MSIS Knowledge Requirements
All entering students must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge in both business fundamentals and information systems. Essential knowledge includes the following:
- understanding of the behavior of individuals and groups in a business organization such that they can analyze organizational systems and take appropriate action with particular business structures, particularly overcoming resistance to change;
- knowledge of the different types of information systems (IS), the application of IT in organizations, and the role of IT professionals in developing, acquiring and managing IS;
- knowledge of management concepts as they relate to the management of information systems including, setting a direction for information resources, managing technology resources, and managing the information systems function;
- knowledge of computer hardware, software, communications, and operating systems (Windows and UNIX);
- ability to use spreadsheets for computations and analysis;
- ability to create spreadsheets that support problem-specific decision-making activities; and
- understanding of the principles of programming and the ability to program.
While an undergraduate degree in information systems, computer science, and/or business administration is not a requirement for admission to the MSIS, meeting the knowledge requirements is. Knowledge requirements can be met in a variety of ways, including: an undergraduate degree in MIS; specific undergraduate or graduate course work that covers required knowledge; appropriate, verifiable IS/IT or management experience. Students using experience to meet the basic knowledge requirements may be required to demonstrate competency in the subject.
Individuals who do not meet knowledge requirements may be required to take up to 9 additional hours. The required knowledge can be achieved by taking equivalent courses from any regionally accredited college or university or by taking specially designed graduate-level courses at DSU. The DSU courses are included in the individual’s program of study. Individuals who use relevant experience in business or information systems to meet the knowledge requirement may be asked to demonstrate that their experience is applicable by taking a test prepared by the course instructor.
