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The George Washington University Master of Science in Information Systems Technology

MS-IST > EMIS > Curriculum

Executive Master of Science in Information Systems (EMIS) Curriculum

Curriculum
- 15-month, accelerated, cohort format
- Structured program
- Designed for working professionals
- Students carry a full-time course load over four academic semesters
- Classes alternate Friday or Saturday each week from 8:30 to 5:30
- Total 36 credit hours
- No transfer credits or advanced standing
Semester 1 - Fall
Semester 2 - Spring
Semester 3 - Summer
Semester 4 - Fall

Additional Information

CIO University certification available to all EMIS graduates with no additional coursework requirements
Classes held at the Virginia Campus, Ashburn
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Curriculum

Each class day usually encompasses two four-hour blocks of time in which two distinct courses are taught. As a convenience for students, breakfast and lunch are provided each class day. This setting provides additional opportunity for discussion with faculty, peers, and guest speakers.

The following table visually represents the EMIS semester schedule. The curriculum is designed to provide academic balance and efficiency. Consequently, the schedule does not always conform to the traditional academic semester model.

Fall	Spring		Summer	Fall
Fall	First Half	Second Half	Summer	Fall
ISTM 401 Individual and Group Decision Processes (3 credits)	ISTM 412 Managing the Information Systems Development Process (2 credits)	ISTM 290 Information Systems Project Mgt (3 credits)	ISTM 490 Web and Internet Technologies (2 credits)	ISTM 290 Seminar in Emerging Information Systems Technologies (3 credits)
ISTM 402 Quantitative Methods for Information Systems (3 credits)	ISTM 405 Database Systems (3 credits)	ISTM 406 Decision Support Systems and Methods (3 credits)	ISTM 404 Enterprise Networks (3 credits)	ISTM 410 Information Systems Security (2 credits)
ISTM 407 The MIS/Business Relationship (3 credits)			ISTM 408 Strategic Planning and Business Process Engineering (2 credits)	ISTM 411 (Capstone) Information Systems Design (4 credits)

Semester 1 - Fall

ISTM 401 - Individual and Group Decision Processes

Study of the individual and group processes in decision-making organizations. Topics include decision effectiveness, decision analysis techniques, risk analysis, and managerial style as related to decision making.

ISTM 402 - Quantitative Methods for Information Systems

Introductory study of quantitative techniques for problem solving. Statistical concepts including confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, correlation, and regression. Linear programming. Applications and case studies involving management information systems.

ISTM 407 - Introduction to the MIS Business Relationship

Introduction to MIS business solutions. Integration of MIS into the business and organizational environment. Case studies of various organizational structures and MIS needs and solutions. Economic analysis of MIS applications.

Semester 2 - Spring

ISTM 290 - Information Systems Project Management

Practical examination of how projects can be managed from start to finish, including specific emphasis on planning and controlling to avoid common pitfalls. Identifying needs, defining requirements, project costing, scheduling, resource allocation, and project politics.

ISTM 405 - Database Systems (Core Technical Course)

Application and implementation of database management systems in the corporate and organization information systems. Database organization, creation, maintenance, and management. Client-server technology. Review of contemporary database management systems.

ISTM 406 - Decision Support Systems and Methods

Computer-based decision-making aids and simulations. Issues in effective implementation of decision support systems. Review and analysis of various expert systems, including tools and generators, classification vs. diagnostic type systems, and building modules. Design of decision support and expert systems. Use of the Management Decision Center to investigate group dynamics in decision making. Methods of dealing with unstructured and under-specified problems from management and organizational perspectives. The role of the facilitator in group decision-making.

ISTM 412 - Managing the Information Systems Development Process (Core Technical Course)

Management decisions and activities during the life-cycle of an information system. Project estimation and planning for information systems. Contractual issues in system development and acquisition. Requirements analysis, systems analysis, development, testing, and maintenance. Rapid prototyping, spiral model development, and alternative development strategies.

Semester 3 - Summer

ISTM 404 - Enterprise Networks in Organizations (Core Technical Course)

The role of data communications and networking within organizations. LANs and interconnecting LANs to create enterprise networks. Emerging technologies such as video conferencing, multimedia, and ATM. The interaction between networks and MIS as typified by client server architectures is emphasized.

ISTM 408 - Strategic Planning and Business Process Engineering

Development and implementation of a long-range organizational strategy. Business process engineering and re-engineering. Technology assessment and technical management, use of critical success factors. Innovative uses of MIS in organizations.

ISTM 490 - Web and Internet Technologies

A broad introduction to technology and issues encountered when designing corporate websites. The entire program cycle, developing a compelling business case for instituting a website, concept development, and deployment is addressed. Web services and service oriented architectures.

Semester 4 - Fall

ISTM 290 - Seminar in Emerging Information System Technologies

This course addresses emerging technologies in the Information systems area. Cost, benefits, and risks encountered when employing emerging technologies. Disruptive technologies and their impact on organizations.

ISTM 410 - Information Systems Security

Network and MIS security issues. Risk assessment, technological and procedural security measures. Computer fraud and privacy issues. Hacker attacks, phone fraud, denial of service, and virus and worm attacks.

ISTM 411 - Information Systems Design

The capstone course focuses on the design and implementation of information systems. The cohort, broken into teams, takes a real-world problem through the full system development life cycle including systems analysis, design, project planning, economic analysis, test plan, and operational prototyping. Results of this course are often implemented as real world applications.

All courses and programs are approved through the regular University procedure authorized by the Board of Trustees of the University and the Charter granted by the Congress of the United States. The University reserves the right to withdraw any course announced and to make program modifications when necessary.