An MSIS/MBA dual degree combines a Master of Science in Information Systems and a Master of Business Administration. This can allow students to gain technological skills as well as communication, management, and analytical strategies needed in the business world. There are many programs available with online offerings; some may offer all classes online while others could require on-campus attendance for MSIS courses.
Online MSIS/MBA Dual Degree Overview
Students can typically complete this dual degree in two years, fulfilling approximately 45 to 66 credits. Some programs may require a capstone project and internships. Below are some examples of classes within the program.
IT Strategy
In this course, the information technology issues that arise at a company are discussed. Specifically, the issues that senior managers and the chief information officer have to deal with are presented to the class. Students will learn presentation skills, analytical skills, and teamwork skills that are necessary to implement standardized practices in IT.
IT Project Management
Students will learn the knowledge areas of project management and practice them through simulations. Topics can include project planning, scheduling, budgeting, and risk identification. Several project management tools are introduced, including earned value analysis, work breakdown structure, and PERT charts.
IT Architecture
The technical architecture of information systems is studied in this course. Some of the topics are network architecture, component architecture, and service oriented architecture. Enterprise architecture is another type of architecture that is revealed to the class.
Data Analytics
The business analytics process is taught in this course. This involves defining the problem, preparing data, and analyzing statistics. The final steps include interpretation of results and implementation. Linear models and regression analysis methods are studied as well.
Financial Statement Analysis
In this course, students will learn about earnings management, statement analysis, and profitability analysis. Instructors may show students how managers sometimes use accounting tricks to boost earnings and how to account for this. Students can learn to determine if a company is profiting or losing money and why.
Statistical Analysis
This course covers several topics in statistical analysis including exploratory data analysis, statistical inference, and probability theory. The business application of regression analysis is presented to the class. This includes forecasting future sales and price-change dynamics.
Enterprise Security
In this course, students study protection programs for enterprise systems. The factors that put systems at risk for intrusions, such as malware, are taken into consideration when designing protective software. Other obstacles that designers and programmers deal with are explained.
Risk Management
This course focuses on the process for dealing with potential gains, losses, and subsequent consequences of business decisions. Methods used to identify risk are explored. Measuring the impact of risky business endeavors is also a topic of discussion.
Program Admission Requirements
A bachelor's degree is required for admission into most MSIS/MBA dual degree programs. Some schools may require applicants have a course in algebra and a grade point average of 3.0 or better. Other schools may prefer candidates have programming training or meet IT prerequisites. Most universities generally request letters of recommendation, GMAT or GRE scores above the 50th percentile, and college transcripts.
An MSIS/MBA dual degree combines business courses with information technology courses. A bachelor's degree is typically required for admission along with previous algebra coursework; some schools may prefer candidates with a programming background.
