The Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS) program at Cal State LA is designed to provide advanced technical and managerial skills to those seeking advancement in their current career in Information Systems/Information Technology (IS/IT) and to those on the verge of transitioning to a career in IS/IT.
STEM Designated Program; IT CID: 11.0103
Program Features
- STEM designated IT degree program with international AACSB accreditation
- Professional Tracks: Enterprise Systems on Cloud, Business Analytics, Cybersecurity, IT Application Design & Development, and Healthcare IT.
- Alliances with SAP, IBM, Amazon, Oracle, SAS, Microsoft, Tableau, ISACA, ASUG, and Open AI Edu
- An interdisciplinary program for business digital transformation (business and IT)
- Industry-focused networking with local professionals and events in LA
- Leadership and management strategies focused program
- Hands-on advanced technology with real-world team projects
- Curriculum leads to professional certification in the IT industry
- Customized class schedule for full-time working professionals
Program Requirements
All students applying to the MS Information Systems program must have the following:
- A grade point average of at least 2.5 (A=4.0) or in the last 60 semester (90 quarter) units attempted.
- Professional résumé – List all computer-related education, experience, certificates, badges, and training.
- A brief one-page personal statement.
- Transcripts of degrees and all computer-related education and/or certificates.
- 2 letters of recommendation.
Students who do not have a bachelor’s degree in information systems (or computer-related fields) can be conditionally admitted to the program. However, prerequisites must be completed prior to taking any graduate level courses. International students MUST complete the prerequisite requirements before applying to the program.
Curriculum
Altogether, 30 units of coursework and a comprehensive exam are required to complete the MSIS program. Each course is 3 units. The comprehensive exam does not carry any units.
The MSIS program has two options. One is the Professional Option, and the other is the Executive Option. The Executive Option is not offered now. Only the Professional Option is offered. The curriculum for the Professional Option is given below.
Required Core Courses (15 units)
This course is repeatable: No
Total # of units allowed for credit: 3
Max times this course can be taken for credit:1
Max # of units may be repeated: 0
Course Description: Overview of computer, communication and software systems. Cases in: business applications of information technology, managing the acquisition and use of application systems, and working with the information systems organization.
Credit Hours: 3 lecture hour(s) per week.
This course is repeatable: No
Total # of units allowed for credit: 3
Max times this course can be taken for credit:1
Max # of units may be repeated: 0
Course Description: Deep understanding and analysis of contemporary information technology architectures and environments, more specifically the client/server architectures, business/enterprise systems, workgroup, and personal systems supporting operational business processes.
Credit Hours: 3 lecture hour(s) per week .
This course is repeatable: No
Total # of units allowed for credit: 3
Max times this course can be taken for credit:1
Max # of units may be repeated: 0
Course Description: Life cycle of systems development; UML modeling techniques; data modeling; process modeling; enterprise system integration, configuration, installation and maintenance; a case-based approach with hands-on experience in designing information systems.
Credit Hours: 3 lecture hour(s) per week.
This course is repeatable: No
Total # of units allowed for credit: 3
Max times this course can be taken for credit:1
Max # of units may be repeated: 0
Course Description: Computer communication technologies and trends; communication theory, hardware, software, architectures, services and security.
Credit Hours: 3 lecture hour(s) per week.
This course is repeatable: No
Total # of units allowed for credit: 3
Max times this course can be taken for credit:1
Max # of units may be repeated: 0
Course Description: This course examines the strategic perspective for aligning organizational strategy, core competencies, information systems, technology, and the CEO and CIO’s partnership roles. The course assesses students’ leadership and technical skills.
Credit Hours: 3 lecture hour(s) per week.
Please visit the University Catalog for more information on the above courses.
Elective Courses (15 units)
15 units of elective courses are required. For more information on the list of elective courses, please visit the University Catalog.
Information Systems, M.S. Professional Option (PMSIS)
Graduate Admissions Counselor: Jane Ratan, MPA, (323) 343-5262, Email: Jane.Ratan@calstatela.edu
Graduate Programs Advisor: Belem Enciso, (323) 343-2880, Email: benciso@calstatela.edu
MSIS Faculty Advisor: Professor Arun Aryal, Email: aaryal@calstatela.edu