Master of Science in Information Systems

NEXT start date: Fall 2021

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REQUIREMENTS

• Undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution
• At least two years’ work experience in information technology, such as user support, information management, business technology analyst, or administration OR an undergraduate degree in the IT field with coursework or demonstrated competency in accounting principles and management
• If you do not meet these requirements, academic leveling modules (inexpensive and fast) are available in accounting principles, management, and system development. Contact us ASAP to learn more.
• Successfully complete application process outlined below

HOW TO APPLY

1. APPLICATION: Completed application and personal statement. Apply online. Call us if you have questions.
2. RECOMMENDATIONS: Two professional recommendation requests will be sent from the online application.
3. UNDERGRAD DEGREE & TRANSCRIPTS: A completed undergraduate degree (bachelor’s) from a regionally accredited institution is required. Official transcripts must be submitted from every college attended whether or not the applicant graduated from that school. (Milligan grads: we can request your Milligan transcript from the Registrar’s Office.)
4. GMAT: An acceptable GMAT may be required if an applicant’s overall undergraduate grade point average is 2.75-2.99. The GMAT is not required if an applicant’s overall undergraduate grade point average is 3.00 or higher.
5. PREREQUISITES: Courses or demonstrated competency in Accounting Principles and Management are required. Inexpensive and fast individual proficiency modules are available if needed. Contact us ASAP to learn more.
6. INTERNATIONALS: This program is not currently approved by SEVIS to admit international students because the hybrid/online course delivery model does not meet the residency requirements for F-1 visa status.

An Interview with faculty admissions committee may be required.

DEADLINES

The next cohort starts classes in Fall 2020. Application deadlines are usually a month prior.

ENROLLMENT CONFIRMATION

A $150 deposit (credited to your first semester’s tuition) is required to secure your spot in the cohort.

INDIVIDUAL PROFICIENCY MODULES

If needed, inexpensive and fast individual proficiency modules in accounting and management are available to help you meet the required prerequisite competencies in management and accounting. These $44 online module courses can help you develop the foundational business knowledge you need to be more successful with your graduate level management and accounting courses. The Admissions Committee determines which prerequisite proficiency modules you must complete for admission. Please refer to your MSIS acceptance letter to determine which course modules you must complete, or contact Rebecca Banton in the Graduate & Professional Studies Office.

You also may complete prerequisite courses through Milligan’s Adult Degree Completion Program (ADCP), which meets one night a week on-campus. Or students have the option to pursue prerequisites at any accredited institution.

Milligan does not offer a challenge exam to exempt prerequisites; however, the admissions committee may waive a prerequisite based on work experience and/or competency. 

Please contact Rebecca Banton at rbbanton@milligan.edu for more information about prerequisites.

EXPECTATIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

All students at Milligan are expected to uphold the expectations and responsibilities for student lifestyles at Milligan University. Milligan University adopts specific rules on the basis of the belief that God’s Word, as the final rule of faith and practice, speaks on many matters pertaining to personal conduct. Therefore, behavior that conflicts with Scripture is unacceptable. Historically, communities also have developed guidelines that help put into practice basic moral and social principles. Such standards serve as a guide toward worthwhile goals relevant to one’s academic, spiritual, social, and physical well-being.

Students should consult the Student Handbook for further guidance regarding acceptable personal lifestyle and conduct while enrolled at Milligan University. A student’s matriculation and enrollment at Milligan University is their pledge to uphold the policies and expectations outlined in the Student Handbook and Catalog.

Early Acceptance Program: MSIS

The Early Acceptance Program (EAP) provides Milligan University undergraduate students with a unique financial and academic opportunity to apply and commit early to the MSIS in order to receive lower tuition rates and secure their spot early in the program. 

Benefits

• Locks in tuition rate
• Secure your spot in the program
• CIS and Computer Science majors only 

Requirements & Process

1. MILLIGAN UNDERGRAD: Be a Milligan undergraduate CIS, CS, or CIS-M major
2. PARTICIPATION FORM: Complete and Submit (to the GPS Office) the Participation form* for the EAP, which requires approval signatures from both your undergraduate advisor and Dr. Carter
3. APPLY TO MSIS: Complete the MSIS admission process, be admitted, and pay deposit by following deadline in order to lock-in that year’s tuition rate:
   • JUNIORS – by APRIL 15
   • SENIORS – by NOV 15
   • CIS-M – by NOV 15 for Dec grads; by APR 15 for May grads
4. ENROLL FULL-TIME: Concurrent full-time enrollment is required.

*Approval to declare the Early Acceptance Program is not a guarantee of your admission to the Milligan MSIS program.

Employment

Employment of computer and information systems managers is projected to grow 15 percent from 2014 to 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Demand for computer and information systems managers will grow as firms increasingly expand their operations to digital platforms. Computer and information systems managers will be responsible for implementing these goals.

Employment growth will result from the need to bolster cybersecurity in computer and information systems used by businesses. Industries such as retail trade will work to implement more robust security policies as cyber threats increase.

A number of jobs in this occupation are expected to be created in the healthcare industry, which is aggressively implementing information technology. This industry is expected to greatly increase information technology (IT) use, resulting in job growth. In the insurance carriers industry, employment of IT managers is projected to grow 26 percent. (Occupational Outlook Handbook).

Duties of Computer and Information Systems Managers

Computer and information systems managers plan, coordinate, and direct computer-related activities in an organization. They help determine the information technology goals of an organization and are responsible for implementing computer systems to meet those goals.

Duties of computer and information systems managers typically include:

• Analyze their organization’s computer needs and recommend possible upgrades for top executives to consider
• Plan and direct the installation and maintenance of computer hardware and software
• Ensure ethical practices surround the security of an organization’s network and electronic documents
• Assess the costs and benefits of new projects and justify funding on projects to top executive
• Learn about new technology and look for ways to upgrade their organization’s computer systems
• Determine short- and long-term personnel needs for their department
• Plan and direct the work of other IT professionals who work many times in a team setting
• Negotiate with vendors to get the highest level of service for their organization’s technology