Master of Science in Computer and Information Systems - Software Management | Office | Website

The Masters Degree in Computer and Information Systems produces effective leaders for advanced technology organizations. It offers the most up-to-date, industry based, knowledge of best practices in IT process development, leadership and program management. It provides seamlessly integrated strategic understanding of the correct way to manage lifecycle and information assurance processes.

Graduates will be able to interact and function effectively in a multi-national, multi-tiered project environment. They will be among the first people capable of bringing coherent understanding and direction to an industry that no-longer functions within the limits of borders, or cultures. In addition, they will be able to ensure that their organizations will be able to compete successfully within this new paradigm.

Specific knowledge areas include: IT portfolio and project management, system requirements elicitation and specification, comprehensive program construction concepts, assurance and business alignment processes and information assurance, audit and control. Upon graduation students will be able to create and oversee productive and continuously improving management control infrastructures for large complex and diverse businesses.

The MSCIS Program is open to students of high academic promise who have earned a four-year baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university. Of primary importance is the nature and quality of the applicant's prior academic record and work experience. No prior work in software management is necessary, since the curriculum encapsulates the entire body of knowledge. Incoming students with limited background in software development are given adequate foundation as part of their course of study.

Admission Materials
To apply for admission to the MSCIS Program, applicants should submit the following materials:

• 1. A University of Detroit Mercy Graduate Application Form and application fee;
• 2. Official transcripts for all previous academic work;
• 3. Any other information that the applicant feels is important to the admission decision.

A student must complete 30 credit hours, which comprise of five core courses and five electives.

Electives (5 required – all three credits)

Master's Thesis Option:
Note: A student may write a thesis with the approval of his/her advisor and the director of Graduate Business Programs. In this case, students are required to take only four electives.

Total: 30 credit hours

Certifications will be offered in the following areas as a value added component of the CIS Masters Degree. These certifications are not dependent on graduation from the program. The student will receive a formal UDM certificate of achievement if they complete all of the courses in a concentration area. In addition the student may contact the various bodies listed to pursue professional certification. Please note that this service is not being offered in any programmatic way. Although they will be regularly offered, the student is fully responsible for taking these courses as they appear and they must notify the College once they have completed the certification requirement. Furthermore the College does not guarantee that an individual student will automatically qualify for credentialing from the professional bodies.

A Joint MBA/MSCIS degree option is offered to those who wish to expand their knowledge of the business environment along with the rapidly changing world of information technology. Under this option up to 15 credits from one degree may be applied to the other degree. Grades earned in those 15 credits will not be counted in the calculation of the grade point average for the second degree.

Students who desire this joint degree option should normally declare their intention during their first semester of enrollment. Students must contact their advisor to file the appropriate form with the Graduate Office. Students must meet the admission requirements for both programs, must fulfill all foundation requirements for both programs, and must successfully complete the coursework specified for the Joint Degree Option.