Computer and Information Systems (MS)
College: College of Business, Economics, and Computing
Goals of the Master of Science in Computer and Information Systems Program
The master of science in computer and information systems (MSCIS) program is intended to increase the supply of high quality information technology professionals and contribute to the professional advancement of employees in the information technology workforce. The degree program draws on the strengths of UW-Parkside’s faculty and computing resources in both computer science (CS) and management information systems (MIS). Graduates of this program will advance in their careers with up-to-date information technology knowledge and skills, and practical experience with information systems development and deployment.
All MSCIS graduates will be able to:
- Analyze an IT/IS or business system using data science techniques.
- Work with computing technology through:
- Design, develop, test, and implement software using industry leading practices and/or
- Develop information technology technical solutions
- Lead and manage IT projects using project management principles.
- Design and implement organizational and IT control mechanisms that lead to a reliable and secure information system.
- Use research methods to investigate a problem from a technical, management and ethical perspective.
- Communicate Information Systems principles and practices effectively and professionally within an enterprise.
Grade Point Average Requirement
Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 in all course work required for the MSCIS degree to continue and complete in the degree program.
Disruption of Studies
Students are expected to complete MSCIS degree requirements in two to three years, depending on preparation. An MSCIS degree candidate who fails to complete the degree within five years after admission will be dropped from the program. A degree candidate who does not enroll in an MSCIS course within a period of 12 months must apply for readmission.
Transfer Students
Students may transfer up to 12 credits of graduate work taken at another accredited institution, subject to equivalence with MSCIS courses. Only courses with a grade of B (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) or better will be accepted. Transfer courses are not counted toward the UW-Parkside GPA requirement of 3.0 in MSCIS course work.
Requirements for the Master of Science in Computer and Information Systems
To achieve the goals, MSCIS students must complete prerequisite requirements (up to 20 credits that can be waived with undergraduate equivalent courses) and a minimum of 30 credits distributed as follows: 15 credits of required course work, 9 credit hours in a concentration and 6 credit hours as electives.
Concentrations enable students to specialize in their education toward a particular career goal. Concentrations include cyber-security, data science, information technology management and software development. A thesis option is available for those students who would like to eventually pursue a doctoral degree. The requirements and the classes in each concentration area are specified below.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Prerequisites | ||
| 0 to 15 credits, depending on background and selected concentration area | 0-15 | |
| Database Management 1 | ||
| Database Management Systems | ||
or MIS 328 | Database Management Systems | |
| Computer Systems/Data Communications 1 | ||
| Select one of the following: | ||
| Operating Systems | ||
| Computer Communications and Networks | ||
| IT Infrastructure | ||
| Programming Proficiency Requirements 2 | ||
| The normal path to ensure programming proficiency includes the following courses: | ||
| Computer Science I | ||
| Computer Science II | ||
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Program Core Courses | ||
| MBA 716 | Project Management | 2 |
| CIS 710 | Data Science for Computer Information Systems | 3 |
| CIS 774 | Programming Paradigms | 3 |
| CIS 779 | Information System Security | 3 |
| CIS 795 | Research Methods in Computer and Information Systems | 3 |
| CIS 798 | Computer and Information Systems Seminar | 1 |
| Required Program Core Courses total | 15 | |
| Elective Courses 3 | 6 | |
| Concentration Courses | ||
| Students must select a concentration area 4 | 9 | |
| Total Credits | 30 | |
- 1
Waived with a grade of C or better in an undergraduate or graduate equivalent course.
- 2
For the software development concentration only, programming proficiency is a required prerequisite. A programming proficiency exam is available to determine placement into required prerequisites or to waive the requirement.
- 3
Students must also complete six credits of electives to ensure 30 credits overall are completed for the degree. These credits may be chosen from any of the concentration areas.
- 4
Students must select a concentration and complete a minimum of nine credits within that area. A maximum of three credits of independent study related to a project or thesis may be used to satisfy this requirement.
A student may complete a maximum of two concentrations as part of the degree program. A course cannot be used to satisfy the requirements in more than one concentration.
Additional Program Policies
A maximum of two 500-level courses and/or a maximum of three credits in independent study courses will be accepted for the graduate degree. Additionally, independent study courses will only be approved in extenuating circumstances in which other regular needed CIS graduate courses are not available in that particular academic term, and waiting for their offering would impact the expected student graduation date. The classes must be approved by the MSCIS advisor.
Concentration Areas
MSCIS courses are divided into four concentration areas: cyber-security, data science, information technology management and software development.
CyberSecurity
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced Business Data Communications | ||
or CIS 677 | Computer Communications and Networks | |
| Web Application Security | ||
| Network Security | ||
| Security Risk | ||
| Special Topics courses CIS 690 and CIS 790 can be used when the topic is related to the concentration. An Executive Action form will need to be submitted by the department. | ||
Data Science
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Artificial Intelligence | ||
| Data Science Programming and Visualization | ||
| Data Mining and Machine Learning | ||
| Big Data Analysis | ||
| Deep Learning | ||
| Technologies For Data Analytics | ||
| Optimization Techniques | ||
| Special Topics courses CIS 690 and CIS 790 can be used when the topic is related to the concentration. An Executive Action form will need to be submitted by the department. | ||
Information Technology Management
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced Business Data Communications | ||
| Systems Analysis and Design | ||
| Advanced Project Management Tools and Techniques | ||
| Project Management Simulation | ||
| Web Application Security | ||
| Network Security | ||
| Security Risk | ||
| Accounting and Finance Fundamentals For Business | ||
| Advanced Operations Management | ||
| Global Supply Chain Management | ||
| Information Technology for Business Decision Making | ||
| Technologies For Data Analytics | ||
| Optimization Techniques | ||
| Supply Chain Analytics | ||
| Special Topics courses CIS 690 and CIS 790 can be used when the topic is related to the concentration. An Executive Action form will need to be submitted by the department. | ||
Software Development
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile Development in Android | ||
| Mobile Development in iOS | ||
| Programming Languages | ||
| Data Structures and Algorithm Design | ||
| Operating Systems | ||
| Artificial Intelligence | ||
| Computer Graphics | ||
| Computer Vision | ||
| Internet Programming | ||
| Compiler Design and Implementation | ||
| Web Application Security | ||
| Client/Server Development | ||
| Software Engineering Principles and Practice I | ||
| Software Engineering/Project Management | ||
| Computer Communications and Networks | ||
| Advanced Databases | ||
| Special Topics courses CIS 690 and CIS 790 can be used when the topic is related to the concentration. An Executive Action form will need to be submitted by the department. | ||
Admission Requirements and Application Procedure
To qualify for admission into the MSCIS program, an applicant must apply to the MSCIS Program online as indicated below, and submit all required documents to the Admissions Office.
Admissions Office
University of Wisconsin-Parkside
900 Wood Road
P.O. Box 2000
Kenosha WI 53141-2000
Admission requirements include those listed below.
- A completed application form, along with the application fee payment. The application form can be found online at: https://apply.wisconsin.edu/
- Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate course work, sent directly to the Admissions Office. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required. Applicants with undergraduate degrees from international universities must also submit a WES or ECE transcript analysis.
- GRE or GMAT scores sent directly to the Computer Science department office. The GRE or GMAT can be waived for students from U.S. regionally accredited universities with computer science or management information systems majors, or others with undergraduate GPA above 3.2.
- A resume that details the applicant’s education and work history (recommended, not required).
- Two letters of recommendation sent directly to the Admissions Office (recommended, not required).
- International students must also submit a sponsorship form and an ECE or WES transcript evaluation. International students whose native language is not English must submit evidence of English proficiency, normally by presenting a satisfactory score on the TOEFL or IELTS exam. The TOEFL/IELTS is waived for graduates of universities from English-speaking countries.
- Additional materials in support of the applicant, as appropriate.
Contact the computer science department office for information about application deadlines.
At the discretion of the MSCIS program faculty, students with minor deficiencies in items 2 and 3 may be conditionally accepted into the program if they can otherwise demonstrate significant potential for success.
Courses in Computer and Information Systems
CIS 523 | Mobile Development in Android | 3 cr
Examines existing tools, environments and programming languages for developing applications for mobile devices on the Android platform. Explores current research on mobile applications and future trends. Cross-listed with: CSCI 323.
Prerequisites: CSCI 242 with C or better, or consent of instructor.
Offered: Fall.
CIS 524 | Mobile Development in iOS | 3 cr
Examines existing tools, environments and programming languages for developing applications for mobile devices on the iOS platform. Explores current research on mobile applications and future trends. Cross-listed with: CSCI 324.
Prerequisites: CSCI 242 with C or better, or consent of instructor.
Offered: Spring.
CIS 533 | Programming Languages | 3 cr
Introduces syntax and semantic issues in programming languages and their effect on language implementation. Includes methods to specify languages, data storage, and the sequence of control in programs. Examines non-procedural languages, including functional and logic languages. Not open to those with credit in CSCI 333.
Prerequisites: CSCI 242 and consent of instructor.
Offered: Spring.
CIS 540 | Data Structures and Algorithm Design | 3 cr
Study of the design, implementation and analysis of computer algorithms; time and space requirements for sorting, searching, graph theory, mathematics and string processing algorithms. Not open to those with credit in CSCI 340.
Prerequisites: CSCI 242 with B or better or consent of instructor.
Offered: Spring.
CIS 570 | Operating Systems | 3 cr
Operating system concepts, process definition and implementation, dead-lick, memory management and protection, distributed system architecture, and case studies. Not open to those with credit in CSCI 370.
Prerequisites: CSCI 242 with C or better.
Offered: Fall.
CIS 605 | Artificial Intelligence | 3 cr
Introduces Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques that include search, game playing, and knowledge representation. Includes specific subdisciplines of AI including natural language processing and neural networks. Programming assignments in both Prolog and LISP. Not open to those with credit in CSCI 405.
Offered: Occasionally.
CIS 611 | Data Science Programming and Visualization | 3 cr
Surveys common programming languages for data science with visualization. Explores the development of applications for data-centric software used to visualize and extract actionable knowledge and insights from a collection of heterogeneous data sources that answer specific scientific, socio-political, or business questions. Not open to those with credit in CSCI 411.
Offered: Spring.
CIS 612 | Data Mining and Machine Learning | 3 cr
Explores data mining methods and procedures for diagnostic and predictive analytics. Includes association rules, clustering algorithms, tools for classification, and ensemble methods. Emphasizes computer implementation and applications. Not open to those with credit in CSCI 412.
Prerequisites: CSCI 410 or CIS 610 or consent of instructor.
Offered: Occasionally.
CIS 613 | Big Data Analysis | 3 cr
Introduces the efficient processing of large data sets, including non-relational databases and algorithms that allow for the distributed processing of large data sets across clusters. Not open to those with credit in CSCI 413.
Prerequisites: CSCI 410 or CIS 610 or consent of instructor.
Offered: Occasionally.
CIS 614 | Deep Learning | 3 cr
Introduces deep learning, a branch of Machine Learning inspired by the human brain network. Explores several types of neural network architectures (e. g., feedforward, convolutional (CNN), and recurrent (RNN) networks). Covers building a Natural Language Processing (NLP) based sentiment analysis system with Long short-term memory (LSTM) neural network.
Offered: Fall.
CIS 620 | Computer Graphics | 3 cr
Graphics hardware and software, techniques for representation and visualization, two- and three- dimensional transformations, concepts and techniques of visual realism. Not open to those with credit in CSCI 420.
Offered: Occasionally.
CIS 621 | Computer Vision | 3 cr
Reviews algebra of matrices and partial differentiation. Introduction to Machine Vision and Image Processing including image formation, thresholding, image filtering, edge detection, image segmentation, image data compression, image similarity and some dynamic vision.
Prerequisites: CSCI 242 with a grade of C or better.
Offered: Occasionally.
CIS 624 | Advanced Business Data Communications | 3 cr
Fundamentals of transmission protocols and network services. Setting up and configuring network protocols, routing, security, and networking services such as name resolution and dynamic addressing. Lab exercises and case studies. Not open to those with credit in MIS 424.
Offered: Fall.
CIS 625 | Systems Analysis and Design | 3 cr
System development using the life cycle, rapid application development, prototyping, software acquisition, structured and object-oriented techniques and project management. Not open to those with credit in MIS 425 or CSCI 475. This course may be offered online. Distance Learning Fees apply if online.
Offered: Spring.
CIS 626 | Internet Programming | 3 cr
Explores web-based application development using Active Server Pages and web services, database connectivity, graphical user interfaces, event-driven software, and the development of sever-side programs. Not open to students with credit in MIS 422.
Prerequisites: MIS 320, 322; or Programming Proficiency and Database Management prerequisites of the MSCIS program.
Offered: Occasionally.
CIS 640 | Compiler Design and Implementation | 3 cr
Theory, design and implementation of compilers and other syntax-directed systems. Applies techniques of finite state machines, lexical analysis, symbol tables, parsing, storage allocations and code generation to the development of a compiler. Laboratory work included. Not open to those with credit in CSCI 440.
Offered: Occasionally.
CIS 641 | Advanced Project Management Tools and Techniques | 3 cr
Covers advanced tools and techniques of project management, including Microsoft Project, and Microsoft Excel, Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), budgeting a project, scheduling a project using PERT/CPM, allocating scarce resources, critical chain and critical path, resource leveling, monitoring the project costs, evaluating and terminating a project. Not open to those with credit in PMGT 441.
Offered: Yearly.
CIS 642 | Project Management Simulation | 3 cr
Students apply project management skills to a simulated or live project, develop project justification and project plan, and execute the project plan and track performance. Topics include project scheduling, risk analysis, earned value, and teamwork. Not open to those with credit in PMGT 442.
Offered: Yearly.
CIS 644 | Event-Driven Programming | 3 cr
Origins of events; the event-driven programming model; interrupt processing as event handling; client-server architectures; windowing environments and GUI programming; development support software; and case studies. Project work included. Not open to those with credit in CSCI 444.
Offered: Occasionally.
CIS 645 | Web Application Security | 3 cr
Explores vulnerabilities and defenses of web-based software systems. Covers web architecture, document security, authentication and attacks and defenses of client-side controls, authentication, session management, access controls, data stores and back-end components. Not open to those with credit in CSCI 445.
Offered: Occasionally.
CIS 669 | Embedded Systems Designs | 3 cr
Covers firmware and hardware development. Includes assembly and/or C programming of micro-controllers, interrupt processing, basic hardware and logic design, programming micro-controller peripherals like Analag/Digital Converters (ADC & DAC), timers, Pulse Width Modulation (PWM), comparators, programming and using serial interfaces, basics of printed boards design.
Prerequisites: CSCI 245.
Offered: Fall.
CIS 674 | Client/Server Development | 3 cr
Explores server-side application programming concepts. Includes server architectures, communication protocols, relational databases and database connectivity, dynamic content delivery and communication security.
Cross-listed with: CSCI 424.
Offered: Fall.
CIS 675 | Software Engineering Principles and Practice I | 3 cr
An Introduction to UML design and teamwork in the development of a larger software system. The use of UML use case, activity, class/object, interaction, and state diagrams in the creation of efficient designs and systems. Not open to those with credit in CSCI 475.
Prerequisites: CSCI 242 with B or better or consent of instructor.
Offered: Fall.
CIS 676 | Software Engineering/Project Management | 3 cr
Software development from an engineering perspective including software development models, team organization and management, implementation strategies, software testing and verification, and project cost estimation. Students will demonstrate their mastery of software engineering design and development strategies through implementation of a significant team-based project. Not open to those with credit in CSCI 476.
Offered: Spring.
CIS 677 | Computer Communications and Networks | 3 cr
Examines transmission protocols, layered network protocols, network topology, message routing, performance analysis, security, and case studies. Not open to those with credit in CSCI 477.
Offered: Occasionally.
CIS 678 | Network Security | 3 cr
Computer and network security related to operating systems, networks and system administration issues; hacking; incident response; firewalls, VPNs; intrusion detection, and auditing. Not open to those with credit in CSCI 478.
Offered: Spring.
CIS 680 | Advanced Databases | 3 cr
Reviews relational database languages such SQL and Relational Algebra, query optimization techniques. Non-relational database models including object-oriented databases. XML databases, deductive databases. Data mining, transaction management, concurrency control, text retrieval, and web data management. Not open to those with credit in CSCI 480.
Prerequisites: CSCI 380 with C or better.
Offered: Occasionally.
CIS 681 | Security Risk | 3 cr
Focuses on risk analysis, including qualitative, quantitative, and ethical risk. Investigates an industry or topic of choice, involving delving into sources of risk information, researching regulation and statistics, and developing a comprehensive analysis of risk related to the selected topic. Perquisites: CIS 678 or CIS 779.
Offered: Occasionally.
CIS 690 | Special Topics in Computer and Information Systems | 3 cr
In-depth study of new and/or special-interest subject areas within the discipline. May repeat with different topic.
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor.
Offered: Occasionally.
CIS 710 | Data Science for Computer Information Systems | 3 cr
Examines key data science concepts, methods, and processes. Addresses issues for developing, managing and supporting data-driven decision-making in the organization. Provides knowledge and tools for incorporating data science into IT project workflows including data analytics, data warehousing, machine learning, and artificial intelligence.
Offered: Fall.
CIS 721 | Enterprise Systems | 3 cr
Explores common enterprise systems that are used across organizations including enterprise resource planning systems, customer relationship management systems, and knowledge management. Includes technical architecture of integrated systems and relationships to the organization's business processes.
Offered: Fall.
CIS 723 | Management of E-Commerce | 2 cr
Electronic commerce (e-commerce) technology, developing an e-commerce architecture, business-to-consumer and business-to-business e-commerce, e-commerce planning, and social implications.
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor.
Offered: Occasionally.
CIS 725 | Information Systems Policy and Strategy | 3 cr
The management of Information Technology (IT) and Information Systems (IS) from the perspective of upper management, covering IT strategic planning, IS organizational structures, human resource planning, and control structures. Cases, executive presentations, and project work included.
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor.
Offered: Fall.
CIS 727 | Business Process Redesign and Improvement | 2 cr
Cost reduction, service improvements, supply chain management, and time-to-product speedups through information technology; business process improvement (BPI) methodologies; analysis, modeling, and redesign of a system. Case studies and projects included.
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor.
Offered: Occasionally.
CIS 774 | Programming Paradigms | 3 cr
Explores a variety of computer programming paradigms such as functional, logic, declarative, procedural, concurrent, multi-paradigm and block-based coding. Requires developing computer programs in at least four paradigms.
Prerequisites: CSCI 241.
Offered: Fall.
CIS 779 | Information System Security | 3 cr
Introduces technical, administrative, and physical aspects of IT security. Includes fraud, risk, information protection, business continuity, network security, auditing, and security planning and governance.
Offered: Spring.
CIS 790 | Advanced Topics in Computer and Information Systems | 3 cr
In-depth study of new and/or special-interest subject areas within the discipline. Subject selection will vary from offering to offering.
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor.
Offered: Spring.
CIS 793 | Internship | 1-2 cr
Participation in the technical activities of an ongoing organization under the joint guidance and supervision of a member of the organization and a member of the faculty. Grading will be on a credit/no credit basis. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits.
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor and department chair.
Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
CIS 795 | Research Methods in Computer and Information Systems | 3 cr
Explores research methods used in the computer and information systems discipline including quantitative and qualitative methods. Reviews current research in CIS.
Prerequisites: A minimum of 6 credits in CIS courses.
Offered: Yearly.
CIS 796 | Computer and Information Systems Project | 1 cr
Completion of a CIS project in conjunction with another 600- or 700-level CIS course; includes project documentation and oral and written reports.
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor.
Offered: Occasionally.
CIS 798 | Computer and Information Systems Seminar | 1 cr
Social, legal and ethical issues in computing, including: privacy, encryption, reliability and risk, free speech, computer crime, intellectual property rights. Personal and professional ethics. An emphasis will be placed on students further developing nontechnical professional skills, including writing and oral presentations.
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor.
Offered: Spring.
CIS 799 | Independent Study | 1-4 cr
Independent work on a specific problem in CIS under the supervision of faculty.
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor and department chair.
Offered: Fall, Spring.