Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS) handbook
Updated August 2022
Table of contents
Related links
1. Program description 2. Degree, prerequisites and admission requirements 3. Transfer credits 4. Timeline for degree completion 5. Committee selection 6. Comprehensive exams 7. Thesis requirements 8. Graduate assistantships 9. Health insurance 10. Leave of absence 11. Graduate Student Association 12. Graduate student forms 13. Graduate student academic policies1. Program description
Change or enhance your career trajectory through the Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS) degree program! The STEM-designated MSIS can help you learn new skills and knowledge expanding your career opportunities.
Information technology is the enabling and driving force helping transform every industry and governmental organization. Organizations offer a premium to those people who can apply advanced technologies to solving real-world business problems and opportunities. The MSIS program helps you develop the technical, systems and organizational skills and knowledge to create and implement solutions for organizations. Rather than focusing exclusively on technology, this degree program helps you navigate the implementation and use of technology to support people in organizations. As part of the AACSB-accredited College of Business at the University of Nevada, Reno, you will learn from faculty who understand management, organizations and computer technology.
There are two distinct emphases within the MSIS degree program: An emphasis in data analytics focusing on using technology to support data-informed decision making in organizations (data analytics emphasis) and an emphasis in the management of information systems helping you increase your knowledge of management and your technical skills (IS management track). While both emphases highlight the intersection of organizational decision-making, technology and communication, the learning goals and potential career directions differ for the two and are described below.
Data Analytics Emphasis
Organizations collect huge amounts of data every day sometimes without knowing what to do with it all. Students graduating with an emphasis in data analytics understand how large data sets are stored, accessed, analyzed and presented to help answer significant questions of interest to society. This emphasis combines knowledge and skills of data management, data analysis, security and information visualization so that you can use data effectively to inform decision-making. Graduates are prepared to integrate this knowledge and use their personal curiosity, new skills and interests to help organizations make effective use of data. Possible career directions include data analyst, business analyst, data scientist or systems analyst.
This emphasis is suitable for students with a business, computer science, engineering or science undergraduate degree who want to pursue a career in data analytics. This emphasis is especially suitable for students who have just completed an undergraduate degree and are seeking a degree that will help them obtain employment. This emphasis is also appropriate if you want to change your existing career into the area of data science and data-informed decision-making.
The learning outcomes for the Data Analytics emphasis are:
- Students will be able to use quantitative evaluation techniques with large datasets to analyze organizational questions.
- Students will be able to formulate research questions that are capable of being addressed with analytical methods.
- Students will be able to communicate effectively in written and oral formats.
- Students will be able to identify and analyze the security risks involved with collecting, storing and using data for analytical decision making.
- Students will be able to work with people from diverse backgrounds to implement data supported decision-making in organizations.
IS Management Emphasis
Students pursuing the IS Management emphasis will graduate with technology, management and communication skills in order to understand, explain, implement and manage information technologies in organizational settings. IS Management emphasizes the effective and efficient use of information technology to support an organization’s strategic goals. This emphasis is suitable for students with a business, computer science, engineering or science undergraduate degree who want to learn about the applications and management of information technology. Students with undergraduate degrees in other areas who have professional experience in information technology are also excellent candidates for this emphasis.
This emphasis is best suited for those students who have professional work experience in information technology and want to broaden their understanding of the field and the applications of technology. The IS Management emphasis differs from an MBA in that it focuses on providing additional technical training for you. Technical courses such as database design and implementation are part of the requirements for the emphasis in IS Management.
The learning outcomes for the IS Management emphasis are:
- Students will be able to manage the full development life cycle for information systems (IS) projects.
- Students will be able to manage the strategic alignment of the IS organization with corporate strategy and objectives.
- Students will be able to manage the resources required to sustain the technical infrastructure of an organization including data, personnel, security, and the technical environment.
- Students will be able to communicate effectively in written and oral formats.
- Students will be able to work with people from diverse backgrounds to transform organizations using digital technology.
- Students will be able to describe and analyze the security risks for the digital platform of an organization.
The remaining sections of this handout discuss additional aspects of the MSIS. If you have more questions after reading those sections, contact either the Graduate Program Director or the Department Chair of Information Systems.
Dr. Dana Edberg
MSIS Graduate Program Director
AB 314D
(775) 784-6179
dte@unr.edu
Dr. Amir Talaei-Khoei
Department Chair, Information Systems
AB 314F
(775) 682-7145
atalaeikhoei@unr.edu
Note: This handbook lists graduate program academic policies and procedures. It includes information on graduate school policies, degree requirements, timeline for degree completion, committee selection guidelines and comprehensive exam/thesis requirements. Every effort has been made to make this handbook accurate as of the date of publication; however, this handbook does not constitute a contractual commitment. Graduate programs may not offer all of the courses as described, and policies are subject to yearly review and changes with program director and Graduate Council approval.
2. Degree, prerequisites and admission requirements
The MSIS degree is intended to be a professional program helping students launch or enhance a career in information systems. Neither emphasis in the degree requires a comprehensive examination, professional project, examining committee or master’s thesis.
Students can be admitted to the MSIS with a variety of different undergraduate degrees. The emphases in Data Analytics and IS Management can both be completed in a minimum of 30 credits, or 10 semester courses, depending on your level of preparation before starting the degree program.
Both emphases require as preparation a basic background in the vocabulary and use of technology-based information systems. This background includes identifying hardware, software and networking options for individuals and organizations, as well as the use of computer applications such as Microsoft Office. This background could be satisfied through classes such as IS 101, IS 201, and IS 301.
For the emphasis in Data Analytics, additional preparation in the course catalog is referred to as the “Common Body of Knowledge.” For the emphasis in IS Management, this knowledge is referred to in the course catalog as “Undergraduate Prerequisites.” The same three areas of preparation are required by both emphases. These areas are:
- Basic knowledge of statistics. This includes descriptive statistics, probability distributions, sampling, hypothesis testing and an introduction to correlation and regression.
- Knowledge of information technology in organizations. This includes understanding the fundamental hardware/software of a computer, identifying and describing the different types of information systems in organizations (examples: ERP, CRM, DSS, BI), defining the strategic use of technology to support an organization, and using desktop software such as word processing, spreadsheets, presentation and familiarity with social media and group support tools.
- Knowledge of project management. This includes identifying and describing the different types of systems development life cycles, describing the process of managing a project, differentiating between traditional and agile project management processes and using tools such as Gantt charts, Kanban boards and use cases.
You can be admitted to the MSIS without having completed all three areas of preparation. It is possible to gain the preparation while in the MSIS program, but it will require additional credits beyond the minimum of 30 credits required to complete the degree. For example, let’s say that you majored in math or psychology for your undergraduate degree and have taken classes in statistics. You would be prepared to take some of the required classes in the MSIS right away (i.e. IS 682, BUS 706). But you may not have knowledge of information technology in organizations or project management. While you are taking non-waivable, required MSIS classes (i.e. IS 682 and BUS 706), you would also have to take classes in information technology in organizations and project management.
Data Analytics Emphasis degree requirements
The Data Analytics emphasis consists of four major components:
- Data Analytics Common Body of Knowledge (depends on student preparation as discussed in the prior section)
- Information systems core (4 courses, 12 credits)
- Analytics core (3 courses, 9 credits)
- Electives (3 courses, 9 credits)
The Data Analytics Common Body of Knowledge is discussed in the previous section. Below, three courses are listed that could fulfill those requirements. Any of the three areas of knowledge/skills in the Common Body of Knowledge can be waived depending on your preparation prior to joining the degree program.
A course waiver means that a student is excused from taking a specific class due to prior education/coursework. Course waivers do not reduce the number of credits that a student must take to complete the MSIS degree, which remains at a minimum of 30 credits. Classes in the Common Body of Knowledge may be waived with the permission of the Graduate Director of the MSIS program or his/her designees. Applications for a Common Body of Knowledge course waiver must be completed during a student’s first-year in the program. Please contact the Graduate Director for the process of waiving Common Body of Knowledge courses.
The IS Core, Analytics Core and Electives courses are described in more detail in the next section below. Students must complete a total of at least 12 credits (4 classes) at the 700-level. The classes in the IS Core, Analytics Core and Electives are non-waivable courses in the curriculum.
Students cannot receive credit by examination for any of the non-waivable courses in the curriculum, nor can they replace any of the non-waivable courses with work experience. Work experience or internship cannot be used as a substitute for any non-waivable courses. A non-waivable course can be substituted with another course if a student has prior experience or knowledge in that course and wishes to expand that knowledge by taking a more advanced course.
Sometimes a non-waivable course must be substituted with another course. If you graduated from the University of Nevada with a course at the 400-level, then you cannot take that same course at the 600-level. For example, if you took IS 475 (Database Design and Implementation) then you cannot take IS 675 and receive credit for the course. In that situation, the Graduate Director will help you find a substitute course for that non-waivable course.
Data Analytics Emphasis sample courses
- Knowledge of introductory statistics (example class BADM 700)
- Knowledge of information technology in organizations (example class BADM 750)
- Knowledge of project management (example class IS 645)
- IS 615 Data Transformation & Integration with Python
- IS 670 Security, Controls & Information Assurance
- IS 675 Database Design and Implementation
- IS 788 Digital Transformation
The purpose of the information systems core is to develop technical, analytical and managerial skills as well as to learn core conceptual knowledge about the application of those skills. Each course includes the hands-on use of technology as well as conceptual knowledge about the specific technical area. The Information Systems Core courses do not have to be completed prior to taking Analytics courses or Elective courses. Students must have completed the Common Body of Knowledge of information technology before taking IS 670, IS 675 or IS 788.
The courses below do not have to be taken in any particular order – one is not a prerequisite for another. The courses that compose the information systems core are:
- IS 615 Data Transformation and Integration with Python: This course explores how data can be transformed for use in data analytics through the Python programming language. The course highlights how to access data from a variety of publicly available repositories and uses Python to transform that data into data sets that are capable of being used to support decision-making in organizations.
- IS 670 Computer Security, Controls, and Information Assurance: The legal, financial and operational tasks managers must accomplish in order to protect computer hardware, software and operations from accidental or international harm.
- IS 675 Database Design and Implementation: All issues related to the design and implementation of relational database systems; emphasizes entity-relationship modeling, normalization and SQL programming with a relational database.
- IS 788 Digital Transformation: Digital transformation is the integration of technology into all areas of an organization eventually changing how the organization operates and delivers value. This course helps students develop the knowledge and skills required to identify, guide and perform a digital transformation effort in an organization.
- IS 682 Applied Data Science
- BUS 706 Data Analysis in Management I (or ECON 641**)
- BUS 707 Data Analysis in Management II (or ECON 741)
**If ECON 641 is taken, then 6 credits of electives must be taken at the 700-level
Students will enhance their skills in research design, statistical methods and modeling by taking courses in the Analytics Core. The Analytics Core assumes that students have prior knowledge of statistics, as indicated within the Common Body of Knowledge section. Students who have not yet completed the Common Body of Knowledge of statistics cannot take classes in the Analytics Core. Students cannot take the class in the Common Body of Knowledge of statistics concurrently with any of the courses below.
- IS 682 Applied Data Science: An introduction to the most commonly used techniques in data analysis, statistical learning and machine learning. This is an applied data analytics course focusing on the theories and algorithms behind each technique from an application point of view.
- BUS 706 Data Analysis in Management I or ECON 641 Introduction to Econometrics: Introduction to statistical and data analysis procedures with an emphasis on probability, hypothesis testing, analysis of variance and non-parametric techniques (BUS 706).
Application of statistical techniques for the purpose of testing and explaining economic relationships; integration of economic theory with observed economic phenomena. Useful for economic and business forecasting (ECON 641). - BUS 707 Data Analysis in Management II or ECON 741 Applied Econometrics: Introduction to statistical and data analysis procedures with an emphasis on linear and non-regression techniques (BUS 707).
Applying statistical techniques in the estimation and testing of economic theory. Topics include simple and multiple regression, panel data, time series techniques and forecasting (ECON 741).
If you take BUS 706, then you should take BUS 707 as the next course in the Analytics Core. If you take ECON 641, then you should take ECON 741 as the next course in the Analytics Core. You cannot take BUS 706 and BUS 707 concurrently; nor can you take ECON 641 and ECON 741 concurrently.
- BADM 720 Management and Organizational Science
- BADM 728 Managing Organizations in a Global Economy
- IS 685 Seminar in Information Systems
- IS 695 IS Development and Management
- IS 789 IT Strategy and Policy
- IS 798 Professional Project
- CS 622 Introduction to Machine Learning
- CS 631 Introduction to Big Data
- CS 636 Big Data Systems
- CS 642 Cloud Computing
- CHS 753 Health Informatics
***At least 3 credits of electives must be taken at the 700-level. This list of classes are only examples – there are other courses that can be used for electives in the program. Consult with the MSIS Graduate Director for additional information about possible elective courses.
The list above shows a broad set of classes from which you can choose for your elective courses, but the list is not exhaustive – you have the option to select other courses. The purpose of the elective courses is to develop in more depth an area of expertise. For example, you might want greater knowledge of analytics in marketing or FinTech and want to take courses in those areas. Those courses are not listed in the sample above but could be electives in the MSIS. Students are encouraged to view available courses at the graduate level and select those courses that will help develop their desired area of expertise. All elective courses must be approved by the Graduate Director as part of a student’s program of study.
IS Management Emphasis degree requirements
The Undergraduate Prerequisites for the emphasis in IS Management includes: Basic knowledge of statistics (example classes: ECON 261/262 or BADM 700); a background in information systems and computing applications (example classes: IS101, IS201, and IS 301 or BADM 750); and knowledge of project management (example class: IS445/645). Please refer to the beginning of section 2 for an explanation of the content of these prerequisites.
The IS Management emphasis consists of three components:
- The information systems core (5 courses, 15 credits)
- Electives (4 courses, 12 credits)
- Policy and Strategy Course (1 course, 3 credits)
Below is an overview of the courses required for the emphasis in IS Management.
IS Management emphasis sample courses
- IS 670 Security, Controls & Information Assurance
- IS 675 Database Design and Implementation
- IS 682 Applied Data Science
- IS 695 IS Development and Management
- IS 788 Digital Transformation
The purpose of the information systems core is to develop technical, analytical and managerial skills as well as to learn core conceptual knowledge about the application of those skills. Many of the courses include the hands-on use of technology as well as conceptual knowledge about the specific technical area. The courses that compose the information systems core are:
- IS 670 Computer Security, Controls, and Information Assurance: The legal, financial and operational tasks managers must accomplish in order to protect computer hardware, software, and operations from accidental or international harm.
- IS 675 Database Design and Implementation: All issues related to the design and implementation of relational database systems; emphasizes entity-relationship modeling, normalization and SQL programming with a relational database. Students should complete IS 675 before taking IS 695.
- IS 682 Applied Data Science: An introduction to the most commonly used techniques in data analysis, statistical learning and machine learning. This is an applied data analytics course focusing on the theories and algorithms behind each technique from an application point of view.
- IS 695 IS Development and Management: The analysis, design, prototyping and documentation of a major information system. Emphasizes contrasting the academic recommendations to real-life issues that can occur during the implementation of an information system.
- IS 788 Digital Transformation: Digital transformation is the integration of technology into all areas of an organization eventually changing how the organization operates and delivers value. This course helps students develop the knowledge and skills required to identify, guide and perform a digital transformation effort in an organization. Students should complete IS 788 before taking IS 789.
Students must have completed the Undergraduate Prerequisite of statistics before taking IS 682. Students must have completed the Undergraduate Prerequisite of project management before taking IS 695. Students must have completed the Undergraduate Prerequisite of information systems and computing applications before taking IS 670, IS 675, IS 788, or IS 789.
- BADM 710 Financial Accounting
- BADM 711 Managerial Accounting
- BADM 720 Management and Organizational Science
- BADM 729 Seminar in Management
- BADM 730 Economics of the Firm
- BADM 740 Financial and Monetary Economics
- IS 615 Data Transformation and Integration with Python
- IS 677 Data Communications and Networking
- IS 685 Seminar in Information Systems
- CS 701 Introduction to Interdisciplinary Cybersecurity
- CS 702 Cybersecurity Law and Ethics
** At least 6 credits of electives must be taken at the 700-level
The list above shows a broad set of classes from which you can choose for your elective courses, but the list is not exhaustive – you have the option to select other courses. The purpose of the elective courses is to develop in more depth an area of expertise. For example, you might want greater knowledge of general management, so we would recommend taking classes in the MBA curriculum (BADM courses). It is also possible that you might want greater technical expertise, so then we recommend that you take IS and/or CS courses. At least 6 credits of electives must be taken at the 700-level. Students are encouraged to view available courses at the graduate level and select those courses that will help develop their desired area of expertise. All elective courses must be approved by the Graduate Director as part of a student’s program of study.
- IS 789 Information Technology Strategy & Policy or
- BADM 781 Strategic Mgmt for Executives
The purpose of the Policy and Strategy Course is to integrate topics from both the IS Core and the Electives to enhance your knowledge of the strategic use of information systems in organizations. This class is recommended to be completed at the end of your degree program. There are two classes that could fulfill this requirement:
- IS 789 Technology Strategy and Policy: Strategic techniques for aligning competitive strategies and information technology to achieve organizational goals. The development, implementation and management of technology-oriented policies and plans.
This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge for a C-level position within the field of information systems. - BADM 781 Strategic Mgmt for Exec: Strategy and policy in the business enterprise. Strategic management process and systematic analysis of complex organization-wide issues faced by general management. Case studies, both national and international.
This course will help you develop a more general understand of strategy and policy for an organization as a whole. This course may require completion of business classes for your electives. If you plan to take this class for your Policy and Strategy course, contact the Graduate Director for advice about what classes will be most appropriate for your electives so that you will have the opportunity to succeed in this course.
MSIS admissions requirements
Students wishing to apply to the MSIS program must meet the admissions criteria for both the University of Nevada, Reno Graduate School and the Information Systems Department MSIS program. All applications are reviewed by the MSIS admissions committee, and only complete applications are considered. Applications approved by the committee are forwarded to the Graduate School for final disposition. The requirements described below are considered the minimum requirements.
Graduate School and Information Systems Department requirements:
- Grade Point Average of 2.75 on a scale of 4.0, or an average of 3.0 or higher for the courses taken during the last half of the undergraduate program.
- A baccalaureate (or an advanced) degree from an accredited four-year institution; any major is acceptable. Please refer to the section on the Common Body of Knowledge to understand whether your undergraduate degree includes the skills and knowledge considered as prerequisites to the program.
- All students are expected to be proficient using a computer for word processing, spreadsheets, introductory-level database processing and presentations.
- International student applicants must submit satisfactory scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) indicating an ability to speak, write and understand the English language. The minimum TOEFL score is 550 or 6.5 on the International English Language Test System (IELTS). For further information regarding international student admissions requirements, please visit the Graduate School’s Website. International students may be required to complete additional Intensive English courses during their first semester in the program.
Application materials
To apply, the following documents must be submitted via the online application system to the Graduate School at the University of Nevada, Reno:
- A completed application for Admission.
- A non-refundable application fee.
- An official transcript(s) from each college or university where work has been completed or is in progress.
- A current, detailed resume, including all undergraduate education and work experience.
- Personal statement expressing your career interest and indicating why you wish to obtain an MSIS. Please address the following questions in your personal statement:
- What is your undergraduate degree and why did you pursue that degree/major?
- Why do you want to earn a graduate degree?
- What do you want to learn while completing the MSIS degree?
- What do you plan to do after you finish the MSIS degree?
- At least two letters of reference.
Please see the Graduate School admissions website for more information and to apply for the program.
Application deadlines
Students may apply for admission into the MSIS program for either the fall or spring semesters. Applications are approved on a continuing basis, but students should file complete applications at least 3 months prior to the semester in which they wish to matriculate.
3. Transfer credits
Students may transfer graduate credits from accredited institutions to meet the degree requirements. Transfer credit can be requested on the Graduate Credit Transfer Evaluation Request form available on the Graduate School website, and must be signed by the student, major advisor, and graduate director. Transfer credits applied to a master’s program must comply with the time limitation on master’s work (6 years). Thus, if a student took a course five years prior to admission, they would have to complete the degree within one year for the course to apply to the degree.
Students can also apply credits from another graduate program at the University of Nevada, Reno towards the MSIS program. Credits completed at the University in another program or as a graduate special do not need to be transferred.
Per graduate school policy, the combined number of semester credits from another institution and from another graduate program cannot be more than 12 semester credits. The decision whether a course taken in a different program and/or at a different institution meets the MSIS program requirements is made on a case-by-case basis.
4. Timeline for degree completion
There are many deadlines that a graduate student must consider in order to complete the MSIS degree program. Please note the deadlines below for the following forms that must be submitted to the graduate school. There are no reminders about these deadlines that will be sent to you, so please be sure to note each.
- Program of Study form
- For master’s students, the completed form must be submitted to Graduate School by the end of the student’s third semester. The program of study must be accepted before a student can file a Notice of Completion
- Graduation Application deadlines
- Must be submitted to the graduate school several weeks in advance. Check website for exact dates
- Notice of completion – completed form should be submitted after all requirements have been met.
- Exit Survey
You can find an updated list of forms and requirements at the Graduate School forms webpage.
Sample timelines for completion of the degree program
The timeline for completion of the program depends on:
- the relative completion of the Common Body of Knowledge required for the degree,
- the emphasis chosen by the student, and
- whether the student is going to school part-time or full-time. Sample timelines below are divided by emphasis.
Sample Data Analytics Emphasis timelines
Both of the sample timelines below assume that a student is attending school full-time.
| Semester | Courses |
|---|---|
|
Fall (1) |
IS 675 Database Design and Implementation (3 credits) IS 682 Applied Data Science (3 credits) IS 788 Digital Transformation (3 credits) BUS 706 Data Analysis in Management I (3 credits) |
|
Spring (1) |
IS 615 Data Transformation and Integration with Python (3 credits) IS 670 Security, Controls & Information Assurance (3 credits) BUS 707 Data Analysis in Management II (3 credits) Elective 1 (3 credits) |
|
Fall (2) |
Elective 2 (3 credits) Elective 3 (3 credits) |
| Semester | Courses |
|---|---|
|
Fall (1) |
BADM 700 Statistics and Research Design (3 credits) IS 201 Computer Applications (3 credits) – this is an undergraduate course BADM 750 Information and Communications Technology in Organizations (3 credits) IS 645 Project Management (3 credits) |
|
Spring (1) |
IS 615 Data Transformation and Integration with Python (3 credits) IS 670 Security, Controls & Information Assurance (3 credits) IS 675 Database Design and Implementation (3 credits) Elective 1 (3 credits) |
|
Fall (2) |
IS 682 Applied Data Science (3 credits) IS788 Digital Transformation (3 credits) BUS 706 Data Analysis in Management I (3 credits) Elective 2 (3 credits) |
|
Spring (2) |
BUS 707 Data Analysis in Management II (3 credits) Elective 3 (3 credits) |
The sample timeline below is for a student who does not need to complete the Common Body of Knowledge, and is completing the program on a part-time basis.
| Semester | Courses |
|---|---|
|
Fall (1) |
IS 682 Applied Data Science (3 credits) IS 675 Database Design and Implementation (3 credits) |
|
Spring (1) |
IS 615 Data Transformation and Integration with Python (3 credits) Elective 1 (3 credits) |
|
Fall (2) |
IS 788 Digital Transformation (3 credits) BUS 706 Data Analysis in Management I (3 credits) |
|
Spring (2) |
BUS 707 Data Analysis in Management II (3 credits) IS 670 Security, Controls & Information Assurance (3 credits) |
|
Fall (3) |
Elective 2 (3 credits) Elective 3 (3 credits) |
Sample IS Management Emphasis timelines
The next two sample timelines below assume that a student has completed all Common Body of Knowledge required for the program and is starting class in the fall semester.
| Semester | Courses |
|---|---|
|
Fall (1) |
IS 675 Database Design and Implementation (3 credits) IS 682 Applied Data Science (3 credits) IS 788 Digital Transformation (3 credits) Elective 1 (3 credits) |
|
Spring (1) |
IS 670 Security, Controls & Information Assurance (3 credits) IS 695 IS Development and Management (3 credits) Elective 2 (3 credits) Elective 3 (3 credits) |
|
Fall (2) |
IS 789 Technology Strategy and Policy (3 credits) Elective 4 (3 credits) |
| Semester | Courses |
|---|---|
|
Fall (1) |
IS 682 Applied Data Science (3 credits) IS 675 Database Design and Implementation (3 credits) |
|
Spring (1) |
IS 670 Security, Controls & Information Assurance (3 credits) IS 695 IS Development and Management (3 credits) |
|
Fall (2) |
IS 788 Digital Transformation (3 credits) Elective 1 (3 credits) |
|
Spring (2) |
Elective 2 (3 credits) Elective 3 (3 credits) |
|
Fall (3) |
IS 789 Technology Strategy and Policy (3 credits) Elective 4 (3 credits) |
The following two sample timelines below assume that a student has not completed the statistics or project management Common Body of Knowledge required for the program and is starting classes in the fall semester. It would be very unusual for a student pursuing the IS Management Emphasis to not have the information technology Common Body of Knowledge.
| Semester | Courses |
|---|---|
|
Fall (1) |
IS 675 Database Design and Implementation (3 credits) IS 788 Digital Transformation (3 credits) BADM 700 Statistics and Research Design (3 credits) IS 645 Project Management (3 credits) |
|
Spring (1) |
IS 670 Security, Controls & Information Assurance (3 credits) IS 695 IS Development and Management (3 credits) Elective 1 (3 credits) Elective 2 (3 credits) |
|
Fall (2) |
IS 682 Applied Data Science (3 credits) IS 789 Technology Strategy and Policy (3 credits) Elective 3 (3 credits) Elective 4 (3 credits) |
| Semester | Courses |
|---|---|
|
Fall (1) |
IS 645 Project Management (3 credits) IS 675 Database Design and Implementation (3 credits) |
|
Spring (1) |
BADM 700 Statistics and Research Design (3 credits) IS 695 IS Development and Management (3 credits) |
|
Fall (2) |
IS 682 Applied Data Science (3 credits) IS 788 Digital Transformation (3 credits) |
|
Spring (2) |
IS 670 Security, Controls & Information Assurance (3 credits) Elective 1 (3 credits) |
|
Fall (3) |
IS 789 Technology Strategy and Policy (3 credits) Elective 2 (3 credits) |
|
Spring (3) |
Elective 3 (3 credits) Elective 4 (3 credits) |
5. Committee selection guidelines
Students do not need a committee for completion of the MSIS degree.
6. Comprehensive exams
No comprehensive exam is required for the MSIS program.
7. Thesis requirements
A thesis is not required for the MSIS program.
8. Graduate assistantships
The Information Systems department employs a few graduate assistants to support faculty and staff with teaching and research tasks. The positions are highly competitive and we are seeking graduate assistants with technical skills in information technology and good communication (speaking and writing) skills. The IS department does not differentiate between teaching assistants and research assistants – all assistantships are graduate assistantships (GA’s).
A graduate assistant (GA) helps faculty with their teaching, research and service responsibilities. Helping with teaching includes tasks such as tutoring undergraduate students in topics (examples: programming, web development, database design and MS Office software), grading papers, answering emails and helping prepare assignments. Helping with research means tasks such as conducting literature reviews, analyzing data using statistical methods, programming, helping write emails to research participants or summarizing literature. Helping with service means tasks such as researching other programs, writing administrative emails or editing reports. You will most likely be assigned to more than one faculty member as a graduate assistant.
You must have applied to and been accepted in the MSIS program before applying for a graduate assistantship. Being accepted into the MSIS program does not guarantee the availability of a graduate assistantship. To apply for a graduate assistantship, send an email to the IS Department Chair and cc the Graduate Director with a current resume as an attachment. In the email, describe your preparation for the tasks of a graduate assistant (described above). Hiring decisions will be made by the IS Department Chair after discussions with faculty in the IS Department. All questions regarding hiring as a GA should be directed to the IS Department Chair.
All graduate students holding an assistantship are considered Nevada residents for tuition purposes. Non-resident tuition is only waived for the duration of the assistantship. To be eligible for an assistantship, students must be admitted to a degree-granting program and be in good academic standing. The student must have an overall GPA of at least 3.0 and must be continuously enrolled in at least 6 graduate level credits (600-700) throughout the duration of the assistantship.
State-funded assistantships (GTA/GRA) may be held for a maximum of: three (3) years for master’s degree students and five (5) years for doctoral degree students.
The most updated general information on graduate assistantships is available from the Graduate School: General information and the Graduate Assistantship handbook.
9. Health insurance
All domestic degree seeking graduate students, who are enrolled in six or more credits (regardless of the course level) in a semester, will be automatically enrolled and billed for the University sponsored health insurance for each term they are eligible (fall & spring/summer). If a student has other comparable coverage and would like to waive out of the student health insurance, it is the student’s responsibility to complete the University online waiver form prior to the deadline. If approved, a health insurance waiver is good for the current academic year only. A new waiver must be submitted each academic year. All international graduate students are required to carry student health insurance, and the cost will be automatically added to your student account. Any international graduate students with insurance questions must contact the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) directly.
10. Leave of absence
Continuous Enrollment: To maintain “good standing” all graduate students are required to enroll in a minimum of three (3) graduate credits each fall and spring semester until they graduate. International students may be required to enroll in nine graduate credits each fall and spring semester depending on the requirements of their visa. All students holding assistantships (whether teaching or research assistantships) are required to enroll in a minimum of six (6) graduate credits each semester they hold the assistantship.
Leave of Absence: Students in good standing may request a leave of absence by completing a Leave of Absence form during which time they are not required to maintain continuous registration. Usually, a leave of absence is approved for one or two semesters. The leave of absence request may be extended by the student filing an additional leave of absence form. Students applying for a leave of absence should not have any “incomplete” grades which could be changed to “F” and have a detrimental impact on their cumulative GPA. Requests for leave of absences must be received by the Graduate School no later than the last day of enrollment for the semester the leave is to begin.
Reinstatement: When a student has been absent for one semester or more without an approved leave of absence, he or she may request reinstatement via the Reinstatement form . This form allows the program the option to recommend the student be re-admitted to their graduate program based on their previous admission OR require the student to re-apply for admission which would require students to submit a new application for admission and pay the application fee. The Notice of Reinstatement to Gradate Standing must be received by the Graduate School no later than the last day of enrollment for the semester the reinstatement is to begin.
11. Graduate Student Association
The Graduate Student Association (GSA) represents all graduate students and promotes the welfare and interests of the graduate students at the University of Nevada, Reno. The GSA works closely with appropriate university administrative offices, including the Graduate School and Student Services and reports to the President of the University. The GSA government functions through the Council of Representatives, Executive Council and established committees.
12. Graduate School forms
Please visit the Graduate School forms webpage for all forms available at The Graduate School.
13. Graduate School academic policies
Please refer to the Graduate School academic standing information to learn more about maintaining good academic standing as a graduate student and also academic dismissal policies.