Information Systems, MS

Northwestern University's MS in Information Systems (MSIS) program prepares graduates to advance their careers in IT management or to move into an IT career and progress to management level. Distinct from traditional computer science programs, the MSIS curriculum puts an emphasis on the development and management of software projects existing in the workplace. It is designed for professionals who seek a hands-on, laboratory-based experience that will broaden and deepen their knowledge of new and emerging IT.  The MSIS degree requires 11 graduate units of credit. In addition to the general Information Systems track, there are seven specializations to focus on your area of interest and build the skills you need to advance your career: Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Database and Internet Technologies, Digital TransformationHealth Informatics, Information Systems Management, Information Systems Security, and Project Management.

Curriculum

Core Courses (4 units)

Course Title
CIS 413-DLTelecommunications and Computer Networks
CIS 414-DLObject Oriented Programming
or MSDS 430-DL Python for Data Analysis
CIS 417-DLDatabase Systems Design & Implementation
CIS 498-DLComputer Information Systems Capstone Project
or CIS 590-DL Capstone Research

Electives (7 units)

Course Title
CIS 419-DLWeb Application Development
CIS 431-DLDatabase Administration
CIS 435-DLPractical Data Science Using Machine Learning
CIS 436-DLData and Digital Platforms
CIS 452-DLCybersecurity Attacks and Counter Measures
CIS 453-DLEnterprise Security Strategy
CIS 455-DLDisaster Recovery and Continuity
CIS 457-DLManagement of Information Security
CIS 459-DLInnovation with Blockchain Technology
CIS 460-DLInformation Technology Management
CIS 465-DLInformation Technology Strategy
CIS 471-DLDigital Transformation: Strategy and Planning
CIS 473-DLDigital Technologies
CIS 475-DLLeading Digital Transformation Execution
CIS 477-DLEnterprise Architecture
CIS 494-DLProject Management Concepts
CIS 495-DLEnterprise Agility Frameworks
CIS 496-DLBusiness Writing and Communication
CIS 497-DLInformation Technology Finance

About the Final Project

Students may pursue their capstone experience independently or as part of a team. As their final course, students take either the individual research project in an independent study format or the classroom final project class in which students integrate the knowledge they have gained in the core curriculum in a project presented by the instructor. In both cases, students are guided by faculty in exploring the body of knowledge on information systems while contributing research of practical value to the field. The capstone independent project and capstone class project count as one unit of credit.

Course Title
Choose one
Computer Information Systems Capstone Project
Capstone Research