2024-2025 Graduate Course Catalog 
    
    Nov 24, 2024  
2024-2025 Graduate Course Catalog

Information Systems for Executives, MS


Contact:

Jeff Saltz
Program Director
(315)443-2911

Website:

https://ischool.syr.edu/academics/graduate/masters-degrees

Overview:

Information has a fundamental effect on the structure, process and success of all organizations. Those who can manage the tools of information acquisition, use, retention and transfer can enable their organizations to develop and leverage strategic advantages based upon information. Along with these advantages comes also the responsibility to set forth and manage policies for the use and protection of information resources at all levels across the enterprise.  The Master of Science in Information Systems for Executives is designed to prepare students who have significant IT work experience with management responsibilities to respond to four basic challenges confronting organizations today:

  • Increasing the effectiveness of managers and executives who work with information resources;
  • Designing and managing mission-critical information technologies within organizations;
  • Developing corporate and government policies to maximize the benefits resulting from the widespread use of these technologies; and
  • Leveraging information resources to achieve strategic advantage for business, government, and nonprofit organizations.

The iSchool at Syracuse University is a leading center for defining both the theory and the practice of information management. Like the school itself, the MSIS Executives program is interdisciplinary in focus, combining expertise in the strategic management of information resources, organizational psychology, human-computer interaction, information economics, information policy, e-business, information technology, as well as data management.

Professional Values and Competencies:

MSIS Executive graduates acquire skills in management and organizational change, solution analysis and design, communication and collaboration, business process improvement, and applied information technology. Our graduates learn to approach challenges with strategic vision, while ensuring that technology solutions integrate with enterprise goals.

Student Learning Outcomes


As an MSIS Executives student, you will graduate with a diverse set of skills that enables you to participate at all levels of information technology management. You will build the following foundational competencies:

  • Create information systems solutions for organizations and individuals
  • Apply principles of management strategy, economics, finance, and information systems to support how organizations add value 
  • Analyze implications of professional decisions from the viewpoint of fairness, accountability, transparency, and ecological sustainability
  • Explain how public policy and socio-economic forces influence professional decision-making
  • Design communications for various purposes and audiences
  • Demonstrate leadership and collaboration skills in professional practice

Admission Requirements


Requirements for admission to the M.S. Information Systems for Executives program begin with the same requirements for admission to the 36-credit M.S. Information Systems program:  https://ischool.syr.edu/admissions/checklists/information-management-checklist/  However, admission to the M.S. Information Systems for Executives program involves one additional requirement:  Students applying to the program will each have a formal evaluation of their experience approved by the Program Director.  A current resume and joining-leaving letters from employers are required and may be audited.  Students qualifying for admission must have a minimum of three years of full-time professional experience in the information technology field, and, in the opinion of the Program Director, must also have demonstrated leadership growth through a record of continuously increasing job responsibilities from technical to managerial. 

Required Core: 12 Credits


Students must complete IST614, IST621, and IST654. Students choose either IST687 OR IST659.

Prescribed Electives: 15 Credits


Students must select five (5) courses from the following list. Students may also petition up to two courses (6 credits) of graduate work, level 600 or higher, to count toward these electives.

Exit Requirement: 3 Credits


Students register for IST 755, the MSIS Capstone course, after the successful completion of IST 614 and at least 24 credits in the degree program.