Master of Information Systems | Cleveland State University

Excel in the dynamic field of technology, support business operations with management expertise, drive decision-making and generate strategic planning as an information systems expert.

A specialized STEM program, Cleveland State University's Master of Information Systems (MIS) degree prepares students to advance their careers as information professionals. Program concentrations allow students to explore their interests and build specific skill sets in areas such as information security, information technology management and business analytics.
 

    

Why Choose Cleveland State for your Master's in Information Systems?

In a time where information is paramount, the MIS degree at Cleveland State University stands out as a prime choice for those looking to make a significant impact in the world of information systems. Here's why students choose our program:

• Focused on innovation: Housed within the Monte Ahuja College of Business, the coursework combines a blend of technology and management-oriented classes designed to prepare the next generation of technology managers to lead enterprises in innovative ways.
• Three sub-tracks: Students can pursue one of three MIS program sub-tracks: the thesis sub-track, the non-thesis sub-track or the internship sub-track. These pathways support students as they tailor their education to their goals and academic priorities.
• Rolling admissions: We accept applications throughout the year. Eligibility for the semester in which a domestic applicant intends to enroll requires that they submit a complete application with all materials at least six weeks before the start of that semester.
• Preparatory program: We encourage students who do not have an undergraduate degree in information systems or a related discipline to complete preparatory courses with a grade of "B" or better. Students should expect to complete classes in the preparatory program prior to enrolling in the MIS program.
• Renowned faculty: Bringing an expansive range of interests and expertise, our faculty work closely with students on various research projects. The faculty are active in professional organizations and publishing, and they research multimedia computing, database analysis and design, numerical analysis, operating system design, artificial intelligence, new computing paradigms, simulation and more.

Program Curriculum 

Our MIS program curriculum provides a robust education in information system management and develops your specialization with three concentration options. Through a structured and customized academic journey, you graduate ready to transform business operations with innovative technical solutions. 

The program consists of a total of either 31 or 33 credits, and you engage in 18 credits of core courses. These include:

• Project management and scheduling
• Emerging technologies
• Systems thinking and modeling for dynamic information systems
• Advanced analysis and design
• Enterprise databases
• Managing network security and risk

Required electives (13 or 15 credit hours) round out your education and allow you to customize your studies to subjects that interest you. Electives include:

• Business analysis
• Legal environment of information systems
• Website design and development
• Business geographics and GIS
• IT governance

All Elective MIS Courses

Course	Name
IST 610	Object-Oriented Programming for Information Systems
IST 612	Business Analysis
IST 615	Business Intelligency Systems
IST 620	Legal Environment of Information Systems
IST 635	Business Value of Information Technology
IST 636	Managing Networks and Security Risks
IST 641	Electronic Commerce
IST 642	Website Design and Development
IST 656	Advanced Information Security
IST 660	Data Mining and Business Intelligence
IST 664	Business Geographics and GIS
IST 665	Enterprise Resource Planning
IST 675	IT Governance
IST 680	Social and Information Network Analysis
IST 699	Thesis Research in Computer and Information Science

Review the MIS program catalog.

IT Management Concentration

Ideal for those looking to advance their career in IT, students in this concentration take courses in business analysis, the business value of IT, enterprise resource planning and IT governance. This path requires one additional elective outside of the concentration.

Business Analytics Concentration

Those with an entrepreneurial disposition and acumen for business strategy find this concentration prepares them to contend in advanced management careers. Students take introduction to business analytics, applied business analytics, managing databases and strategy for business analytics. While in the concentration, students also earn the Certificate in Business Analytics.

Security Concentration

Interested in a profession maintaining and stewarding data security and privacy? Students prepare for this in-demand field in the security concentration with courses in information security, advanced information security and information systems auditing. Two additional electives outside the concentration complete this pathway.

MIS Degree Careers

Cleveland State University's Master of Information Systems program prepares students for rewarding careers in information systems and technology management. With a structured, hands-on education, our students graduate well-equipped to grapple with the complexities of the business world and transform the industry.

Graduates from our MIS program often attain roles within:

• Information technology consulting firms
• Cybersecurity organizations
• Data analytics companies
• Healthcare information systems management
• Business intelligence and data management
• IT strategy and management
• Public and private sector organizations

Admissions Requirements

In addition to meeting the Admission Requirements for the Graduate College, applicants to the Master of Information Systems program must meet the following requirements:

• A cumulative grade-point average of 3.00 or better.
• Test scores from either the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) are required if at least one of the following conditions is true:
  • The applicant's undergraduate degree if from a college or university outside of the United States.
  • The applicant's undergraduate degree is from a college or university without at least a regional level accreditation.
  • The applicant's undergraduate cumulative grade-point average is below 3.0.
• If an applicant received a master's degree or higher from a college or university with at least a regional level accreditation in the United States and had at least a grade-point average of 3.0, the GMAT/GRE requirement can be waived.
• For those applicants who need to complete GRE or GMAT, the following minimums will be required:
  • A minimum total score of 500 if GMAT is taken; or
  • A minimum of 50th perentile in the Quantitative Reasoning portion of the GRE(or a 158 in the current scale).
  • A minimum score of 5th percentile for the verbal portion of the GRE(137 according to old GRE scoring system) or GMAT.
• An official transcript from each college and university attended.
• For applicants whose native language is not English, proof of having met at least one of the English language proficiency requirements is required. This proof will be per the standards used by the University.
  • If the TOEFL is taken, the minimum requirements are at least 550 for the paper-based test, or 213 for the computer-based test, or 78 for the Internet-based test. (If the Internet-based test is taken, minimum distribution requirements are: Reading - 20, Listening - 21, Speaking - 20, and Writing - 17).
  • Equivalent scores will be used if any other form of English proficiency test is chosen.

Preparatory Program

Students who do not have an undergraduate degree in Information Systems or a related discipline will be required to complete the following preparatory courses with a grade of "B" or better. Courses in the preparatory program should be completed prior to entering the program.

Course	Name	Waived?
IST 600	Fundamentals of Systems Development	With equivalent of IST 211
IST 601	IT for Competitive Advantage	With equivalent of IST 221 or IST 305
IST 603	Systems Analysis Methods	With equivalent of IST 321
IST 604	Modern Database Design/Implementation	With equivalent of IST 331
IST 606	Management of Business Networks	With equivalent of IST 341

ADMISSION DEADLINES

We accept domestic applicants on a rolling basis.

For international applicants, we require a complete application package, including a completed application form, transcripts for all college-level work and appropriate GRE/GMAT and TOEFL scores, by the following application deadlines:

• March 15 for Summer admission.
• May 15 for Fall admission.
• November 1 for Spring admission.
   

HOW TO APPLY TO THE MIS PROGRAM

Students applying to the Master of Information Systems program must take either the GRE or GMAT exam and submit results before being considered for admission. We do not require most College of Business graduate applicants to submit letters of recommendation.

Applicants should adhere to the detailed application procedures and recommended application schedule as outlined on the Graduate College website.

Applicants should note that GRE/GMAT test registration forms and fees must be received by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) at least three weeks before the selected testing day. The GRE/GMAT test is given continuously throughout the year. 

Information and applications may be obtained from the CSU Testing Center, room RT 1237. You may reach them by phone at 216-687-2272. Alternatively, you may contact GRE/GMAT at 1-800-717-GMAT or visit their website.

Funding and Financial Aid

The College of Business offers a limited number of tuition grants and graduate assistantships each year. These grants and assistantships are competitive and are based on MIS students' undergraduate performance as well as GRE/GMAT scores.

Tuition grants require 10 hours of service per week to the College. Graduate assistantships require a nine- to 12-credit-hour course load and 20 hours of service per week. 

Application forms may be obtained in the Graduate Academic Advising Office, BU 219.
 

Learn More About Cleveland State's Master of Information Systems

Cleveland State University's MIS degree program provides a comprehensive education in information systems, setting you up for success in this ever-evolving field. Graduate with the knowledge and skills to navigate the world of information systems, tech and business, and prepare to drive positive change in your professional journey.

Learn more about the information systems master's degree by requesting information or contacting a program staff member directly.