Dec 05, 2025  
Graduate Catalog 2025 - 2026 
    
Graduate Catalog 2025 - 2026

Information Systems, MIS


Department of Information Systems

Monte Ahuja Hall 344
(216) 687-4760
https://business.csuohio.edu/information-systems/master-information-systems

Timothy Arndt, Department Chair

Introduction

The Master of Information Systems (MIS) program at Cleveland State University is a specialized degree program specifically designed to prepare students for careers as information professionals. The MIS is housed within the Monte Ahuja College of Business. The coursework combines a blend of technology and management oriented courses designed to prepare the next generation of technology managers to lead enterprises in innovative ways. Specializations within the program allow students to build specific skill sets in areas such as information security, information technology management, and business analytics.

Faculty

Current faculty information can be located on the Cleveland State University Faculty Profile page.

Faculty and Research

Because of the broad range of research interests of the faculty, there are numerous opportunities for students to participate in special projects or research in all areas of information technology. The optional master’s thesis allows a student to conduct a more formal research project. Faculty publications and research interests over the past few years have been in the areas of blockchain, data mining, geographic information systems, IT governance, machine learning, information security, visual analytics, and business analytics.

Financial Assistance

The Department of Information Systems and the Monte Ahuja College of Business Administration have a limited number of graduate assistantships available each year. A student may apply for an assistantship by completing an application form from the Graduate Business Programs Office. Copies of the completed applications are circulated to department chairs and program directors within the College. Interviews with prospective graduate assistants are arranged directly by department chairs and others who hire and supervise graduate assistants. Assistantships are not awarded in the IS Department until a student has been accepted into the MIS program and enrolled in classes.

Career Information

Students in the MIS program have a wide range of options, allowing them to focus their studies on topics such as information system management, database development, networks management, information security, and others. As a result, a graduate’s career options will vary somewhat, depending on the chosen areas of study. Typical starting positions in this field would include technical-support manager, database administrator, project manager, and business analyst.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must meet the admission requirements:

  1. A cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 2.75 or better
  2. Four-year undergraduate degree, or equivalent, in any discipline from an accredited university. Students who do not have an undergraduate degree in information systems may be considered for admission and may be assigned any of the following preparatory courses as part of their study plan. No preparatory course may count toward the fulfillment of the graduate degree program.

Apply Now: https://grad.engagecsu.com/

Preparatory Program


Students who do not have an undergraduate degree in information systems or a related discipline will be required to complete the following preparatory courses with a grade of B or better. Courses in the preparatory program should be completed prior to entering the program.

Degree Requirements


Students are to complete a total of 31/33 credits to complete the MIS. The program structure consists of 18 credits of Core courses and 15 credits of Electives. Students may choose to complete a one-credit thesis in lieu of one elective.

Thesis Sub-track


Students in the Thesis track are required to complete a minimum of 12 credits of elective coursework in addition to one (1) credit of Graduate Thesis Research.

Non-Thesis Sub-track


Students in the Non-Thesis track are required to complete 15 credits of electives.

Internship Sub-track


Students in the Internship track can include up to three (3) credits of Graduate Internship as part of their elective coursework.

Electives (15 or 12 credits)


Non-thesis students are to complete a minimum of 15 hours from the list of approved electives. Thesis students are required to complete a minimum of 12 credits of approved electives and 1 credit of Graduate Thesis Research.

Elective tracks


Students are encouraged to take electives following prescribed tracks. These will allow students to build upon the core curriculum by focusing on an area of specialization.

Information Security


Four courses from the following: