Information Systems, M.S.

(30 units)

The Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS) is designed to provide students with an advanced and highly sought-after expertise necessary in the field of information systems. The program provides training in advanced technical, managerial, and analytical techniques with a focus on digital transformation, data analytics, and cyber security, which will advance student career prospects and prepare them for lifelong learning in a global economy.

The M.S. Information Systems program is a STEM-designated program that is offered in a 21-month, full-time cohort-model format. Classes are scheduled on weekdays in the evening at 7PM; Saturdays are possible depending on instructor availability.

This program is offered as a collaborative program with the College of Business and College of Professional & Continuing Education (CPACE). It means the program follows a flat-rate fee structure and is all-inclusive (books/materials and parking are included in the flat-rate fee structure).

Application and Admission Process

Application Procedure

International Applicants

Information Sessions

Current CSULB College of Business undergraduate students with a 3.0 GPA or higher are eligible to apply for the MS Information Systems program through our Fast Track Application process.

Program Requirements

The curriculum for the M.S. Information Systems program requires 30 units of coursework. Students must maintain a GPA of at least 3.0 (B) throughout the program.

All students must complete the culminating experience, IS 699. Students must receive a “B” or better to satisfy the culminating activity requirement.

Advancement to Candidacy

To be eligible to advancement to candidacy, a student must:

Complete all First Semester Core Requirements, with no grade lower than “C”.
Maintain an overall minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA, including transferred coursework from other institutions, and a minimum 3.0 GPA in all work completed at this University.

Major Requirements (27 units)

Core Requirements (15 units)

I S 602 - Management of Information Systems (3 units)
I S 610 - Business Data Analysis (3 units)
I S 640 - Programming for Business Analytics (3 units)
I S 680 - Database Management Systems (3 units)
I S 685 - Systems Analysis and Design (3 units)

Advanced Study Courses (12 units)*

I S 601 - Quantitative Methods for Managerial Decision Making (3 units)
I S 635 - Technology and Start-ups: Applications of AI and Blockchain (3 units)
I S 645 - Internet Applications in Business (3 units)
I S 656 - Information Systems Security and Assurance (3 units)
I S 657 - Mobile Systems and Business Applications (3 units)
I S 660 - Cyber Security Risk Management for Business (3 units)
I S 665 - Cybersecurity Analytics (3 units)
I S 670 - Machine Learning for Business Analytics (3 units)
I S 671 - Responsible Artificial Intelligence (3 units)
I S 675 - Deep Learning for Business (3 units)
I S 695 - Selected Topics in Information Systems (3 units)
*Note that advanced courses will be offered based on faculty availability and industry trends.

Culminating Experience - (3 units)

In conjunction with additional coursework, the culminating experience will be a comprehensive project. Choose one of the following in consultation with program advisor:

I S 699 - Information Systems Project (3 units)
The program requires an integrated course project, IS 699 Information Systems Project, which satisfies the culminating experience of California Code of Regulations Title 5. The course requires each student to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of managing and developing an actual information system. This requires expertise in the area of technology, people, process, and organization. IS 699 will enable students to learn hands-on and field-test approaches to planning, executing, and managing information systems projects. Opportunities will be provided for acquiring and practicing software project management, requirements analysis, system design, and prototype construction. Students will practice both inside and outside of the class demonstrating positive workplace behaviors and supportive teamwork values. A hands-on, semester-long comprehensive project and oral presentation is required by this course.

Each project will require students to work with faculty to demonstrate mastery by developing an information system for a sponsoring company. Relevant research on technology, process, people, and organization will be conducted. The resulting proposal will require approval from the supervising faculty. The completion of a final project and follow-up communications with the project sponsors will also be required. A student team will be responsible for a project report to fulfill the requirement with each student taking responsibility for a part of the project. Each student will be evaluated individually on his or her part of the integrated project. The project will conclude with the presentation of overall results in a comprehensive report and a professional-quality oral presentation to the faculty members and the project-sponsoring organization.

A grade of “B” or better is required to pass this course. Failure to achieve at least a “B” grade will necessitate retaking the course with the subsequent cohort. This requirement operates independently of the student’s overall GPA.