MSIS Specializations

General >

It is not necessary to choose a specialization within the MSIS program. Many students like the flexibility encouraged by this general program of study – often, employers are looking for those with the broadest range of knowledge and experience. You can take a sampling of courses from each of the curricular areas: cognitive, networks and security, database and web, human-centered computing, or security.

Cognitive Systems >

The cognitive-systems area addresses topics that are systems-oriented and are based on an understanding of human cognition. You will learn about many of the important topics that lie on the intersections at technology and human cognition and behavior.

Human-Centered Computing >

Human centered computing (HCC) is concerned with the development and management of systems in which the central focus is the user. The systems should be: aware of the user, easy to use, ubiquitous, and intelligent. In the final analysis human centered systems improve workplace satisfaction, capitalize on information in the environment, and act on behalf of the user. Current research in HCC focuses on the building of adaptive interfaces, navigation through information spaces, social computing, and the use of virtual environments in information science. Within this specialization, you will take courses to help you to understand humans and model their preferences, interests, and knowledge; analyze explicitly and implicitly generated data; and design systems with natural and intuitive interfaces.

Database and Web Systems >

This specialization will expose students to the fundamental concepts of distributed systems and provide the necessary knowledge and skills to design and develop network-based information systems with a focus on e-business emphasizing systems and technology. This track will provide the system-oriented theory as well as knowledge and skills required for e-business, e-government and other integrated collaboration systems.

Information Security >

Providing security and assurance to information systems has emerged as one of the most daunting technological and social challenges of recent times. Major corporations and private industry are expending a great deal of resources to develop cybersecurity technology to secure their information systems. The iSchool is pleased to meet the expected demand for professionals trained in protect information systems by offering the SAIS specialization. This track will provide a unique education in the development, design, and deployment of secure information systems with an emphasis on networked information systems. It will produce information technology professionals with the ability to meet special security challenges (e.g., intrusion detection) posed by conventional and emerging network information systems.

Geoinformatics >

The goal of the Geoinformatics specialization is to provide students in the MSIS degree program with both the breadth and depth of knowledge in geoinformatics required for solving real-world problems. Students will gain the unique knowledge and skills necessary to facilitate the design, development and deployment of complex systems and applications in a rapidly emerging geoinformatics profession. Graduates of the Geoinformatics specialization will be able to deploy and manage geoinformation systems in industry, conduct research in geotechnologies, and pursue PhD research in geoinformatics.

Telecommunications and Distributed Systems >

The TDS specialization includes coursework in networking protocols, client-server systems, distributed database management systems, and Web services. MSIS students who choose this specialization will learn how to deploy, design, manage, and protect distributed applications in networked systems.