Course Descriptions
Information Systems Technologies
IST 6090
Special Topics in Information Systems Technologies
3 credits
This course is an intensive graduate level study of selected topics in Information Systems Technologies. The focus for each section varies. When offered in a “Directed Study” format, it will be tailored specifically to the career and vocational interests of the student. When scheduled in lecture/seminar form, the topical subject matter will change at each offering.
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 8101
Field Experience/Internship
3 credits
Students in the MS IST program can enroll in a three-credit hour, semester-long supervised field-experience/internship. Students will employ a research methodology to complete their selected project. Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) is evaluated as part of the overall IST-8101 Field Experience/Internship course. The evaluation results are based on the student meeting all the agreed-upon criteria and meeting all the requirements for documenting the experience through written reports (e.g., course assignments). The Academic Research Process (ARP) is deployed including an Internship Supervisor Evaluation form that must be completed and submitted during the last scheduled class meeting for face-to-face and hybrid courses or before Sunday of the final week for online courses.
Prerequisite(s): Program Chair approval required to approve a letter of intent for an internship by a valid employer.
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.