What is the MIS curriculum?

MIS Curriculum

What types of classes are available in the MIS program?

Courses offered in the MIS program cover a wide range of topics ranging from the design, implementation and management of databases and information systems to the human factors component of information systems; from the role of the information manager to ethical issues involved in managing information flow. You may elect to study information from a design perspective, with a focus on the creation, maintenance and manipulation of electronic information systems and databases; from an organizational perspective, with a focus on organizational culture, strategic intelligence and modeling of organizational information resources; or from a user-oriented perspective, with a focus on the design of visual information systems and the social impact of information technologies.

What requirements are usually needed to take these courses and what requirements are usually necessary to pass them?

Although several MIS courses do set S401 - Computer-Based Information Tools as a prerequisite, many of the courses designed for MIS students carry no specific prerequisite for enrollment. Requirements for passing these courses are set by the individual instructor; but, in general, interest and effort on your part will determine ultimate success. As with other graduate-level courses, you should expect to put in, on a weekly basis, three hours of work outside the classroom for every hour of course credit. Thus you should plan on a total weekly commitment of 12 hours for the typical MIS course.

No course in which a student receives a grade lower than C (2.0) will be counted toward requirements for any SLIS degree. Any required course on which a grade lower than B- is received must be repeated; an elective course in which an unacceptable grade is earned need not be repeated, but it may be repeated or another course must be taken in its place. Repeating a course in which the student received an unacceptable grade or taking another in its place does not remove the credit points for that course from a student’s cumulative grade point average. All grades achieved in SLIS courses will be counted in the SLIS and IU GPA. Because a minimum GPA of 3.0 (B) is required for graduation, any grade below B must be balanced by another sufficiently above B to keep the GPA at the 3.0 level. (effective Fall 2010)

What support is there for a student who might wish to pursue the option of a thesis or portfolio since these are not requirements in the MIS program?

To complete a thesis or portfolio as a part of your MIS program, consider enrolling in either S601 - Directed Research or S601 - Directed Readings. Under the direction of a full-time faculty member, students can complete in-depth research in an area of interest not covered by courses in the current curriculum. Students interested in developing a portfolio should consider S506 - Internship in Library and Information Science.

How many semester credit hours are considered full-time enrollment?

A student enrolled in eight or more credit hours is considered to be full-time. Students who wish to complete the MIS in 18 to 24 months usually enroll for nine to twelve credit hours per semester.

What kinds of courses in related disciplines are available that would be useful?

With the approval of your adviser, you may apply toward the MIS degree up to six credit hours of coursework taken outside of SLIS. The usefulness of courses in related disciplines depends upon your background and career objectives. For example, if you have a strong technical background, you may be encouraged to consider one or more courses from the social sciences, while the student with a strong social sciences background may be encouraged to enroll in more technically-oriented courses.

Can I get a dual MIS/MLS degree?

Yes. The dual MIS/MLS can be completed with 60 hours of coursework rather than the 78 hours required if the degrees were taken separately. (Dual MIS/MLS)

What kinds of technological skills am I expected to have when entering the MIS program?

There are no skill-based criteria for admission to the MIS program. However, students are responsibile for the knowledge and skills taught in S401 . This course covers such fundamentals as computing platforms, access tools and management tools and provides a foundation for further skill development.

Does a lack of computer programming experience hinder one's progress through the program?

Not necessarily. Programming skills can be acquired through the MIS curriculum or through coursework outside SLIS.

Are there opportunities for students to get programming or computer experience either inside or outside SLIS and have it count toward the MIS degree?

SLIS offers several courses that provide hands-on experience with programming and database development. You may also choose an internship or practicum to gain practical technological experience.

How can I get answers to other questions I have about the MIS curriculum?

To talk with an Indiana University faculty member about the MIS degree, contact

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