Graduate Programs in Information Systems, Cyber Security, and Data Analytics

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Dr. Pranshu Gupta
Associate Professor of Computer Science
Program Director, Graduate Programs
610-282-1100 x2854
Pranshu.gupta@desales.edu; msis@desales.edu

The graduate programs are offered completely online through the Department of Math and Computer Science:

Mission Statement

The mission of the DeSales University Graduate Programs in Information Systems, Cyber Security, and Data Analytics is to prepare the future leaders in these disciplines by providing relevant education that is adaptable to dynamic market requirements and anchored in the philosophy of Christian Humanism.

Graduation Requirements

The Master of Science (M.S.) degrees in Information Systems (IS), Cyber Security (CS), and Data Analytics (DA) will be awarded to candidates who have satisfied the following requirements:

1. Completion of 36 graduate credits in a program of study. An appropriate thesis may be used to satisfy a maximum of 6 credits.
2. Overall, 3.0 GPA for all course work taken at the University for completion of the degree.
3. Resolution of all incomplete grades.
4. Fulfillment of all financial obligations to the University.

Admission Requirements for MS Programs

Requirements for admission to the master’s-level programs are as follows:

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 with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. *
2. Background or interest in information technology and computer science.
3. Evidence of potential for successful graduate work. Such evidence may consist of a letter summarizing career interest, professional experience, accomplishments, and goals.

*Applicants who lack one or more requirements might be admitted to the program on a provisional basis. Individuals with special needs or goals might be considered for admission to the program.

The MSIS Admission and Academic Policies Committee may admit an applicant whose undergraduate GPA is less than 3.0. Such applicant needs to complete foundation courses as discussed with the program director.

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 as discussed with the program director.

*Please note the program is all online, so those students studying in the United States on an F-1 visa are not eligible to apply.  Please contact Julie Ferraro, Director of Graduate Admissions and Designated School Official, at gradadmissions@desales.edu with any questions.   

Academic Schedule

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

The Academic Calendar can be found at https://www.desales.edu/academics/graduate-studies/master-of-science-in-information-systems-msis/academic-calendar.

In the 12-week sessions, courses meet once a week on a weekday evening from 6:00 - 9:30 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 the MSIS program director to discuss his/her application. The director will submit a recommendation to the MSIS 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 selected specialization profession, and
• plans for completion of the program.

All admissions and admission related matters must be approved by the MSIS 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

Program of Study

The program of study consists of the following components:

Core Courses                      15 credits

Concentration Courses       12 credits

Electives                              6 credits

Capstone                             3 credits

Total                                    36 credits

Professional Experience

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

Core Courses

The purpose of the core coursework is to enhance a student’s level of technical, managerial, research, and communication skills. All candidates are required to complete the 15-credit core requirement.

Areas of Concentration

The concentration course requirement provides the student with the opportunity for learning advanced technological and business concepts. Candidates are required to complete 12 credits towards satisfying the concentration requirement.

Elective Courses (select two additional MSIS courses)

The 6-credit elective course requirement is designed to further enhance the career goal or the interest of the candidate. Students may select two additional courses to be approved by the program director.

Capstone Course

The capstone course requirement is a demonstration of the student’s ability to successfully complete a comprehensive and independent work by selecting and completing a project or design. Alternatively, the student may elect to complete an independent thesis on some contemporary research topic. Such thesis may cover 3 or 6 credit hours. In the latter case the number of electives will be reduced to 3 credits.

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN INFORMATION SYSTEMS

Learning Outcomes

Students upon graduation should demonstrate:

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

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN CYBER SECURITY

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Master of Science in Cyber Security, students should be able to:

1. Compete for employment in the public and private sector in the field of cyber security.
2. Be ready to prepare for Security+, CWTS, and CISSP security certifications.
3. Demonstrate research and problem-solving skills as it relates to cyber security.
4. Apply managerial level (CIO, CSO) skills in the workforce.
5. Demonstrate knowledge of high ethical standards and the application of those standards in real life situations consistent with the Christian humanistic philosophy of St. Francis de Sales.

Program Learning Outcomes are mapped in the following way:

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN DATA ANALYTICS

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Master of Science in Data Analytics, students should be able to:

1. Successfully compete for employment in the public and private sector in the field of data analytics.
2. Develop methods to obtain and structure large volume sets and multiple sources.
3. Apply statistical and predictive modeling to big data for decision making.
4. Demonstrate the ability to use Big Data tools.
5. Demonstrate knowledge of high ethical standards and the application of those standards in real life criminal justice situations consistent with the Christian humanistic philosophy of St. Francis de Sales.

Program Learning Outcomes are mapped in the following way: (F = Focus, E = Extensive Focus)

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

• Cyber Security (MS)
• Data Analytics (MS)
• Information Systems (MSIS)
• 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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