Academic Programs

Have a question? Click here to chat.

New Scholarships Designed for Working Adults
Summer Classes Registration
BSIT-AAIT 2012 Program Launch Banner

Top Security Agency Approves Information Systems Security Program

Master of Science in Information Systems

As a part of Strayer University's Masters Degree Programs, the Master's in Information Systems (MSIS) is designed to provide students with the technical and management skills needed to set strategy and deploy computer-based systems that support modern organizations. Students interested in MSIS degrees will develop both the theoretical foundation and the practical skills needed to specify, design, implement, and manage systems that possess qualities such as portability, scalability, and interoperability. Strayer University's MSIS programs help students by strengthening strategic planning and communication skills, and deepening their knowledge of business functions and operations, students will prepare for career advancement in the rapidly expanding information systems field.

Key Learning Objectives

  • Operate and manage the systems development process for business applications.
  • Perform software engineering processes that support business applications.
  • Develop and manage IT architecture for business organizations.
  • Develop communications architecture for business organizations.
  • Formulate the processes for enterprise resource systems.

Concentrations

The MSIS program provides a broad technology skill set with emphasis on modern information systems and computer concepts that is useful in a broad range of industries and business environments. Choose one of the following concentrations to tailor the program to your career goals.
  • Computer Security Management

    The Computer Security Management concentration develops skills to manage the security operations of an enterprise-level network. Students will learn to develop and implement computer security policies, procedures, and controls to protect business operations, analyze security issues and take corrective actions.

    Computer Security Management concentration graduates will gain additional competencies necessary for managing security operations in both common and complex computing environments. These skills include conducting risk assessments and business impact analyses, auditing computer security operations, developing security policies and guidance, and developing business continuity plans and disaster recovery plans.

    Graduates of this program may be interested in roles such as: Information security officer, Information security manager, IT risk and assurance manager or Chief Information Security Officer (CISO).

    NSA/CNSS certified security curriculum (NSTISSI No. 4011, 4013)

  • Decision Support System Management

    The Decision Support System (DSS) Management concentration develops skills to manage decision support systems and processes that facilitate business operations. Students will learn how to analyze and present business data from multiple sources that assists business managers with analyzing and understanding organizational performance. Students also explore the role of DSS in problem solving, and practice the use of intelligent agents and data mining.

    Decision Support System Management concentration graduates will gain additional competencies necessary to design, implement, maintain, and evaluate a DSS or Data Warehousing System.

    Graduates of this program may be interested in roles such as: DSS senior analyst, decision support manager, decision support system project manager, and decision support analyst.

  • Enterprise Resource Management

    The Enterprise Resource Management concentration develops skills to create, implement, and manage Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems. Students will examine the processes of a business enterprise and determine how ERP software can support and improve the performance of those processes.

    Enterprise Resource Management concentration graduates will gain additional competencies necessary to design, implement, and manage Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems to maximize the performance of business processes. These skills include selecting ERP software, performing reengineering, developing a project plan, and implementing systems.

    Graduates of this program may be interested in roles such as: enterprise resource planning senior analyst, enterprise systems development manager, and enterprise systems engineer.

  • Network Management

    The Network Management concentration allows students to examine how network technology and policy are deployed and managed across various types of organizations. Students will study the analysis, architecture, design, implementation, and management requirements of a network across an enterprise. They will also learn how to analyze and configure networks that support an organization’s computing applications and devices.

    Networking Management concentration graduates will gain additional competencies necessary to oversee computer networks in a variety of organizational environments. These skills include planning, designing, analyzing, and providing technical support for a data communications network or group of networks; conducting research and evaluation of network technology and recommending purchases of network equipment; and serving as technical experts for the development, implementation, maintenance, management, and support of systems and networks.

    Graduates of this program may be interested in roles such as: senior network engineer, senior network analyst, network consultant, network/information technology project manager, network technology specialist, or network research and policy analyst.

  • Software Engineering Management

    The Software Engineering Management concentration teaches students the skills necessary to effectively manage software development projects that deliver business results. Courses examine structured development processes and frameworks that facilitate the building of business applications. Students will learn and apply strategies related to decision-making, systems analysis and design, enterprise information architectures, contemporary testing methods and project management.

    Software Engineering Management concentration graduates will gain additional competencies necessary to manage and lead small and mid-sized software deployments. Typical responsibilities include the strategic development of corporate IT goals; development of integration plans, activities, and schedules for applications; maintenance of new, existing, installed, and customized applications; and direct interaction with internal and external organizational partners.

    Graduates of this program may be interested in roles such as: senior software engineer, senior programmer, senior analyst, or software development project manager.

  • Systems Development Management

    In the Systems Development Management concentration, students learn to identify, simulate and model computing systems that optimize business operations. Courses examine systems analysis and design, information processes, corporate strategies, and project management. Students will learn to research contemporary technologies that support legacy applications and build forward-looking technology and computing infrastructure models.

    Systems Development Management concentration graduates will gain additional competencies related to technical development processes, systems project management, and strategic technology leadership within small and mid-sized organizations. Typical job responsibilities include the strategic development of corporate IT goals, mission-critical systems integration, deployment of applications, quality assurance, and direct interaction with internal and external organizational partners.

    Graduates of this program may be interested in roles such as: new technology manager, systems integration manager, IT project manager, technology program manager, or systems planning manager.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Does the MSIS program prepare me for any certification exams?

    While not mapped specifically to any particular certification, courses in this program provide students with both technical skills and management-level knowledge that provide a foundation for a number of industry-standard, well-respected certifications with vendors such as Oracle, Microsoft, Cisco, CompTIA, and the (ISC)2 CISSP certification.

  • I am currently employed in a technology department. What career opportunities would a degree in this program open up?

    The value of a Master’s degree in this field depends on your goals and experiences.  This degree will provide you with two main things:  (1) deeper technical knowledge and expertise, and (2) management skills for developing IT strategy, systems, and policies that support overall organizational goals.  These types of skills and expertise are useful in roles in consulting, project management, and strategic leadership in large and mid-sized organizations. 

  • Is there any value in earning this degree if I already have an MBA? 

    Yes. If you are interested in working in a technical or IT leadership role, the combination of an M.B.A. and an M.S. in Information Systems is powerful. It blends a command of business, management, and marketing with an understanding of how best to deploy technology infrastructure and systems to achieve organizational goals.

  • Do students need to have prior skills and knowledge to enter the Master of Science in Information Systems program?

    The program is geared toward students with prior knowledge and experience in information systems or technology. However, with successful completion of the undergraduate prerequisites, students relatively new to computing can be successful in this program.

Program Information

Program Length

Strayer University students are mostly working adults who earn their degrees at their own pace and on their own schedule. Most students attend part-time, and the normal time to complete this program is 4.5 years.

On-Time Graduation Rate

85% of our students who graduated from this program between July 1, 2009 and June 30, 2010, did so within 4.5 years.

Median Loan Debt

For all students completing this program between July 1, 2009 and June 30, 2010, the median cumulative loan debt for each of the following are:
  • Federal student loans: $40,600
  • Private loans: $0
  • Institutional finance loans: $0
Note: This preliminary median loan data is pending confirmation from the U.S. Department of Education. It reflects total debt, including costs of living, while the median loan amount prescribed under the Department’s gainful employment regulations excludes such costs of living.

Program Costs

Cost information for Strayer University programs is available at: http://www.strayer.edu/tuition_and_fees. The tuition and fees for the entire program, assuming current tuition rates, are $27,740. The total estimated cost for books and supplies for the entire program is $1,800. Strayer University does not offer on-campus housing.

Occupations

The following U.S. Department of Labor Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) Codes and occupational titles are disclosed pursuant to U.S. Department of Education regulations, and correspond to the U.S. Department of Education Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) Code for this program.
Title O*Net Link SOC Code
Computer and Information Systems Managers http://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/11-3021.00

11-3021.00

Computer and Information Research Scientists http://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/15-1111.00

15-1111.00

Software Developers, Systems Software http://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/15-1133.00

15-1133.00

Software Quality Assurance Engineers and Testers http://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/15-1199.01

15-1199.01

Web Administrators http://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/15-1199.03

15-1199.03

Geospatial Information Scientists and Technologists http://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/15-1199.04

15-1199.04

Geographic Information Systems Technicians http://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/15-1199.05

15-1199.05

Database Architects http://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/15-1199.06

15-1199.06

Data Warehousing Specialists http://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/15-1199.07

15-1199.07

Business Intelligence Analysts http://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/15-1199.08

15-1199.08

Search Marketing Strategists http://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/15-1199.10

15-1199.10

Document Management Specialists http://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/15-1199.12

15-1199.12

Computer Science Teachers Postsecondary http://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/25-1021.00

25-1021.00