Information Systems

The Master of Science in Information Systems program offers students advanced graduate specializations in a variety of today’s hottest IT fields including Data Management, IT Security, Operations, Project Management and more. Each concentration offers University of Utah students a unique competitive advantage that will prepare them for high-level leadership positions in major corporations.

The MSIS degree is offered for students whose primary interest lies at the intersection of business and technology. The MSIS provides a general background in the fundamentals of information systems, and offers a variety of elective classes in several IS domain areas: Web Development, IT Security, Data Management/Analytics, and Operations.

The MSIS degree is flexible and tailored for students who work full time. Classes are offered in the evening, M-Th. With 30 required credit hours, the program can be completed in one year (three semesters); some students take longer. The maximum time allowed for completion of required coursework is four consecutive calendar years.

Corequisite Course

To be completed before program or during first semester

• IS 4410 - Information Systems 3 Credit(s)

Core Courses

• IS 6410 - Information Systems Analysis and Design 3 Credit(s)
• IS 6420 - Database Theory and Design 3 Credit(s)
• IS 6640 - Networking and Servers 3 Credit(s)
• IS 6615 - Data Structures & Java 3 Credit(s)
• IS 6482 - Data Mining 3 Credit(s)
• IS 6596 - MSIS Capstone Project 1 Credit(s)

Elective Courses

(Complete 12 credits)

Elective credit hours do not have to come from the same concentration

Recommended Business Intelligence and Analytics Electives

• IS 6481 - Business Intelligence & Analytics 3 Credit(s)
• IS 6483 - Advanced Data Mining 3 Credit(s)
• IS 6484 - Advanced Data Mgmt 3 Credit(s)
• IS 6485 - Digital (Web) Analytics 3 Credit(s)
• IS 6480 - Data Warehousing Design and Implementation 3 Credit(s)
• OIS 6040 - Data Analysis and Decision Making I 1.5 Credit(s)
• OIS 6500 - Visual Basic Applications for Business 1.5 Credit(s)

Recommended Software and Systems Architecture Electives

• IS 6465 - Web Based Applications 3 Credit(s)
• IS 6850 - Special Topics in Information Systems 1.5 - 3 Credit(s)
• Topic: Mobile Applications
• IS 6570 - Information Technology Security 3 Credit(s)
• IS 6484 - Advanced Data Mgmt 3 Credit(s)
• IS 6471 - Emerging Web Technologies and Strategies 3 Credit(s)

Recommended Product and Process Management Electives

• OIS 6425 - Six Sigma for Managers 3 Credit(s)
• OIS 6450 - Simulation of Business Processes 1.5 - 3 Credit(s)
• OIS 6610 - Practical Management Science 1.5 Credit(s)
• OIS 6660 - Project Management 3 Credit(s)
• IS 6580 - Health IT 1.5 Credit(s)
• IS 6471 - Emerging Web Technologies and Strategies 3 Credit(s)
• OIS 6040 - Data Analysis and Decision Making I 1.5 Credit(s)

Recommended IT Security Electives

• IS 6571 - Digital Forensics 3 Credit(s)
• ACCTG 6520 - IT Risks and Controls 3 Credit(s)
• IS 6570 - Information Technology Security 3 Credit(s)
• IS 6484 - Advanced Data Mgmt 3 Credit(s)

• MSIS applicants must have completed the equivalent of a four-year U.S. bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. An academic or employment background specifically in business is not required to apply for the MSIS program.
• International applicants holding a three-year bachelor’s degree should contact the International Admissions office to determine if additional coursework will be needed before applying to a graduate program.
• Applicants must have earned their degree with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0. Consideration will be made for applicants meeting this 3.0 GPA over the last 60 hours taken in their undergraduate course work.For international applicants who attended an institution that did not use a 4.0 GPA scale, transcripts will be evaluated by University of Utah International Admissions officers. Your GPA will be converted to a 4.0-scale equivalent after you submit your application. A third-party transcript evaluation is not required.
• MSIS applicants are required to take the GMAT or GRE standardized test. Scores are used to indicate aptitude for business studies and are valid for five years. If an applicant has taken the GMAT or GRE more than once, the highest score will be considered.
• TOEFL: 85
• IELTS: 6.5
• Competitive score for admissions and scholarships: 90
• Two letters of recommendation are required for the application, and it is preferred that both come from professional relationships. At least one should come from a previous or current employer, either from full-time employment or an internship. The title or status of those you select is not necessarily important. What does matter is how closely your letter-writers have worked with you and whether they can attest to your ability to add value to the workplace or professional team environment.The best letters of recommendation will provide insight and specific examples of your potential to succeed in the competitive and challenging environment of a graduate program.
• Essays
• Professional Resume
• Transcripts
• When you are ready to submit your application, you will be directed through a payment process. The application fee is $55.00 for domestic applicants and $65.00 for international applicants.
• Applicants with 5 or more years of senior-level leadership experience in IT or operations that includes managerial responsibility may request to have their work experience considered in lieu of a GRE/GMAT score. The MSIS Program Director will make all evaluations on whether candidates meet this status.Recommendations and essays are still required for applicants who qualify for this GMAT/GRE substitution. A minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA is required for the IT Leadership substitution.

Scholarships

• Graduate Fellowships: A number of graduate fellowships are available each semester. Students are awarded amounts ranging from $2,500-$7,500, directly applied to fall and spring tuition bills in two equal payments (for example, a $5,000 award would be disbursed as $2,500 for fall and $2,500 for spring).
• Non-Resident Graduate Fellowships: For students not meeting residency classification, including international students, financial awards are available to cover a portion of the difference between resident and non-resident tuition. These awards are applied directly to your tuition account, and eligible students must enroll in at least 9 credit hours per semester. This award is not applicable for summer semesters when all students pay resident tuition. Non-resident award amounts range from $7,500 – $15,000.
• Graduate and Teaching Assistantships: A limited number of graduate and teaching assistantships are available each semester. Students are paid an hourly rate for a set number of hours per week and also receive a scholarship applied directly to their tuition bill. Assistantship applications will be sent to all eligible students when available, typically 1-2 months before the semester start. Assistantship awards range from $2,500 – $8,000.