Degree Requirements

Course Requirements

CDM Foundation Courses

Kellstadt Foundation Courses

* Students are not allowed to take both IS 500 and MGT 500 to satisfy Foundation Course requirement.

Major Elective Courses

Student takes 5 electives. Two of which must be at the 500-level. Students are permitted to take any course numbered 421-599 prefixed CNS***, CSC***, ECT***, HCI***, IS***, IT***, or TDC*** and the Kellstadt courses included below, for which the students meet prerequisite requirements. Students are advised, but not required to select all or most electives from one of the following clusters. Students who do not find a cluster matching their career goals should consult with their faculty advisor or an IS faculty member to develop a customized plan.

IT Analysis

IT Consulting

IT Management

IT Project Management

Information Security Compliance

*Kellstadt course - contact advisor to register.

Capstone

Degree Requirements

Students in this degree program must meet the following requirements:

  • Complete a minimum of 52 graduate credit hours in the designated degree program.
  • Complete all graduate courses and requirements listed in the designated degree program.
  • Earn a grade of C- or better in all courses of the designated degree program.
  • Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.
  • Students pursuing a second master's degree must complete a minimum of *52 graduate credit hours beyond their first designated degree program in addition to any required introductory courses in their second designated degree program.

*53 graduate credit hours required for MS Information Systems.

Students with a GPA of 3.9 or higher will graduate with distinction.

For DePaul's policy on repeat graduate courses and a complete list of academic policies see the DePaul Graduate Handbook.

IS 421

SYSTEMS ANALYSIS

Course focus is on both traditional and object oriented systems analysis, with an emphasis upon developing competency in a wide range of modeling techniques. Specific topics include: overview of the software development environment and project management; project selection, initiation, and planning; determining requirements; process modeling, including DFDs and use cases; logic modeling, including decision tables, sequence diagrams, and activity diagrams; introduction to Entity-Relationship Diagrams. PREREQUISITE(S): Completion of Prerequisite Phase
Prerequisites:
CDM graduate students in the Preqrequisite Phase are restricted from registering for this class.

PM 430

FUNDAMENTALS OF IT PROJECT MANAGEMENT

This course concentrates on monitoring, managing and controlling assets and resources on a single IT project. Topics covered are risk management; procurement and contract management; time and cost estimating; controlling and tracking techniques; quality assurance; testing and audit. Students will use common project management software for resource allocation and balancing. NO PREREQUISITES.
Prerequisites:
CDM graduate students in the Preqrequisite Phase are restricted from registering for this class.

ECT 424

ENTERPRISE INFRASTRUCTURE

Introduction to modern infrastructure and the evolving technology environment. Major topics include: computer networks, Internet infrastructure, Web 2.0, Enterprise 2.0, social media and networking, software as a service, content management systems, cloud computing, and portal.
Prerequisites:
CDM graduate students in the Preqrequisite Phase are restricted from registering for this class.

IS 433

INFORMATION SECURITY MANAGEMENT

Survey of security considerations as they apply to information systems analysis and design. Vulnerability assessment. Security audits. Access controls for Internet-based and internal systems. Firewalls. Data protection. Physical access controls. Security policies. Personnel and equipment security. Risk management. Legal requirements and considerations. Privacy. PREREQUISITE(S): NONE.
Prerequisites:
CDM graduate students in the Preqrequisite Phase are restricted from registering for this class.

IS 500

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY LEADERSHIP

Managing people ethically and effectively by applying a broad range of creative approaches to individual and team leadership within an Information Technology context. Leadership methods studied include trait-based, skills-based, situational, contingency theory, path-goal theory, leader-member exchange theory, transformational, psychodynamic, and authentic leadership, as well as team leadership and the international, cultural, and ethical dimensions of leadership. Students assess their leadership styles and design individualized development plans to strengthen existing skills and expand IT leadership capabilities by incorporating additional leadership dimensions. PREREQUISITE(S): IS 430, PM 430, OR SE 477
Prerequisites:
CDM graduate students in the Preqrequisite Phase are restricted from registering for this class.

ACC 500

FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING

This introduction to financial accounting provides both a theoretical foundation and an opportunity to apply accounting logic in increasingly complex situations. The accounting model and information processing cycle are developed. The content of the income statement, balance sheet, and statement of cash flows are studied in detail and analyzed.
Prerequisites:
MS in Taxation students are restricted from registering for this class.

MGT 500

MANAGING FOR EFFECTIVE AND ETHICAL ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOR

Students will critically examine ethical and creative methods to solve problems related to managing individuals and teams. Students utilize feedback from a developmental assessment center assessing their managerial and interpersonal skills. Personal development plans are created and skills developed throughout the course. Skill development domains include perception, attribution, motivation, learning leadership, communication, team development, managing change and conflict, decision-making, power and politics and business ethics.
Prerequisites:
MS in Taxation students are restricted from registering for this class.

MKT 555

DECISIONS IN MARKETING MANAGEMENT

Students are provided with an overview of the marketing process for consumer-oriented firms. Focus is placed on decision-making that aligns a firm's market offerings with the wants and needs of targeted segments of customers within a continuously changing environment. Written cases/projects are part of the course assignment.

ACC 535

ACCOUNTING SYSTEMS (CROSS-LISTED AS ACC 610)

Today's business person requires a fundamental knowledge of computer-based information systems and their role in accounting functions and financial decision-making. This course will enable the student to interface with accounting systems, and to participate in their design and audit. It will focus on the nature and flows of accounting information in organizations, security and internal controls and the use of information technology in accounting information systems and decision-making.
Prerequisites:
ACC 500 is a prerequisite for this class.

ACC 555

MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTING FOR DECISION-MAKING

This course addresses the financial, nonfinancial & ethical dimensions of decision- making. It provides students with a conceptual understanding of cost management and managerial accounting skills. Topics include cost behavior, cost-volume-profit analysis, cost systems, budgeting and control and decision-making. Emphasis is on the interpretation & use of accounting information rather than its creation & accumulation.
Prerequisites:
ACC 500 is a prerequisite for this class.

MGT 506

DECISION MAKING FOR MANAGERS

This course addresses Simon's three-phase problem-solving model. Students learn how to improve problem diagnosis through statistical and logical tools, creatively generate alternative solutions, and make effective decisions through decision analysis and by building decision support models. Students will use a various spreadsheet applications to aid in the decision-making process. Offered once per year.
Prerequisites:
MGT 502 is a prerequisite for this class.

MGT 570

ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND NEW VENTURE MANAGEMENT

The focus of the course is on new venture initiation and the preparation of a business plan that can be used to generate financing and to begin operations in a new business enterprise. It examines the critical factors involved in the conception, initiation and development of new business ventures. Topics covered include the identification of characteristics of prospective entrepreneurs, identifying innovations, market potential analysis for new products or services, acquiring seed capital, obtaining venture capital for growth or purchase of an existing business and organization and operation of the new business. Each student is required to develop a business plan which will be presented to the class. Students wishing to start, develop, acquire, sell or merge a business are encouraged to do so. Offered three times a year.
Prerequisites:
ACC 500, MGT 500 and MGT 502 are a prerequisite for this class.

MIS 555

MANAGEMENT OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

This course focuses on the management and use of information technology (IT). As the use of IT in society grows, particularly in business, our graduates are likely to become responsible for managing some technology resources and to participate in IT planning and development projects as founders, sponsors, team members, managers of development or end-user developers. Students should become effective users and evaluators of information, IT, and information services. The course explores a number of IT-related topics such as the strategic role of IT, IT planning and architecture, building the telecommunication highway system, management issues in systems development, the expanding universe of computing, group support systems, intelligent systems, electronic document management, and managing the human side of systems.

MIS 683

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY STRATEGY AND ARCHITECTURE

This course addresses the fundamental aspects of developing an information technology (IT) strategic plan and the enabling IT architecture to support enterprise business processes. Students explore the importance of strategic alignment of business and technology as well as the contribution IT has on the value chain. Students will be able to more effectively use and manage IT from an enterprise view and from an architectural perspective. The course includes lectures, practical case discussions and current events in the industry. It also explores how IT can be leveraged to improve shareholder value, customer satisfaction and the competitive position of the firm. This is intended to be an advanced level managerial course for practitioners who have ambitions to be a senior IT executive, management consultant or a technical analyst.

MIS 798

SPECIAL TOPICS

Content and format of this course are variable. It involves an in-depth study of current issues in information systems and technology. Subject matter constantly changes and will be indicated in class schedule.

MIS 799

INDEPENDENT STUDY

Available for graduate students of demonstrated capability for intensive independent work in information systems. PREREQUISITE(S): MIS 555 and written permission.
Prerequisites:
MIS 555 or equivalent is a prerequisite for this class

MKT 595

INTERNET AND INTERACTIVE MARKETING

Explores the emerging business models, rules, tactics, and strategies associated with this medium. Integration with other channels and marketing operations is stressed. Classes are discussion-based, drawing on current applied readings and cases from a variety of industries in both the business-to-business and business-consumer markets.
Prerequisites:
MKT 555 is a prerequisite for this class.

IS 577

INFORMATION SYSTEMS POLICIES AND STRATEGIES

This capstone course emphasizes the planning and management of information technologies and related resources at the corporate level. Topics covered include assessment of information technologies, tracking emerging technologies and trends, managing portfolio resources and matching them to business needs, technology transfer, end-user computing, outsourcing, theoretical models, strategic applications and strategic IT planning. Students are encouraged to take this course toward the end of their study. PREREQUISTE(S):Ten or more CDM MS level courses.
Prerequisites:
CDM graduate students in the Preqrequisite Phase are restricted from registering for this class.

PM 577

IT PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT AND STRATEGIES

This capstone course integrates the skills and techniques learned in previous IT Project Management courses. Through in depth analysis of case studies and readings, along with presentations by outside speakers experienced in IT Portfolio Management and IT strategy, students use their skills from previous IT project management courses to solve IT strategic and IT portfolio problems. The course starts with formulating the IT strategy from the corporate strategy. Then the IT Portfolio of initiatives, projects and assets is build and fine tuned. PREREQUISITE(S) IS 556 or PM 556
Prerequisites:
CDM graduate students in the Preqrequisite Phase are restricted from registering for this class.

ECT 589

E-BUSINESS STRATEGIES

Designed for ECT majors and IS majors in ECT concentration, this course focuses on the deployment of Internet and enterprise technologies to support organization's e-business initiatives and collaborative commerce. Conducted in the format of seminar, case analysis, and dialogue with industry practitioners, this course requires students to actively participate in the study of models and approaches for e-business technology implementation and transformation. Topics include: the impact of Internet on industry structure and organizational transformation, enterprise application architecture, planning and implementation of technology and process to support an increasingly collaborative and integrated environment for e-commerce. Students have to complete an organization case study of e-business technology implementation to fulfill the requirement of this capstone course. This course should be taken at the conclusion of the ECT program. PREREQUISITE(S): Completion of all other required courses.
Prerequisites:
CDM graduate students in the Preqrequisite Phase are restricted from registering for this class.

MGT 501

STRATEGIC SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT

This course examines how operations related strategic decisions can lead to improved market and competitive performance. We view the supply chain (of products or services) from a strategic point of view. The design of an expedient logistics system is critically linked to the key decisions and objectives of a responsive and efficient supply chain (forecasting, aggregate planning, inventory management, matching supply with demand, transportation, location and information). We cover those topics with cases. spreadsheets and simulations to illustrate and help understand how logistical decisions impact the performance of the firm as well as the entire supply chain. Offered once a year.

IS 422

SYSTEM DESIGN, IMPLEMENTATION, AND MAINTENANCE

Course focus is on both traditional and object oriented systems design. Specific topics include: database design, including logical and physical design; Entity-Relationship diagrams, class diagrams, form and report design; interface and dialogue design; design specifications, including structure charts and prototypes; designing for LANs and distributed systems, as well as the Internet; system implementation, including parallel and phased implementation, testing, documentation, and user training; system maintenance, including types of maintenance, controlling and coordinating maintenance requests, and configuration management. Course ends with a multi-week case study applying the principles from both this course and IS 421, Systems Analysis. PREREQUISITE(S): IS 421 and CSC 451
Prerequisites:
CDM graduate students in the Preqrequisite Phase are restricted from registering for this class.

IS 435

ORGANIZATIONAL MODELING

The course explores contemporary approaches to analyzing and modeling organizational problems, processes, workflow, users and data. The emphasis is on the initial stages of analysis where the root cause of problems are identified, formulated and modeled. Students will acquire an array of modeling skills and be able to presecribe the proper modeling approach based on a variety of organizational and contextual factors. Business process modeling, management and metrics will be covered. Object-oriented and user-centered approaches will be introduced. PREREQUISITE(S): IS 421 or any Systems Analysis and Design course
Prerequisites:
CDM graduate students in the Preqrequisite Phase are restricted from registering for this class.

IS 485

REQUIREMENTS ELICITATION, ANALYSIS, AND SPECIFICATION

This course focuses on the concepts and skills needed to elicit, analyze, specify, and manage requirements for a software or systems level project. Students will learn to identify and work with stakeholders through conducting a variety of requirements gathering techniques including interviewing, surveying, ethnography, and Joint Application Design (JAD) sessions, to identify and analyse requirements conflicts and negotiate solutions, to model requirements and specify them in unambiguous ways, and to manage requirements throughout the software lifecycle using change controls, traceability, and impact analysis techniques. The requirements process will be examined in both traditional and agile environments. Current topics such as requirements for product lines or distributed development teams will also be explored as time permits. Prerequisite(s): IS 422 or IS 430 or PM 430. A student may not take both SE 482 and IS 485 for credit toward a degree.
Prerequisites:
CDM graduate students in the Preqrequisite Phase are restricted from registering for this class.

IS 535

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY INVESTMENT FINANCIAL ANALYSIS

This course focuses on the application of financial analysis and decision-making approaches to aid information technology investment decisions at the operational, project, tactical and strategic levels. Students will learn how to apply a variety of financial methods -- breakeven analysis, present value analysis, profitability index, and return on investment to various IT investment decisions. The course will also address cost benefit analysis, outsourcing, balanced scorecard, and multi-factor scoring, benchmarking, and IT investment portfolio methods. These techniques will prepare students to manage capital budgets, acquisition of system and application software, hardware, personnel, and professional services at project and system levels as well as enterprise investment portfolio. PREREQUISITE(S): SE 477 or IS 565 or ACCT 500 or IS 430 or PM 430 or ECT 455
Prerequisites:
CDM graduate students in the Preqrequisite Phase are restricted from registering for this class.

IS 536

ENTERPRISE CLOUD COMPUTING

Cloud concepts, architecture, and service management, with particular emphasis upon identifying and analyzing potential business applications of cloud computing. Students will conduct feasibility studies, detailing the advantages and disadvantages of implementing a cloud computing platform for specific applications, with particular emphasis upon financial considerations, business benefits, and security risks. Students will develop the ability to evaluate alternatives and effectively argue in favor of their choices within the cloud computing knowledge domain. They will be able to define, apply, and defend the need for standards and best practices. Students will work within a project team following the principles of project management to design, build, and implement cloud applications.
Prerequisites:
CDM graduate students in the Preqrequisite Phase are restricted from registering for this class.

IS 540

GLOBAL INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

A study of the hardware, software, and techniques for using virtual information technologies to support teams working in a distributed, virtual, or global enviornments. Topics include software survey and evaluation, software deployment within organizational and trans-organizational contexts, trans-national vendor relationships, trans-border data flow, geographically dispersed software development, and intergration of diverse technologies. PREREQUISITE(S): Completion of foundation or core phase
Prerequisites:
CDM graduate students in the Preqrequisite Phase are restricted from registering for this class.

IS 560

ENTERPRISE SYSTEMS

An introduction to enterprise systems for data and process integration, including ERP systems. Topics include the requirements of enterprise systems, application architecture, tools, and functionality of leading enterprise systems, life cycle and methodologies for systems integration, selection, and implementation strategies. Also addressed are emerging trends for enterprise systems and relationship among component systems. PREREQUISITE(S): Advanced Standing
Prerequisites:
CDM graduate students in the Preqrequisite Phase are restricted from registering for this class.

IS 565

IT OUTSOURCING

The course focuses on how organizations can use leverage of scale as a source for cost reduction; leverage of expertise for improved superior IT performance; leverage of access (e.g. location) to develop new strategies. Other topics covered include different types of sourcing strategies, sourcing maturity levels and best practices. PREREQUISITE(S): Completion of foundation or core phase
Prerequisites:
CDM graduate students in the Preqrequisite Phase are restricted from registering for this class.

CSC 451

DATABASE DESIGN

Requirement analysis, conceptual design, logical design and implementation of relational databases. Emphasis will be on E-R modeling and E-R mapping, along with basic normalization and SQL for database implementation. PREREQUISITE(S): Graduate Standing.
Prerequisites:
CDM graduate students in the Preqrequisite Phase are restricted from registering for this class.

IS 570

ENTERPRISE SYSTEM IMPLEMENTATION

Formerly IS 450. This course is targeted towards information systems professionals who are involved in the planning and implementation of large scale, cross-functional enterprise systems. Students will examine the characteristics of technology efforts that change and transform the way people perform their tasks and how the new technology structures the flows of information and decision making using workflow modeling methods. Through case studies and exercises students gain insights into the elements of successful implementations leading to the preparation of a change management plan. Emphasis is placed on developing mechanisms for communicating and training all affected agents. PREREQUISITE(S): IS 430 or PM 430 or completion of foundation or core phase
Prerequisites:
CDM graduate students in the Preqrequisite Phase are restricted from registering for this class.

IS 483

INFORMATION SERVICES AND OPERATIONS

This course focuses on the operational aspects of information systems in organizations by examining the concepts, tools and techniques available to IS professionals responsible for the delivery of IT services. Topics include the organization of the IT services; the procurement of hardware, software and vendor services; operation of data centers, help desks and user training, the development and use of RFPs (Request for Proposals) and SLAs (Service Level Agreements), the integration of services and operations with application development project needs, and the role of capital and operating budgets. PREREQUISITE(S): Completion of foundation or core phase
Prerequisites:
CDM graduate students in the Preqrequisite Phase are restricted from registering for this class.

IS 505

BUSINESS CONTINUITY/DISASTER RECOVERY THEORIES AND STRATEGIES

This course focuses on the knowledge necessary for an organization to prepare for a variety of major disruptions (floods, earthquakes, terrorist attacks, etc.). The goal is survival of the organization and its daily workflow despite major disruption. Students learn to analyze and prioritize risks and determine criticality ratings that are used to determine survival strategies. Students also learn how to organize employees to respond to a major disruption and how to document recovery plans. Course content includes coverage of current industry trends, as well as planning for the survival of Information Technology functions within an organization.
Prerequisites:
CDM graduate students in the Preqrequisite Phase are restricted from registering for this class.

IS 556

ENTERPRISE PROJECT MANAGEMENT

This course covers how an enterprise coordinates and effectively manages all its IT projects and programs through program management and the IT program management office. Students will learn the role of the IT program management office in establishing and maintaining the project and program infrastructure and in assisting project managers, program managers, and the executive steering committee. Students will analyze the role of program management in coordinating the delivery of expected program benefits, in managing stakeholder expectations, and in establishing program goverance. PREREQUISITE(S): IS 430 or PM 430 or completion of foundation phase.
Prerequisites:
CDM graduate students in the Preqrequisite Phase are restricted from registering for this class.

IS 444

IT AUDITING

Management and boards continue to recognize the importance of effectively managing information technology (IT) assets - to meet business objectives and to thoughtfully manage IT related business risks. This course examines the key principles related to auditing information technology processes and related controls and is designed to meet the ever increasing needs of IT audit and IT governance professionals. In addition, this course aids in the preparation for the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) exam. PREREQUISITE(S): None
Prerequisites:
CDM graduate students in the Preqrequisite Phase are restricted from registering for this class.

IS 506

BUSINESS CONTINUITY/DISASTER RECOVERY MANAGEMENT AND TACTICS

The course prepares students to lead an organization's business continuity and disaster recovery plans. Students learn the methodology needed to organize this function within an organization, evaluate an organization's business continuity and disaster recovery program according to established industry standards, and conduct a variety of quick-recovery drills. Students also focus upon industry-related human resources issues, crisis communications, and policies and procedures for setting up a command center. Course content includes coverage of current industry trends, as well as managing the survival of Information Technology functions within an organization. Prerequisite(s): IS 505
Prerequisites:
CDM graduate students in the Preqrequisite Phase are restricted from registering for this class.

IS 533

ENTERPRISE SECURITY INFRASTRUCTURE CONTROLS AND REGULATORY COMPLIANCE

Design, implementation, support and management of control methods in enterprise environments. Focus is on how these controls can help organizations achieve regulatory compliance. Review of Sarbanes-Oxley and its impact on IT systems. Detailed study of how risk assessment methods, information security program management and ERP systems can be used to fulfill regulatory and legal requirements. Control Objectives for Information and related Technology (COBIT) guidelines and best practices for SOX compliance. Security management standards (ISO 17799, BS 7799 and ISO 27001) . PREREQUISITE(S): IS433
Prerequisites:
CDM graduate students in the Preqrequisite Phase are restricted from registering for this class.

CNS 477

LEGAL ISSUES IN INFORMATION ASSURANCE

This graduate course is a survey of legal issues arising under information security and control frameworks such as COBIT and IS017799. Topics include the basics of trademark, copyright, patent and trade secrets and protection strategies for each of them; software licensing issues; data privacy under state, federal and international law; evidence and digital forensic practices; ethics; the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act's boundaries for illegal access to computers; electronic surveillance and cyber traps; information security measures mandated by select federal statutes (HIPAA, Gramm-Leach-Bliley and Sarbanes-Oxley); and practical techniques on how to find and keep abreast of legal issues affecting information security. PREREQUISITE(S): IS 433
Prerequisites:
CDM graduate students in the Preqrequisite Phase are restricted from registering for this class.