The MSc. program in I.S. is based on two options:
a) Master's Degree with Thesis option (referred to as Option I)
b) Master's Degree with Non-thesis option (referred to as Option II)
IS Master's Degree Program with Thesis (Option I) is addressed to B.Sc. graduates in the field of Information Systems, or in related computing fields.
IS Master's Degree Program with Non-Thesis (Option II) would be similar to several programs (e.g. MIS) in that a wide range of undergraduate degrees would be acceptable for admission. Therefore, this option degree curriculum does not specify a single prior background for students entering the information systems program; they may be able to come from a variety of backgrounds. Examples are engineering, sciences, technology, and business administration. However, several areas of knowledge must be prerequisite to entering the program.
Admission and Completion Requirements
Admission Requirements for Option I (Thesis Option)
Having a B.Sc. degree in Information Systems, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Computing or an equivalent degree is the first requirement to enter this option. However, the Department may evaluate and set prerequisites for each applicant case by case.
Completion Criteria for Option I (Thesis Option)
a) Completion of 24 credit hours (IS Master's Degree Program courses).
b) Completion of a thesis.
Admission Requirements for Option II (Non-Thesis Option)
Graduates with BA or B.Sc. degree from a minimum four-year undergraduate program may be admitted to this program by fulfilling the following conditions:
a) Having structured programming skills (i.e. having completed at least one course in a high-level programming language).
b) Having completed at least one B.Sc. level course in each of the following topics:
- Systems Analysis and Design
- Databases
- Networks
The Department may, however, set additional prerequisites for each applicant case by case.
Completion Criteria for Option II (Non-Thesis Option)
a) Completing 39 credit hours (IS Master's Degree Program courses)
b) Finishing a 3 credit-hour graduation project
Other Admission Criteria for Both Options
a) To fulfill KSU Master's Degree programs general rules and regulations.
b) To administer proficiency in the English language by scoring 450 points or above in the TOEFL or other similar tests.
Course Schedule
Option I (Thesis Option)
Students are expected to finish 24 credit hours course study according to the following schedule:
SEMESTER I
IS525 Object-Oriented System Development
IS533 Advanced Topics in Databases
BUS596 Decision Making Theory
SEMESTER II
IS555 Advanced Computer Networking
IS537 Artificial Intelligence and Knowledge-based Systems
BUS595 Information Systems Strategic Planning
SEMESTER III
IS511 Distributed Systems Management
IS591 Selected Topics in Information Systems
IS600 Thesis
Option II (Non-thesis Option)
Students are expected to finish 39 credit-hour course study and a 3 credit-hour project in four semesters with the following schedule:
SEMESTER I (9 credit hours)
IS525 Object-Oriented System Development
IS533 Advanced Topics in Databases
IS561 Operations Research / Quantitative Methods in Business
SEMESTER II (9 credit hours)
IS540 Software Project Management and Quality Assurance
IS550 Information and Requirements Engineering
IS562 Modeling and Simulation in Decision-making
SEMESTER III (12 credit hours)
IS511 Distributed Systems Management
IS531 Document Storage and Retrieval Systems
IS537 Artificial Intelligence and Knowledge-based Systems
IS598 Research Seminar
SEMESTER IV (12 credit hours)
IS555 Advanced Computer Networking
BUS592 Business Process Reengineering and Restructuring
IS591 Selected Topics in Information Systems
IS599 Project