Program Description

The Coles MSIS teaches analysis, scoping and controlled use of business data and technology to refine processes, optimize decisions, and implement strategies in order to derive business value. Working professionals benefit from the hybrid nature of delivery and the flexible pace of study. Full time students benefit from professionally experienced professors and real life opportunities for projects and industry engagements.  Coles MSIS welcomes all majors and degrees from undergraduate education. The program also offers opportunity for an MBA-MSIS dual degree and two embedded graduate certificates in Information Security and Assurance, and Business Intelligence.  

The MSIS program teaches scoping, choice, assessment, deployment, management and secured use of information and computing technologies in the way they bring value to an organization with special emphasis on the following areas:

• Data Management and Business Intelligence Including Big Data
• Information Security Risk Management
• System Analysis and Design
• IT Project Management
• IT Strategy

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete this program will be able to: 

1. Use an integrated approach to evaluate technology solutions to organizational problems.
2. Demonstrate a global perspective of technology and the organization.
3. Analyze and integrate technical data, trends and charts in business communication.
4. Develop ethical information security plans to protect organizational information assets and minimize risk.

This course is a part of the Michael J. Coles College of Business .

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Admissions, Enrollment, and Graduation Criteria

Admissions Criteria

The following are program-specific criteria beyond the general Graduate Admissions  requirements. To be considered for admission to this program, the following application materials must be submitted to the KSU Graduate Admissions Office:

• Acceptable undergraduate GPA from an accredited US University or equivalent 
• Satisfactory GMAT/GRE Score (Waivers Available - conditions apply) 
• Statement of Interest   
• Current Resume 
• List of 3 recommenders with complete contact details including phone number

Admission Criteria for Unique Cases

Coles MSIS does not accept students who are not seeking a degree. For a shorter duration program, see the 12 credit hour Graduate certificate in Information Security and Assurance, or the 15 credit hour Graduate Certificate in Business Intelligence. 

Transfer Credit

Up to 6 transfer credits from accredited US universities’ graduate programs are allowed. In order to be considered, detailed syllabus and schedule of the courses including assignment descriptions need to be submitted to the program director with a formal letter to assess equivalency with courses in the MSIS program. The decision of the program director is final and binding.  

Enrollment Criteria

Students take the same set of 10, 3-credit courses to complete the program within one calendar year. Prior permission is required to take courses outside the department. Students should contact the program director before they register for non-MSIS courses. These requests are considered on a case-by-case basis and the program director’s decision is binding and final.

Note: Under no circumstances no more than six (6) credit hours may be taken outside the MSIS program.

Graduation Criteria

Each student is expected to meet the requirements outlined in Academic Policy 5.0 PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS & GRADUATION .

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Program Course Requirements