Master of Science in Information Systems
Master business information system technologies
The MS degree program in Information Systems provides students with a curriculum that covers a wide range of information technology (IT) topics, such as information systems management. It can help professionals who are currently employed in the industry and are called upon to develop, implement, and operate business information systems in a variety of organizations. Individuals who are looking for a computer engineering university may benefit from our Master of Science in Information Systems program. Request more information from Stratford today.
Students will have a broad technical understanding of current and emerging technologies in the IT field, a familiarity with information systems management, information systems engineering concepts, and a solid foundation in the business models of the IT. They will also have a greater grasp of current and future effects of the convergence of computer & information systems and telecommunications systems technologies.
Information Systems Program Requirements and Online Options
Students who are interested in business information systems can complete the program through classroom instruction at our locations in Virginia, online instruction, or a combination of both.
Students can complete the program through classroom instruction, online instruction, or a combination of both.
| Credits Required | Number of Classes |
|---|
| Core Component |
31.5 |
7 |
| Electives |
22.5 |
5 |
| Total Required for Graduation |
54 |
12 |
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Click on each group of courses below to expand the course list and descriptions.
Core Requirements
Information System in Organizations
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
This course introduces the field of Information Systems and the study of how people and organizations should use information technologies effectively. The students examine the major areas in the field, analyzing the major issues, trends and problems and survey the role of information systems in organizations and how they relate to organizational objectives and organizational structure. Basic concepts such as the systems point of view, the organization of a system, the nature of information and information flows, as well as how people process information and related cognitive concepts are discussed in detail. Various types of information system applications are also examined. Prerequisite: None.
ISM500
Information System in Organizations
4.5
Information Management Analysis and Desi
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
This course covers a wide variety of systems-oriented approaches to solving complex problems. Illustrative examples are chosen from a wide variety of applications. Mathematical tools are only introduced to the extent necessary to understand the technique and its application to the problem. Topic areas include probabilistic and decision theory models, simulation, morphological analysis, cluster analysis, structural modeling, and dynamic system models. The role for the computer in applying these techniques to complex problems will be discussed. The student is exposed to some of the fundamental controversies concerning the appropriateness or validity of systems approaches to human problem solving. Prerequisite: None.
ISM510
Information Management Analysis and Desi
4.5
Information System Evaluation
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
This course introduces the theoretical perspectives and methodological approaches to evaluate information systems within the context of the user and organizational environment. Topics include qualitative techniques such as protocol analysis and interviews; quantitative techniques such as sample surveys and controlled experiment; cost-benefit analysis; and analyses of data gathered by these approaches by methods such as regression, correlation, and analysis of variance. Emphasis is placed on the application of these approaches to improve functionality, interface, and acceptance of information systems in organizations. Prerequisite: None.
ISM520
Information System Evaluation
4.5
Decision Systems Technology
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
A broad overview of decision making and the systems that are designed to support the process is
presented, in addition to the management process, computer support for management, the technology of management, decision technology system types, including artificial intelligence, decision support systems, executive and geographic information systems, and idea processing systems, system architectures, system integration considerations, system design and development methodologies, system performance measurement and evaluation, management of decision technology systems, organizational and user issues. Prerequisite: None.
ISM530
Decision Systems Technology
4.5
Independent Project in ISM
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
In this class, students work individually with the faculty member on a mutually agreed project that gives the student an opportunity to understand the full lifecycle of an IT project. With permission of the instructor or the Dean, Curricular Practical Training (CPT) may be used to satisfy some requirements of this course. Prerequisite: Approval of Program Director.
ISM540
Independent Project in ISM
4.5
Research Methods
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
The course focuses on methods for the conduct of research and development projects. Specifically, students learn about the scientific method, as well as research/design requirements and objectives. Course work involves qualitative, quantitative, and case studies; performance metrics; design procedures and control; sources of error and bias. In addition, evaluation tools and formal validation methods are discussed. Prerequisite: None.
EBM502
Research Methods
4.5
Project Management
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
The course focuses on the effective organization of projects, tracking of costs and time expenditures, management of quality and risks, evaluation of human resources requirements, and the overcoming of potential obstacles. Prerequisite: None.
EBM680
Project Management
4.5
Elective Requirements
Student must choose five (5) from the following courses.
Data Structures and Algorithms
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
This course introduces the definitions, implementations, and applications of the most commonly used data structures used in Computer Science, including the concept of abstract data types. The course also introduces the basic formalism and concepts used in the analysis of algorithms and in algorithm design. The relative efficiency of the algorithms studied is estimated by the informal application of these ideas. The algorithms and data structures discussed include those for sorting, searching, graph problems, dynamic programming, combinatorial search and others. Prerequisite: None.
SOF510
Data Structures and Algorithms
4.5
Relational Database Management
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
The course aims at explaining the basic concepts of database architecture, data storage, and the relational database model. The students will be able to express queries in relational algebra, SQL, and ordinary English, and be able to embed SQL queries in a PL/SQL program. Students design a relational database. Students also understand and apply the concepts and techniques of concurrency control and database recovery. Prerequisite: None
SOF515
Relational Database Management
4.5
Software Verification and Validation
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
The evaluation of software for correctness, efficiency, performance, and reliability is addressed. Specific skills covered include program proving, code inspection, unit-level testing, and system-level analysis. The difficulty and cost of some types of analysis are examined in addition to the need for automation of tedious tasks. Problem-solving skills are stressed, especially in analysis of code. The textbook world is contrasted with the real world using case studies from the book and personal experiences. Industry attitudes toward reliability and performance are also discussed. Prerequisite: None
SOF520
Software Verification and Validation
4.5
Software Maintenance
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
This course provides a guide for the transition from programming for the short term to programming for the long term. The role of creation and maintenance in the software development process as well as analysis and implementation of a software design is reviewed. The need for software maintenance and evolution, software maintenance process and performance issues, planning for extended software life, and effective mechanisms to control software change are additional topics of discussion. Prerequisite: SOF500.
SOF525
Software Maintenance
4.5
Object Oriented Analysis and Design
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
The course discusses the following topics: object-oriented systems, software reusability, software modularity, top-down and bottom-up approaches, object classification, genericity, meta programming, and concurrent, object-oriented programming languages. Prerequisite: None
SOF535
Object Oriented Analysis and Design
4.5
Distributed Systems
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
Topics central to the design and management of distributed computing systems, including distributed synchronization and resource sharing, concurrency control in distributed databases, distributed simulation languages for distributed computing, management proof techniques for distributed systems, and distributed operating systems are covered. Prerequisite: SOF535.
SOF540
Distributed Systems
4.5
Middleware and Components Based Software
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
Topics central to the design and management of distributed computing systems, including distributed synchronization and resource sharing, concurrency control in distributed databases, distributed simulation languages for distributed computing, management proof techniques for distributed systems, and distributed operating systems are covered. Prerequisite: SOF535.
SOF545
Middleware and Components Based Software
4.5
C# Programming
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
This course will give the student a basic overview of programming in C# in the .NET framework. This course emphasizes use of visual studio, C# language essentials, object oriented programming, database programming and other skills needed for C# developers. This is a beginner’s course in object oriented programming which will guide the students how to use business classes, inheritance and interfaces the way they are used in the real world. Prerequisite: None.
SOF552
C# Programming
4.5
Java Programming
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
This course covers the essential elements of the Java programming language, including Class Libraries, packages, and exception handling. Students will be able to write Java programs for both Web and stand-alone applications using primitive types, tokens, operators, and expressions. Students will also use strings, arrays, graphics, and animation tools in their programs. Emphasis in the course will be placed on the development, implementation and execution of projects with an eye to industry standards. Prerequisite: None.
SOF553
Java Programming
4.5
Operating Systems
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
The course offers a hands-on introduction to operating systems, including multiprogramming, communication and synchronization, memory management, IO subsystems, and resource scheduling polices. The laboratory component consists of constructing a small kernel, including functions for device IO, multitasking, memory management, dynamic linking and loading, and socket- driven window management. Prerequisite: None
SOF560
Operating Systems
4.5
Network Security
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
Security concepts needed for the design, use, and implementation of secure voice and data communications networks, including the Internet, are introduced. The course provides an overview of networking technology and standards including an introduction to the Internet communications protocols. Specific security subjects addressed include firewalls, packet filtering, virtual private networks (VPNs), wireless network security, and operating system security. Prerequisite: None.
SOF570
Network Security
4.5
Internet Protocols
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
This course discusses protocol specifications and formal description methods, finite-state descriptions of internet protocols, specification and description language, and implementation of protocol specification. Prerequisite: None.
SOF575
Internet Protocols
4.5
Data Communications
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
This course covers the technology underlying data-communications systems, such as transmission media, modulation and demodulation, multiplexing, packet switching, hardware, software, and network operations. Topics included are fiber optics, the Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN), T-1 and T-3 multiplexers, the open systems interconnection (OSI) model, and integrated voice-data equipment. Methods for determining system requirements as well as approaches to system design are covered in light of current data communications equipment, applications, and services, and their future trends. Prerequisite: None
SOF580
Data Communications
4.5
Database Security
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
This course focuses upon security threats and issues specific to databases. This comprehensive database security course provides all the information that both Data Base Administrators (DBA) and security professionals need to develop, deploy and maintain a secure database solution. This vendor neutral course expands the security context of database technologies and examines in detail the exploitation of database vulnerabilities – irrespective of the underlying vendor technology. It exposes the pitfalls of database design, their means of identification and the methods of exploiting vulnerabilities. Prerequisite: None.
SOF620
Database Security
4.5
Secure E-Commerce
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
This course covers the theoretical foundations, implementation problems, and research issues of the emerging area of electronic commerce. It discusses technological, conceptual and methodological aspects of electronic commerce. The course format combines lectures, seminar presentations and classroom discussions. Cryptography review, cryptographic protocols, secure electronic transactions, public key certificates and infrastructures, authentication and authorization certificates, secure credential services and role-based authorization, mobile code security, security of agent-based systems, electronic payment systems, intellectual property protection, secure time stamping and notarization. Prerequisite: None.
SOF640
Secure E-Commerce
4.5
Intrusion Technologies and Defenses
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
The objective of this course is to provide an in depth introduction to the science and art of intrusion detection. The course consists of lectures and a series of interactive research oriented seminars. Topics covered include: overview of intrusions, history and state of the art of intrusion detection, the principles and techniques of intrusion detection, the limitations and open problems of intrusion detection, countermeasures against intrusion detection, case study of representative techniques used in intrusion detection systems, forensics, virus and worm defense. In addition to the principles and techniques of intrusion detection, the course will have substantial hands-on components. Prerequisite: SOF570.
SOF660
Intrusion Technologies and Defenses
4.5
Wireless Security
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
This course enables an individual to plan, select, and implement the appropriate wireless hardware and deploy the correct security controls to support a typical environment. A focus on RF (radio frequency) technologies in a vendor neutral environment, with hands-on laboratories to reinforce concepts, allows participants the broadest exposure to key concepts. This course is committed to be the most current in the industry, with professionally developed laboratory exercises and real world hardware. The Wireless LAN Security course consists of hands on learning using the latest enterprise wireless LAN security and auditing equipment. This course addresses in detail the most up-to-date WLAN intrusion and DoS tools and techniques, functionality of the 802.11i amendment to the 802.11 standard, the inner-workings of each EAP type used with wireless LANs today, and every class and type of WLAN security solution available on the market - from wireless intrusion prevention systems to wireless network management systems. Prerequisite: None.
SOF675
Wireless Security
4.5
IT & Corporate Transformation
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
This course examines how organizations are dependent on information technology not only for management of operations, but more also as a key enabler of competitive advantage. Also examined is the growth in corporate spending on IT components such as hardware, software, telecommunications, and for information systems (IS) personnel. Specific topics to be discussed include strategic planning for IT activities and projects, project-level planning and management, the role of the IT leader or chief information officer, and achieving the balance between insourcing and outsourcing of various IS functions. Prerequisite: None.
EBM535
IT & Corporate Transformation
4.5
E-Commerce WEB Site Development II
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
The emphasis of this course will be the advanced development of websites for business development. In this course, specific business websites will be studied for content, advertising, structure and usefulness. The participant will develop a number of business related websites and analyze them for effectiveness. Data warehousing and retrieval techniques will be addressed. In addition, future website development tools will be studied. Prerequisite: EBM540.
EBM545
E-Commerce WEB Site Development II
4.5
Managerial Sales and Marketing
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
This course examines techniques for sales and marketing of e-business applications. In particular, the following are covered: strategic market planning, analysis, product planning, pricing and promotion strategy, and management. Other topics covered are design, evaluation and management of marketing channels. Sales strategies, distribution and techniques are also discussed. Prerequisite: None.
EBM550
Managerial Sales and Marketing
4.5
Managerial Accounting
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
In this course, attention is directed towards the core of the managment control and financial reporting systems integrally related to the information systems. The fundamentals of accounting and how they relate to business and an in-depth anaylsis of the tax consequences of forming, operating, and liquidating a corporation and transactions with shareholders will be discussed. Anaylsis of financial records and business sheets will also be addressed. Prerequisite: None.
EBM560
Managerial Accounting
4.5
Financial Management
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
This course provides an overview of financial management, with an emphasis on analysis of financial decisions pertinent to management of a business firm. The course identifies the responsibilities of financial managers, financial problems facing firms, and the various approaches to financial decision making. Specific topics covered include capital acquisition, working capital management, capital budgeting, valuation theories, and dividend and long-term financial policies. Prerequisite: EBM560 or EBM562.
EBM610
Financial Management
4.5
Wireless Telecommunications
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
This course concentrates on developing a fundamental understanding of international wireless networks. Both fixed and mobile systems are addressed from a practical design and implementation point of view. This course considers propagation effects for outdoor and indoor systems, modulation technologies, data encoding, antenna design, cellular layout, and the design of personal communications devices. Particular emphasis is placed on new Low Earth Orbit (LEOs) Satellites and other technologies emphasizing wireless communications. Prerequisite: None.
CIS520
Wireless Telecommunications
4.5
Digital Communications
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
This course concentrates on digital communications techniques as utilized in present and future systems. An emphasis is placed on analog to digital conversions, digital sampling techniques, digital modulation and transmission, multiplexing and coding techniques. The uses of Laplace, Z transforms and discrete-time systems are covered. Power spectral density analysis, coherent and non-coherent modulation are important topics. Realization of digital transmission techniques and medium as well as spread spectrum are covered. Satellite communications and multiple access techniques are also important topics. Prerequisite: None.
CIS530
Digital Communications
4.5
Signal Processing
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
This course emphasizes topics involved with digital signal processing. Topics include digital sampling and filtering techniques. The use of Laplace and Z transforms will be covered. Other topics include discrete time systems, frequency analysis, and design of digital filters. Additional topics covered are discrete and fast Fourier transform, power spectral estimation, and adaptive filters. An emphasis is placed on designing digital filters for communications processing. Prerequisite: None.
CIS540
Signal Processing
4.5
Wireless/Fixed Hybrid Networks
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
This course emphasizes the design and implementation of wireless/fixed networks needed to deliver wireless access to customers. Topics covered include: cellular interfaces to wire line networks, access to the internet, network management, transmission systems, and internet protocols. The designing of networks including traffic analysis, handoffs, and multiplexing of U.S., European, Asian and Canadian systems are considered. Prerequisite: None.
CIS550
Wireless/Fixed Hybrid Networks
4.5
Satellite Communications
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
The topics included in this course consider the latest digital communications techniques as related to satellite. The design, fabrication, and launching techniques are understood through concepts such as weight power and on board payload design; Propagation effects and path calculations are discussed. Other topics include TDMA/CDMA multiplexing for networks and , Bit error performance for various modulation techniques, and network management and synchronization. Advanced topics such as Very Small Aperture Terminals (VSAT) and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) systems are introduced. Prerequisites: Prerequisite: CIS 530 or Permission of the Dean.
CIS560
Satellite Communications
4.5
Fiber Optic Communications
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
The theory and practical implementation of fiber optic systems are addressed. Topics related to electromagnetic transmission over fiber are considered. The design and fabrication of fiber strands will be explored. Implementations of wide band systems using fiber are addressed. Wave Division Multiplexing and Dense Wave Division Multiplexing (DWDM) as well as SONET are addressed. Designs using single and multimode systems are included. Prerequisite: CIS 530 or Permission of the Dean..
CIS570
Fiber Optic Communications
4.5
Data Networking
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
The topics in this course include: data communications, data Link control, data encoding, Wide Area Networks, Local Area Networks, Network Protocols (TCP/IP) and Security related to the Internet. Communications Architecture considering the seven layer protocol system will be addressed. Other topics will be: Circuit and Packet Switching, Frame Relay and Asynchronous Transfer (ATM). Network Management using SNMP will be covered. Understanding of the design and implementation of the Internet will be emphasized. Prerequisite: CIS 530 or Permission of the Dean.
CIS580
Data Networking
4.5
Voice over IP
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
This course will discuss transmission of Voice over a Packet Switched Network; The students is this course will deal with typical VoIP network scenarios such as campus and multi-site private networks. Communications Protocols for VoIP such as RTP and RTCP will be discussed in detail. In addition, topics such as security and quality issues will also be discussed. Prerequisite: None.
CIS585
Voice over IP
4.5
Broadband Networking
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
This course will emphasize Telecommunications techniques need to communicate at very wide bandwidths. Topics will include transmission and modulation techniques related to communicating at bandwidths of 1.5 Mbps or greater, up to terabits. The consideration of ISDN, Frame Relay and ATM techniques will be addressed. The use of wide band LANs and WANS will be considered. The use of Fiber Optics and Satellites for broadband communications will be addressed. Topics including Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), Cable systems and Microwave based systems will be covered. Prerequisite: None.
CIS590
Broadband Networking
4.5
Telecommunications Applications Architec
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
This course will emphasize topics related to Telecommunications applications. Specific topics to be covered are: Video conferencing over Networks, Picture Processing, Video & Audio streaming, Video over Web-enabled Networks. The discussion of mathematical techniques for data compression and picture enhancement will be covered. Three dimensional Image analysis and transmission of data with low signal to Noise ratios will be discussed. Prerequisite: None.
CIS620
Telecommunications Applications Architec
4.5
Current Topics in ISM I
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
Current topics in the field on Information Systems are discussed. Topics will be announced in the current term schedule.Prerequisite: Approval of Program Director.
ISM590
Current Topics in ISM I
4.5
Current Topics in ISM II
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
Current topics in the field on Information Systems are discussed. Topics will be announced in the current term schedule.Prerequisite: Approval of Program Director.
ISM591
Current Topics in ISM II
4.5
Current Topic in ISM III
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
Current topics in the field on Information Systems are discussed. Topics will be announced in the current term schedule.Prerequisite: Approval of Program Director.
ISM592
Current Topic in ISM III
4.5
Current Topics in ISM IV
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
Current topics in the field on Information Systems are discussed. Topics will be announced in the current term schedule.Prerequisite: Approval of Program Director.
ISM593
Current Topics in ISM IV
4.5
Curricular Practical Training
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
Allows a student to enrich the learning experience in their chosen career area and enhance their career development. Provides a three-way cooperative educational partnership among student, employer, and Stratford University with each sharing responsibility through a part-time (maximum 20 hours per week) supervised work experience.Prerequisite: Approval of Program Director.
ISM599
Curricular Practical Training
4.5