UHD / Academic Affairs / Marilyn Davies College of Business / Finance, Information Systems, Economics and Risk Management / MIS @ UHD
MIS @ UHD
Curriculum Overview
The Management Information Systems (MIS) curriculum is designed to prepare students to enter the workforce equipped with knowledge and skills in information systems development processes, web technologies, domain fundamentals, and the use of largescale Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems and information technology control and infrastructure frameworks.
The MIS curriculum plan is structured to instill business skills; foundations of information systems; knowledge of data and information management; business analytics; information systems project management; information technology infrastructure; systems analysis and design; information systems strategy; management and acquisition; and a choice of electives for the student. The choice of electives includes programming languages, enterprise systems, web technology, information security, microcomputer applications, and E-commerce. An environment is offered to students that allow them to prepare for a lifetime of learning and growth in various information technology careers such as applications developer, systems analyst, database administrator, knowledge systems developer, network systems administrator, electronic commerce systems developer, and information systems consultant.
MIS Required Courses
Terminology, concepts, skills, and techniques to effectively analyze and develop business
information systems in a team environment. Topics include systems analysis and design
utilizing the Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC) methodology to provide a strong
conceptual and systematic framework. In addition, students acquire knowledge of project
management, understand the importance of security coding practices, and become aware
of total cost of ownership and various compliance and legal issues. Furthermore, students
are introduced to the new IT trends in systems development such as agile development,
extreme programming, rapid application development (RAD), and the Unified Modeling
Language (UML).
This course introduces the development of computer-based systems to manage business
data. The organizational context of database management, concepts of data modeling
and database design are presented. Data file management, database administration issues,
database implementation, data retrieval using query languages, database technologies
and graphical user interface functions are introduced in this course. Career and specialties
exploration related to managing data and information is also covered.
This is a study of data communications and networking technologies, hardware, and
systems. These include digital data communication technologies, microcomputer-based
networking and workstation components, local and wide area networks, management of
networks, intelligent computer load sharing networks, distributed and decentralized
data processing, architectural configurations, and emerging technologies.
This course introduces the quantitative methods and practical techniques of Business
Analytics. Students will learn to choose and apply appropriate quantitative methods
and statistical techniques to solve a variety of practical problems in business environments.
Topics includes data processing for descriptive data analysis, data visualization,
regression for prediction, and optimization models for decision making in business
environments. Students will learn to use a variety of popular tools and techniques
for business data analysis and visualization including object oriented statistical/analytic
packages, programming languages, and visual analytic platforms.
This is an introduction to the fundamental concepts of computer programming using
an object-oriented approach. Topics include the program and algorithm design, coding,
debugging, functional decomposition, variable/array handling, data input/output, conditional
logic, execution control, iteration, and file handling. Students apply these tools
to solve common business programming problems. Fundamental concepts and life cycle
of application development are discussed.
Processes, methods, techniques and tools utilized to effectively manage computer-related
hardware and software projects including networking, infrastructure, and software
design and development projects in a team environment. Topics include initiating,
planning, executing, controlling, and closing business information systems projects.
In addition, information systems development methodologies including Evolutionary,
V-Model, and Lean Software Development are introduced. Furthermore, various types
of technologies including project management software as well as software to support
group collaboration are utilized.
This is a capstone course covering the analysis, design and implementation of business
applications and information systems. Emphasis is placed on the development of a computer
application through life cycle methodology. In addition, students acquire additional
knowledge in the specific concepts and skills of project management, and understand
the importance of security coding practices. Students apply project management methods,
project scheduling and control techniques, formal presentations and group dynamics
in the analysis of information systems.
MIS Elective Upper Level Courses (9 hours)
This course explores beyond the introductory level the most common productivity software
applications and some software development tools used in business. Productivity programs
are tools that you can use to create documents, presentations, tables, charts, and
graphs. In this course, students learn the advanced features of various productivity
programs such as word processing software, spreadsheets, presentation software, and
database management systems. Examples of topics are working with document collaboration
and integration tools, defining and using macros within word processing and spreadsheet
applications, administering a database system, and basic software development using
a visual programming language. Students will also learn how to select the appropriate
software to cater to specific business needs.
This course explores what it takes to become a successful business analyst. The focus
is on preparing students to consider pursuing CBAP certification (Certified Business
Analyst Professional). The course explores the entire range of approaches and techniques
needed to conduct business analysis successfully, including investigating business
issues, modelling processes, defining requirements and producing rigorous business
cases. These topics are addressed both within and beyond a specific project, with
attention paid to managing change within the organization. Students also hone their
ability to communicate as liaison between IT and a general business audience.
This course covers information management concepts, data solvency, how data works
in applications and systems, introduction to business intelligence fundamentals, master
data management, data security, data classification, physical data, and data privacy.
The careers and specialties related to managing data and information are explored.
An introduction to the technologies and languages used to develop and operate business
and e-commerce Web sites with focus on client-side technologies. Topics include but
are not limited to the architecture of WWW, usability of Web site designs, programming
practices, HTML5, CSS, extensible markup language (XML), Dynamic Object Model (DOM),
and Dynamic HTML (DHTML).
This course explores the design, selection, implementation and management of enterprise
IT solutions. The focus is on applications and infrastructure and their fit with the
business. Students learn frameworks and strategies for infrastructure management,
system administration, content management, distributed computing, middleware, legacy
system integration, system consolidation, software selection, total cost of ownership
calculation, IT investment analysis, and emerging technologies. These topics are addressed
both within and beyond the organization, with attention paid to managing risk and
security within audit and compliance standards. Students also hone their ability to
communicate technology architecture strategies concisely to a general business audience.
Supply chain information systems including theoretical and practical understanding
of hardware and software operations in the supply chain. Includes inventory management
and tracking, supplier evaluation, physical distribution systems, and customer service
using information systems. Technology includes bar coding, radio frequency tracking,
and other automated data entry techniques. Examines role of documentation in domestic
and international trading use of commercial invoicing, packing lists, ocean bills
of lading, freight forwarding booking requests, shipper’s export declarations, and
certificates of origin.
This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of the theoretical
and practical issues related to the application of enterprise systems within organizations.
The main focus of this course is to demonstrate how enterprise systems integrate information
and organizational processes across functional areas with a unified system comprised
of a single database and shared reporting tools. Enterprise systems, by their multidimensional
integrative nature, offer the depth of functionality and breadth of integration to
demonstrate how global operations of organizations are managed. Thus, students will
gain an appreciation of the scope of enterprise systems and the motivation for implementing
them. SAP software will be used by students to complete an integrated project, which
illustrates how enterprise systems work.
Selected topics in computer information systems. Intensive individual study under
the guidance of a member of the MIS faculty.
This course offers a comprehensive knowledge and experience of visualization techniques
designed specifically for business data. Students will use practical methods to create
visualizations that enhance decision-making and problem-solving processes in various
business scenarios. The course emphasizes transforming complex data into intuitive
and accessible visual formats, enabling clearer communication and analysis. Throughout
the course, students will learn to apply advanced visualization techniques to real-world
business challenges, ensuring they can effectively present and interpret data insights.
The curriculum also covers the latest data visualization tools used in the field,
providing hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology.
A study of the skills, tools and procedures needed to effectively evaluate computer-based
information systems controls. Concepts and techniques used in Information Systems
Audits are examined from general, industry-specific and technological perspectives.
Exposure to business impact analysis, risk analysis and disaster recovery analysis
is provided with emphasis on varying requirements of the business community.
This course considers the technical, operational, and managerial issues of computer
systems and network security in an operational environment. The course will address
the threats to computer security including schemes for breaking security, and techniques
for detecting and preventing security violations. Emphasis will be on instituting
safeguards, examining the different types of security systems, and applying the appropriate
level of security for the perceived risk.
This course introduces Business Intelligence including the processes, methodologies,
infrastructure, and current practices used to transform business data into information
to support business decision-making such as performance evaluation, trend spotting,
and policy making. Students are introduced to managerial issues, analytical components,
and technologies related to data warehousing, data/text/Web mining, visual analytics
along with reporting options such as management dashboards and balanced scorecards.
A capstone course in the Enterprise Information Systems major takes a senior management
perspective in exploring the acquisition, development and implementation of plans
and policies to achieve efficient and effective information systems (IS). The course
focuses on developing an intellectual framework that will allow leaders of organizations
to critically assess existing IS infrastructures and emerging technologies as well
as how these enabling technologies may affect organizational strategy. Students will
study developing information technology (IT) strategy for business value, IT governance
including the IT budgeting process and IT sourcing options, and IT capability management
including managing IT-based risk and linking IT to business metrics. Students will
use the case study method to apply said strategies to management issues within an
IS context.
For more information and qualifications see Field Experience in the Marilyn Davies
College of Business section of this catalog and/or the department chair for your declared
major.
An investigation of the rapidly changing field of MIS, including such topics as computers
and society, micro-and minicomputers and computer simulation models.
MIS Additional Resources
Discover how our MIS Advisory Board bridges industry and education to shape future-ready
professionals. Explore opportunities to connect, contribute, and collaborate with
leaders in information systems.
Visit our MIS Scholarship page to learn how we support student success through financial
awards and industry engagement. View recent scholars who have been recognized for
their achievements and potential in the field of information systems.
