Course Descriptions
Information Systems Technologies
IST 5000
APA style and Academic Writing for Graduate Students
0 credits
This course focuses on improving research writing skills, specifically focusing on using the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (APA) for format and style. Students will learn how to determine quality reference sources as well as how to synthesize information and correctly document their analysis. Instruction will include (but is not limited) how to correctly paraphrase, quote, use tables and figure, document references, and cite sources correctly using APA. IST 5000 is not an MS-IST Core course and cannot be used as an elective in any Wilmington University program.
Prerequisite(s): IST majors only.
IST 5500
IST Fundamentals
3 credits
This course provides a high-level overview of Information Technology and Information Systems (IT/IS) concepts. The IT/IS concepts include areas such as ethics, security, strategy, networking, and business processes. The course is designed to prepare students, with limited professional IT/IS experience, for success in the MS-IST Program. IST 5500 is not an MS-IST Core course and cannot be used as an IST elective in any Wilmington University program.
IST 7000
Data Management
3 credits
This course covers the concepts, principles, issues, and techniques for managing corporate data resources. Also covered are techniques for managing the design and development of large database systems, including logical data models, concurrent processing, data distribution, database administration, data warehousing, data cleansing, and data mining.
IST 7020
Analysis, Modeling, and Design
3 credits
This course covers topics such as the systems development life cycle (SDLC), analysis and design techniques, information systems planning and project identification and selection, requirements collection and structuring, process modeling, data modeling, design of interface and data management, system implementation and operation, system maintenance, and change management implications. In addition, the course addresses the unique issues presented when globalizing IT systems. Students will use current development methods and tools such as rapid application development, prototyping, and visual development.
IST 7040
Data Communications and Networking
3 credits
This course covers telecommunications fundamentals, including data, voice, image, and video. The concepts, models, architectures, protocols, standards, and security for the design, implementation, and management of digital networks are also covered. Essentials of local area networks (LAN), metropolitan area networks (MAN), and wide area networks (WAN) are reviewed. Other topics explored are: transmission and switching efficiency, regulatory and technical environments, security and authentication, network operating systems, e-commerce and associated web sites and practices, and middleware for wireless systems, multimedia, and conferencing.
IST 7060
Project and Change Management
3 credits
This course focuses on managing projects within an organizational context, including the processes related to initiating, planning, executing, controlling, reporting, and closing a project. Project integration, scope, time, cost, quality control, and risk management are also explored. Other areas covered in the course are: managing the changes in organizations resulting from the introduction or revision of information systems, identifying project champions, working with user teams, training, documentation, and the change management role of the IS specialist.
IST 7080
Cloud Management
3 credits
This course covers the concepts, architecture, governance, and cybersecurity strategies for cloud computing. Students will learn best practices for cloud management, including planning for the successful migration from in-house IT systems to the cloud environment. The course will also address the administrative and support aspects of cloud migration and multi-cloud integration. In addition, students will learn the value of cloud adoption and how it can improve cost savings, operational efficiencies, and IT return on investment (ROI).IST 7100
IT Policy and Strategy
3 credits
The focus of this course includes: 1) The top management’s strategic perspective for aligning competitive strategy, core competencies, and information systems; 2) The development and implementation of policies and plans to achieve organizational goals; 3) Defining the systems that support the operational, administrative, and strategic needs of the organization, its business units, and individual employees; 4) Approaches to managing the information systems’ function in organizations, including examination of the dual challenges of effectively controlling the use of well-established information technologies, while experimenting with selected emerging technologies; and 5) the role of the CIO.
IST 8100
Integrating the Enterprise, IS Function, and IS Technologies
3 credits
This course combines the three integration efforts toward a) integrating the enterprise, b) integrating the IS function, and c) integrating IS technologies.
Prerequisite(s): IST 7000, IST 7020, IST 7040, IST 7060, IST 7100 plus, at least, three courses within the Management and Management Information Systems concentration.
IST 8101
Field Experience/Internship
3 credits
Students in the final year of the program who have completed the majority of the program requirements will be required to enroll in a three-credit hour supervised field-experience/internship. Students must complete a concentration specific 8100 capstone/integration course before registering for IST 8101. Students will employ one of several project management/investigative Methodologies to complete their selected project. The chosen methodology can be used for (a) internships; or (b) (for Web Design students) electronic portfolio design and development; or (c) investigating current topics in IT.
Prerequisite(s): IST 7000 and IST 7020 and IST 7040 and IST 7060 and IST 7100, and (DSN 8100 or DSN 7010) or (SEC 8100 or SEC 7050) or (IST 8100 or 9 credits in the MMIS or IPM concentration)
IST 8105
IST Capstone
3 credits
This course is the M.S. Information Systems Technologies capstone course for all concentrations in the program. The course assesses knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) related to the university's graduation and program competencies through a process of reinforcing and measuring key Information Systems Technology (IST) concepts developed in the program's core courses (IST7000 series). These key concepts include, but are not limited to: Systems Thinking; System Life Cycles; Data Management; Networking; System Modeling; IT Governance; Ethics; and IT Project Management. By using a reinforcement strategy, students will be able to synthesize and apply the KSAs gained in the core courses within a culminating, final project through the identification of IT needs and an evaluation of IT alternatives for meeting a business's operational needs.Prerequisite(s): IST 7000, IST 7020, IST 7040, IST 7060, IST 7080, IST 7100, and, at least, three (3) courses (9 credits) in the student's concentration of record.