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Systems Analysis GCERT

College of Management
Graduate certificate

Metropolitan State University offers graduate certificate programs designed to meet the rapidly-evolving needs of information systems and business professionals in the field of management information systems (MIS).

The MIS Systems Analysis and Design Graduate Certificate has similar goals and outcomes to the MIS Generalist Certificate, but is tailored more towards MIS and IT technical and technical management audiences. Emphasis is placed on development of new systems, design and decision-support concepts and techniques. By completing this certificate, you are better prepared to use new system design methodologies to improve the systems in your organization and to oversee development projects in traditional IT systems, client/server systems and distributed systems, including Internet and web technologies.

The expected outcomes include:

  • improved preparation for management in an increasingly information-intensive world,
  • ability to develop organizational strategies based on using MIS as competitive tools, and
  • broadening of your knowledge of MIS management areas, including project management, and of MIS technology and its application.

Student outcomes

Gainful Employment Disclosure

Gainful employment programs are those "that prepare students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation." Public institutions are required to report this information for all undergraduate and graduate programs that are Title IV eligible and that lead to certificates, diplomas, graduate certificates or specialist awards. Degree programs at all levels are not considered to be gainful employment programs.

Potential Career Opportunities

  • Systems Analysis
  • Computer Technician
  • Technical Support
  • Information Technology Specialist
  • Computer Operator
  • System Development
  • Web Development

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Program eligibility requirements

Please see How to Enroll for Program eligibility requirements.

Application instructions

Questions?

For questions about applying to the Systems Analysis GCERT program, email graduate.studies@metrostate.edu (preferred) or call 651-793-1302.

Deadlines

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

*U.S. Citizens, Permanent Residents

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.

International Students: Because this is not a degree-granting program, applications from international students studying on an F-1 student visa will not be accepted.

Application

A complete application file consists of two parts. 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 do not have or choose not to provide your Social Security number (SSN) please follow the No SSN instructions to activate your StarID.
    • If you encounter difficulty with the online application please email graduate.studies@metrostate.edu 
  • $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 Start ID 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.
  • Completion of an undergraduate statistics class with a grade of B or better or completion of MBA Math.
    • If you choose to take MBA Math, you must achieve a minimum proficiency score on each of the lessons (see MBA math Frequently Asked Questions page).
    • MBA math is self-paced; you can retake any lesson until you reach minimum proficiency at no additional cost.
    • The STATS prerequisite will be waived if you take MBA Math and reach minimum proficiency in each of the STATS lessons.
    • Email your name and StarID to graduate.studies@metrostate.edu and request the promo code.
    • Register for MBA Math
  • After you register, while logged in to MBA Math:
    • Go to My Account | My Schools.
    • If you see a Metropolitan State entry, make sure the Allow School Access box is checked.
    • If you don't see Metropolitan State in the My Schools section, click Add School w/ School-Provided RSVP Code, enter the promo code given to you when you registered, click Add Code and make sure the new entry's Allow School Access box is checked.
  • 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 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 Systems Analysis and Design graduate certificate. Please note areas of particular interest and why you are interested.
    • Describe how a graduate certificate in Systems Analysis and Design will enhance your career and life plans for the future.

If the Director of the MIS Graduate 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).

Course requirements

Requirements (20 credits)

MIS 600 Management Information Systems

4 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

DSCI 620 Project Management

4 credits

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

MIS 643 Telecommunications and Internet Management - Part One

2 credits

This course will cover a range of Internet and telecommunications services, applications and the management of telecommunications operations within a business enterprise. It will address the impact of various telecommunications services on day-to-day business operations and analyze the productivity and revenue-enhancement potential available to business. This course is targeted at students who are working business managers with a need to understand the impact of the new and emerging telecommunications services and how they can be harnessed to add value to business operations.

Full course description for Telecommunications and Internet Management - Part One

MIS 657 Database and Client/Server Systems

2 credits

Databases represent not only data storage, but critical organizational assets. MIS professionals must not only understand the basics of database management and relational design, but must also know how to leverage these assets for competitive advantage. This course covers database design and implementation and creation of information and standards. Client/Server technology represents an important part of modern database applications. It allows the firm to implement database applications as efficiently as possible in networked environments. Competence in the application, development, evaluation, management and use of corporate and external databases, including client/server technologies are skills needed by all business people. More importantly it is critical to MIS professionals given the vast array of options and new tools available. Topics in distributed database management including transaction management, concurrency control, deadlocks, replicated database management, query…

Full course description for Database and Client/Server Systems

MIS 662 Management of Distributed Computing

4 credits

Surveys of the skills desired by potential employers of graduate management students indicate that use and understanding of technology and its impact is highly valued. In this course you have the opportunity to examine technical architecture and build your skills while learning how to incorporate technology into your management "portfolio." The course uses case studies to review state-of-the-art equipment in each of the basic software and hardware families, while emphasizing management models and higher-level analysis using the computer. Practical projects are assigned giving students real-world opportunities to use these tools to enhance their work and build productivity. Participants will complete a comprehensive and highly practical class project and final exam.

Full course description for Management of Distributed Computing

MIS 665 Systems Design and Decision Support

4 credits

New systems design approaches and techniques are providing extraordinary strategic opportunities to organizations that recognize and implement them. This course shows students state-of-the-art systems design from a managerial perspective rather than a strictly technical approach. Managers who wish to get the most out of new and existing information systems and technical people who wish to see where systems may be going have the opportunity to do so in this class. Beyond current approaches, students are also presented with basic information on new technologies including artificial intelligence and expert systems, which many believe will play a critical role in future systems.

Full course description for Systems Design and Decision Support