algorithms, exceptions, objects, and classes. Emphasis on methods, parameter passing, arrays, and arrays of objects. Exploration of problem-solving and algorithm-design techniques using pseudocode and Unified Modeling Language (UML). Design of good test cases and debugging techniques are highlighted. Programming projects involving multiple classes.

Full course description for Problem Solving with Programming

This course provides an overview of applications development methods for managers of information systems. The course assumes no previous programming experience. Students will learn how to develop and revise applications. Students will gain experiential learning with application tools and learn about application development methodologies. Students will also experience the prototyping process and learn about the future paradigms of application development.

Full course description for Applications Development I

Requirements (36 credits)

+ Core (18 credits)

Management Information Systems (MIS) evolved from essentially an organization's support operation to a strategic element of an organization's life and survival. This course explores information systems' new and expanding roles in the enterprise. Models examined showing how new technologies are assimilated into the organization, how to plan for systems within the overall strategic management process, assess the risk in system development projects, and become a "sophisticated user" of information systems. Traditional and new technologies are utilized. The course also includes a solid review of the strategic and tactical impact of computers, networks and new technologies. . This course broadens understanding of the design and implementation of various computerized information systems to support management decision making and evaluation, and prepares the student to integrate new technologies and configurations into the management process.

Full course description for Management Information Systems

This course examines activities through which organizations provide goods and services to serve the needs of the marketplace. Some of the topics included are analysis of internal and external factors of an organization that contribute to a successful marketing campaign, consumer behavior, positioning, , setting marketing objectives, designing marketing strategies and tactics, integrated marketing communications, pricing, and elasticity of demand.

Full course description for Marketing Management

This course provides students with techniques and strategies to work on complex business problems while exercising strong critical thinking skills. It also helps them develop potential solutions. This course then focuses on how to take the results of students' professional work and present complex material in a manner that helps them clearly explain and market their information.

Full course description for Problem Formulation and Data Presentation

This course provides a systematic and comprehensive overview of project leadership and management. Topics covered include all aspects of project management from project initiation issues, RFP formulation, proposal decisions, preparation, and evaluation, project planning and implementation to organization, risk assessment, negotiation, and conflict resolution. Also included are project planning techniques such as PERT, CPM, Earned Value Analysis, and project monitoring and simulation using Microsoft Project software.

Full course description for Project Management

This course was created to give students a thorough look at the discipline of process analysis and design, workflow analysis and process reengineering. It uses a highly visual approach to both designing and communicating process analysis. Students will learn to properly analyze, design and build the main visualizations for process analysis including flowcharts, data flow diagrams, entity relationship diagrams and others as tools for communicating management designs.

Full course description for Process Analysis and Design

+ Emphasis (14 credits)
Business Analytics Concentration

Courses listed are required.

The improvement in computing and information management technology created opportunity for organizations to generate, store, and process huge amount of data which is being generated in every seconds. Business Analytics provides organizations a new, efficient way to intelligently use those data by combining it with sophisticated analytics. With Business Analytics, organizations can take advantage of data with leveraging and turning it into actionable intelligence that can be used to support reasoned decisions. This course is designed to provide an introduction to the concepts of Business Analytics and its applicability with real world data in a business environment. Students will gain experience using several cutting-edge software in Business Analytics to support business decision making. Students will also be familiarized with the overall life cycle of Business Analytics project (identify the problem, describe the data, analyze the data, interpret the results, and make recommendations…

Full course description for Business Analytics

Currently, enterprises across almost every industry are seeking talent for predictive analytics. Predictive analytics helps connect data to effective action by drawing reliable conclusions about current conditions and future events. Coupled with other types of analytics available (i.e., Descriptive, Diagnostic, and Prescriptive analytics), enterprises can make predictions and then proactively act upon that insight to drive better business outcomes and achieve measurable competitive advantage. Naturally, such demand is met with creative and critical thinking professionals that have been prepared with theories that can be put into practice. The Predictive Analytics course offering includes modules, activities and projects that are structured for following topic objectives: *Understanding the different purposes of analytics (i.e., Diagnostics analytics for data discovery *Why did it happen?, Predictive analytics for forecasting, and simulation *What will happen?, and Prescriptive…

Full course description for Predictive Analytics

Six (6) credits from the list below

This course introduces how analytics and Data Mining tools can be used to solve business problems like Best Next Offer, Customer Retention, Customer Potential Life Time Value estimation, Market Basket analysis, etc. This course gives students an opportunity to exercise advanced Data Exploration and Mining software. Introduction to Data Mining tools/solutions evaluation is also part of this course.

Full course description for Data Mining Tools

The course gives students an opportunity to start with several Business Problems which require Data Mining techniques like classification, estimation, clustering. Students are supposed to research on Data Mining vendors/tools to find Strengths & Weaknesses for selected Data Mining tools Students are supposed to use 5 groups of Data Mining tools selection criteria: Hardware/OS/Networking, Data reparation/Manipulation, User Interface/Model Output, Algorithms & Manageability, Support/Documentation/Training. The course gives students an opportunity to exercise advanced Data Exploration and Mining software (developed by Synera Systems, Inc.) to analyze Retail Customer Behavior. Students are supposed to use a macro language to document Data Quality problems. Introduction to E-Customer Behavior is also a part of this course.

Full course description for Advanced Data Mining Tools

Beginning where MIS 653/MKTG 653 Supply Chain Management/ Logistics Management leaves off, this course examines the use of information technology to improve efficiency and effectiveness in the corporate supply chain. Topics covered include the strategic role of key information technologies in business-to-business e-commerce; efficient customer response; enterprise resource planning; the virtual value chain.

Full course description for Advanced Supply Chain Information Systems

This course is designed to define the role of Knowledge Management (KM) in organizations, various components needed to manage knowledge in an organization, leadership skills required to lead a KM initiative, evaluation of existing KM tools and systems, the difference between KM and data management, content management, and information retrieval. It gives special attention to management information systems theories in the organizational setting including: transaction processing, operational reporting, decision support systems and executive information systems. It emphasizes the human aspects of change management, training and implementation with some attention to the role analytics plays to support decisions. The course includes case analysis from texts and real world examples.

Full course description for Knowledge Management

Information Management Concentration

Courses listed and 14 additional graduate elective credits are required. Students are encouraged to complete their degree with graduate certificates such as Project Management, Inclusive Leadership, Supply Chain Management, SAP Alliance Graduate Certification, Business Analytics, Database Administration, Systems Analysis, and Information Assurance.

Information Assurance Concentration

Courses listed.

Any IT development project contains significant risks. However, keeping the status quo is also risky in rapidly changing technological and competitive environments. This course is designed to familiarize the student with risk analysis concepts derived from many sources including financial, actuarial and statistical studies, insurance and risk analysis, software quality assurance methodologies, management and audit trails and many others. Student will learn to assess the risk in an information systems portfolio and develop strategies for managing the many risk types discussed: Prerequisites: MIS 600.

Full course description for Risk Analysis in Information Technology

Modern organizations operate in a net-centric world. New information technologies arrive at lightning speed, allowing us to share information across town, across the country, and around the world faster than ever before. Organizations in both the public and private sectors organizations suffer from not realizing the value of the information assets they manage. This class will present and provide an introduction to information assurance (IA) and explore a wide range of business services and how they are impacted by IA issues. Topics covered include: How to assess risks and develop a security policy for operational integrity. Learning outcomes for this course include: Defining the roles and responsibilities of technical and non-technical participants in Enterprise systems development and utilization; The applications of information technology in business organizations and managerial decision making; Knowing associated ethical and societal implications; Understanding how emerging…

Full course description for Introduction to Information Assurance

Organizations with computer networks, Web sites, and employees carrying laptops and mobile devices face an array of security challenges. Among other things, they need to keep unauthorized people out of the network, thwart Web site hackers, and keep data safe from prying eyes or criminal hands. This course provides a high-level overview of these challenges. This course is not for the hard-core IT security engineer who works full time on networks. Instead, it is aimed at the nontechnical executive with responsibility for ensuring that information and assets stay safe and private. The course presents a guide to Thwarting Data Thieves and Hackers and covers the following technical issues in a nontechnical manner: -The concept of "defense in depth" -Network design -Business-continuity planning -Authentication and authorization -Providing security for your mobile work force -Hackers and the challenges they can present -Viruses, Trojans, and worms But it doesn't stop there. The course goes…

Full course description for Enterprise Security Management

This course is designed to provide students and practitioners a framework to build and implement an IT security strategy that is aligned with their business needs. A key element of Security is developing and implementing these strategies. In the course, you will learn about: 1. Advanced concepts and principles of strategic planning for IT Security. 2. Applications of risk principles, security policies to improve operational integrity are learning outcomes for this course. 3. Roles and responsibilities of technical and non-technical participants in Enterprise systems development and utilization. 4. Applications of information technology in business organizations and managerial decision making, and associated ethical and societal implications. 5. Emerging technologies and the risks they pose to organizations.

Full course description for Analysis of Strategic and Tactical Security IT Planning

+ Phase three (4 credits)

Cohorts are formed each fall semester and spring semester to perform applied IT projects. Organizations, usually from the Twin Cities, are solicited for IT-management-related, systems development or other related projects. Experienced senior faculty oversee teams which determine clients' perceptions and create both team and individual reports.

Two cohorts per term will be formed to do systems projects, one of which will be Web-based. Twin Cities organizations will be solicited for systems development or other related projects. Resident faculty will oversee teams. Group project and individual reports will be created. Clients' perceptions will be determined. This experience will give the students many networking opportunities in addition to the critical opportunity to apply what they have learned in a rigorous way. Theory and practice will merge to meet the fast-paced requirements of a real world IS environment. When the cohort successfully completes its project, its members will have valuable experiences to draw on for years to come.

Full course description for Integrative Capstone Project