Master of Science in Information Systems

The College of Graduate Studies offers a unique opportunity for students to pursue a graduate degree program in information systems. The Master of Science in Information Systems program blends several areas in the arena of information management and prepares students to assume positions of responsibility such as system managers. Students in the program will be exposed to the fundamentals of project management, telecommunications, distributed computing, multimedia programming, and computing policy. The goal of the program is to produce graduates with a firm understanding of the computing arena who are capable of project leadership and management. This unique curriculum blends an understanding of both hardware and software with an emphasis toward the management of information. Individuals gain competency in the practical aspects of data management. The curriculum is composed of required coursework and electives and requires the completion of a capstone project which may be a traditional thesis or one of several other experiences ranging from internships to special projects.

Students who have completed graduate coursework in information systems management elsewhere may request that up to 6 hours of credit be transferred for credit at the University of Great Falls . That coursework must have been completed within five years of the time of matriculation at UGF, it must have been completed with a grade of “B” or its equivalent and it must be reflective of the MIS curriculum.

To be awarded the masters degree all coursework in the MIS program must be completed and a comprehensive examination must be passed. The written examination allows students to demonstrate knowledge in systems analysis, project management, database management systems, current issues, computer architecture and organization in whatever technical specialization the student has chosen. The examination may be retaken only once.

 

• To be consistent with the University Mission to contribute to a student’s liberal studies education.
• To provide graduates with the ability to reason analytically and think clearly, in particular in articulating ideas, concepts, and arguments within the context of computing research and knowledge.
• To provide graduates with a general overview of the tools necessary to manage information technology in a complex and rapidly changing world.

 

Objectives

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• Appraisal of the general elements of information technology necessary to support the functions of the organizations.
• Appraisal of the technological planning process.
• Appraisal of the tools for project management.
• Appraisal of the tools and methods used in systems analysis.
• Analysis of data pertinent to the management of information systems.
• Appraisal of the ethical issues inherent in managing information technology.
• Appraisal of the issues likely to be encountered by the modern manager of technology.

 

Core Curriculum

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Course Number	Course Name	Credits
MIS 500	Information System	3
MIS 515	Ethics and Law in Technology	3
MIS 520	Systems Analysis and Project Management	3
MIS 525	Research Methods in Technology Management	3
MIS 590	Graduate Project	3-6
Choose Two of the Following:
MSI 550	Issues in Information Systems	3
MIS 552	Budgeting and Planning	3
MIS 560	Database Concepts	3
MIS 575	Visual Systems	3
MIS 580	Distributed Data Processing	3
MIS 585	Multi-media Systems	3
	Approved Electives	6-9
	Total	30

 

 

Course Descriptions

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MIS 500 Information Systems. A comprehensive analysis of the impact of computer-based information systems on decision-making, planning, and control of changes in organizational structures to accommodate information technology.
3 credits

MIS 515 Ethics and Law in Technology. Provides students with an introduction to the ethical and legal issues that leaders in technology fields face in implementing computer systems in organizations.
3 credits

MIS 520 Systems Design and Project Management. A comprehensive analysis of the impact of computer-based information systems on decision-making, planning, and control. Topics include organizational structures needed to accommodate information technology, concepts of project management tools for team management, design of information systems for managing the traditional functional areas of a firm, and use of computer-aided software engineering (CASE) tools in systems development. Prerequisite: MIS 500 and experience with spread sheets
3 credits

MIS 525 Research Methods in Information Technology Management. An examination of research methods used in technological management. Topics include sampling and statistical research methods for quality control and for system evaluation, queuing theory, linear and non-linear optimization, network theory, and decision theory. Prerequisite: MIS 500 and experience with spread sheets
3 credits

MIS 530 User Interface Design. This course focuses on the major types of user interfaces (Graphical User, Object Oriented, and Command Line), the advantages and disadvantages of each, the cognitive factors behind user preferences for interfaces, and the principles that would guide developers in the implementation of custom user interface for a computer system. Prerequisite: MIS 500 and MIS 520
3 credits

MIS 535 Operations Management. In this course students will learn about the software and hardware issues that affect the operation of computer systems. Students will learn about computer organization and architecture, microprocessor organization, and the structure of systems software. Students will learn how hardware and software operational issues affect technological planning and acquisition.
3 credits

MIS 550 Contemporary Issues in Information Management. A study of recent developments in the electronic data processing industry. Prerequisite: MIS 500
3 credits

MIS 552 Budgeting and Planning. An examination of budgeting principles as it applies to information technology. Particular emphasis will be paid to the interrelationship of budgeting and planning. Prerequisite: Graduate Standing
3 credits

MIS 560 Database Systems. Examines the theories related to database management. Concepts such as mapping, normalization, entity-relationship diagramming, relational algebra and calculus will be presented. CASE tools for the design and implementation of database systems will be presented. Prerequisite: A previous course in systems analysis
3 credits

MIS 565 Special Topics. An in-depth consideration topics of particular interest to the student. A maximum of 6 credits can be earned. Prerequisite: Permission of MIS Director
3-6 credits arranged

MIS 570 Object Oriented Analysis and Design. Examines the methods necessary for the analysis and design for object orientated systems. Analysis, design, and programming environments for object oriented systems will be evaluated. Prerequisite: MIS 500, MIS 520 and C programming
3 credits

MIS 575 Visual Systems. An advanced consideration of the process of visual programming. Students will learn advanced techniques in visual programming for database processing and for linking applications in a graphical user interface environment. A major project demonstrating proficiency in visual programming will be required. Prerequisite: Experience in visual programming
3 credits

MIS 580 Distributed Data Processing. Examines the architectures, software, analysis methods, design processes, and tools used in Distributed Data Processing. The problems particular to the development of both batch and real-time distributed systems will be considered. Students will be exposed to programming in distributed environments using tools such as HTML, Java, and Perl. Prerequisite: MIS 500 and C programming
3 credits

MIS 585 Multimedia Systems. Examines the use of multi-media technology in business, industry, and education. Multi-media hardware, software, and methods will be examined. Advantages and disadvantages of different multi-media systems will be considered. The use of the Internet as a multi-media tool with environments such as HTML will be examined. Students will be expected to develop a major project demonstrating multi-media techniques. Prerequisite: MIS 500
3 credits

MIS 590 Graduate Project. Requires students to identify, develop, and implement a practical project that demonstrates proficiency. Prerequisite: Student must be within 2 semesters of graduating
3-6 credits arranged

MIS 591 Directed Reading. An in-depth consideration of topics of particular interest to the student. A maximum of 6 credits can be earned. Prerequisite: Permission of MIS Director
3-6 credits arranged

MIS 600 Professional Development Seminar. Students may attend with approval a professional conference related to their field of study and complete further research on an approved topic. Prerequisite: Approval of an MIS instructor and internet access required
1-3 credits