Information Systems, M.S.

The MS program requires satisfactorily completing 39 credits (13 3-hour courses) at the graduate level. One or more of the fundamental courses may be waived at the time of admission based on prior academic experience. As a result, students entering this program will complete between 30 and 39 credit hours of graduate studies depending on their background. All MS students are required to take four core courses and then can choose six electives from the department’s course offerings.

Fundamental Courses

Core Courses

IS 601 - Management Information Systems [3]
IS 603 - Decision Technology Systems [3]
(If you took IS 425 at UMBC - Replace with an elective)
IS 620 - Advanced Database Projects [3]
IS 636 - Structured Systems Analysis and Design [3]
(If you took IS 436 at UMBC - Replace with an elective)

Elective Courses

(does not include the full list of elective course offerings)

Note:

A student may elect to do a Master’s Thesis, in which case two electives may be used for thesis research credits. If a student elects to do a thesis, the student must choose a thesis advisor from the department and form a three member committee that oversees and accepts the thesis.

Program Tracks

We are pleased to offer our students another way to set themselves apart from the crowd. Program tracks allow you to focus on an in-demand area of interest while receiving a great education in information systems.

Tracks appear on your transcript, giving you an advantage when applying to jobs or doctorate programs
You can try courses in a few different tracks before choosing
You can enroll in as many tracks as you like
Tracks are optional

We currently offer the following tracks. Completing a track requires three courses (9 credits) in each category.

Artificial Intelligence Track

AI is the future, and we want you to be able to help lead the way. A track in artificial intelligence can set you up for a high-paying career across all industries. From an e-commerce site recommending new items for a customer to world governments analyzing risk threats, artificial intelligence can make a difference.

Three of the following:

IS 677 - Deep Learning [3]
IS 707 - Applications of Intelligent Technologies [3]
IS 725 - Information Extraction [3]
IS 733 - Data Mining [3]
IS 755 - Advanced Artificial Intelligence [3]
IS 700 - Independent Study in Information Systems [1-3] (3 credits)
Any revelant course the GPD may see fit for the track

Data Science Track

Businesses and governments around the world are using data to make decisions. They need you to help them make the right ones. This track will help you learn the fundamentals of data science, one of industry’s most coveted skills.

Three of the following:

IS 620 - Advanced Database Projects [3]
IS 651 - Distributed Systems [3]
IS 722 - Systems and Information Integration [3]
IS 733 - Data Mining [3]
IS 777 - Data Analytics for Statistical Learning [3]
IS 789 - Big Data Fundamentals and Techniques [3]
IS 700 - Independent Study in Information Systems [1-3] (3 credits)
Any relevant course that the GPD may see fit for the track (3 credits)

User Experience Design Track

Have you ever looked at a technology system and thought it could be better or easier to use? The goal of our UX track is an understanding of how humans interact with information technologies and to use this knowledge to improve the lives of those individuals. Taking this track can help enhance your current work and prepare you for a career in user experience, information architecture, and usability.

Three of the following:

HCC 629 - Fundamentals of Human-Centered Computing [3]
HCC 710 - Graphic Design for Interactive Systems [3]
OR
HCC 729 - Human-Centered Design [3]
Any additional HCC course (3 credits)
IS 700 - Independent Study in Information Systems [1-3]
Any relevant course that the GPD may see fit for the track (3 credits)

Note:

Please note that each independent study can only be used towards one track. It would count towards the track closest to the main research area of the supervising faculty member.