MS in Information Systems

The Software Development Concentration addresses the foundations, methodologies, and tools for developing high quality large-scale software systems, with an emphasis on the technical issues of software development. Online Learning Learning opportunities are available for this concentration.
Master of Science 2023 through2024

Information Systems

About the Program

Curriculum Requirements

Introductory Courses

No Introductory Course may be substituted for any other course at any level.

Introductory courses may be waived for any of the following conditions based on faculty review:

  • The student has the appropriate course work to satisfy an Introductory Course based on an official transcript review by faculty and successful grades, typically B or better.
  • The student has appropriate and verified professional experience to satisfy an Introductory Course which is demonstrated through successful completion of a GAE exam.
  • If a Graduate Assessment Examination (GAE) is available for the Introductory Courses, upon successfully completion of a GAE, a waiver will be issued.
  • Plan accordingly prior to start of the term, faculty reviews for possible course waivers can take a few weeks. For newly admitted students, possible course waivers will not be initiated until an Intent to Enroll form has been submitted.
  • IT 403
  • IS 411

Foundation Courses (6)

  • IS 421
  • IS 430
  • IS 435
  • IS 451
  • IS 460
  • IS 468


Major Elective (4 courses) (16 credit hours)

  • Students take at least 3 courses from the same domain.
  • Students take at least 2 500-level courses.
  • Domains
    • Project Management and Business Analysis
    • Analytics-Driven Decision Making
    • IT Governance and Legal Responsibilities
    • Data Management
    • Digital Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Elective Domain Course Lists

  • Project Management and Business Analysis

  • IS 431
  • IS 535
  • IS 556
  • IS 570
  • IS 586

  • Analytics-Driven Decision Making

  • IS 436
  • IS 452
  • IS 550
  • IS 574
  • DSC 423
  • DSC 465

  • IT Governance and Legal Responsibilities

  • CSEC 440
  • IS 424
  • IS 444
  • IS 482
  • IS 486
  • IS 505
  • IS 506
  • IS 511
  • IS 568

  • Data Management

  • IS 549
  • IS 550
  • CSC 452
  • CSC 454

  • Digital Transformation & Entrepreneurship

  • IS 431
  • IS 478
  • IS 531
  • IS 580

Open Elective

Students must complete 4 credit hours from CDM Open Elective Course chosen from any: CSC, CSEC, DSC, ECT, GAM, GPH, HCI, HIT, IS, IT, NET, PM, or SE course in the 421-699 range qualifies.

Capstone Options

Students have the option of completing either (a) IS577 (Information Systems capstone course), (b) a Graduate Internship (4 credits), (c) two quarters of CSC500 (a Research Colloquium course), (d) IS696 (a Master's Project course), or (e) a Master’s Thesis.

Capstone Options
  • IS 577
Graduate Internship

An internship offers students the opportunity integrate their academic experience with on-the-job training in information systems. Students must enroll in CSC 697 for four (4) credit hours to satisfy the practicum requirement. These are the steps:
  

  1. Secure an internship with a focus in information systems.
  2. International Students must obtain the appropriate practical training form and meet with an advisor in the CDM Academic Center for approval.
  3. Login to MyCDM and click the “MyInternships” link on the left to start the course enrollment process.
Research Options
  • CSC 500 This is a course for two (2) credit hours therefore students must enroll in the course in each of two (2) separate quarters.
  • Master's Research
    Up to eight (8) credit hours with Major Elective substitutions.
  • IS 696
  • A student who is working on a research project and has made an original contribution to their area of study may choose to complete a Master's Thesis. Additional information and requirements for School of Computing students pursuing the thesis option can be found on the SoC Master's Thesis Guideline page.

Degree Requirements

Students in this degree program must meet the following requirements:

  • Complete a minimum of 48 graduate credit hours in addition to any required introductory courses of 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 (or more) graduate degree may not double count or retake any course that applied toward the completion of a prior graduate degree. If a required course in the second degree was already completed and applied toward a previous degree, the student must meet with a faculty advisor to discuss a new course to be completed and substituted in the new degree. This rule also applies to cross-listed courses, which are considered to be the same course but offered under different subjects.
  • Students pursuing a second master's degree must complete a minimum of 48 graduate credit hours beyond their first designated degree program in addition to any required introductory courses in their second designated degree program.

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 in the Course Catalog.