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 The Master of Science in Information Systems is designed for the business professional that 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. Students analyze leading information technology trends and developments, determine the potential implications for business, and define strategies for creating and sustaining a competitive advantage. Two specializations are available in the MSIS - Information Assurance and Project Management.
Walsh College is the area’s only graduate degree program offering a specialization in information assurance. All students graduating with this specialization will receive a certificate from the National Security Agency’s National Security Telecommunications and Information Systems Security Committee. Additionally, graduates will 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.
Graduates will be prepared for a number of positions in the IT field including; senior systems analyst, applications development manager, data center manager, and technical services director.
Opportunities for Employment
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 an MSIS degree from Walsh College, students must complete 12 to 14 courses totaling 36 to 42 semester credit hours, depending on prior business course work. Advanced standing credit, not to exceed 15 semester credit hours, may be awarded toward the MSIS degree for equivalent, graduate course work completed at another institution; time limits may apply. A minimum of 21 credit hours must be taken in residence at Walsh College. Students may also receive advanced standing credit in the MSIS program if they already hold CISSP and/or PMP certificates.
Students who enter the program with two years of relevant work experience in information technology or hold an undergraduate degree in a related field may be excluded from the foundation courses. Students who lack the work experience or related undergraduate degree will be required to complete the foundation courses in the program.
The Information Assurance specialization will prepare students to take the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) exam. Students 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. Individuals who hold a certificate in CISA, CISM, CISSP, or CPP 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 will be to prepare the student to assist organizations with their project management needs, while acquiring the knowledge that will enable them to take the Project Management Professional (PMP) exam.
Individuals who hold a certificate in project management through the Project Management Institute may be eligible to achieve 12 credit hours in advanced standing credit in the MSIS.
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