The MS in Computer Information Systems will provide students the opportunity to understand and apply different topics within the computer information systems field. The goal is for students to gain an in-depth knowledge of concepts within different computer information systems areas, learn how these topics relate to the success of organizations, and learn how to implement an organization’s mission. Students will choose elective courses allowing them to focus on areas most pertinent to their career goals. Finally, students will show mastery of information technology concepts through a research project or thesis.

MS in Computer Information Systems Requirements:

Foundations: (18 semester hours) Computer Information Systems 5100 – Advanced Cyber Security, 5200 – Strategic Data Management and Analysis, 5450 – Strategic Information Systems Project Management, 5550 – Applied Project Management, 5600 – Strategic Application of Enterprise Software, and one of 5300 – Advanced Data Communication Systems or 5400 – Algorithm Analysis and Design

Electives: (9 semester hours) Three of Computer Information Systems 5300 – Advanced Data Communication Systems (if not taken for Foundations), 5400 – Algorithm Analysis and Design (if not taken for Foundations), 5810 – Emerging Technologies and Human Computer Interaction Design, 5820 – Advanced Mobile Development, 5830 – Information Assurance, or 5840 – Decision Support Systems

Application Area: (6 semester hours) Computer Information Systems 5900 – Research Methods in Computer Information Systems, 5950 – Research Project and/or Thesis

Admission Requirements for MS in Computer Information Systems:

Admission to the program requires the following items:

1) Bachelor’s Degree from Regionally Accredited College/University (please see note below)
2) Official Transcripts from All Colleges/Universities Attended
3) Two Letters of Recommendation
4) Either a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 OR a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.5 and one of the following:
– GRE score of 280 (verbal plus quantitative) or equivalent GMAT score
– Two to three-page essay on experience in information systems field and why the student is an appropriate fit for the Northwestern State Computer Information Systems program. Format should be Times New Roman, 12-point font, 1-inch margins, and APA style.

While any bachelor’s degree will help a student gain admission to the program, the MS in Computer Information Systems does require specific content knowledge. This content knowledge can be met through prior undergraduate courses or work experience. To determine whether you have the required prerequisite classes or content knowledge, please contact the CIS area at cis@nsula.edu for a review of your information and a determination of whether you have to take any prerequisite classes.

Content knowledge would include basic programming knowledge (as covered in CIS 1030), basic hardware/networking/security knowledge (as covered in CIS 2050), relational database knowledge (as covered in CIS 2980), and statistical knowledge (as covered in BUAD2120). Depending on the choice of course, a students may also need intermediate object-oriented programming knowledge (as covered in CIS 3300), advanced object-oriented programming knowledge (as covered in CIS 4020), and/or networking and telecommunications knowledge (as covered in CIS 3400).

Email: cis@nsula.edu
Phone:  318-357-5033
Contact:  Curtis Penrod
Website:  CIS Program