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The MSIS program course work is developed on the assumption that students will be sufficiently prepared to enter the 8000-level courses. For those students who do not have sufficient preparatory knowledge, several alternatives exist:

  • The applicant may take undergraduate courses in the fundamental technologies and functional areas of information systems, either at KSU or another college or university (with pre-approval of the Program Director).
  • The applicant may take non-credit training courses to meet this requirement. The course may be online or in-class. The student should receive pre-approval from the Program Director before taking any non-credit preparatory courses.
  • The student may take courses through Continuing Education (if available). The student should receive pre-approval from the Program Director before taking any preparatory courses through Continuing Education.
  • The student may submit a portfolio of work for evaluation for exempting one or more preparatory courses.
What are the Preparatory Knowledge Areas?
  • Basic knowledge of computer information systems, including proficiency in the use of common PC-based software environments, or IS 2101 .
    Topics include: Components of an information system: data, hardware, software, people, procedures and networks. Skills include PC hardware and peripherals, Windows OS, browser, FTP, spreadsheet, database, word processing and familiarity with the WWW. Knowledge of IS careers and trends.
  • Quantitative skills including algebra, calculus, and statistics, or STAT 3010.
    Topics include: Algebraic expressions, operations, functions, mean, median, mode, standard deviation, survey and sampling techniques, linear regression, and presentation of quantitative data.
  • Modern programming skills, or IS 3020.
    Topics include: Design, code, compile, and debug object-oriented programs. Language may be C++, Java, or Ada . Concepts include software engineering methods, data types, control structures, functions, parameter passing, arrays, classes and objects.
  • Familiarity with systems analysis and design methodologies, including object-oriented, or IS 2060.
    Topics include: the role of the IS analyst, Systems Development Life Cycle, feasibility analysis O-O modeling techniques, data-flow diagrams, prototyping, reporting system development activities UML and project management.
  • Experience using relational or object-based database management systems, or IS 2080.
    Topics include: enterprise modeling, E-R modeling, relational algebra, requirements determination, normalization of tables, data anomalies, SQL and QBE, report generation, and implementation of a database system. Platforms may include Oracle, Access, or Informix.