The Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS) program at MSU prepares students to become information systems professionals who can successfully develop, acquire, and integrate information technology across levels and functions of a firm in the continually changing global business environment. The MSIS degree equips students with critical technical skills, strengthens communication skills, enhances understanding of business functions/operations, and helps develop students' understanding of the link between organizations and information technology.
Career Opportunities with an MSIS Degree
The Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS) degree from Mississippi State University prepares graduates for high-demand roles at the intersection of business and technology. Our graduates are equipped with the technical expertise, business acumen, and problem-solving skills needed to lead in today's data-driven global environment.
Career paths for MSIS graduates include:
- Business Analyst – Translate business needs into technical solutions and improve processes through data-driven insights.
- IT Project Manager – Lead technology projects, manage cross-functional teams, and ensure timely delivery of business systems.
- Data Analyst – Analyze large datasets to support strategic decision-making and operational efficiency.
- Systems Analyst – Evaluate and design information systems to support organizational needs.
- Cybersecurity Analyst – Protect organizational systems from digital threats by managing risk and developing secure frameworks.
- Database Administrator – Design, maintain, and optimize database systems critical to enterprise operations.
- Enterprise Architect – Align IT infrastructure with business goals through long-term systems planning.
- Chief Information Officer (CIO) – Serve as a strategic leader responsible for an organization’s overall technology vision.
Graduates from the MSIS program have gone on to work in major corporations, government agencies, consulting firms, and entrepreneurial ventures. Our alumni consistently report that the program’s blend of technical instruction, business foundations, and experiential learning gives them a competitive edge in the job market.
The demand for skilled information systems professionals continues to grow. Whether you are advancing in your current role or transitioning to a new career path, the MSIS degree opens doors across industries.
MSIS Program Structure
All students are required to take a set of business courses, or prerequisites, before taking their core courses. Students must complete the set of basic business courses listed below, or submit transcripts from other schools that carry equivalent courses with a grade of "B" or better. We offer survey courses online in place of many undergraduate prerequisites, designed for non-business undergraduates.
If you would like a pre-application evaluation of your transcript and prerequisites, you can email your transcript to Angelia Knight in the Graduate Programs in Business Office. Please note that a pre-application evaluation does not imply acceptance into the program.
Electives can be selected from other graduate-level courses.
MSIS Prerequisite Course Codes & Titles
| Course Code | Title |
|---|---|
| ACC 2013 or ACC 2023 | Financial Accounting or Managerial Accounting |
| or ACC 2203 | Survey of Accounting |
| BQA 2113/ 3123 | Business Statistical Methods I & II |
| or BQA 8443 | Statistical Analysis for Business Decision-Making |
| MGT 3113 | Principles of Management (CLEP) |
| EC 2113 or EC 2123 | Macroeconomics or Microeconomics |
| FIN 3123 | Financial Management |
| MKT 3013 | Principles of Marketing |
| Programming I | Computer Programming |
| Programming II | (See Electives Section) |
Master of Science in Information Systems Curriculum
- 15 credit hours of required courses
- 12-15 hours of electives
- Students who already have six (6) or more hours of programming may take 15 hours of electives. Students with only three (3) hours of programming are required to take an additional three (3) hours of graduate-level programming and 12 hours of electives.
Required Courses
BIS 8113 Management Information Technology & Systems
Offered Fall Only
Three (3) hours lecture. Course includes the description, development, and use of systems from an analytical perspective. Technology-enabled concepts are used for student assignments.
BIS 8213 Secure Systems Analysis & Design
Offered Spring Only
(Prerequisite or co-requisite: BIS 8113 or any three (3) hours of computer-related coursework.) Three (3) hours lecture. Analysis/ design of secure computer-based information systems using structured methodologies. Emphasis on functional and security requirements analysis, business data analysis, logical systems design, quality assurance, and comprehensive information security management.
BIS 8313 Advanced Database Design Administration
Offered Fall Only
(Prerequisite: Three (3) hours of computer programming with a grade of "B" or better.) Three (3) hours lecture. Design and management of local and distributed data resources, database design, definition, creation, maintenance, acquisition, and analytical use. Role of Database Administrator.
BIS 8413 Data Analytics
Offered Spring Only
(Prerequisite: BQA 8443 or equivalent.) Three (3) hours lecture. Enterprise approach to improving business processes and managerial decision-making through quantitatively sophisticated analysis of organizational data. Hands-on experience in analytical techniques, modeling, and software.
BIS 8753 Information Systems Collaborative Project
Offered Spring Only
(Prerequisites: Nine (9) hours of graduate BIS coursework beyond 8113.) Three (3) hours lecture. Capstone experience incorporating knowledge gained in prerequisite courses. Requires team participation using appropriate tools and methodologies in assisting organizations with real-world information systems-related requirements through business and data analysis.
For more information, please visit the MSIS Catalog, or contact Dr. Alaa Nehme.