{"id":11677,"date":"2016-10-26T09:17:53","date_gmt":"2016-10-26T14:17:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/academics\/?post_type=program&#038;p=11677"},"modified":"2026-06-18T08:36:03","modified_gmt":"2026-06-18T13:36:03","slug":"master-of-computer-and-information-science-information-tech","status":"publish","type":"program","link":"https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/academics\/program\/master-of-computer-and-information-science-information-tech\/","title":{"rendered":"Master of Science in Computer and Information Science &#8211; Information Technology Option"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The\u00a0<strong>Master of Science in Computer and Information Sciences (MCIS) with an Information Technology <\/strong>option\u00a0at Southern Arkansas University is a specialized STEM-certified program designed to cultivate high-level technical managers and systems architects. This track focuses on the integration of computing technologies with organizational needs, preparing you to lead digital transformation, manage complex IT infrastructures, and implement enterprise-level solutions.<\/p>\n<h3>Program Format &amp; Flexibility<\/h3>\n<p>The MCIS program offers a flexible and student-centered learning environment tailored to both full-time students and working professionals.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Online<\/strong>: Complete your degree from anywhere in the United States with 100% virtual coursework.<\/li>\n<li><strong>On-Campus<\/strong>: Engage in hands-on labs and face-to-face collaboration in Magnolia.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Hybrid<\/strong>: Utilize a blend of both formats to balance your career and education.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Program Duration &amp; Start Dates<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Duration<\/strong>:\u00a0Can be completed in as little as 18\u201324 months\u00a0depending on course load.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Start Dates<\/strong>:\u00a0Rolling admissions with intakes for Fall, Spring, and Summer.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Deadlines<\/strong>: * Fall: July 20 | Spring: December 1 | Summer I: April 1 | Summer II: June 1<\/li>\n<li><strong>Accelerated Master\u2019s Option<\/strong>:\u00a0SAU undergraduates can fast-track their careers by starting IT graduate courses during their senior year.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Why Choose the IT Track at SAU?<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>STEM Designation<\/strong>: As a STEM-certified program, international students are eligible for a 24-month OPT extension (36 months total).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Industry-Relevant Curriculum<\/strong>: Gain practical skills in programming, web development, databases, networking, cloud computing, and software engineering.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Cost-Effectiveness<\/strong>: SAU offers one of the most affordable high-quality graduate computer science programs in the region.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Skills You Will Gain<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Software Developer \/ Software Engineer<\/strong>: Design, develop, test, and maintain software applications that solve business and technical problems. Work with programming languages, databases, and development frameworks to build reliable systems.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Web Developer<\/strong>: Create and maintain websites and web applications using client-side and server-side technologies. Ensure applications are responsive, secure, and user-friendly.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Systems Analyst<\/strong>: Analyze organizational needs and translate business requirements into effective technology solutions. Serve as a bridge between users, management, and technical teams.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Database Administrator<\/strong>: Manage, secure, and optimize databases to ensure data availability, integrity, and performance. Monitor database systems and implement backup and recovery strategies.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Cloud Support Engineer<\/strong>: Deploy, monitor, and support applications and services in cloud environments. Assist with cloud infrastructure management, scalability, security, and troubleshooting.<\/li>\n<li><strong>IT Project Manager<\/strong>: Plan, coordinate, and oversee technology projects from initiation to completion. Manage schedules, budgets, resources, and communication to ensure successful project delivery.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Network Administrator<\/strong>: Configure, maintain, and troubleshoot computer networks and communication systems. Ensure reliable connectivity, security, and performance across organizational networks.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Faculty &amp; Digital Learning Environment<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Research-Active Faculty<\/strong>: Learn from professors who are experts in AI, machine learning, cyber security and cloud computing.<\/li>\n<li><strong>State-of-the-Art Labs<\/strong>: Access virtualized environments and physical labs equipped with the latest hardware.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Class Projects and Internship<\/strong>: Most courses include hands-on implementation or research projects, providing practical experience with real-world challenges. Internship opportunities further enhance learning by offering valuable industry exposure and professional experience.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The\u00a0Master of Science in Computer and Information Sciences (MCIS) with an Information Technology option\u00a0at Southern Arkansas University is a specialized STEM-certified program designed to cultivate high-level technical managers and systems architects. This track focuses on the integration of computing technologies with organizational needs, preparing you to lead digital transformation, manage complex IT infrastructures, and implement&#8230; <a class=\"more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/academics\/program\/master-of-computer-and-information-science-information-tech\/\"> Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":16411,"menu_order":0,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":"","_genesis_title":"","_genesis_description":"","_genesis_noindex":"","_genesis_nofollow":"","_genesis_noarchive":"","_genesis_canonical_uri":"","_open_graph_title":"","_open_graph_description":"","_twitter_title":"","_twitter_description":"","_social_image_url":"","_social_image_id":"","redirect":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"college_department":[18307,18324,18306],"delivery":[28836,255,28834],"types":[28851],"class_list":["post-11677","program","type-program","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","college_department-school-of-graduate-studies","college_department-mathematics-and-computer-science","college_department-college-of-science-and-engineering","delivery-hybrid","delivery-on-campus","delivery-online","types-graduate","entry"],"acf":{"page_layout":"standard","landing_page_url":"https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/mcis\/","department_college":"<a href=\"http:\/\/www.saumag.edu\/academics\/science_and_technology\/mathematics_and_computer_science\/\">Mathematics &amp; Computer Science<\/a>\u00a0\/\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/science\/\">College of Science &amp; Engineering<\/a>","badge_text":"","Number_of_Hours":"30","tuition_instate":"$329\/credit hour","tuition_outstate":"$516\/credit hour","estimated_total_tuition":"~ $9,870 (In-State) to ~ $15,480 (Out-of-State)","start_dates":"Rolling admissions (Fall, Spring, Summer)","duration":"2 years","Degree Plans":"<a href=\"https:\/\/catalog.saumag.edu\/preview_program.php?catoid=9&amp;poid=2088&amp;returnto=346\">2025-2026<\/a>","Program_Contact_Info":"[dirswitch contacts=\"karim-md\"]","Catalog Entry":"<strong>Computer and Information Science: Information Technology, MS (30 Hours)<\/strong>\r\n\r\nStudents must complete core computational requirements plus specialized courses in their chosen track. Students choose two additional elective courses from any concentration area based on their academic interests and professional objectives.\r\n\r\n<strong>Core Courses (12 hours)<\/strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 5103 - Advanced Programming Concepts\r\n<strong>or<\/strong> MCIS 5163 - Python Programming<\/li>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 5133 - Data Base Management Systems<\/li>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 6163 - Computer Networking<\/li>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 6173 - Information and Networking Security<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<strong>Information Technology Courses (12 hours)<\/strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 5003 - Survey of Information Technology\r\n<strong>or<\/strong> MCIS 6323 - Cloud Computing<\/li>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 5113 - Web Programming: Client Side<\/li>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 5413 - Web Programming: Server Side<\/li>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 6153 - Software Engineering<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<strong>Elective Courses (6 hours)<\/strong>\r\n\r\nSelect 6 hours from the following:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 5003 - Survey of Information Technology<\/li>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 5013 - The UNIX Operating System<\/li>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 5103 - Advanced Programming Concepts<\/li>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 5163 - Python Programming<\/li>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 5313 - Data Structures and Algorithms<\/li>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 6123 - Decision Science<\/li>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 6133 - User Interface Design<\/li>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 6183 - Special Topics<\/li>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 6193 - Special Topics<\/li>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 6203 - Special Topics Seminar<\/li>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 6213 - Applied Cryptography<\/li>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 6223 - Vulnerability Analysis and Risk Assessment<\/li>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 6233 - Traceable Systems and Computer Forensics<\/li>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 6243 - Wireless and Mobile Security<\/li>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 6253 - Privacy Compliant Systems Design<\/li>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 6263 - Big Data<\/li>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 6273 - Data Mining<\/li>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 6283 - Machine Learning<\/li>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 6293 - Special Topics<\/li>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 6313 - Internet of Things<\/li>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 6323 - Cloud Computing<\/li>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 6333 - Data Visualization Programming<\/li>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 6913 - Thesis<\/li>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 6916 - Thesis<\/li>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 6983 - Internship in Computer and Information Science<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>","minor_requirements":"","Admission Requirements or Deadlines":"<ol>\r\n \t<li><strong>Online Application<\/strong>:\u00a0Submit\u00a0your\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/apply.saumag.edu\">Graduate Studies Application<\/a>.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Transcripts<\/strong>:\u00a0Provide official transcripts from all previously attended institutions.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>GPA Requirement<\/strong>: Minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.5 (Conditional admission may be available for 2.2+).<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<h3>Prerequisites:<\/h3>\r\nA Bachelor\u2019s degree in Computer Science or a related field is preferred. Students with degrees in other fields may be required to complete two foundational \"bridge\" courses in programming and concepts.","careers":"The MCIS Information Technology option prepares you for leadership roles in the global tech sector:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>IT Project Manager<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Systems Architect<\/li>\r\n \t<li>IT Director \/ Manager<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Cloud Systems Administrator<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Network Engineer<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nMarket Demand:\u00a0The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a\u00a0<strong>15% growth rate<\/strong>\u00a0for Computer and Information Systems Managers through 2034, significantly faster than the average for all occupations.","faq":[{"faq_question":"Is this program different from the MBA in IT? ","faq_answer":"Yes. While the MBA focuses on business leadership with an IT concentration, the MCIS (IT Option) is a technical Master of Science degree with a heavier emphasis on systems architecture and engineering. "},{"faq_question":"Can I switch to a different MCIS focus area from information Technology?","faq_answer":"Yes. However, depending on the timing of the change, some courses completed for the Information Technology option may not satisfy the requirements of the new concentration. In general, no more than two Information Technology specialization courses may be applied toward the Data Science or Cybersecurity concentration requirements. Students are encouraged to consult with their academic advisor before changing concentrations to ensure timely degree completion."}],"Accreditations":"","Testimonials":"","student_information":"","Advisors":"","rankings":"","keywords":"","custom_tab_title":"Degree Plan","custom_tab_text":"<strong>Specific Degree Requirements <\/strong>\r\n\r\nEach candidate for the Master of Science in Computer and Information Science degree must complete a minimum of 30 semester hours of coursework.\r\n\r\n<strong>\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>Core courses (12 hours): <\/strong>\r\n\r\nMCIS \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 5103 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Advanced Programming Concepts\r\n\r\nMCIS\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 5133 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Data Base Management Systems\r\n\r\nMCIS\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 6163 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Computer Networking\r\n\r\nMCIS \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 6173 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Information &amp; Networking Security\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Required Information Technology courses (12 hours) <\/strong>\r\n\r\nMCIS \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 5003 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Survey of Information Technology\r\n\r\nMCIS \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 5113 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Web Programming: Client Side\r\n\r\nMCIS\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 5413 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Web Programming: Server Side\r\n\r\nMCIS \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 6153\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Software Engineering\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Electives, Select 6 hours from the following: <\/strong>\r\n\r\nMCIS \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 5013 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 UNIX Operating System\r\n\r\nMCIS \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 5313\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Data Structures and Algorithms\r\n\r\nMCIS \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 6123 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Decision Science\r\n\r\nMCIS \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 6133 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 User Interface Design\r\n\r\nMCIS \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 6183 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Special Topics\r\n\r\nMCIS \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 6201-6 \u00a0\u00a0 Special Topics Seminar\r\n\r\nMCIS \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 6213 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Applied Cryptography\r\n\r\nMCIS \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 6223 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Vulnerability and Risk Assessment\r\n\r\nMCIS \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 6233 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Traceable Systems and Computer Forensics\r\n\r\nMCIS \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 6243 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Wireless and Mobile Security\r\n\r\nMCIS \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 6253 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Privacy Compliant Systems Design\r\n\r\nMCIS \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 6263 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Big Data\r\n\r\nMCIS \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 6273\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Data Mining\r\n\r\nMCIS \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 6283 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Machine Learning\r\n\r\nMCIS \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 6983 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Internship in Computer and Information Science","rfi_shortcode":"[gf_embed site=\"1\" id=\"88\" prog=\"MCIS Information Technology\" type=\"Graduate\" comments=\"true\" notify_emails=\"mekarim@saumag.edu\"]"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/programs\/11677","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/programs"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/program"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/programs\/11677\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":17868,"href":"https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/programs\/11677\/revisions\/17868"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/16411"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11677"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"college_department","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/college_department?post=11677"},{"taxonomy":"delivery","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/delivery?post=11677"},{"taxonomy":"types","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types?post=11677"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}