The Computer Science and Information Systems Department is proud to announce our Master of Computing and Information Systems degree program.

We are now accepting applications for the Summer and Fall 2008 semesters.

See the admissions section for more information, and the School of Graduate Studies and Research for on-line application forms. We look forward to hearing from you!

The Master of Computing and Information Systems is designed to emphasize the current knowledge, the implementation, and the administrative issues in important applied areas of computing, focusing on the most widely used and up-to-date applications available. One of the main goals of the program is to serve the needs of businesses and employees in the Mahoning Valley by providing individuals with current skills in critical areas of Information Systems.

It is meant to prepare professionals for the growing opportunities in this field by providing the following knowledge:

• In-depth knowledge of vital areas of information systems, including database and network design and administration.
• Knowledge of the “big picture” of information systems, including system design and analysis, and how components such as databases and networks fit into the system – knowledge vital to the successful application of information systems within a complex organization.
• Opportunities to study other current and important areas of applied computing, including client/server e-commerce programming, multimedia and web site design, data mining and warehousing, advanced network design and troubleshooting, project planning, and information security.

This program is meant for working professionals with some background in computing, but who desire more complete and up-to-date knowledge of the field, in order to better support their current employment or future goals. These individuals might include:

• Professionals with a past major or minor in Information Systems seeking to update their knowledge of this rapidly changing field, and to gain knowledge of emerging areas such as those listed above.
• Professionals with some background Information Systems (either through coursework or employment-related experience), but who wish to gain deeper knowledge of specific areas of information systems as well as more complete knowledge of the field as a whole.
• Professionals who have already earned an undergraduate degree in another area, but who wish to change fields.
• Professionals who have already earned an undergraduate degree in another area, who wish to apply information systems to their current field in order to take advantage of the increasingly interdisciplinary nature of the field.

It is important to note that this program does not require an undergraduate degree in a specific area such as Computer Science or Computer Information Systems -- one of the main goals of this program is to welcome students from other areas, particularly those who have an interdisciplinary interest in computing.

The program does require some background in key areas of computing such as programming, databases, and networking. This experience may be either course-related or employment-related. Please see the section on admissions for more details.

The program is also targeted towards working professionals in the Mahoning Valley. In order to accommodate working students, classes are commonly offered in the evening, as well as early morning (7 or 8 a.m.), Saturdays, and during lunch hours.

Despite the current economic recession and its effect on the technology sector, the demand for skilled professionals in computing/information systems still exists both locally and nationwide. Workers with up-to-date knowledge of network administration, database design, security and encryption, and client/server software development are still in great demand nationally, and the U.S. Department of Labor projects an 86% increase in employment by 2010 in computing-related fields. Locally, the demand for knowledgeable professionals in information systems is also likely to increase greatly, including startup companies associated with the Youngstown Business Incubator, medical and health care industries, and any other business which utilizes information technologies.

Graduates of this program will be prepared for positions in key areas of information systems, including:

Students with interdisciplinary backgrounds in other areas will also be well prepared to utilize knowledge of information systems in areas such as Health Care, Business, Education, Art and Graphic Design, and Criminal Justice.

In general, assistantships are meant for full time students who are not employed full time. For more details, see the Graduate Assistant Handbook. Also see these documents on policies and procedures for the appointment of new graduate assistants.

There are also a number of scholarship opportunities available through the School of Graduate Studies and Research. These include:

The Cushwa/Commercial Shearing Graduate Fellowship is available for students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, and is supported by local industries. Fellows are normally expected to complete at least one semester as a graduate intern at a company or industry site related to their degree program. This fellowship has a deadline of April 1, so if you are interested in it you must apply and be accepted to the graduate program before then!