MS in Computer Information Systems (Blended)

The Master of Science (MS) in Computer Information Systems program is designed for students who wish to combine technical competence in information systems with knowledge of managerial and organizational issues.

Learning Outcomes

• Advanced knowledge in the analysis and documentation of requirements for architecture, design, and implementation of computer applications systems.
• Proficiency in software and computing skills as they pertain to the design and implementation of database systems, data communications, systems analysis, and design.
• Competence sufficient to identify current and emerging information technologies that may have strategic value for enterprise; assess where those technologies have value; and manage the implementation of those technologies in the enterprise.

Blended programs combine the best elements of classroom and online teaching. Please visit the MET Educational Research & Technology website for more information about the blended format.

The National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security designated the Department of Computer Science as a National Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) in Cyber Defense and Research.

The MS in Computer Information Systems concentration in IT Project Management has been accredited by the Project Management Institute Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Programs (GAC); the concentration in Health Informatics is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).

Admissions Information

For current admissions information, please visit the Metropolitan College website.

Prerequisites

Applicants to the program are required to have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and proficiency in the following areas:

• MET CS 200 Fundamentals of Information Technology

Degree Requirements

Students are required to complete the core curriculum courses and have the option to complete one or more concentration(s) or no concentration. Students who want to earn one or more concentration(s) must satisfy the stated requirements of each concentration they wish to pursue. Students who choose not to pursue a concentration will take MET CS 546 Quantitative Methods for Information Systems and four general electives to complete their degree.

Students are required to finish the core curriculum and either a four-course concentration or four general electives. The minimum passing grade for a course in the graduate program is C (2.0), but an average grade of B (3.0) must be maintained to be in good academic standing and to be eligible to graduate.

A total of 10 courses (40 credits) is required, as follows:

Core Curriculum

(five courses/20 credits)

• MET CS 520 Information Structures with Java 
  or MET CS 521 Information Structures with Python
• MET CS 625 Business Data Communication and Networks
• MET CS 669 Database Design and Implementation for Business
• MET CS 682 Information Systems Analysis and Design
• MET CS 782 IT Strategy and Management

Students who have completed courses on core curriculum subjects as part of their undergraduate degree program or have relevant work-related experience may request permission from the Department of Computer Science to replace the corresponding core courses with graduate-level computer information systems electives. Please refer to the MET CS Academic Policies Manual for further details.

Required Courses (one course/4 credits)

Students who are not pursuing a concentration must take MET CS 546 Quantitative Methods for Information Systems in addition to the core curriculum and general electives.

• MET CS 546 Introduction to Probability and Statistics

General Electives

(four courses/16 credits)

Students who are not choosing to complete a concentration must select four general electives (16 credits) from the list below, with at least three at the 600 level or above. When choosing electives, students should make sure that they have all prerequisites required by the selected course.

• MET CS 570 Biomedical Sciences and Health IT
• MET CS 580 Health Informatics
• MET CS 581 Electronic Health Records
• MET CS 601 Web Application Development
• MET CS 632 IT Project Management
• MET CS 633 Software Quality, Testing, and Security Management
• MET CS 634 Agile Software Development
• MET CS 674 Database Security
• MET CS 677 Data Science with Python
• MET CS 684 IT Security Policies and Procedures
• MET CS 690 Network Security
• MET CS 693 Digital Forensics and Investigations
• MET CS 694 Mobile Forensics and Security
• MET CS 695 Enterprise Cyber Security
• MET CS 699 Data Mining
• MET CS 703 Network Forensics
• MET CS 779 Advanced Database Management
• MET CS 781 Advanced Health Informatics
• MET CS 783 Enterprise Architecture

Master’s Thesis Option in Computer Information Systems (8 credits)

Students majoring in Computer Information Systems may elect a thesis option, to be completed within 12 months. This option is available to MS in Computer Information Systems candidates who have completed at least seven courses toward their degree and have a GPA of 3.7 or higher. Students are responsible for finding a thesis advisor and a principal reader within the department. The advisor must be a full-time faculty member; the principal reader may be part-time faculty with a PhD (unless waived by department).

• MET CS 810/811 Master’s Thesis in Computer Science

Concentrations

Declaration of More Than One Concentration

Students in the MS in Computer Information Systems (blended) program have the option to concentrate in more than one area for their MS program. Each concentration must be finished before the student officially graduates from his or her program. No additional concentrations may be added after graduation. In the case of some courses overlapping between one or more concentrations, only one course may count toward both concentrations. If more than one course overlaps, the student must take an elective in its place so that each concentration is completed.

Students may choose from the following concentrations:

Database Management & Business Intelligence

The Concentration in Database Management & Business Intelligence equips students with the tools necessary to utilize the vast amounts of information provided by large amounts of data. By focusing on the integration of information technology with business problems and opportunities, this concentration enables information systems professionals to understand technological issues in addition to business concepts and fundamentals.

Learning Outcomes

• Advanced knowledge in the analysis and documentation of requirements for architecture, design, and implementation of computer applications systems.
• Proficiency in software and computing skills as they pertain to the design and implementation of database systems, data communications, systems analysis, and design.
• Competence sufficient to identify current and emerging information technologies that may have strategic value for enterprise; assess where those technologies have value; and manage the implementation of those technologies in the enterprise.
• Advanced knowledge of database modeling and design, database implementation, distributed databases, object-oriented and object-relational databases, and databases for web applications, as well as typical data mining methods.
• Proficiency in the design, implementation, performance tuning of different types of databases, and in performing data mining tasks on various types of data.
• Competence sufficient to participate in the design and implementation of large, distributed database systems and business intelligence systems.

Health Informatics

The Concentration in Health Informatics exposes students to modern health information technology, including health data collection, processing, and storage. The primary focus of this program is on electronic medical data generated and stored in healthcare and public health organizations. Individuals graduating from this program will have a solid knowledge of health information technology and systems and electronic health records, and command of the latest medical technologies.

The MS in Computer Information Systems with a Health Informatics concentration is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). Completion of a CAHIIM-accredited program is required in order to be eligible to sit for AHIMA professional HIM Certification Exams.

Learning Outcomes

• Advanced knowledge in the analysis and documentation of requirements for architecture, design, and implementation of computer applications systems.
• Proficiency in software and computing skills as they pertain to the design and implementation of database systems, data communications, systems analysis, and design.
• Competence sufficient to identify current and emerging information technologies that may have strategic value for enterprise; assess where those technologies have value; and manage the implementation of those technologies in the enterprise.
• An understanding of the American healthcare system, medical terminology, basic human anatomy and physiology, disease processes, diagnostic modalities, and treatments associated with common disease processes.
• Advanced knowledge of the functionality, technical infrastructure, and best-practice deployment of healthcare IT, including medical algorithms, electronic health records, privacy and security, and regulations.
• Proficiency in managing, processing, and analyzing medical data.
• Competence sufficient to lead health IT initiatives, to conduct biomedical research, and to design, implement, and manage advanced solutions.

IT Project Management

The Concentration in IT Project Management is particularly valuable for those engaged in the administration of technical projects. Students are introduced to general concepts embodied in the Project Management Institute’s PMBOK®, while exploring specialized techniques for software risk management, software cost estimation, and software quality management. Students also learn virtual project management, enabling them to manage geographically distributed software development.

The MS in Computer Information Systems with an IT Project Management concentration is accredited by the Project Management Institute Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Programs (GAC). Students taking any course in this concentration are eligible to take a PMP® preparation course for free—an important step toward certification as a Project Management Professional.

Learning Outcomes

• Advanced knowledge in the analysis and documentation of requirements for architecture, design, and implementation of computer applications systems.
• Proficiency in software and computing skills as they pertain to the design and implementation of database systems, data communications, systems analysis, and design.
• Competence sufficient to identify current and emerging information technologies that may have strategic value for enterprise; assess where those technologies have value; and manage the implementation of those technologies in the enterprise.
• Advanced knowledge of the following project management process groups: Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring and Controlling, and Closing; knowledge of agile software development practices, and planning and governance of large projects and programs.
• Proficiency in all basic project management tools and software techniques, including software architecture, project communications, risk analysis, cost estimation and budgeting, and quality control; proficiency in planning and developing a comprehensive project plan and software development life cycle.
• Competence sufficient to oversee the architecture, design, and implementation of software systems.

Security

The Concentration in Security provides in-depth knowledge of emerging security threats and solutions to prepare technical leaders to identify, develop, and implement highly secure systems and networks that support organizational goals.

Learning Outcomes

• Advanced knowledge in the analysis and documentation of requirements for architecture, design, and implementation of computer applications systems.
• Proficiency in software and computing skills as they pertain to the design and implementation of database systems, data communications, systems analysis, and design.
• Competence sufficient to identify current and emerging information technologies that may have strategic value for enterprise; assess where those technologies have value; and manage the implementation of those technologies in the enterprise.
• Advanced knowledge of information security concepts, governance, biometric systems, and database systems security, as well as network security and cryptography.
• Proficiency in risk management, such as asset assessments, architectural solutions, modeling, and design.
• Competence in security policies, processes, technology, and operations.