A Master of Science in Information Systems is a popular degree for technology leaders with strong IT and business acumen. These degrees teach students everything from new technology products to technical quality systems to proven business strategies.
Core Classes
Master of Science in Information Systems degree programs typically start out with classes about information systems development and applications. Students learn about the information systems life cycle through the lenses of business and technology management. These courses usually teach advanced skills, such as software testing, life-cycle cost analysis and structured and object-oriented analysis. Classes on enterprise networks and telecommunications explores commercial applications used on mobile, wireless and Internet platforms. Classes on information resources management explain how to strategically exploit IT assets and turn them into competitive advantages. This involves data administration, security planning, information integration and enterprise model development.
Management Concentration
Master of Science in Information Systems programs usually offer specializations in management and technical systems. A management concentration will teach students about commerce and information systems within an organizational framework. Students will understand the tools and business concepts necessary to manage e-commerce processes and systems. They will also learn operational perspectives and strategic methods of handling privacy, security, content, encryption, authentication and legal liabilities. Students also study how to develop and execute information and technology strategies that align applications with business goals. Classwork on innovation delve into raising and managing venture capital while classes on and entrepreneurship cover marketing new technology products and services.
Technical Concentration
A technical concentration will introduce students to concepts of enterprise architecture that can be used as management tools for leveraging IT assets, staff and projects. This includes topics regarding configuration management, service-oriented architectures, system development life cycles and performance reference models. When students learn about data warehousing and analytical processing, they are introduced to everything from big data analytics to dimensional data modeling. Classes on enterprise applications involve architecture and infrastructure concepts and frameworks, while classes on web applications explore cloud-based servers and online development methods. Advanced application programming will cover the design and development of business applications through algorithmic solutions and problem modeling
Potential Careers
Graduates who have a Master of Science in Information Systems will most likely get management jobs that require in-depth technical skills. In IT, they may work as CIOs, systems architects, development team leader and information system analysts, according to CIO.com. Those who work in software development companies may become product managers, technical analysts and infrastructure engineers. Some even go on to work in consulting companies as strategy and technology consultants. For example, an information systems researcher collaborates with cross-functional teams to understand end-user experiences and satisfaction levels. To do this, they implement research projects that involve documented experiments and continuous improvement initiatives. They deliver factual insights that directly impact system design and development.
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A Master of Science in Information Systems is an excellent degree choice for students who want to work with software, IT systems and management. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, almost all positions pay an excellent salary and offer good career prospects.