Missouri State University

Graduate College

2013-14 Graduate Catalog

Preliminary Edition
published April 2013

Department of Computer Information Systems

Glass Hall, Room 359, Phone: (417) 836-4131, Fax: (417) 836-6907
Email: jerrychin@missouristate.edu
Website: http://cis.missouristate.edu
Department Head: Jerry M. Chin

Graduate faculty

Professor:  Tonya B. Barrier,  Sheryl D. Brahnam, Jerry M. Chin, Ronald Dattero, Michael A. Hignite, Richard A. Johnson, Rajeev Kaula, Thomas M. Margavio, David B. Meinert, John W. Satzinger, Randall S. Sexton

Associate Professor:  Duane R. Moses

Adjunct Faculty:  Rick L. Brattin, Brian G. Burton, Martin D. Crossland, Kirk Garten, Robert S. Hornberger, Steven F. Schmidt

Senior Instructor:  Shannon McMurtrey

Emeritus Professor:  James T. Brown, E. Reed Doke, Chung S. Kim, Heidi Perreault, Jean C. Swanson

Programs

Master of Science in Computer Information Systems

Shannon McMurtrey, Graduate Director
Glass Hall, Room 385; Phone (417) 836-4177
mscis@missouristate.edu

Program Description

The Master of Science in Computer Information Systems provides relevant and timely graduate education to information systems professionals.  It is intended for experienced professionals who need increased skills in the effective management, development and implementation of information systems in organizations.  Building upon work experience, the program uses a combination of intensive on-campus learning sessions and extensive distance-learning assignments to deliver a high-quality graduate learning experience to students.  The result is a program which develops the effective organizational, leadership and job-specific skills needed by members of the fast-paced information systems field.

The credit-hour costs for classes taken by students enrolled in the MS in CIS program are assessed at a higher rate than other graduate programs.  The current rate is $410 per credit hour.

The MS in CIS program is accredited by AACSB International - The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

Entrance Requirements

The Master of Science in Computer Information Systems is open to persons with the following qualifications.

  1. At least three years of information systems work experience.
  2. At least one course from an institution of higher learning in each of the areas of database, systems analysis and design, and programming.
  3. A GPA of at least 2.75 for the last 60 hours of academic work.  In addition, students must have attained a score of at least 450 on the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) or a comparable percentage rank score on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
  4. A background in business administration including exposure to accounting, finance, management, marketing, and economics.  These business requirements will be waived if the student has an undergraduate or graduate degree in business administration or courses equivalent to at least nine credits in three different areas of business.  The Graduate Director will determine if the student has the necessary background.

Applicants who do not meet the normal admission requirements, but who show an indication of high promise, will be considered by the Program Director for probationary admission on a case-by-case basis.

Program course work is offered in a lock-step sequence in which each cohort (20-25 students) completes the program together.  Students may start their program any semester in which a new cohort begins.

Degree Requirements (minimum 36 hrs)

The Master of Science in Computer Information Systems is a 36 credit-hour program.  Course loads are nine hours per semester for four semesters.  Students must complete a minimum of ten courses (30 credit hours) in the MS in CIS degree program as part of the residence requirement.  Up to 6 semester hours of graduate work can be transferred from another accredited graduate school and applied to the MS in CIS degree requirements.  All transfer credit must be approved by the Program Director.  Typical course sequence and course loads are as follows:

MS CIS course offerings up to 36 credit hours:

Course CodeCourse Title
CIS 732 Strategic IT Planning
CIS 734 Staffing the Information Systems Function
CIS 736 Data Communications and Information Assurance Management
CIS 738 Information System Project Management
CIS 744 Information System Management
CIS 742 Management of End User Computing
CIS 740 Comparative Systems Development Methodology
CIS 746 Data Management
CIS 747 IT Legal Issues
CIS 748 Principles of Information Security
CIS 750 IT Sourcing and Procurement
CIS 752 Behavioral and Leadership in IT
CIS 754 Organizational Transformation
CIS 756 Special Topics in Information Systems
Research

Research projects with oral or written reports may be required in any graduate CIS course.  Significant professional research components are included in many courses.

Business Education Courses

BSE 603 Teaching of Business

Prerequisite: EDC 350; and ACC 211 or ACC 206; and Teacher Certification students must be admitted to teacher education program; and approved major in business; or permission of department head. Development of a philosophy for and about business education; study of relevant legislation; study of methods of teaching selected business subjects including use of research-based readings, observation, and microteaching. A grade of "C" or better is required in this course in order to take BSE 493 or BSE 494. May be taught concurrently with BSE 503. Cannot receive credit for both BSE 503 and BSE 603.

BSE 609 Business Education Workshop

Development and promotion of desirable programs in business education. Each workshop emphasizes a single topic. May be repeated for a maximum of 5 hours when topic varies. May be taught concurrently with BSE 509. Cannot receive credit for both BSE 509 and BSE 609.

BSE 620 Occupational Analysis

Prerequisite: teacher certification student. Analysis and breakdown of broad occupations or specific jobs into basic elements for instructional purposes. Identical with AGV 620. May be repeated to a total of 2 hours when topic varies. May be taught concurrently with BSE 520. Cannot receive credit for both BSE 520 and BSE 620.

BSE 622 Philosophy of Vocational Education

Philosophical foundations of vocational education; philosophies of vocational education in the contemporary school. Meets Missouri Vocational Education certification requirements. Identical with AGV 622 and SEC 622. May be repeated to a total of 3 hours when topic varies. May be taught concurrently with BSE 522. Cannot receive credit for both BSE 522 and BSE 622.

BSE 623 Guidance for Vocational Development

Prerequisite: teacher certification student. Materials, procedures, and problems in guidance of individuals in the selection of, preparation for, and advancement in a vocation. Identical with AGV 623. May be repeated to a total of 3 hours when topic varies. May be taught concurrently with BSE 523. Cannot receive credit for both BSE 523 and BSE 623.

BSE 624 Implementing Vocational Business Education Programs

Prerequisite: teacher certification student. Problems; procedures; and local, state and federal relationships in the implementation and administration of vocational business education in the contemporary school. May be taught concurrently with BSE 524. Cannot receive credit for both BSE 524 and BSE 624.

BSE 626 Coordination of Cooperative Education

Prerequisite: teacher certification student. Problems and procedures in organizing and operating part-time cooperative and evening occupation programs. Restricted to those who can qualify as coordinators. Identical with AGV 626 and SEC 626. May be repeated to a total of 2 hours when topic varies. May be taught concurrently with BSE 526. Cannot receive credit for both BSE 526 and BSE 626.

BSE 628 Measurement and Evaluation of Vocational Education Programs

Prerequisite: teacher certification student. Assessing specific program needs as determined from occupational surveys and other demographic data; follow-up techniques to evaluate the overall effectiveness of the program on manpower needs in a given labor market area. Identical with AGV 628 and SEC 628. May be repeated to a total of 3 hours when topic varies. May be taught concurrently with BSE 528. Cannot receive credit for BSE 528 and BSE 628.

BSE 640 Curriculum Development for Business Education

Prerequisite: teacher certification student must be admitted to teacher education program. Major emphasis given to curriculum development in business courses. Selected topics include teaching basic business courses; developing course objectives, content, and evaluative strategies; sponsoring youth organizations; selecting equipment. May be taught concurrently with BSE 540. Cannot receive credit for both BSE 540 and BSE 640.

BSE 696 Problems in Business Education

Prerequisite: permission of department head. Technical or professional problems growing from particular needs that may require additional depth or breadth of study. Outline of study must be approved prior to enrolling. May be repeated to a total of 3 hours when topic varies. May be taught concurrently with BSE 596. Cannot receive credit for both BSE 596 and BSE 696.

BSE 705 Curriculum Construction in Business Education

Objectives and interrelationships of business education courses and programs. Development of curricular materials and evaluative devices. Identical with SEC 705. May be repeated to a total of 3 hours when topic varies.

BSE 710 Improvement of Instruction in Business Education

Current developments and trends in teaching business subjects; new developments in resources, methods, and techniques. May be repeated to a total of 3 hours when topic varies.

BSE 730 Research Seminar in Business Education

Critical interpretation and evaluations of research in business education. Individualized assistance provided in the development of an extensive research paper to satisfy the requirement for Research Option II.

Computer Information Systems Courses

CIS 600 Information Systems in Business Organizations

Prerequisite: permission of a director of a College of Business graduate program. Comprehensive study of the fundamentals of business information systems. Designed for graduate students who have not had undergraduate information systems courses. Will not be counted in the hours required for a College of Business graduate degree.

CIS 610 e-Business Technology Concepts

Prerequisite: BUS 510 or BUS 610 or permission of a director of a College of Business graduate program. An introduction to e-Business and Internet concepts and technology. The course emphasizes content driven web development using database concepts. May be taught concurrently with CIS 510. Cannot receive credit for both CIS 510 and CIS 610.

CIS 615 Fourth-Generation Languages

Prerequisite: permission of a director of a College of Business graduate program. An introduction to fourth-generation languages (4GL). A study of the versatility and integrated functions of popular fourth generation languages including general application development, report generation, database query, screen development and graphics. May be taught concurrently with CIS 515. Cannot receive credit for both CIS 515 and CIS 615.

CIS 622 Decision Support Systems Development

Prerequisite: permission of a director of a College of Business graduate program. A study of Decision Support Systems (DSS), a review of current DSS literature, and the design and development of a DSS with emphasis on the user interface. May be taught concurrently with CIS 522. Cannot receive credit for both CIS 522 and CIS 622.

CIS 626 Computer Security

Prerequisite: MGT 340 or permission of a director of a College of Business graduate program. Primarily, but not exclusively, designed for MBA students, CIS undergraduates, and IT Service Management undergraduates. The course is an introduction to the basic issues in computer security. This course is managerial in its approach in that the student is not required to have an extensive background in programming or technical support. May be taught concurrently with CIS 525. Cannot receive credit for both CIS 525 and CIS 626.

CIS 628 Database Management Systems Implementation

Prerequisite: CIS 326 or permission of a director of a College of Business graduate program. Application of database management principles in the implementation of a business information system. Emphasis will be on the design, construction, testing, and installation of a comprehensive database system using SQL, fourth generation languages or other data access tools. May be taught concurrently with CIS 528. Cannot receive credit for both CIS 528 and CIS 628.

CIS 630 Training for End User Computing

An analysis of the training function and its application to end user computing. Emphasis on selecting appropriate methods and media. May be taught concurrently with CIS 530. Cannot receive credit for both CIS 530 and CIS 630.

CIS 641 Advanced Network Administration

Prerequisite: CIS 330 or CSC 465 or permission of a director of a College of Business graduate program. Application of basic networking concepts to create working network systems for organizations and to solve business problems. Installing and configuring network operating systems and Internet web servers. Planning and implementing network security schemes. Planning and implementing enterprise networking. Server-based roll-outs and maintenance of applications on multiple workstations. May be taught concurrently with CIS 540. Cannot receive credit for both CIS 540 and CIS 641.

CIS 651 Advanced Object-Oriented Systems

Prerequisite: CIS 326 and CIS 350; or permission of a director of a College of Business graduate program. Application of the concepts of object-oriented systems. Case study approach provides the framework for developing working prototypes of business applications using one or more graphical user interface object-oriented languages. May be taught concurrently with CIS 550. Cannot receive credit for both CIS 550 and CIS 651.

CIS 681 Foundations of Information Technology Service Management (ITSM)

Essential concepts of Information Technology (IT) Service Management. IT Service Management provides for the effective and efficient delivery of IT services in support of changing business needs. Course requires students take an ITSM foundations certification exam. May be taught concurrently with CIS 581. Cannot receive credit for both CIS 681 and CIS 581.

CIS 682 Lean IT

Lean principles to manage IT with an emphasis on the reduction of waste. Additional principles from Lean Six Sigma, continual improvement, IT Service Management, and other relevant areas will be covered. Course requires students to complete a project analyzing one or more of the existing IT processes of an organization and take a Lean IT Foundation certification exam. May be taught concurrently with CIS 582. Cannot receive credit for both CIS 682 and CIS 582.

CIS 683 Cloud Computing

A study of the concepts and applications of cloud computing. Cloud computing is a model for enabling ubiquitous, convenient, on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources (e.g. networks, servers, storage, applications, and services) that can be rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort or service provider interaction. May be taught concurrently with CIS 583. Cannot receive credit for both CIS 683 and CIS 583.

CIS 691 Information Systems Development

Prerequisite: CIS 323 or CIS 334 or CIS 350 or CIS 375; and CIS 431 or CIS 528 or CIS 628; or permission of a director of a College of Business graduate program. Independent analysis, design and development of an information system in a field of the student's choice. With the instructor's approval, the system can be developed in a language and on a machine of the student's choice. These systems can be individual or group projects. May be taught concurrently with CIS 591. Cannot receive credit for both CIS 591 and CIS 691.

CIS 696 Problems in Business: Computer Information Systems

Prerequisite: permission of a director of a College of Business graduate program. Technical or professional problems growing from particular needs which may require additional depth or breadth of study. Outline of study must be approved prior to enrolling. May be repeated to a total of 3 hours. May be taught concurrently with CIS 596. Cannot receive credit for both CIS 596 and CIS 696.

CIS 707 Practicum in Computer Information Systems

Prerequisite: permission of department head. Work-study program with cooperating employers. Class and/or conference discussion of successes achieved and problems encountered by the student. On-the-job application of techniques, methods, procedures, and principles dealt with in other courses.

CIS 720 Project Management in Information Systems

A study of the concepts, practices, processes, tools, techniques and resources used by information system (IS) project managers. The entire project life cycle will be covered from inception to close-out. The course will closely follow the framework of the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBoK). The course will focus on how to manage the scope, schedule, budget and risk of projects, with emphasis on information systems and information technology projects.

CIS 725 Neural Networks

An introduction to the subject to solve business problems using neural network software. In addition, the student will study the theory and framework for the appropriate use of neural networks in regard to solution and data analysis.

CIS 732 Strategic IT Planning

Prerequisite: acceptance in the M.S. in CIS program. Introduction to fundamental issues of information system (IS) planning. Current theory and specific IS planning practices are studied. Emphasis on strategic implications of information technology, IS planning vis-a-vis strategic planning, development and maintenance of IS plans, analysis of organization information requirements, and prioritizing IS projects. Implications for business and technology trends and application of planning concepts to IS planning projects are examined.

CIS 734 Staffing the Information Systems Function

Prerequisite: acceptance in the M.S. in CIS program. Focus on current and emerging issues of recruitment, selection, training, motivation, retention and evaluation of IS staff. Issues include developing job descriptions, shifting demands for staffing, performance criteria, alternative approaches to training, alternative career tracks, and the role of personality types on performance. Influence of recent trends including downsizing, outsourcing, centralization and decentralization, and end-user computing will be examined. Current theory and specific practices are studied. Practical applications will be stressed.

CIS 736 Data Communications and Information

Prerequisite: acceptance in the M.S. in CIS program. Computer network planning, including physical layout, resource requirements, and budgeting. Administration of computer networks, including managing user accounts; selecting and loading applications software; managing upgrades and enhancements; monitoring and optimizing system performance; ensuring physical and logical system security.

CIS 738 Information System Project Management

Prerequisite: acceptance in the M.S. in CIS program. Objectives and techniques of planning, organizing, and managing complex information systems development projects. The course will include a study of resources and tools available for scheduling, tracking, and measuring system development productivity.

CIS 740 Comparative Systems Development Methodology

Prerequisite: acceptance in the M.S. in CIS program. Study of various systems development methodologies used to analyze, design, and implement information systems; selection criteria for a specific methodology, and how to introduce a new methodology within an existing environment. Specific tools and techniques for systems development and for business process reengineering will be explored and applied.

CIS 742 Management of End User Computing

Prerequisite: acceptance in the M.S. in CIS program. Planning, organizing, staffing, control, and support of end user computing. Various organizational structures used to support end user computing will be investigated. Methodology for development of end user computing systems will be identified for several forms and types of projects. A case project will involve development of an end user system using an appropriate methodology.

CIS 744 Information Systems Management

Prerequisite: acceptance in the M.S. in CIS program. Overview of managerial applications of information technology (IT) to increase effectiveness. Use of IT to support decision making, cooperative work, organizational competitive advantage, and inter-organizational communication. Various planning approaches will illustrate the use of IT in organizations. Case method will be used.

CIS 746 Data Management

Prerequisite: acceptance in the M.S. in CIS program. Study of data modeling using tools such as Entity-Relationship and Semantic Object Models. Examination of the Database Administrator's responsibilities including monitoring and tuning of the database, establishment of database reliability, and security. A case project will include the development of a data model and a database administration plan for a client/server database system.

CIS 747 IT Legal Issues

Prerequisite: acceptance in the M.S. in CIS program. Focus on the legal and ethical environment relevant to advances in technology. Issues include intellectual property, jurisdiction, defamation, invasion of privacy, electronic contracts, computer crime, censorship, unsolicited E-mail, antitrust issues, and encryption. Recent developments, court decisions, federal and state statutes, treaties and international agreements, administrative rulings, and legal literature regarding Internet law, will be explored and explained.

CIS 748 Principles of Information Security

Prerequisite: acceptance in the M.S. in CIS program. This course provides the foundation for understanding the key issues associated with protecting information assets, determining the levels of protection and response to security incidents, and designing a consistent, reasonable information security system, with appropriate intrusion detection and reporting features. The students will learn a balance introduction to both security management and technical components of information security; they will be exposed to the spectrum of security activities, methods, methodologies, and procedures. This spectrum includes inspection and protection of information assets, detection of and reaction to threats to information assets, and examination of pre- and post-incident procedures, technical and managerial responses and an overview of the information security planning functions.

CIS 750 Sourcing and Procurement

Prerequisite: acceptance in the M.S. in CIS program. In-depth study of key factors and issues associated with hardware/software selection, acquisition and implementation. Emphasis on problem definition and analysis, comparative methodologies for evaluation and selection, identifying and qualifying vendors, and developing/evaluating request for proposals (RFP's). Management implications of enterprise-wide software solutions including software distribution, version and release management, and software standards and practices are discussed. Completion of an acquisition project will be included.

CIS 752 Behavior and Leadership in IT

Prerequisite: acceptance in the M.S. in CIS program. This course is designed to provide an understanding and appreciation of organizational behavior issues facing senior and mid-level IT managers. Topics to be examined include: organizational behavior from an individual, group and structural perspective, organizational culture, leadership, perception and decision-making values and attitudes, and emotional intelligence. The material should be of interest and benefit to IT professionals, irrespective of technical specialty, who are currently in or aspire to IT management.

CIS 754 Organizational Transformation

Prerequisite: acceptance in the M.S. in CIS program. Study of interrelated economic, social, political, and technological forces requiring organizations to transform their systems and processes to survive and succeed. Students will examine a variety of typical transformations from the perspective of a work unit member and a manager of the change process.

CIS 756 Special Topics in Information Systems

Prerequisite: acceptance in the M.S. in CIS program. Variable content with topics that can change from semester to semester. Topics are identified by title in the schedule of classes. Practical applications will be stressed. The course may be repeated for a total of six hours.

CIS 761 Management Information Systems

Prerequisite: admission to the MBA program or permission from the MBA Program Director; and CIS 429 or CIS 600 or equivalent. A macro application to the concept, design and implementation of management information systems. This course is designed to be useful to MBA students interested in management information systems development as well as those who plan to be involved in managing MIS projects. Cannot receive credit for both CIS 461 and CIS 761.

CIS 790 Seminar in Management Information Systems

Prerequisite: 15 hours of graduate business administration courses and permission from the MBA Program Director. Critical evaluation and interpretation of research and literature in information systems.

CIS 794 Internship: Computer Information Systems

Prerequisite: permission of the director of the appropriate graduate program and department head. In consultation with the coordinating professor, the student is engaged in first-hand experience with a business, organization, or other professional entity. A portfolio of assigned work shall be collected, examined and evaluated during the semester.

CIS 796 Independent Study-Computer Information Systems

Prerequisite: permission of advisor. In consultation with the advisor, student selects, for intensive study, a specific area of concern related to the student's program, with emphasis on research.

CIS 797 Special Topics

Prerequisite: permission. Study of topics in Computer Information Systems/Business Education. May be repeated to a total of 6 hours when topic varies.

CIS 799 Thesis

Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Independent research and study connected with the preparation of a thesis.