The Master of Science in Information Systems is designed for the business professional who has responsibility for planning, integrating, operating and/or improving business information technology systems. The program focuses on using information technologies to enhance an organization's business activities. You will analyze leading information technology trends and developments, determine the potential implications for business, and define strategies for creating and sustaining a competitive advantage.

Specialization Options
Two specializations are available:

• Information Assurance
• Project Management

Walsh College is the area’s only graduate degree program offering a specialization in information assurance. Graduating with this specialization, you will receive a certificate from the National Security Agency’s National Security Telecommunications and Information Systems Security Committee.

You will also enter the marketplace armed with a degree from a college that has gained national recognition for its IT programs. Walsh was recently among an elite group of 100 colleges designated as Centers of Academic excellence by the United States National Security Agency.

You will be prepared for a number of positions in the IT field: senior systems analyst, applications development manager, data center manager, and technical services director.

Opportunities for Career Advancement
As our information technology infrastructure grows increasingly complex, so does the need for professionals with an advanced knowledge of the business world and information technology. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, technological advancements will boost the employment of computer-related workers. As a result, the demand for managers to direct these workers will also increase. Additionally, the emergence of “cyber-security” as a key issue facing most organizations will lead to strong growth for computer managers. Firms will increasingly hire cyber-security experts to fill key leadership roles in their information technology departments, because the integrity of their computing environment is of the utmost concern. As a result, there will be a high demand for managers proficient in computer security issues.

Program Format
To earn this degree, you must complete 12 to 14 courses totaling 36 to 42 semester credit hours, depending on prior business coursework. Advanced standing credit, not to exceed 15 semester credit hours, can be awarded for equivalent graduate coursework completed at another institution; time limits may apply. You must take at least 21 credit hours as a Walsh College student. You can also receive advanced standing credit in the MSIS program if you already hold CISSP and/or PMP certificates.

If you enter the program with two years of relevant work experience in information technology or hold an undergraduate degree in a related field, you may not have to complete the foundation courses. If you lack the work experience or related undergraduate degree, you will have to complete the foundation courses in the program.

The Information Assurance specialization prepares you to take the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) exam. You will obtain critical skills by completing courses in information protection programs, internetworking and application security, information security safeguards and information security auditing, and threat assessment. If you earn a certificate in CISA, CISM, CISSP, or CPP, you may be eligible to achieve 12 credit hours in advanced standing credit in the MSIS.

The Project Management specialization is based on the nine project management knowledge areas defined by the Project Management Institute (PMI). The goal of this specialization is to prepare you to assist organizations with their project management needs, while acquiring the knowledge that will enable you to take the Project Management Professional (PMP) exam.

If you hold a certificate in project management through the Project Management Institute, you may be eligible to achieve 12 credit hours in advanced standing credit in the MSIS. 

Foundation Courses (if required)

BIT 501    Information Systems Methodology BIT 502    Program Design and Development

Core Courses

BIT 511    Business Information Technology Trends & Issues BIT 514    Introduction to Data Analytics BIT 515    Data Analytics Techniques  BIT 516    Business Process and Systems Engineering  BIT 525    Fundamentals of Networks and Telecommunications  BIT 540    IT Management, Governance, Compliance  BIT 546    Information Systems Security  BIT 599    Capstone Project