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The M.S. program in management information systems prepares students to assume leadership roles in the area of business information systems. The program effectively integrates the technical area of computer technology with business processes. The purpose of the program is to expose students to current information technologies and the application of contemporary information management theories.
Master of Science in Management Information Systems Learning Goals and Objectives
1. The NIU MIS program provides advanced study to prepare students with professional skills, values, and attitudes for the challenges of the professional practice of information technology. The learning outcomes of the professional skills, values, and attitudes are: The students will be able to:
P1) Communicate effectively both written and orally.
P2) Work effectively in teams to solve MIS/Business-related problems.
P3) Understand the role of leadership in carrying out IT strategy and directing teams.
P4) Demonstrate strong ethical principles and apply professional rules of conduct.
P5) Demonstrate analytical skills in terms of effective decision-making and problem solving.
2. The NIU MIS program provides advanced study to prepare students to be able to make solid business driven decisions. The learning outcomes of making business driven decisions are: The students will be able to:
D1) Understand the role of MIS in supporting organizational decision-making and for achieving competitive advantage.
D2) Develop appropriate IT strategies & policies for organizations.
D3) Understand the social, political, & strategic value of information creation, access, ownership, & use in a global environment.
D4) Research & evaluate emerging technologies and MIS trends in order to develop innovative organizational solutions.
3. The NIU MIS program provides advanced study to prepare students to have MIS knowledge and skills. The learning outcomes of MIS knowledge and skills are: The students will be able to:
S1) Demonstrate skills in modeling organizational processes, business rules, and data, as well as defining and implementing technical and process solutions.
S2) Apply project management concepts, processes, knowledge areas, and tools to plan and manage IT projects that bring value to organizations.
S3) Develop a computer-based application using a contemporary computer language or development tool.
S4) Demonstrate a socio-technical understanding that systems consist of people, processes, software, hardware, and data.
S5) Design and evaluate secure computer networks.
Phase One
The Phase One foundations consist of four 2-semester-hour courses. Phase One foundation courses will be required in the student’s program of study unless he or she has earned a C or better in corresponding undergraduate courses or a B or better in equivalent graduate courses elsewhere, or has passed the first and only attempt of the Phase One exemption examination. The department MIS program adviser will determine which Phase One courses will be included in each student’s program of courses. Phase One courses cannot be used as Phase Two electives; credits earned in Phase One will not count toward the Phase Two requirements.
The student is required to complete a minimum of 30 semester hours of approved graduate work beyond Phase One and the baccalaureate degree. Of these 30 semester hours, 21 must be in classes reserved exclusively for admitted graduate students. Students-at-large are prohibited from registering for graduate business courses without departmental approval. The total credit from courses taken for graduate credit at other accredited institutions which are accepted in transfer plus credit earned at NIU as a student-at-large may not exceed 9 semester hours.
Required Courses
With approval of the academic program coordinator, other courses may be substituted for a maximum of 9 semester hours of Phase Two course work.
Electives may be selected with the approval of the academic program coordinator from among relevant graduate offerings in the department or elsewhere in the university.
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