MASTER OF Computer Information Systems MCIS
Leaders in CIS Education for More Than 50 Years Established in 1962, the CIS program at Colorado State University s College of Business is one of the oldest of its kind in the nation and highly respected throughout the IT industry. Students not only learn how to master today s technologies; our curriculum also provides the knowledge and training you ll need to keep pace with technical advances as the industry evolves. PROGRAM ADVANTAGES Curriculum guided by an industry-based advisory council. Designed for students with or without backgrounds in IT or CIS. Students may take courses on campus or anywhere in the world through streaming video of the full classroom experience. Completed in three semesters or flexed up to five years. Students may take courses on campus or at a distance. STEM designation allows international students on campus to work in the U.S. for up to 29 months after graduation. WHO SHOULD CONSIDER IT professionals who want to retool their skills to remain competitive and advance their careers. Other professionals with no IT/IS technical background who wish to pursue a new career in the fast-growing, high-paying IT industry. COMPUTER INFORMATION SYSTEMS Careers in computer information systems are exciting, fast-paced, and challenging. CIS professionals help information flow through organizations, allowing businesses to function in ways that are efficient, effective, and profitable. CIS departments are the operations behind the organization that keep things running smoothly databases, networks, websites, technology training, and consulting services, to name a few. The department and faculty are dedicated to providing current, dynamic and challenging courses that enables graduates to understand, direct, and manage data and information technology. STEPHANIE STARK
I wanted a traditional school but with my job and traveling, I couldn t attend regular class. I chose CSU because of their online delivery methods and watched classes in Australia, Japan, Germany, Hawaii, and all over the U.S. JEREMY EICHELBERGER WHAT YOU WILL STUDY Project Management Software Methodology E-business Technology Enterprise Computing Communications and Networking Database Systems Business Intelligence and Data Mining Data Visualization Advanced Networking and Security WHAT YOU CAN DO WITH THIS DEGREE Database Administrator MIS Manager Network Management Systems Consultant Systems Manager or Administrator Business or Systems Analyst
MCIS Program Highlights STUDY ON CAMPUS OR AT A DISTANCE The MCIS is offered either on campus in Fort Collins, Colorado, or online using the most current digital and online technologies. This delivery brings students around the world a program that is known for its rigor, flexibility, and convenience without a residency requirement. ONLINE TECHNOLOGIES Streaming video brings the full classroom dynamic to distance students within hours of the actual campus lecture. Synchronous (Live Meeting) technology gives distance students the ability to participate in classroom discussions from remote locations. Lecture-capture technology allows distance students to experience the full classroom experience. ARE YOU READY? The MCIS program accepts students for fall and spring admissions. There are no prerequisites for students with or without technical backgrounds. However, individuals with an IT or IS background experience more flexibility in their initial class schedules.
Experience The Master of CIS program is one of the first in the country, steeped in tradition but offering cutting-edge curriculum. Thanks in part to an active advisory council, our curriculum accommodates market changes and the demand for new skill sets. Flexibility The program may be completed in three semesters or flexed up to five years. Tuition Reduction Programs The distance program offers tuition reduction for military, veterans, and government employees. Additionally, corporate discount partnership programs are available. Accreditation CSU s College of Business is accredited internationally by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. I work full-time, so I really enjoyed the flexibility of the online program. The professors are excellent in understanding and delivering their course topics. SAM SUON
MCIS Certificates The Master of Computer Information Systems also offers the opportunity for students to engage in special areas of study and earn a certificate. It is not required that a student be admitted to the master s program and it may be possible to complete certificate courses and have those same courses become part of the master s degree at a later time. All certificates consist of three graduate level courses. ADVANCED PROJECT MANAGEMENT CERTIFICATE Project management is found across the private, public, and military sectors especially within information technology. The Certificate in Advanced Project Management includes a deep understanding of the 10 knowledge areas required by the Project Management Institute, information technology management, agile project management and other special topics. Completion of this certificate also prepares the recipient for the PMP Certification or the CAP-M Certification exam. BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE CERTIFICATE Business intelligence refers to harnessing vast data stores to solve problems, enhance decision-making and discover new opportunities. This certificate combines business intelligence with applied data mining and analytics to optimize, forecast, detect, predict, classify and discover new ways of using data to make a business more productive and efficient. COMPUTER INFORMATION SYSTEMS CERTIFICATE This certificate gives the student a good foundation of CIS knowledge and skill in Project Management, Business Intelligence and IT Management. This certificate is a benefit to the non-technical person who wants to understand the technical environment better, function as part of a technical team or to begin their academic pursuit of a Master of Computer Information Systems.
STUDENT PROFILE Inspired Learning At a Distance Colorado native Angel Muse was looking for hands-on learning that gave her the flexibility she needed. What she found is offered right in her back yard CSU s MCIS distance program. I enjoy attending the same classes that on-campus students attend. Doing the labs in each class and seeing my work function correctly is very satisfying. The hands-on learning cannot be matched, Muse explains. The online experience enables Muse to stream class live and remote desktop into her lab. The required software is pre-installed for every student entering the program and 24-hour technical assistance is available. Muse received her bachelor s degree from DeVry University in Technical Management but still found it difficult to reach her career goals. Being a part of CSU S College of Business has changed that. I feel like my knowledge is validated by the CIS master s program. Since enrolling, I ve received a 50 percent pay increase. After graduation, Muse plans to become an IT Manager in software delivery. The knowledge and training I received through the Master s in CIS program has opened the door to many opportunities in the IT industry. TODD SHANNON
For Additional Information Contact a graduate advisor on how to begin the application process. (970) 491-4612 CISadvisor@business.colostate.edu www.csucis.com