Management Science and Information Systems

Emerging technologies continue to dramatically alter the way business and life is conducted. Those who wish to have a leading role in developing and implementing next generation information systems should consider a career in management information systems, including the sub-fields of data science and information assurance/cybersecurity. The need for knowledgeable workers with expertise in these information systems driven areas will continue to increase at substantial rates for the foreseeable future. 

The Department of Management Science and Information Systems offers an undergraduate major in management information systems (MIS) with possible options of data science and information assurance (IA). It also offers graduate studies leading to master's degrees in information assurance (MSIA) and management information systems (MIS). Also, PhD degrees in business administration with an option in MIS, information assurance, management science and operations management can be earned.

Undergraduate degrees in MIS require a common foundation of work in disciplines such as mathematics, statistics, behavioral sciences and communications. A second tier of required work consists of the courses required for all Spears School of Business students such as economics, marketing, accounting and management. The third tier of classes are core MIS courses that develop information technology, data science and cybersecurity expertise in students.

Management Information Systems (MIS)

The MIS degree focuses on the business applications of information technology. This includes emphasizing necessary skills required in the analysis, development, evaluation and implementation of various information and communication technologies critical for today's global organizations. The integration of information technology throughout all aspects of business coupled with the critical need for responsive information systems has created a strong demand for graduates with expertise in information systems and business administration.

Once MIS students satisfy the first two tiers of requirements mentioned above, they will focus on specialized courses in areas such as systems analysis and design, web and mobile app development, database design and management, data science techniques and applications, data communications and cybersecurity, among other relevant areas.

Data Science

The data science option allows developing aptitudes in quantitative tools that are especially critical in today's data-driven organization. Additional course work in statistics, and descriptive, predictive and prescriptive analytics is possible with a Data Science option.

Information Assurance

The Information Assurance option uses the expertise in the department that led OSU to be named a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education and Research by the NSA and the Department of Homeland Security. This option provides students with in-depth study and hands-on analysis of critical organizational issues in information assurance and cybersecurity.