NEW OPTIONAL CONCENTRATION: INFORMATION SECURITY

The MSIS Program is available at the following locations:

Spring 2009: Santa Rosa

Fall 2009: San Ramon, Cupertino, Sacramento

View Courses and Timeline

The Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS) curriculum is based on the strong and increasing demand for graduates who can meet the changing needs of an information economy. The effective and efficient use of information technology is an integral part of an organization's ability to achieve a competitive advantage in both the private and public sectors.

Graduates of the MSIS program will be prepared to provide leadership in the Information Systems field. It is a professional degree that: integrates information and organizational cultures; focuses on current and emerging concepts from both technical and managerial viewpoints; and addresses the need of organizations to integrate disparate internal systems and to create effective communication channels with external parties such as suppliers and customers.

Overall, the MSIS curriculum analyzes how systems and technologies are implemented. It considers project planning, scheduling, and budgeting, as well as change management. It investigates how policy and strategic decisions are affected by information systems and how technology is transforming organizations. Ethical practices and professionalism are integrated components throughout the program, along with a focus on essential career development skills (including oral, written, and presentation skills). MSIS graduates make vital contributions in their workplace in support of innovation, planning, management of information infrastructures, and coordination of information resources.

The College of Professional Studies is proud to announce an updated MSIS curriculum now offering a special concentration area in Information Security. Corporate information security is of ever increasing importance and the core MSIS curriculum has always included an overview of information security topics. In response to the increased technical, organizational, political, and legal complexity surrounding information security the program now offers elective courses to provide a more in-depth treatment of this important area.

MSIS Program Requirements

The curriculum is designed to accommodate students from a wide variety of backgrounds. Students entering the MSIS program need to demonstrate computer proficiency (found in either an academic background or professional training in the areas of hardware and software) and a programming language. Students should reference their experience in their letters of recommendation and/or their Statements of Purpose and Career Goals submitted with the application. Students are required to complete 36 semester units towards the Master of Science in Information Systems.