Program Overview
The Master of Science (M.S.) in Communications and Information Systems is an interdisciplinary degree program that prepares managers and other professionals for the challenges of the changing business environment. This innovative degree links communications and information systems in intellectually stimulating ways to reflect the integrated environment that professionals encounter at work.
The program will expand your analytical thinking and creativity and provide you with the tools to apply that knowledge in a variety of contexts, including applications in information technology, interfaces with human users, support software, communication problems and strategies, and the design of information for a variety of users and contexts. You'll gain a refined repertoire of problem-solving and management skills and be capable of working effectively in interrelated fields.
This program is appropriate for those with strength and experience in corporate communications, media production, training, management and information systems. Shortly after beginning the program, you'll identify a specific area of application relevant to your interests. Throughout the program, you'll focus on issues and problems related to that area, your current employment and career objectives.
The interdisciplinary curriculum will provide you with knowledge and hands-on strategies to solve problems related to communication and information analysis, design, implementation, maintenance and evaluation. This degree will position you for an array of communications and information management positions.
Program Format
Designed for working professionals, this 36-credit program can be completed in approximately two and a half years or less while you continue to work full time. Areas of specialization include information systems, multimedia, information design, business and professional communication, training and development, to name a few.
Curriculum
Core Courses - 27 Credits
| COIS6030 |
Theories of Comm and Info I |
| COIS6031 |
Theories of Comm and Info II |
| COIS6040 |
Professional Communications |
| COIS6050 |
Applied Research Strategies |
| COIS6215 |
Impact of New Technology |
| COIS6226 |
Information Design |
| COIS6960 |
Case Analysis in Comm/Info Systems |
| COIS7479 |
Project Management in Comm/Info Systems |
| INFS6010 |
Decision Support Systems Analysis and Design |
Specialization - 9 CreditsChoose three graduate-level courses in communications, information systems, education or engineering.
Course Schedule
Following is a summary of the graduate courses scheduled for the M.S. in Communications and Information Systems. This summary is for planning purposes only and is subject to change. You can begin your studies in the fall, spring or summer semester. Courses listed in bold are required courses that should be taken as early as possible. Normal type indicates elective courses available.
Fall - 1st 8 weeks (*15-week course)
| COIS6030 |
Theories of Comm and Info I |
| COIS6040 |
Professional Communications |
| COIS6437 |
Visual Communications |
| COIS7150 |
Internet/HTML Programming |
| INFS6010 |
Decision Support System Analysis and Design |
| INFS6040 |
Management Information Systems |
| INFS6210 |
Hardware and Operating Systems |
| INFS6231 |
Network Technology and Management |
| INFS6120* |
Visual Basic Programming |
| INFS6211* |
Microcomputing Technology |
| INFS6231* |
Network+ Support Skills |
| INFS6420* |
Admin MS Windows 2000 Professional |
Fall - 2nd 8 weeks
| COIS6031 |
Theories of Comm and Info II |
| COIS6050 |
Applied Research Strategies |
| COIS6215 |
Impact of New Technology (integration course) |
| COIS7150 |
Internet/HTML Programming |
| INFS6010 |
Decision Support System Analysis and Design |
| INFS6040 |
Management Information Systems |
| INFS6210 |
Hardware and Operating Systems |
| INFS6220 |
Systems Analysis and Design |
| INFS6230 |
Networking/Data Communication |
| INFS6490 |
Computer and Network Security |
Spring - 1st 8 weeks (*15-week course)
| COIS6030 |
Theories of Comm and Info I |
| COIS6040 |
Professional Communications |
| COIS6215 |
Impact of New Technology (integration course) |
| COIS7150 |
Internet/HTML Programming |
| COIS7479 |
Project Management in Communications and Information Systems |
| INFS6010 |
Decision Support System Analysis and Design |
| INFS6225 |
Object-Oriented Systems Design |
| INFS6230 |
Networking/Data Communication |
| INFS6240 |
Database Management Systems |
| INFS6120* |
Visual Basic Programming |
| INFS6151* |
Java Programming |
| INFS6211* |
Microcomputing Technology |
| INFS6231* |
Network+ Support Skills |
| INFS6421* |
Admin MS Windows 2000 Server |
Spring - 2nd 8 weeks
| COIS6031 |
Theories of Comm and Info II |
| COIS6050 |
Applied Research Strategies |
| COIS6960 |
Case Analysis in Comm/Info Systems |
| COIS7479 |
Project Management in Communications and Information Systems |
| INFS6010 |
Decision Support System Analysis and Design |
| INFS6225 |
Object-Oriented Systems Design |
| INFS6240 |
Database Management Systems |
Summer
| COIS6060 |
Ethical and Legal Dimensions of Technology |
| COIS6226 |
Information Design |
| COIS6960 |
Case Analysis in Comm/Info Systems |
| COIS7150 |
Internet/HTML Programming |
| COIS7479 |
Project Management in Communications and Information Systems |
| INFS6010 |
Decision Support System Analysis and Design |
| INFS6220 |
Systems Analysis and Design |
| INFS6230 |
Networking/Data Communication |
| INFS6240 |
Database Management Systems |
| INFS6490 |
Computer and Network Security |
Application Procedures
Students should submit the following credentials to the Graduate Admissions Office:
- A completed application and a non-refundable $35 application fee. Or apply online for free.
- Official undergraduate transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
- Two current letters of recommendation.
- A current resume.
- An original essay of no more than two to three pages in length addressing the student's goals for this program.
Selected applicants may also be required to interview with a faculty member and submit samples of related work.
Tuition
Tuition information can be found at Tuition Fees & Schedules.
Program Location
Offered in Moon Township.