M.S. Information Systems

About the Online Information Systems Master’s Program

The online Master of Science Information Systems teaches students the strategic skills needed to integrate an organization’s information systems with its management goals. Information systems encompass not only the technology of an organization—which is typically implemented with the purpose of improving the organization’s effectiveness and efficiency—they also comprise the people, hardware, software, communication devices and network resources that process data and information.

American Sentinel’s distance education information systems master’s degree produces information systems leaders capable of using information systems to solve business problems. Master’s in information systems students build on their bachelor’s degree and gain the skills necessary to manage information systems resources in today’s organizations.

Prerequisites

A bachelor’s degree in information systems, management or a related field (or a bachelor’s degree in a non-related field with significant IT work experience) is required for admission into the information systems master’s program. Undergraduate prerequisite courses may be required depending on an applicant’s background. The number of courses will be determined upon transcript evaluation during the admissions process. Prerequisite courses cannot be used to fulfill M.S. Information Systems course requirements and must be completed before beginning the program. Talk to an advisor about required prerequisite courses.

Course Highlights

The curriculum of the master’s in information systems offers a variety of challenging and interesting courses for those pursing an advanced degree online. Here are a few of the degree’s courses:

  • IT Metrics (IS530): Discusses the ways that IT departments can collect and report metrics to their organizations.
  • Organizational Behavior for Technology Professionals (IS541): Explores group dynamics and human behavior in organizations, paying close attention to situations involving technology.
  • Data Communications and Networking (IS525): Covers the technical and managerial issues important to data communications in a modern business environment.
  • Strategic Information Systems Management (IS590): Examines information technology as a strategic asset in today’s organizations. Information Systems Capstone (IS599): Students develop and implement viable solutions to technology or design needs in the business or institutional environment.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the M.S. Information Systems, program will be able to:

  • Apply advanced information systems tools, techniques and methodologies to organizational problems.
  • Identify long-term information technology needs through analysis of organizational structures and change initiatives.
  • Organize the information technology function to inform the strategic planning process.
  • Manage information systems development projects from inception to conclusion.
  • Incorporate ethical principles into business strategies and project management.
  • Identify organizational strategic advantages within an organization’s information systems/IT function.

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Curriculum

Completion of the M.S. Information Systems degree program requires 36 credit hours. Students may be eligible to transfer up to 18 credit hours from previous graduate study.

Undergraduate prerequisite courses may be required depending on an applicant's background. The number of courses will be determined upon transcript evaluation during the admissions process. Prerequisite courses cannot be used to fulfill M.S. Information Systems course requirements and must be completed before beginning the program. Talk to an advisor about required prerequisite courses.

COURSESCREDIT HOURS*
REQUIRED COURSES (36 credit hours)
IS515 Data Management 3
IS530 IT Metrics 3
IS535 Systems Analysis, Design, and Implementation 3
IS541 Organizational Behavior for Technology Professionals 3
IS545 IT Governance and Compliance 3
IS550 Project and Change Management 3
IS525 Data Communications and Networking 3
IS560 Corporate Information Systems 3
IS565 Decision Support and Intelligent Systems 3
IS590 Strategic Information Systems Management 3
IS595 Special Topics in Information Systems 3
IS599 Capstone 3
* Credit hours are equivalent to semester hours

Career and Industry News

Information Technology

American Sentinel University IT Blog:
Subscribe for updates to via RSS OR by Email

Successful Students and Alumni

Enthusiasm for Learning Leads to Master’s Degree Success

The thought of attempting a master’s degree program fills some people with outright fear—but not Bernard McClain II. After earning a bachelor’s degree from Peirce College in Pennsylvania, he couldn’t wait to move forward with his education. >> Read full story

Systems Engineer Aims for Advancement with Master’s

When Terrie Williams realized she was ready to move into management, she also realized she needed to further her education. “The master’s is just the next level in my field,” she says. “In order to move ahead, you need that next step up. My advice for anyone thinking of coming to American Sentinel, whether it’s for a bachelor’s or a master’s, is ‘go.’ Getting assistance and feedback from instructors was unbelievable. Everyone contacts you so quickly. I didn’t get that from a brick-and-mortar school.”

Career Opportunities in Information Systems

Information systems professionals focus on aligning computer technologies to the needs of businesses. Jobs may involve programming databases, website design, developing network security plans and/or designing and coding a business application. Many information systems professionals get involved in system development and user training and are the people companies rely upon to bridge the gap between technology and business by using their system analysis, project management and communication skills. Graduates of the information systems master's degree program can further their careers in business application development and support, database administration and information technology management.

The American Sentinel master's degree in information systems will prepare you as a leader in the field.

Job Outlook for Information Systems

Employment of computer and information systems managers is expected to grow faster than average for all occupations between 2008 and 2018. With new applications continually emerging and organizations constantly striving to find better ways to use technology to meet their objectives, demand for qualified information systems professionals is high. With the M.S. Information Systems, you will have the skills to advance your career in the information systems area. Learn more about the Bureau of Labor Statistics outlook for computer and information systems managers.

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