西北大學(xué)

Northwestern University's MS in Information Systems (MSIS) program prepares graduates to advance their careers in IT management or to move into an IT career and progress to management level. Distinct from traditional computer science programs, the MSIS curriculum — which requires 11 units of graduate credit — puts emphasis on the development and management of software projects existing in the workplace. It is designed for professionals who seek a hands-on, laboratory-based experience that will broaden and deepen their knowledge of new and emerging IT. Choose from eight specializations to focus on your area of interest and build the skills you need to advance your career.

Areas of specialization

Artificial Intelligence Specialization (newly added)

Recent advances in machine learning and artificial intelligence are affecting the work of data scientists and information systems professionals. Traditional artificial intelligence utilized rules-based, knowledge-based systems and logic programming. Today's artificial intelligence relies on machine learning methods and deep learning, in particular.

Data Science Specialization

This specialization provides technical and leadership training required for key positions in information technology, data science and analytics. It provides an understanding of how to work in professional roles in today’s data-intensive and data-driven world. It reviews key technologies in analytics and business intelligence drawing from both traditional statistics and machine learning.

Database and Internet Technologies Specialization

This specialization addresses the growing demand for professionals with technical skills to analyze, design, implement, and manage software applications and digital media for the enterprise and IoT (Internet-of-Things).

The program emphasizes experimentation and application of theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios with the goal of creating business value.

Information Systems Management Specialization

The specialization in Information Systems Management introduces students to key information system management best practices, IT strategy development, project management methods, information security and technology management techniques that apply to the entire system life cycle. The specialization emphasizes management techniques and methods used to ensure the successful implementation and ongoing operations of information technology capabilities that produce value for the business.

Project Management Specialization

This specialization is designed for IT professionals who want to acquire the skills and competencies for IT project management. The project management specialization provides the students with the managerial and technical skills that are applicable to information systems software development lifecycle (SDLC) including requirements, analysis/design, implementation, and testing.

Information Systems Security Specialization

With the proliferation of internet-enabled devices, social media use and software-dependent organizations, securing and safeguarding data, information and business processes is an ever-increasing urgent concern, especially in a post-9/11 world. The information systems security specialization focuses on timely and distinctive skills that allow students to design secured information systems and make recommendations for the protection of sensitive corporate data in accordance with commerce and privacy regulations.

Health Informatics Specialization

The health informatics specialization operates at the convergence of IT and health care, where evidence-based medicine, intelligent medical records, and data are leveraged to fuel more efficient, patient-centered health care, payment reform, and improved population health.