Master of Science in Computer Information Systems

The integration of business and computing fields is the key to the effective management of information in today’s organizations. As more organizations process information to support decision-making, the need for highly qualified professionals in computer information systems increases. Business, government, and organizations in the nonprofit sector have increasing demands for systems analysts, data administrators, and information technology specialists. The Division of Business and the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science offer jointly the Master of Science in Computer Information Systems program. The program prepares individuals in developing business expertise and skills, as well as computing knowledge and practices. The program has state-of-the-art technological support: a large local area network of PCs interconnected via high-speed cabling and the Experimental Computer Science Laboratory. The campus general-purpose computing labs have workstations that run Windows and Linux operating systems and a wide variety of specialty software tools used in the program courses. Students may elect the Internship/Curricular Practical Training (CPT) track in order to gain hands-on experience that will help them as they transition from the classroom to the world of work.

Admission Requirements

Applicants for admission to this graduate program are required to follow the general guidelines for the application process presented in the Admissions Process section in this catalog.

Prospective students applying to a degree program must fulfill the following requirements:

• Submit an official transcript of an awarded undergraduate degree and any other relevant academic credits. International students must send transcripts to a transcript evaluation service in the United States approved by the Office of Graduate Admissions. The service should evaluate the student’s transcript and degree awarded, and provide a course-by-course evaluation.
• Provide one letter of recommendation from an individual with whom the applicant has studied and/or under whose immediate supervision the applicant has worked in a professional capacity; and/or from others who are in a position to offer pertinent appraisal of applicant’s academic and interpersonal skills, ability and potential.
• Provide a “Statement of Purpose” (see application form for content).
• Provide evidence of English proficiency if a language other than English is the native language.

Please consult Admission Process Section of this catalog for details. Our programs provide a broad overview of the fundamental areas of business as well as in-depth specialization within the chosen field. Students build skills in critical thinking and decision-making on substantive issues in their field. Highly qualified business faculty experienced in real-world issues guide students through an educational experience that provides lasting benefits.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Synthesize critical thinking logically and analytically about complex local and global problems.
• Evaluate and communicate effectively in a range of strategic business environments.
• Create the diversity and complexity of human relationships involved in an organization.
• Examine the social, ethical, and global responsibilities within management positions with special attention to the Catholic intellectual tradition.
• Compare and contrast the different impacts of the information technology

Internship and Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Track

The Internship Track provides an opportunity for students to supplement their classroom learning with hands-on experience in Computer Information Systems. Employers are looking for these real-world experiences as well as academic preparation in the use of technology for business solutions. One of the MS-CIS Program Co-Directors must approve the student and their internship site prior to the start of the internship. Internship courses are BUS/CS 698/697 and are three credits each. MS-CIS students enrolled in the Internship Track must take a minimum of three credits of internship and may take a maximum six credits of internship toward the total of 36 credits required for the MS-CIS program. The Internship Track is available to students in F-1 visa status, but an approved internship agreement is required before CPT authorization can be granted. As required for SEVIS compliance, all CPT authorization must be completed with a Designated School Official (DSO) in the Office of Global Engagement.