Master of Science (M.S.) in Management Information Systems
The M.S. in Management information Systems is offered only in a cohort (blended delivery) model to international students in a joint partnership with the Shenyang Jianzhu University in Shenyang, China.
College: Daniel L. Goodwin College of Business
Department: Business
Student Type: Graduate Quarter
Degree: Master of Science (M.S.)
Overview
Information systems professionals face increasing challenges of providing reliable, accurate and timely information to meet the demands of society’s dependence on information technology.
The M.S. program in Management Information Systems at Benedictine University has been preparing professionals for rapid advances in technology, intense global competition and more complex business environments for more than 30 years.
The program continues to draw upon Benedictine University’s strong undergraduate Computer Science and Computer Information Systems programs, as well as the strengths of established graduate interdisciplinary Accountancy, Business, Finance, Management and Organizational Behavior, Public Health and Taxation programs.
The program is designed for professionals who understand the strategic value of information resources and the importance of managing these resources throughout an organization. Benedictine offers an innovative course of professional graduate study that integrates the body of knowledge in information technology with the student’s choice of a concentration, such as Accounting and Financial Systems, Business Administration, Business Analytics, Finance, Health Information Systems Management, Information Security, Integrated Marketing Communications, Management and Organizational Behavior, Professional Internship, and Project Management. These concentrations are not only applicable to students’ professions, but are also key in broadening students’ perspectives. By effectively combining management information systems with a concentration, students become technically proficient and able to address issues such as the creative and appropriate application of information technology, the effective management of information technology and the organizational and societal impacts of information technology.
The program’s unique philosophy, integrative teaching methods and commitment to individual development are the basis for the professional achievements of its graduates. This approach gives students the unique opportunity to interact with the larger group of graduate students in all of Benedictine’s Accountancy, Business, Finance, Management and Organizational Behavior, Public Health and Taxation programs. The exposure to other students with different talents, experiences and job responsibilities is a key element in each student’s development of information technology management skills.
The educational approach of the program emphasizes practical application of various business management theories and technical tools to a variety of hypothetical and real-life information problems. Students gain an appreciation for the complexity of challenges associated with the management of information technology through group interaction, comprehensive projects, case analysis, research and active participation in the sharing of individual experience. It is through this variety of teaching methods that students are prepared to be leaders in the 21st century.
Admission Requirements
Application for graduate admission
- $40 non-refundable application fee
- Official transcripts from all universities/colleges attended. Official electronic transcripts can be emailed to e-transcripts@ben.edu
- Official copy of GRE or GMAT test scores or completed test waiver form
- Two letters of reference from individuals familiar with the applicant’s professional or academic work, excluding family or personal friends
- A one- to two-page essay addressing educational and career goals
- Current résumé listing chronological work history
- Personal interview may be required prior to an admission decision
- Students who have completed any foreign postsecondary education (college, university, etc.) are required to submit an official credit evaluation. Students may request a report from any of the following evaluation companies, or any credential evaluation service that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES): Educational Credential Evaluators (EP), Educational Perspectives (EP) or Slate Education Foundation (SEF). In addition, SEF will assist with credential authentication and degree equivalency using appropriate resources of World Education Service (WES) for admission into Benedictine University’s graduate programs by computing calculations such as GPA conversions and credit hours. Students completing the SEF evaluation seeking course waivers must supply Benedictine with the appropriate course syllabi. Transcript evaluations shall be performed by trained foreign credential evaluators at SEF. Students must request a course-by-course evaluation including a U.S equivalent cumulative GPA. Official reports are mailed or electronically sent directly to Benedictine Admissions (admissions@ben.edu) from a NACES member organization. Please contact the Enrollment.
Curriculum
The program requires 64 quarter credit hours, integrating 12 quarter credit hours of foundations courses, 40 quarter credit hours of core courses, and 12 quarter credit hours of electives or: Accounting and Financial Systems, Business Administration, Business Analytics, Finance, Information Security, Integrated Marketing Communications, Management and Organizational Behavior, Professional Internship, and Project Management.
International M.S. in Management Information Systems Program
The Asian M.S. in Management Information Systems program is a partnership with Shenyang Jianzhu University (formerly Shenyang Architectural and Civil Engineering University). The Higher Learning Commission approved Benedictine University to offer the Master of Science (M.S.) in Management Information Systems program throughout China and Vietnam.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| MIS 5543 | Computer Programming | 4 |
| MIS 5545 | Computer Organization and Architecture | 4 |
| MIS 5546 | Systems Analysis and Design | 4 |
| MBA 6520 | Leadership & Business Ethics in the Global Environment | 4 |
| MGMT 6530 | Organizational Behavior | 4 |
| MGMT 6532 | Organization Development | 4 |
| MGMT 6634 | Strategy, Structure, and Decision Making | 4 |
| MBA 6641 | Information Technology Management | 4 |
| MIS 6651 | Client/Server Development | 2 |
| MIS 6656 | Information Systems Security | 4 |
| MIS 6657 | E-Commerce | 4 |
| MBA 6661 | Marketing Management | 4 |
| MIS 6674 | Database Management Systems | 4 |
| MIS 6689 | Strategic Information Technology Management | 4 |
| MIS 6681 | Network Planning | 2 |
| MIS 6682 | Network Design | 2 |
| MBA 6669 | Project Management | 4 |
| MIS 6692 | Networking Projects | 2 |
| Total Hours | 64 | |
Course Substitutions and Waivers
Course substitutions and waivers for 5000-level courses may be determined by the M.S. in Management Information Systems program director on a case-by-case basis. Students with a relevant graduate degree or a professional or industry certificate/licensure (e.g. Certified Public Accountant, Project Management Professional, etc.) may be eligible for a course substitution/wavier. Students with extensive undergraduate equivalent coursework completed at a 3.000/4.000 or higher GPA taken within seven years from the date of application to the M.S. in Management Information Systems program may be eligible for a course substitution/waiver. Course substitutions/waivers cannot be awarded for professional work/life experience.
Learning Goals for the M.S. in Management Information Systems Program
The learning goals for the program are:
- To understand the strategic value of information resources and the importance of managing these resources throughout an organization.
- To integrate the foundational knowledge of related disciplines (analytics, accounting and finance, business administration, health care, management and organizational behavior, marketing or project management) to prepare professionals to work in rapidly changing complex and global business environments.
- To emphasize practical application of various business management theories and technical tools to a variety of hypothetical and real life information problems.