Program Description

The Master of Science in Computer Information Systems (MSCIS) program focuses on theoretical framework, practical applications, and research in the field of computer information systems. Students will be required to undergo internship to complement their classroom learning experience. The program entails completion of a thesis for each graduating candidate. All courses are taught via traditional classroom format.

CALUSA Institute does not offer distance education to students. There are no online courses in the curriculum. All instructions are taught in the English language only. In general, students are expected to complete this program in two (2) years. Students who maintain satisfactory academic progress for every three (3) consecutive quarter terms are eligible for a full quarter term break.

By the successful completion of this program, students will be conferred the Master of Science (M.S.) degree in computer information systems. The MSCIS program prepares students for executive careers in information technology of medium to large-scale enterprises (SOC Codes: 11-3021, 15-1212, 15- 1231, 15-1241, 15-1244.); or pursue a related doctoral degree, at their discretion.

Student Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the MSCIS program are expected to demonstrate the following learning outcomes.

1. Demonstrate knowledge and mastery of database management, data analytics, computer networks, and network security.
2. Recognize design and implement solutions for data analytics, data storage, and data networks.
3. Demonstrate advancement of methods and systems used for organizational decision-making.
4. Demonstrate flexibility in applying IT principles in various industries including healthcare, banking and finance, insurance, and others.
5. Demonstrate mastery in data analysis, operations research, and organizational decision-making.

Classifications of Instruction Program

CIP Code: 11.0101 Title: Computer and Information Sciences, General

MSCIS Course Listing

MSCIS Course Descriptions

Major Courses

MCIS511 Network and Data Communications

Design and implementation techniques essential for engineering robust networks. Topics include networking principles, Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol, naming and addressing (Domain Name System), data encoding/decoding techniques, link layer protocols, routing protocols, transport layer services, congestion control, quality of service, network services, Software Defined Networks (SDNs), programmable routers and overlay networks, wireless and mobile networking, security in computer networks, multimedia networking, and network management.

MCIS521 Software Engineering

Advanced topics on Software Engineering. The objective of this course is to teach students the methodology to design and write secure codes applying the Secure Software Engineering Life Cycle.

MCIS531 Database Design and Implementation

Database design methodologies (ER and/or UML modeling), database query languages (relational algebra and SQL), database implementation (physical data organization, indexing, query processing and optimization), and database application development (JDBC/ODBC).

MCIS533 Information Structures with Java

Data abstraction, queues, linked lists, recursion, stacks, trees, string processing, searching and sorting, and hashing. Java API support for data structures.

MCIS541 Quantitative Methods for Information Systems

Mathematical essentials for successful quantitative analysis of problems in the field of information systems. Topics include combinatorial mathematics, functions, and the fundamentals of differentiation and integration. It also includes the study of elementary probability theory, discrete and continuous distributions.

MCIS551 Web Application Development

Emphasis is on advanced server-side and client-side programming and integration of web applications with database and web server applications. Free and open-source development and communication tools are used to carry out the course project.

MCIS555 Project Management

Provides practitioners who have current information technology skills with an understanding of the theory and practice of project management through an integrated view of the concepts, skills, tools, and techniques involved in the management of information technology projects.

MCIS561 Artificial Intelligence

Advanced topics in Artificial Intelligence (AI) with focus on how to build and search graph data structures needed to create software agents.

MSCIS568 Network Security

In depth review of the theoretical and applied topics in network security. Emphasis on formulating a security model for network environments, and applying cryptography, protocol design, and emergent network security technologies to meet the requirements of that model.

MCIS571 Cryptography

Focus is on public key cryptography and the RSA algorithm. Topics also include Elliptic curves, Diffie-Hellman key exchange, and the elliptic curve discrete logarithm problem.

MCIS577 Advanced SQL

Prerequisite: MCIS531. Focuses on design, development and implementation of SQL programming for all types of relational database applications including client/server and Internet databases. Covers the writing of complicated interactive and embedded SQL statements and the implications of multi-user database applications.

MCIS580 Operations Research

Focuses on advanced study and research emphasizing topics such as deterministic optimization, probabilistic models and their applications, simulation, and mathematical statistics.

Internship

PCIS588 Internship

The internship course is a required, credit-bearing academic experience designed to integrate classroom learning with supervised professional practice directly related to the student’s field of study. Students engage in structured, progressively responsible work that allows them to observe, apply, and evaluate disciplinary theories, methodologies, and professional standards in a real-world setting. The internship culminates in a thesis-level analytical paper in which the student critically assesses the organization’s practices and produces a formal, evidence-based recommendation for the company. Completion of this academic work requires sustained engagement with organizational processes, professional workflows, and project development over time. The internship may be completed over a period ranging from a minimum of one academic quarter to a maximum of four academic quarters to support appropriate experiential learning and academic depth. A minimum duration of one quarter (approximately three months) allows adequate time for orientation, substantive participation, observation, and reflective analysis aligned with course learning objectives, while a longer duration enables participation in extended projects and increased professional responsibility. Throughout the internship process, the student works closely with a faculty advisor to engage in guided discussion and complete assigned academic tasks that connect internship experiences to curricular learning outcomes.

Thesis

TCIS600 Thesis

Students integrate advanced academic study with supervised professional practice directly related to Computer Information Systems program. Under close faculty guidance, they conduct in-depth research and critical analysis to examine an organization’s practices, methodologies, and professional standards through the lens of disciplinary theory and evidence-based frameworks. The work results in a comprehensive, thesis-level paper that evaluates organizational operations and presents well-supported, actionable recommendations. Limited part-time professional engagement may occur to support consultation, data gathering, and applied analysis, while maintaining academic inquiry and scholarly research as the primary focus.

Students are required to have successfully completed at least twenty-eight (28) quarter credits of major Computer Information Systems program prior to registering this course. Students are responsible for arranging the availability of the thesis advisor and principal reader. The thesis advisor must be a full-time faculty member.

Graduation Requirements

To be conferred the Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Computer Information Systems, a total of at least 56 quarter credits in the MSCIS Curriculum must be completed by the student with a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.0.