The Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS) program at Cal State LA is designed to provide advanced technical and managerial skills to those seeking advancement in their current career in Information Systems/Information Technology (IS/IT) and to those on the verge of transitioning to a career in IS/IT.
Students can customize their experience from today’s high-demand fields including business analytics, business intelligence, big data, cybersecurity, cloud computing and ERP.
Program Features
- Leadership and management-focused program
- An interdisciplinary program
- Industry-focused events
- Alliances with SAP, IBM, Amazon, and Tableau
Program Requirements
All students applying to the MS Information Systems program must have the following:
- A grade point average of at least 2.5 (A=4.0) or in the last 60 semester (90 quarter) units attempted
- One year of work experience in Information Technology is preferred. Internship/project experience counts as well
- Professional résumé – List all computer-related education, experience, certificate, and training
- A brief one-page statement of purpose
- Unofficial transcripts of degrees and all computer-related education
STEM and non-STEM students who do not meet the requirements can be conditionally admitted to the program with the prerequisites.
Curriculum
Altogether, 30 units of coursework and a comprehensive exam are required to complete the MSIS program. Each course is 3 units. The comprehensive exam does not carry any units.
The MSIS program has two options. One is the Professional Option, and the other is the Executive Option. The Executive Option is not offered now. Only the Professional Option is offered. The curriculum for the Professional Option is given below.
Required Core Courses (15 units)
This course is repeatable: No
Total # of units allowed for credit: 3
Max times this course can be taken for credit:1
Max # of units may be repeated: 0
Course Description: Overview of computer, communication and software systems. Cases in: business applications of information technology, managing the acquisition and use of application systems, and working with the information systems organization.
Credit Hours: 3 lecture hour(s) per week.
This course is repeatable: No
Total # of units allowed for credit: 3
Max times this course can be taken for credit:1
Max # of units may be repeated: 0
Course Description: Deep understanding and analysis of contemporary information technology architectures and environments, more specifically the client/server architectures, business/enterprise systems, workgroup, and personal systems supporting operational business processes.
Credit Hours: 3 lecture hour(s) per week .
This course is repeatable: No
Total # of units allowed for credit: 3
Max times this course can be taken for credit:1
Max # of units may be repeated: 0
Course Description: Life cycle of systems development; UML modeling techniques; data modeling; process modeling; enterprise system integration, configuration, installation and maintenance; a case-based approach with hands-on experience in designing information systems.
Credit Hours: 3 lecture hour(s) per week.
This course is repeatable: No
Total # of units allowed for credit: 3
Max times this course can be taken for credit:1
Max # of units may be repeated: 0
Course Description: Computer communication technologies and trends; communication theory, hardware, software, architectures, services and security.
Credit Hours: 3 lecture hour(s) per week.
This course is repeatable: No
Total # of units allowed for credit: 3
Max times this course can be taken for credit:1
Max # of units may be repeated: 0
Course Description: This course examines the strategic perspective for aligning organizational strategy, core competencies, information systems, technology, and the CEO and CIO’s partnership roles. The course assesses students’ leadership and technical skills.
Credit Hours: 3 lecture hour(s) per week.
Please visit the University Catalog for more information on the above courses.
Elective Courses (15 units)
15 units of elective courses are required. For more information on the list of elective courses, please visit the University Catalog.