What you will study
Gain the know-how you need to lead and succeed in solving complex technological problems
in both computer information systems and information technology.
At the University of Central Missouri, our graduate program in Information Technology
and Computer Information Systems starts with core classes in project management, software
engineering and information systems. From there, you have the choice to personalize
your CIS and IT master’s degree in a way that works for you.
MS in Information Technology and Computer Information Systems program options:
- Software Engineering track: Gain a greater understanding of systems architecture, systems design and development
strategies, and active directory design, installation and configuration.
- E-commerce and Internet Technologies track: Learn how to develop content following a strong web design philosophy and how to manage
web server resources with consideration for organizational and technical issues.
No matter which track you choose, UCM’s MS in Information Technology and Computer
Information Systems will give you the skills to succeed in your career.
Excellence in CIS and IT
- #1: Most Focused Colleges for Information Technology in Missouri (College Factual, 2022)
- #36: Top 100 Best Affordable Colleges to earn your Software Engineering Degree (University
HQ, 2022)
- #79: Top 100 Best Affordable Information Technology Degrees (University HQ, 2022)
- Top 10%: Most Popular Colleges for Information Technology (College Factual, 2022)
- A Best Value Master’s Degree College for Information Technology (College Factual, 2022)
- A Most Focused Master’s Degree College for Information Technology (College Factual, 2022)
Unique learning opportunities in the CIS and IT master’s degree program
Throughout UCM’s graduate program in Information Technology and Computer Information
Systems, you’ll benefit from hands-on experiences at every step along the way:
- Internships: Toward the end of our Information Technology and Computer Information Systems master’s
degree program, you’ll put your learning into action and gain practical experience
through an internship. Our faculty have numerous industry connections in the Kansas
City area and beyond, helping students gain internships with companies such as Cerner,
Amazon and Evergy (formerly Kansas City Power and Light).
- Master’s projects: Complete various projects on your own or in a group within our IT and Computer Information
Systems master’s degree program. The graduate program culminates in a technology-related
capstone project — the Advanced Systems Project — requiring students to analyze, design,
develop and implement an IT business solution.
What can you do with an MS in Computer Information Systems and Information Technology
from UCM?
No matter whether you’re a recent undergraduate or experienced professional looking
to advance in your IT career or change professions, UCM’s graduate program in Information
Technology and Computer Systems will prepare you for a career that can span many industries.
Recent CIS and IT master’s degree graduates are working at Apple, Amazon, Tesla, Boeing,
Cisco, Edward Jones, Facebook, Google, H&R Block, Microsoft and other Fortune 500
companies.
Discover a rewarding career in tech
With an MS in Computer Information Systems and Information Technology, you can become
a specialist in the profession. Learn about job outlooks, salary expectations and
more using the interactive tool below.
Financial assistance options for your Information Technology and Computer Information
Systems master’s degree
The University of Central Missouri’s graduate program in Information Technology and
Computer Information Systems is one of the most affordable advanced degrees in Missouri.
We also offer several ways for you to finance your college education.
As a student in our Information Technology and Computer Information Systems graduate
program, you can apply for paid opportunities to work as a graduate assistant. You
may qualify for program-specific scholarships such as:
- Chelsoft Solutions Company Scholarship - CIS & IT and Computer Science Scholarship
Learn more about program scholarships by using the UCM Scholarship Finder.
Personalized Support to Help You Succeed
Our IT and CIS MS program features small courses
At UCM, our MS in Information Technology and Computer Information Systems program
has a 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio, which means you’ll have ample opportunities to
get to know and learn from experienced, nationally recognized scholars. They’re dedicated
to your success in the classroom and in your career.
Get to Know Your Classmates
Join a UCM club or organization
Join a graduate student club or organization to connect with and meet your fellow
classmates in the MS in Computer Information Systems and Information Technology program
outside the classroom. You’ll also have ample opportunities to hear from guest speakers,
attend regional and national conferences and participate in special events and programs
on campus.
Get Involved
Get Ahead at a Top Regional Business School
Our MS in Computer Information Systems and IT is accredited by the AACSB. That means
your CIS and IT master’s degree will be well-respected throughout the field.
Put Your Learning to Work in Top-Notch Facilities
Multiple labs available for IT and CIS MS students
In our MS in Information Technology and Computer Information Systems program, you’ll
spend much of your time in specialized labs for artificial intelligence, big data,
cloud computing and networking, mobile and web development and software development.
You’ll have the space to develop your skills and gain experience to advance your career.
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Make yourself more marketable.
In addition to our two unique tracks, you can further specialize your MS in Computer
Information Systems and Information Technology with a graduate certificate:

Explore programs related to CIS and IT.
With more than 50 master’s degrees, UCM has a graduate program for you. We also offer:
Think quality, think MS CIS & IT
Master of Science in Computer Information Systems and Information Technology (MS
CIS & IT) |
MS CIS & IT Admission Requirements
Admission is granted on the basis of person's academic aptitude and potential evaluated
through academic record, work experience, and test scores. Courses completed prior
to receipt of an undergraduate degree cannot be used toward the CIS & IT degree.
- A minimum undergraduate grade point average of 2.5.
- GRE/GMAT is optional with 2.5+ years of work experience in IT field.
- GRE/GMAT is optional for people with degree in CIS/IT from AACSB accredited program
with high GPA.
- A minimum GRE score of 290 or GMAT score of 500. Exception may be made on a case-by-case.
- Acceptance into the CIS & IT program is limited and highly competitive.
MS CIS & IT Degree Requirements
MS CIS & IT is a 30-hour program. At least 15 hours must be taken at 5000/6000 level.
For more information contact Dr. Narasimha S. Paravastu at (660) 441-8244 or via email.
Required Graduate Courses: 18 Semester Hours
Course # |
Course Title |
Credit Hours |
CIS 5755 |
Software Engineering |
3 |
CIS 5675 |
Project Management |
3 |
CIS 5690 |
Advanced Systems Project |
3 |
CIS 5650 |
Managing Information Security in Organizations |
3 |
CIS 5660 |
Legal Environment of Information Systems |
3 |
CIS 5670 |
Internship in CIS |
3 |
|
Total Hours |
18 |
Students must complete 4 courses in one of the following track areas. Advisor approval
is required for any substitution.
Concentration (12 hrs)
Software Engineering Track (any 4)
Course # |
Course Title |
Credit Hours |
CIS 5760 |
Applications Development Using Java |
3 |
CIS 5765 |
Data Com. & Dist. Data Proc. |
3 |
CIS 5606 |
Advanced Application Development Using Visual C# |
3 |
CIS 5656 |
Mobile Computing with iOS and Android |
3 |
CIS 5661 |
Advanced Analysis & Design of CIS |
3 |
Internet Technology Track (any 4)
Course # |
Course Title |
Credit Hours |
CIS 5610 |
Internet for the Enterprise |
3 |
CIS 5611 |
Client-side Internet Resources |
3 |
CIS 5612 |
Server-side Internet Resources |
3 |
CIS 5765 |
Data Com. & Dist. Data Proc. |
3 |
CIS 5669 |
Telecommunications Management |
3 |
MS in CIS & IT Graduate Electives (3 hrs)
Any graduate level CIS course approved by the advisor.
Course # |
Course Title |
Credit Hours |
CIS 5686 |
Business Application of Machine and Deep Learning |
3 |
CIS 5760 |
Applications Development Using Java |
3 |
CIS 5780 |
Data Resource Managment |
3 |
CIS 5606 |
Advanced Application Development Using Visual C# |
3 |
CIS 5607 |
Telecommunications & Local Area Networking |
3 |
CIS 5610 |
Internet for the Enterprise |
3 |
CIS 5670 |
Internship in Computer Information Systems |
3 |
CIS 5681 |
Big Data Solutions for Business |
3 |
CIS 6610 |
Readings in Computer Information Systems |
3 |
Note:
Due to the applied nature of this program, students are required to participate in
curricular practical training during the first year of studies based on appropriate
courses. A student is expected to take CIS 5670 - Internship in CIS (3) to meet the
core requirement.
Required Undergraduate Background Courses (0-15 hrs)
The following undergraduate courses (or equivalents) are required. Some of the requirements may be waived for the Computer Information area. Undergraduate
work already completed may be used to satisfy undergraduate background requirements.
Course # |
Course Title |
Credit Hours |
CIS 1625 |
Programming in Visual C# |
3 |
CIS 2665 |
Principles of Data Comm. & Local Area Networking |
3 |
CIS 3625 |
Bus. app dev with Java |
3 |
CIS 3650 |
Database Management Systems |
3 |
CIS 3660 |
Analysis & Design of CIS |
3 |