Accelerated MSM-Information Systems

The Program:

The successful collaboration between the various stakeholders in global software teams is now a necessity. Project management has assumed a key role in determining the success of information technology-based initiatives in this complex and dynamic environment. Most entry to medium level IT positions increasingly require some level of project management skills.    

The fast track proposal is designed for students in undergraduate information systems or related programs who are interested in pursuing graduate work with a project management emphasis. The goal of the program is to prepare students for eventual positions in strategic IT leadership.

Who Should Apply?

The MSM - Fast Track Information Systems option has been designed for students in undergraduate information systems or related programs such as Computer Science who are interested in pursuing graduate work with a project management emphasis. Additional requirements for students wishing to pursue this option include:

• Undergraduate degree in Information Systems (from AACSB accredited institution) or related fields with a Pre-MBA minor
• Undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 with successful course completion in programming, database, and networking (B or better)
• Documented completion of an IS related internship (or other IS work experience) with a letter summarizing project and work scope from supervisor
• Letters of reference from undergraduate program director or faculty
• Undergraduate students who wish to count 6200:554 and 6500:520 toward their graduate degree may take these classes during their senior year and must receive a grade of B or better. These classes must be taken exclusive of students requirements toward the baccalaureate degree.
• Undergraduate degree must be completed at the most two years prior to planned date of program entry

When should students apply?

Undergraduate students who wish to be considered for the Fast track MSM should contact graduate school or Dr. Ravi Krovi at krovi@uakron.edu toward the end of their Junior year. More information about the program may be obtained at Information Systems.

Admission Requirements

You need to have a completed application to be considered for admission. That means that you have to have a GMAT score (at least 500), a TOEFL score if you are an international student, hold an undergraduate degree, have your statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, resume, transcripts (at least a 2.75 GPA) and all the other material in to us so that our graduate admissions committee can evaluate your application.

Akron Advantage

For five consecutive years, the Princeton Review has rated the College of Business Administration at The University of Akron as one of the best business schools in the nation. Regardless of the field you choose, at Akron you have the opportunity to learn from business faculty with a deep involvement in business and who are dedicated to sharing their knowledge with you.

In recent studies by AACSB International, The University of Akron CBA was rated at the top in its Carnegie Class in terms of faculty accessibility and willingness to help our students. This is an attribute that we hold in high regard and one that we are proud to offer to our students.

Current students and alums of our graduate programs attest to our strengths and our dedication to meeting the needs of our students by providing an excellent education and solid support service to help students succeed. We believe in fitting the product to the consumer, not the consumer to the product.

All the graduate business programs can be pursued on a full or part time basis and course loads can vary each semester. A student pursuing an accounting degree may wish to take a heavier load in the summer and fall and less of a load in the busy season of spring. Others may wish to take summers off or accelerate their studies to accommodate their future plans.

Your degree, your way. That is clearly an advantage of Akron.

Additional Information

Program Requirements:

Students in the MSM Fast track program will complete 30 credits of graduate coursework to fulfill the requirements for the master’s degree. To ensure that there is no duplication from the undergraduate programs, the graduate coursework has been carefully selected to give them marketable skills. The fast track program is comprised of required classes in management, information systems and elective choices. As part of a practicum requirement, students will have to complete a Study Abroad program or an internship. Students who are in the program will be considered for funding opportunities such as graduate assistantships and scholarships.

Management Core Courses (9 credits)
6500:640 Information Systems and IT Governance 3
6500:663 Data Analysis for Managers 3
6500:675 Supply Chain Management 3

Information Systems Core (12 credits)
6500:643 Analysis and Design of Business Systems 3
6500:645 Software Development and Quality Assurance 3
6500:646 Enterprise Systems Implementation 3
6500:678 Project Management 3

Practicum (3 credits) Choose one from the following:
6500:690 Selected Topics in Management (Study Abroad) 3
6700:695 Internship  3

Electives (6 credits)
6500:520 Management of Data Networks 3
6500:554 Information System Security 3
6500:644 Knowledge Management and Business Intelligence 3
6500:652 Organizational Behavior 3
or
6500:6xx Any Management course 3