A Master of Science in Computer information Systems is a graduate degree that enables you to understand and resolve organizational issues using key information technology tools to support innovation and advancement.
CMU’s online Master in Computer Information System (MCIS) degree program enhances your knowledge of basic and advanced information system approaches, methods, and techniques with organizational functions dependent upon computer information systems support and managerial skills.
The MSCIS curriculum further develops communication, human relations and leadership skills to allow you to serve as a key point in the strategic implementation and evaluation of technology within your organization.
All Master of Science in Computer Information Systems courses are 8 weeks long. Student can choose from the following delivery options:
- Classroom – Classes meet twice weekly
- Hybrid – Class meet once per weeks and the rest is online.
- 100% Online – Coursework can be completed from anywhere in the world. Students must have a computer capability and reliable internet access.
Courses
| Course No. | Title | Credit Hours |
| CIS 6700 | Java Programming This course is designed to provide a solid introduction to the JavaScript language. We will explore the more unique and tricky JavaScript features such as closures, higher-order functions, and prototype object oriented model that perhaps are not familiar to many students who are familiar with Java and Python as their primary languages.
We will also introduce how JavaScript is used as a popular technology for both for frontend and backend web applications. (3 credit hours) |
3 |
| TEC 6951 | Strategic Management of Technology and Innovation Focuses on the organization and management of innovation in the workplace. Topics include: types and patterns of innovation, collaboration strategies, formulating technological innovation strategy, and defining and implementing the organization’s strategic direction.
This course will teach students to appreciate the importance of personal creativity and social interaction for the development and implementation of new ideas, services, products and processes. (3 credit hours) |
3 |
| MGT 6170 | Operations Management (Prerequisites: BUS 5214 or equivalent) Presents the scientific methods used to investigate concerns involving the designing, planning and conducting of operations within an organization. Mathematical methods of operations research are stressed.Topics studied include linear programming, decision analysis, mathematical programming, inventory theory, forecasting, and Markov decision processes. (3 credit hours) |
3 |
| MIS 6110 | Management Information Systems Focuses on providing an understanding of the nature of the digital firm and its key issues in organization and management.
This course will prepare students to face the challenges involved in managing a firm, understand problem solving technologies, design business processes, and create management policies in order to implement change. (3 credit hours) |
3 |
| CIS 5310 | Information Systems Planning This course introduces the information system concept with emphasis on systems used in various enterprise environments. This will include a detailed review of system components, life cycle, and analysis.
System planning, implementation, and evaluation will be discussed. Usability engineering, interface design, and human-computer interaction will also be a key element of the course. (3 credit hours) |
3 |
| ORG 6011 | Organizational Development and Change Organizational Development (OD) is a process that applies behavioral science knowledge to assist organizations in building the capacity to achieve greater effectiveness.
This course covers topics such as: increased financial performance, improved quality of work life, planned change efforts, technology innovation and new product development. (3 credit hours) |
3 |
| MIS 6961 | IT Project Management Covers the fundamental project management principles for managing the software development life-cycle and process models.
Topics include: process metrics, software project planning, monitoring and scheduling mechanisms, budget estimates, risk assessment, and motivation and team building. (3 credit hours) |
3 |
| CIS 5520 | Comparative System Developmental Methodologies This course examines the system development and modification process. It emphasizes the factors for effective communication and integration with users and user systems.
It encourages interpersonal skill development with clients, users, team members, and others associated with development, operation, and maintenance of the system. Structured and object oriented analysis and design, use of modeling tools, adherence to methodological life cycle and project management standards. (3 credit hours) |
3 |
| CIS 5610 | Data Modeling and Database Administration This course will provide an introductory look at database concepts, emphasizing the relational database model. The course will also illustrate concepts and application of the entity-relationship diagram as well as the principles and application of normalization.
The student will understand the use of structured query language (SQL) to extract information from the database. We will also take a broad overview at some advanced databases topics such as, Web Database Development, Data Warehouses and Database Administration. (3 credit hours) |
3 |
| CIS 5710 | Network Planning and Administration This course presents the knowledge and skills necessary to install the network operating system and to perform competently in the role as a network administrator. (3 credit hours) |
3 |
| CIS 6190 | CIS Strategy Capstone The Capstone course integrates and applies concepts, student management, and organizational knowledge acquired over the course of study. Students will research and develop an original plan to improve an organization’s competitive position. Specific requirements will be outlined by students’ faculty member.
Prerequisites: The Capstone Project may not be taken until a minimum of 10 of the 13 courses in the Master’s degree program have been successfully completed. The Capstone course may be completed concretely with 12th Master’s course if this course is available in the same session. (3 credit hours) |
3 |
Students who completed their bachelor’s degree in a non-information field or students with insufficient background in computer information systems are required to complete the following prerequisite courses if not taken at the undergraduate level.
| Course No. | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CIS 3700 | Introduction to Java JAVA is an object oriented programming language that deconstructs a (programming) problem into segments (objects) that interact to accomplish a specific task (the program problem). Introduction to JAVA will provide the student with the fundamentals associated with developing (writing), compiling and executing (running) code in JAVA. Using the JAVA development Kit (JDK), the course will take the student through critical essential elements including: identifying and learning the variable types associated with JAVA; necessary Logical and Boolean functions; conditional statements; various iterations and looping; and the utility of arrays; functions, classes and objects. |
3 |
| BUS 1015 | Computer Essentials: Digital and Virtual Environment This introductory level course covers personal computers and applications. It is designed to present the fundamentals of personal computers and current application software in a very basic and hands-on environment. The course provides an overview of personal computers and their components and navigating the Internet. It also provides a clear picture of how computers and networks can be used as practical tools to solve a wide variety of daily problems in the office environment. (3 credit hours) |
3 |
| BUS 3151 | Business Statistics Introduces an application of probability theory used when making managerial decisions within uncertain business environments. This course also addresses a variety of descriptive and inferential statistics, highlights the importance of tables and graphic presentations, and analyzes case studies and scholarly journal articles for statistical content. Topics also include hypothesis testing, analysis of variance, time-series analysis, business forecasting and multiple regression analysis. (3 credit hours) |
3 |
Choose 2 Elective Courses
| Course No. | Title | Credit Hours |
| CIS 5042 | Data Warehousing and Mining: The Foundation of Business Intelligence This course covers the concepts of data warehousing and data mining, and how they are used to convert data into strategic business information.
It discusses the design, architecture, planning, and project management of a data warehouse. Data mining techniques (classification, association, genetic algorithms, machine learning, etc.) are discussed as a way to discover useful relationships among data. (3 credit hours) *Prerequisite CIS 5610 Data Modeling and Database Administration |
3 |
| CIS 5062 | Information Systems Security This course covers a broad range of topics in security for networked and internetworked computer systems. It examines security and integrity objectives in terms of high level policy and presents security services used to address those requirements.
Network security architectures are analyzed to ensure that critical security functions are protected from unauthorized access and modification. Access control in networked systems is examined. (3 credit hours) |
3 |
| CIS 5081 | Systems Analysis and Design This course focuses on the development of business information systems. The emphasis of this course is on the design and prototyping phases of systems development using as a basis the concepts of problem solving, requirements specification, analysis, and programming from the prerequisite courses.
Current methodologies and technologies will be evaluated and implemented in the development process. Information systems problems will be analyzed and alternative solutions will be proposed using design models, a solution will be selected, and a prototype will be constructed for that solution. Students will evaluate the system using tests they developed, and then propose a plan for implementation, maintenance, and training for the system. (Senior Experience) (3 credit hours) |
3 |
| CIS 6191 | Computer Information Systems Career Practical Training This course is designed to give the student practical on the job experience in the directed area of study contained in their degree program. This practical experience will be a total of 3 semester credit units.
Students will be required to submit a written report summarizing their on the job activities every four weeks of the session. This report will be signed by the employer or an employer representative and submitted to the supervising University faculty for approval and for one on one mentoring. |
3 |
Education Costs
- Tuition per Unit: $585
- Tuition per 3 Unit Course: $1,755
- Total Program Tuition: $22,815 (39 units)
Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the MSCIS program should be able to:
MSCIS PLO #1: Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of theories and concepts of computer information systems.
MSCIS PLO #1A: Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of theories and concepts: covered in the general core subject matter area of computer information systems.
MSCIS PLO #1B: Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of theories and concepts: covered in concentration areas with work related applications in computer information systems.
MSCIS PLO #2: Perform a factual and application oriented literature review applying critical thinking and problem-solving techniques.
MSCIS PLO #3: Demonstrate both oral and written communication skills in computer information systems in an academic manner.
MSCIS PLO #4: Develop, analyze and implement an operational strategic plan based on solid organized data with a business application of technological resources.