Information Systems Management (MSM)
The Information Systems Management option in the Master’s of Science in Management program prepares students to lead technology functions in tomorrow’s organizations.
As organizations grow more and more dependent on technologies, it’s crucial leaders understand new technologies and how they help drive the overall company strategy. In this option, students will take graduate courses that help them understand main organizational functions — from strategic marketing and business analytics to global supply chain management and project management.
As of August 25, 2013 The University of Akron is proud to announce that the Master of Science in Management (MSM) in Information Systems has been approved as a federal STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) program.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS)/U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) recognizes graduates of this program residing on student visas as eligible for an optional practical training (OPT) extension. While regular students are able to remain in the country and receive training through work experience for up to 12 months, students who graduate from a designated STEM degree program, such as our MSM in Information Systems program, may be eligible for an additional 24 months on an OPT STEM extension.
Information on the standard OPT and STEM OPT extension can be found on the Office of International Programs (OIP) website for OIP-STEM.
Admission Requirements
- GMAT (score of 500 or better preferred) or GRE, LSAT, PCAT, or MCAT scores. Test waivers may be granted for students holding an advanced degree or those with three or more years of work experience beyond conferral of the bachelor's degree. Contact the Graduate Programs Office in the College of Business Administration for waiver request process.
- Undergraduate degree in Information Systems from an AACSB accredited institution or related field with a Pre-MBA minor
- Undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.0 with successful course completion ("B" or better) in programming, database, or networking
- Two letters of recommendation from undergraduate program director or faculty
- Statement of purpose
- Resume
Application Deadline
- August 1 for Fall enrollment
- December 1 for Spring enrollment
- May 1 for Summer enrollment
International Student Applications
It is recommended that international students apply six weeks prior to these dates to allow time for admission and I-20 visa processing. I-20 forms are processed by UA Immigration Services in the International Center, Buchtel Hall. Proof of English Proficiency is required by producing an acceptable TOEFL or IELTS score.
Additional Information
| Foundation Core - 6 credits | ||
| 6200:601 | Financial Accounting | 3 |
| 6600:620 | Strategic Marketing | 3 |
| MSM Core Courses - 12 credits | ||
| 6500:601 | Business Analytics and Information Strategy | 3 |
| 6500:652 | Managing People in Organizations | 3 |
| 6500:675 6500:670 |
Global Supply Chain Management OR Management of Supply Chain and Operations |
3 |
| 6500:678 | Project Management | 3 |
| MSM Information Systems Core - 12 credits | ||
| 6500:605 | Object Oriented Programming* | 3 |
| 6500:640 | Data and IS Governance | 3 |
| 6500:641 | Business Database Systems | 3 |
| 6500:643 | Analysis and Design of Business Systems | 3 |
| 6500:644 | Business Intelligence | 3 |
| *6500:605 can be waived by taking a waiver exam. Student who waive out of 6500:605 must take six credits of electives. | Electives - 3-6 credits* | |
| 6200:554 | Information Systems Security | 3 |
| 6500:520 | Data Networks and Security | 3 |
| 6500:645 | Software Development and Quality Assurance | 3 |
| 6500:651 | Organizational Transformation | 3 |
| 6500:695 | Organizational Strategy | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours | 30-36 | |
Assistantship/Scholarship Information
Not all departments offer graduate assistantships. Students should inquire with the department directly to determine assistantship availability.
Financial Aid Information
Paying for college is a vital part of the education process. It is important to be informed of the many sources of aid available. Student loans are available to degree-seeking graduate students. Information on student loans can be found through the Office of Student Financial Aid. The Office of Student Financial Aid is located in Simmons Hall.
Tuition and Fees
Current tuition and fees schedules can be found through the Office of Student Accounts.
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