Master of Science in Information Systems

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Information technology professionals must understand a wide variety of technologies, institutional goals, and philosophies.

Mission Statement

The mission of the DeSales University Masters of Science in Information Systems program is to prepare the future leaders in Information Systems by providing relevant education that is adaptable to dynamic market requirements and anchored in the philosophy of Christian Humanism.

Learning Outcomes

Students upon graduation should demonstrate:

• a breadth and depth of knowledge in advanced information systems topics, critical thinking and analysis.
• a proficiency in the use of advanced technologies appropriate to the field of information science.
• an understanding and respect for information systems and its relationship to other disciplines.
• the ability to communicate oral and written information systems concepts on an expert level.
• the capability to use the information science methodologies to solve problems in real-world scenarios.
• a mindful awareness and practice of ethical, moral and social uses of technology.
• preparedness for an industry position in information systems.

Admission Requirements

Requirements for admission to the MSIS program are:

1. A bachelor’s degree in a computer related discipline from a college or university accredited by one of the six regional accrediting bodies (Middle States, New England, North Central, Northwest, Southern, and Western Association of Schools and Colleges) or its equivalent from a foreign institution
2. An undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0.
3. Background or interest in information technology.
4. Evidence of potential for successful graduate work. Such evidence may consist of a letter summarizing career interest, professional experience, accomplishments, and goals.

The Admission and Academic Policies Committee may admit an applicant whose undergraduate GPA is less than 3.0. Such applicant needs to complete foundation courses and may be required to take and obtain acceptable score on either the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or on the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT).

Additional remedial course work may be required from applicants who have background deficiencies, but otherwise show promise to undertake graduate studies. Specifically, students entering the program without a bachelor’s degree in a computer-related discipline and a grade of B or higher may be required to take Foundations courses IT - 500 IS Foundations I  and IT - 506 IS Foundations II .

International Admissions Requirements

Graduate Language Requirements

International applicants (regardless of citizenship) for whom English is a second language must submit English proficiency test scores as part of their application.

Please note that graduate admissions requires the following minimum scores on the TOEFL, IELTS, or the Cambridge English Language Assessment: Advanced (CAE):

Language Requirement Exceptions

Language skills assessment and other exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis by the admissions committee. Examples of some language requirement exceptions could include:

• If an applicant completed a degree from a postsecondary institution in an English speaking country
• If an applicant attended a U.S. community college, college, or university full-time for at least two years without English of Speakers with Other Languages (ESOL) coursework
• If an applicant has worked full-time in the U.S. for at least two years (non-healthcare programs only)

An official copy of test results must be sent by the testing agency directly to the appropriate program at DeSales University, 2755 Station Avenue, Center Valley, PA 18034.

Visit the following websites for up-to-date information:

• The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Web site at www.ets.org/toefl
• The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) https://www.ielts.org/
• The Cambridge English Proficiency (CPE): http://www.cambridgeenglish.org/exams/proficiency/

*All exams must have been taken within two years of application to a DeSales program

Official Transcripts

All undergraduate and graduate transcripts must be evaluated by a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) and sent directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions, 2755 Station Avenue, Center Valley, PA 18034.

Proof of Finances

A statement of finances that covers the cost of the attendance and living expenses for at least one full year must be submitted to the Director of Graduate Admissions/Designated School Official (DSO) upon acceptance to a graduate program.

Obtaining an F-1 Student Visa

The Director of Graduate Admissions/DSO will advise international applicants and students on the steps to obtain an F-1 Student Visa.

Current F-1 Students Transferring to DeSales

Upon admission to a graduate program, the Director of Graduate Admissions/DSO will provide forms for the student to complete for their current institution, requesting the Form I-20 to be transferred to DeSales.

Maintaining F-1 Student Status

Each F-1 student will meet with the Director of Graduate Admissions/DSO upon acceptance into the program regarding maintaining F-1 student status.

Academic Schedule

The Academic Year of the MSIS program consists of four sessions:

The Academic Calendar can be found at www.desales.edu.

In the 12-week sessions, courses meet once a week on a weekday evening from 6:00 - 9:30 p.m. or on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

In the 6-week summer session each course meets twice a week on weekdays from 6:00 - 9:30 p.m.

Student Status

A full-time student is one who carries at least six (6) credits in a given term.

A half-time student is one who carries at least three (3) credits in a given term.

Student Categories

Depending on their status, students are assigned to one of the following categories:

Provisional Student Category

After receiving all necessary documentation and satisfying all admission related criteria, the MSIS Admissions and Academic Policies Committee may admit the candidate as provisional student.

Regular Student Category

Upon satisfactorily completing the foundation course the student’s status will be changed to regular student.

Special Student Category

A qualified applicant may be permitted to enroll in courses without completing all admission requirements as a special student. The special student status does not necessarily guarantee official admission to the program.

Auditing Student Category

The program director may permit qualified applicants to audit elected courses. Such applicants must submit the MSIS application form, and must pay the non-refundable application fee and the full tuition.

Application Procedure

Application forms may be obtained from the program director or on-line. Interested students are encouraged to discuss their background with the Program Director before submitting their application for admission.

Application for admission will be considered after the student has submitted:

1. A completed application form.
2. A resume.
3. Three letters of recommendation.
4. Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work.
5. A personal statement describing academic goals.
6. A non-refundable application fee.

When these materials are received, the applicant may be interviewed by a member of the IS Admissions and Academic Policies Committee. During the interview, discussion points include

• factors in the applicant’s background to justify the desire to pursue the MSIS degree,
• aptitude for graduate study,
• commitment to the ideals associated with the IS profession, and
• plans for completion of the program.

All admissions and admission related matters must be approved by the IS Admissions and Academic Policies Committee. Applicants will be notified at the earliest possible date about their admissions status.

Transfer Policy

Regular students may transfer a maximum of nine graduate credits to the MSIS program. Coursework for transfer consideration must have been completed within seven years prior to acceptance into the program, with a minimum grade of a B, must have been obtained at an accredited institution, must be compatible with the program, and must be approved by the program director. The dean of graduate education must approve additional transfer credits upon the recommendation of the program director and the Admissions and Academic Policies Committee.

Prior Learning Assessment Credits

Students fully accepted into the MSIS Degree/Cyber Security Concentration and those enrolled in the Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security may request an evaluation of prior learning experience and certifications for a maximum of nine transfer credits. Students must submit a request and required documentation to the MSIS program director for consideration. Recommendations for prior learning will be made by the director and must be approved by the dean of graduate education.

Registration

Registration for a session normally takes place during the month before the first class meeting. The advisor of the student must approve registration. The University reserves the right to cancel a course for which there is insufficient registration.

Tuition and Fees

Information on tuition and fees is available at www.desales.edu.

Refund Amount

Withdrawal during the add/drop period: 100% of tuition refunded.

Withdrawal after the 1st class after the close of the add drop period: 80% of tuition refunded.

Withdrawal after the 2nd class after the close of the add drop period: 65% of tuition refunded

Withdrawal after the 3rd class after the close of the add drop period: 50% of tuition refunded

Withdrawal after the 4th class after the close of the add drop period: 25% of tuition refunded

Withdrawal after the 5th class after the close of the add drop period: No refund

Graduation Requirements

The Master of Science degree will be awarded to candidates who have satisfied the following requirements

• The completion of a minimum of 36 credits of course work with a GPA of at least 3.0. An appropriate thesis may be used to satisfy a maximum of 6 credits.
• The passing of a comprehensive examination.. The examination may be taken after the student has completed the core coursework and the majority of the concentration requirements.

Professional Experience

Participation in a curricular training program through a local cooperative institution may be required if the candidate lacks professional experience.

Five-Year BS/MSIS Program

Students who major in computer science can earn both a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and a Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS) in five years. In their junior year, students majoring in computer science who have earned a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher in the major, a cumulative GPA of 3.0 overall, and have internship or work experience, are eligible to apply for admittance to the 5-Year Program. MSIS graduate-level coursework commences during the fall of the senior year. Four graduate courses in information systems will count towards the completion of both the BS degree in computer science and the MSIS degree. The graduate course descriptions and the concentrations offered in the MSIS program may be found in the DeSales University Graduate Catalog.

Programs

• Information Systems, Cyber Security Concentration (MSIS)
• Information Systems, Data Analytics Concentration (MSIS)
• Information Systems, Digital Forensics Concentration (MSIS)
• Information Systems, Healthcare Information Management Concentration (MSIS)
• Information Systems, Project Management Concentration (MSIS)

• Cyber Security Graduate Certificate
• Data Analytics Graduate Certificate
• Healthcare Information Management Graduate Certificate
• Information Systems Graduate Certificate

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