Master of Science in Information Systems

The Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS) program at Santa Clara University is designed to equip leaders in information technology management with the tools to harness the power of information. Created by the same outstanding faculty that provides the premier MBA education for Silicon Valley, the MSIS degree focuses on the application of technology for solving real organizational and business problems. Much of the course work is project-based, connecting learning to actual challenges in the field. Students learn how to integrate emerging technologies into organizational practices and to successfully manage complex, technically centered change processes.

Program requirements include classes that may include students from the MBA and other M.S. programs, with instruction provided by the same faculty as the MBA program and under the same AACSB accreditation.

Admissions

For admission information, refer to Chapter 2.

Program Outline

The MSIS curriculum consists of 48 units across nine core courses (30 units), one experiential learning course (6 units), and 12 additional units of electives.  

For additional academic information policies,  refer to Chapter 5.

For course descriptions and prerequisites for core and electives, refer to Chapter 8.

Curriculum Clusters

1. Core Business Knowledge (2 courses)

These courses provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the role of information systems in organizations, from both financial and strategic perspectives. Mastery of financial and managerial accounting principles allows our students to analyze the financial impact of information systems initiatives and make informed decisions, while knowledge of information systems strategy and management equips them to lead and manage information systems projects effectively, aligning technology solutions with organizational objectives.

  • Financial and Managerial Accounting (2 units)
  • Information Systems Strategy & Management (4 units)

2. Core Information Systems Knowledge (7 courses) 

These courses provide students with a comprehensive skill set in software development, systems analysis and design, database management, project management, data analytics, and natural language processing. It Teaches our students about the technical aspects of information systems design and the strategic issues around the use of such systems.

  • Database Management Systems -  Fundamentals of SQL (2 units)
  • Data Analytics w/ Python (4)
  • Database Management Systems - Design, Development and Administration (2 units)
  • Natural Language Processing  (4 units)
  • Object-Oriented Software Design (4 units)
  • Information Systems Analysis & Design - Systems Modeling (4 units)
  • Software Project Management (4 units)

3. Experiential Learning (6 units)

Explores how information systems are designed and used, and how broad social and ethical questions must be considered in thinking about the use of such systems. Students must complete a major application project as part of this cluster. Students must complete  either a Practicum or Capstone project to fulfill the requirement. Both experiential learning projects are worth six units in total and are completed in two quarters.  For further details, refer to Chapter 5.

  • Industry Practicum I (2 units)
  • Industry Practicum II (4 units)
  • Capstone Design I (2 units)
  • Capstone Design II (4 units)

4. Electives (12 units)

Offers a variety of electives to help students develop capabilities in a specific area. An example of available electives:

  • Machines Learning w/ Python (4 units)
  • Big Data Modeling and Analytics (4 units)
  • Applied Cloud Computing (2 units)
  • Dashboards w/ Tableau (2 units)
  • Web Programming (2 units)
  • Deep Learning (2 units)
  • Reinforcement Learning (2 units)
  • Cloud Computing Architectures (4 units)
  • Data Visualization (2 units)
  • Business Intelligence and Data Warehousing (4 units)
  • Mobile Programming (2 units)
  • Foundations of Cybersecurity (4 units)
  • Generative AI for the Enterprise (2 units)
  • Data Structures and Algorithms (2 units)

Below are additional courses available through the Evening MBA program curriculum.

  • Accounting for Financial Planning and Analysis (2 units)
  • Business Planning and Analytics  (2 units)
  • Supply Chain Analytics (2 units)
  • Global Supply Chain Management (2 units)
  • Supply Chain Technology (2 units)
  • How Engineers, Business people, and Lawyers Communicate with Each Other (2 units)

International students are required to register for an internship course if they wish to engage in Curricular Practical Training (CPT). For further details and prerequisites, refer to Chapter 5.

  • Internship (1 unit)
  • Internship II (1 unit)
  • Internship III (1 unit)

Furthermore, MSIS students are granted the opportunity to enroll in one graduate-level course outside of their program, subject to meeting prerequisites, availability of space, and approval from the Faculty Director of the Program. These courses must be at the graduate level and chosen exclusively from within the Leavey School of Business. This option is available only once during the student's academic program, and enrollment is contingent upon availability.

Career Requirement

To promote career growth and professional advancement, all online graduate programs require that students engage with the SCU Graduate Business Career Management team. This includes participation in designated workshops, career coaching sessions, resume reviews, and completing various career reflections. While enrolled at SCU, students have the flexibility to fulfill these requirements at their convenience. However, they must complete their career requirements by the final quarter to be eligible for graduation.

Requirements:

  • Meet with a Career Coach within their second quarter
  • Attend the Career workshop during their Opening Residency
  • Attend a live in-person Career workshop or event  hosted by the Graduate Business Career Management team or submit a reflection paper after watching a Career Management workshop recording

GBP Anywhere Program

The GBP Anywhere Program enables MBA and MS students to enroll in on-campus or online electives from various Graduate Business Programs. This program aims to enhance flexibility and course options for Online and Evening students.

International students are eligible to enroll in one online course per quarter provided they are registered for a minimum of 8 units of classes. However, this allowance does not apply during the first quarter of attendance or to any core classes required by the program. It's important to understand that international students cannot be exclusively enrolled in online courses during their graduating term; they must also be enrolled in at least one on-campus course. Nonetheless, during the Summer quarter, they are permitted to take only an online course. For any updates, questions, or concerns regarding online courses and potential visa implications, please reach out to ISS (International Student Scholars).

Furthermore, MSIS students are granted the opportunity to enroll in one graduate-level course outside of their program, subject to meeting prerequisites, availability of space, and approval from the Faculty Director of the Program. These courses must be at the graduate level and chosen exclusively from within the Leavey School of Business. This option is available only once during the student's academic program, and enrollment is contingent upon availability.

For additional information, refer to the GBP Anywhere Programs Section in Chapter 6.