St. Edward's University

Program Information

Degree Offered

Master of Science in Computer Information Systems (MSCIS)

Format: Campus

Program Description:

Overview:
In the MS in Computer Information Systems program, you’ll study technology, management and business concepts in a global context. You’ll learn to solve complex IT problems, combining technical, financial, productivity, strategic and ethical practices into one solution. Collaborations about emerging technologies — such as wireless, radio-frequency identification (RFID) and cyber law — make the MS in Computer Information Systems at St. Edward’s University a unique program. The projects you complete are hands-on, not simulations, and are immediately applicable to your professional work.

Career paths for graduates lead to a wide range of management careers in the IT arena. For example, you could become a computer network administrator for an international retailer or a director of data security for a bank. Or you could head up cyber-terrorism analysis for a government agency or supervise IT staff for a green-energy company. Graduates also pursue positions as operations research or computer system analysts, computer systems administrators, and database administrators.

Course Preview:
MS in Computer Information Systems students take courses from these groups:

CORE COURSES
Students complete core courses that include Intellectual Property and Cyber Law, Modern Methods in Software Engineering, and Internet and Network Technologies.

ADVANCED COURSES
Students take advanced courses that include Data Security Management, Operating Systems and Business Intelligence Methods.

CAPSTONE COURSE
Your final course, a Capstone, combines knowledge and skills learned throughout the program. You’ll team up with students from the MBA program on a strategic management project for a business, nonprofit or government agency — and create a solid résumé builder. You’ll provide IT consultation support to the organization, designing a new solution or re-engineering an existing project with an evaluation of strategies, which may take place in another country with an international IT component.

Past Capstone projects have included developing a business plan for a start-up software company, performing market research and cost analysis for radio-frequency identification (RFID), and designing a business infrastructure for a large building manufacturer.

Earn Your Degree in 16 Months: Designed with working professionals in mind, MSCIS classes are offered during the fall, spring and summer terms, so you can complete your degree within 16 months. Hear what some of our graduates have to say about the program.

Classes are held at the St. Edward’s University main campus in south Austin on Friday evenings (6-8:50 p.m.) and Saturday mornings (9 a.m.-1 p.m.). Students will take three courses a term, but will never balance more than two courses at the same time. The Friday evening course will meet once a week for 14 weeks. The two Saturday seven-week courses will meet back-to-back, one for the first seven weeks of the term and the other for the second seven weeks.

Accreditation:

St. Edward's University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).

Tuition & Financial Aid

Financial Aid Offered: Yes

Classification: Master's Colleges & Universities II

Institution Sector: Private not-for-profit

Locale: Large City

Size & Settings: 5,000 - 9,999