MS in Information Systems and Technology

The Master of Science in Information Systems Technology (MSIST) prepares students for leadership positions in the areas of (1) cyber security, and (2) business intelligence and information systems technology. The main objective is to graduate students who have the ability to identify and solve business problems, manage organizational risk, secure and manage computer network systems, ensure business continuity, design and implement data warehouses, and use business intelligence tools to collect, integrate, analyze, and mine big data for the purpose of supporting managerial decision making at all control levels - front-line, managerial, and strategic. Graduates of both concentrations are able to use their analytics knowledge to fully exploit the opportunities provided by big data, i.e. nurture data-based, evidence driven organizations. Specific positions for the cyber security concentration include: information security analyst, security manager, forensics manager, computer network analyst, database administrator, and computer network architect. Specific positions for the business intelligence and information systems technology concentration include management analyst, business intelligence analyst, computer system analyst, business continuity planner, research analyst, IT project manager, and business application manager. The cyber security and business intelligence and information technology concentrations can also lead to strategic positions such as Chief Information Officer, Chief Information Security Officer, Chief Analytics Officer, Chief Data Officer, or Chief Business Architect. The program is open to all qualified students with a post-baccalaureate degree (major or minor) from an accredited college or university in any field. Students must have a keen interest in pursuing careers in cyber security, business intelligence, data analytics, and information systems technology.

In addition to the general requirements of the university, specific requirements for admission to classified graduate status are:A bachelor's degree (major or minor) from an accredited college or university;Attained a minimum of a 3.0 GPA in the last 60 semester (90 quarter) units of course work (Applicants with a GPA between 2.5 and 2.99 will be considered for admission by the program as an exception).