Santa Clara University

Master of Science in Information Systems

The MSIS program at Santa Clara University is designed to equip leaders in managing information technology with the tools to harness the power of information. Created by the same outstanding faculty that provides the premier MBA education for Silicon Valley, the MSIS degree focuses on the application of technology for solving real organizational and business problems. Much of the course work is project based, connecting learning to actual challenges in the field. Students learn how to integrate emerging technologies into organizational practices and to successfully manage complex, technically centered change processes.

ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS

Applicants for admission to the MSIS program must have a U.S. bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university or its foreign equivalent before registering in the Leavey School of Business. Applicants must also have successfully completed at least one course in each of the following areas prior to enrollment:

•    Algebra
•    Statistics
•    A programming language

SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION

Applicants may apply to begin study in the fall, winter, or spring quarters. Program brochures and additional details are available from the Graduate Business Programs Admissions Office, scu.edu/business/graduates/admissions/msis-intro, 408-554-4539, or via email at: msis-admissions@scu.edu.

Applicants must complete and submit the following items before the Admissions Committee will render an admissions decision:

1. Application form  and essay question responses (completed online)
2. Two completed confidential Letter of Recommendation forms
3. Two official transcripts from each institution attended
4. Résumé
5. Official Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Exam (GRE) score
6. Official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score, if required
7. Application fee of $75 ($100 for international student applicants requiring a student visa)

Online application fees must be submitted electronically.

To apply online, visit www.scu.edu/apply/business.

Applicants must have their official GMAT or GRE score report sent directly to the Graduate Business Admissions Committee.  Applicants whose first language is not English must take the TOEFL and have their scores sent directly to the Graduate Business Admissions Committee.  A minimum score of 250 (computer-based) or 100 (internet-based) is required.

Foreign-born applicants requesting student visas must submit a current financial statement (no more than 90 days old) showing adequate funds for tuition, fees, and living expenses for the first year of study, and they must be enrolled in at least 9 units each quarter. SCU is authorized under federal law to enroll nonimmigrant students.

Applicants are responsible for the appropriate submission of all application materials: 

• Application form, fee, and essay responses submitted online: www.scu.edu/apply/business
• Recommendation letters, résumé, and transcripts submitted in hard copy to the admissions office: Graduate Business Programs Admissions Committee, Leavey School of Business, Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, Calif., 95053-0410
• GMAT/GRE and TOEFL scores sent directly from the test center to the Admissions Committee 
  

APPLICATION DEADLINES

The complete application package should be sent as early as possible. For deadlines, access the online application or www.scu.edu/business/graduates/admissions.

ADMISSIONS DECISIONS

Applicants are admitted on the basis of academic ability as indicated by college records and GMAT or GRE scores, demonstrated technical management potential (including work experience and recommendations), and motivation to complete a demanding academic program. Once accepted, a $300 nonrefundable tuition deposit is required prior to registration. See Chapter 3 for additional admissions procedures and policies.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Curriculum Clusters

1. Core Business Knowledge (4 courses)
The first cluster gives students an understanding of the context in which information systems operate. Students acquire a basic knowledge of business and organizational requirements that enables them to understand how information systems are designed and successfully implemented. Students must complete all of the following courses:

•    ACTG 300 Financial Accounting
•    FNCE 451 Financial Management
•    OMIS 355 Computer-Based Decision Models
•    MGMT 503 Organizational Analysis and Management (“nonwaivable”)

2. Core Information Systems Knowledge (6 courses)
This cluster teaches students about the technical aspects of information systems design and the strategic issues around the use of such systems. Students must complete all of the following courses:

•    MSIS 601 Object-Oriented Analysis and Programming
•     MSIS 602 Information Systems Analysis and Design
•    MSIS 603 Database Management Systems
•    MSIS 604 Information Systems Policy and Strategy
•    MSIS 605 Telecommunications and Business Networks
•    MSIS 606 Software Project Management

3. Specialization (choice of 5 courses; equal to a minimum of 15 units)
This cluster offers a variety of electives to help students develop capabilities in a specific area. Students must complete five of the following courses:

•    MSIS 621 Business Intelligence and Data Warehousing
•    MSIS 622 ERP Systems
•    MSIS 623 Financial Information Systems
•    MSIS 626 Computer Simulation and Modeling
•    MSIS 696 Emerging Topics in IT Management
•    MGMT 524 Managing Innovation and Technology
•    MGMT 538 Managing Teams and Projects
•    OMIS 384 Supply Chain Management
•    OMIS 388 Supply Chain Outsourcing
•    IDIS 612 Management of the High Technology Firm Seminar
•    IDIS 705 Leadership for Justice and Prosperity (I unit)
•    MKTG 592 Internet Marketing and eCommerce
•    COEN 250 Information Security Management (2 units)
•    COEN 252 Computer Forensics (4 units)

4. Integration and Application (3 courses)
In this cluster, students learn how information systems are actually designed and used, and how broad social and ethical questions must be considered in thinking about the use of such systems. Students complete a major application project as part of this cluster. Students must complete all of the following courses:

•    MSIS 641 Information Technology—Ethics and Public Policy
•    MSIS 642 Capstone Project I
•    MSIS 643 Capstone Project II

MSIS Capstone Procedure

To participate in this two-part course, students must meet with the faculty director and determine an appropriate project. Once a project has been determined, the faculty director will assign an MSIS Capstone faculty advisor. 

Students working on the Capstone project must submit the appropriate Capstone Petition form with the approved topic, list of group members (if any), and signatures of the faculty director and advisor.  Students must submit the petition form to the Graduate Business Programs Office in order to be administratively enrolled in the course. 

Upon completion of the MSIS Capstone project, student participants will submit the MSIS Completion of Capstone project form with the appropriate faculty signatures (faculty director and advisor) and assigned grade to the Graduate Business Programs Office.  The grade will be then submitted to the Office of the Registrar for posting for both Capstone I and Capstone II courses.

All course descriptions can be found in Section 15 of this bulletin.

TRANSFERRING TO MBA PROGRAM

It is possible to transfer from the MSIS program to the evening MBA program.  However a transfer request will not be reviewed until the student has completed one year in the MSIS program.  Transferring is not automatic and is at the discretion of the faculty director and assistant dean.

ACADEMIC INFORMATION

Students enrolled in the MSIS program at Santa Clara are required to follow the same policies and procedures as students in the MBA program. Each student is personally responsible for knowing all of the academic regulations of the graduate business school. This includes, but is not limited to, grading, leave of absence, withdrawal, and concurrent enrollment. See Chapter 5 for details.