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Master of Science in Management and Information Systems

Objectives and learning outcomes | Evidence of need and target population | Admission requirements | Curriculum | Course descriptions | Internship

 

Objectives and learning outcomes

The MS in Management and Information Systems program was designed to produce highly skilled and effective business and information technology personnel who can work with a strong knowledge of Management Information Systems in the profession of computer services, IT centers, business firms, health services, insurance and banking industries…

 

The graduates will be well versed in the support, development and enhancement of information systems. They will have developed practical skill sets and critical knowledge related to hardware, software, networking and security topics in a business environment of managerial decision making.

 

Evidence of need and target population

This program responds directly to identifiable market needs in the region. The state agencies located in Salem and the high-tech industry throughout the Mid-Willamette Valley would benefit. Proposed program graduates will be prepared to enter Oregon's expanding industries with special strengths in, management of and successful use of, technology and business activities related to Information Systems. National Occupational Outlook Statistics and Oregon Occupational Projections both report high growth rates for computer scientists and the National report shows a positive rate of growth for management. The proposed program intends to enhance these same aspects in the professional community of our region, as well as collectively benefiting social, economic and environmental issues in the region.

 

According to the document “Snapshot of Oregon’s Principal Traded Sectors” produced by the Oregon Business Plan, High Technology is Oregon’s largest industry, with 70,000 jobs, the largest share of state export revenue, and more than 10 percent of U.S. semiconductor output. Employment has grown 5.6 percent annually the past decade. The further growth of the industry needs management people who understand the technical side of the business. The graduates of our proposed program will answer that need.

 

The program will also serve international students seeking graduate training in management and information systems. We have had a high request level from international students for a program like the one that we propose.

 

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to the program, students have to meet the graduate admission requirements of WOU. In addition, they should have either a major or minor in Computer Science, Information Systems, or Business within their undergraduate degree. Students with sufficient knowledge in Computer Science and Business through work and life experiences are good candidates as well. However, students who are interested in this program but without proper training in these two areas will be able to take critical prerequisite undergraduate classes offered by the Computer Science and Business divisions as non-degree students prior to formal admission to the graduate program. Along with necessary prerequisite coursework, a limited number of graduate courses could be taken for which adequate work experience or undergraduate course preparation exists.

 

Curriculum

Requirements of the program total to 48 quarter credits of graduate courses made up of 24 hours from the business division and 24 hours from the computer science division. A slight variation in ratio of CS vs. BS credits will be permitted with advisor approval. Several graduate courses in both divisions will be offered each term. A student can complete the program within two years.

 

Course descriptions

Computer Science courses

CS 600 Fundamentals of Computer and Information Systems (3 credits)

In this course, the student will explore the history, current and future role of information systems. Topics include systems theory, computing systems components, and systems development. Combined prerequisite for all other CS courses (600 and 610).

CS 609 Practicum (1-9 credits)

Credit for a practical work experience where advanced computer science skills are developed and/or utilized. Course must be managed by a computer science faculty member.

CS 610 Programming Languages (3 credits)

Become familiar with high level programming languages and develop competency in an object-oriented programming language. Combined prerequisite for all other CS courses (600 and 610).

CS 620 Database and Information Systems (3 credits)

Covers both database theory and applications of database. Focus is on data modeling and data design. Relational databases and object-oriented databases will be examined. Students will construct an information system using current database tools.

CS 630 Software Engineering (3 credits—serves as the capstone experience)

In this course, the student will become familiar with the techniques and methods for successful project analysis/design. Tools that are used to measure and track the stages of the project life-cycle are examined.

CS 650 Networks and Communications (3 credits)

In this course, the student will be actively involved in the installation and maintenance of network software. The current and future role of the networked work place will be explored. Communication protocols will be explained and examined.

CS 660 Algorithms and Computational Theory (3 credits)

This course examines the foundational tools of computer science. Specific topics would include what is possible to compute, and if possible, how reasonable is it to compute in terms of time and space. Examples will be described through the use of abstract mathematical models/machines.

CS 670 Computer Architecture and Operating Systems (3 credits)

This is a survey course covering various aspects of operating systems and computer architecture. Students will develop an understanding of the structure and purpose of operating systems including process control, file systems, input/output systems, memory management and other advanced services (GUI’s, parallel and distributed systems). Additionally, they will study the components of general-purpose computer systems (CPU, memory, and peripherals) and how they are interconnected (via buses). Included will be hands-on experience in the use and maintenance of an operating system including: program development with OS support through system calls, shell programming and scripting languages, system administration, and general systems operation.

CS 680 Knowledge Based Systems and Decision Support Systems (3 credits)

This course covers both theoretical and practical aspects of decision support systems and knowledge-based systems. General architectures of both decision support systems (DSS) and knowledge-based systems (KB) are presented along with a survey of computer-based DSS and KB tools. Hands on experiences are gained through the development of either a DSS or KB system. Additionally, an introduction to artificial intelligence is given as the basis for KB systems. Prerequisite knowledge of database systems is assumed.

CS 690 Computer Security Administration (3 credits)

This course will introduce the basics of computer security (confidentiality, message integrity, authenticity, etc.) and investigate ways to prevent hackers from accessing websites. Encryption processes and firewall protection may not be enough for someone who wants to access data maintained on your computer system. The course will analyze formal criteria and properties of hardware, software, and database security systems, and will determine ways to improve overall site and system security. Additional topics to be reviewed include: formal specifications, verification of security properties, security policies that includes hardening a site and preventing an intrusion, detection of an intrusion and how to react to such an intrusion, safeguards for systems, organizational training and protocols, and other methods for providing data security in this technological age will be reviewed and assessed.

 

Business courses

BA 601 Organizational Leadership (3 credits)

This course examines leadership in theory and practice. Topics include communication, motivation, leadership style, individual and group decision-making, conflict management, and negotiation.

BA 604 Business, Government, and Society (3 credits)

Explores the interrelationships among business, government, and society, with an emphasis on the social responsibility of business. Topics include governmental regulation, diversity in the work place, environmental policy, ethical decision making, and business involvement in the political process.

BA 610 Marketing Analysis and Strategy (3 credits)

Overview of situational elements affecting an organization’s marketing planning process and the tools and techniques available for implementing a marketing plan. Involves industry/market, competitor, customer and internal analysis in addition to formulating a marketing mix designed to achieve marketing objectives based on those analyses.

BA 615 General Linear Models (3 credits)

This is a course in regression analysis, emphasizing application and interpretation of results, validity of the assumptions, model selections. This course is designed for managerial decision making.

BA 620 Budgetary Process (3 credits)

This course will provide a general understanding of the budgetary process. It will include capital and cash budgeting, specific skills for gathering, analyzing and presenting budgetary information.

BA 630 Report Writing and Economic Analysis (3 credits)

Writing reports in support of a position or argument. Basic steps including forming a precise hypothesis, collecting and analyzing economic data to test the hypothesis, and presenting the results in a written report. Emphasis will also be placed on critically analyzing reports written by others.

BA 635 Professional Project (6 credits)

This independent enrollment course permits students to complete a professional project of their choosing, approved by their advisor, which applies their gained knowledge in management of information systems.

 

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Internships

There will be an opportunity for credits to be awarded in computer science for practicum internships and for professional project work in business.

 

For more information please contact

Division of Business

(503) 838-8421 or e-mail business@wou.edu

or

Division of Computer Science

(503) 838-8480 or or e-mail jcm@wou.edu
Contact

Department of Computer Science (503) 838-8480 | or e-mail: olsond@wou.edu

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