Specializations
MSc in Information Systems
Students in this specialization first develop a grounding in research methods, followed by the management and effects of information systems. It is designed to prepare students for PhD studies; however, some graduates have gone on to roles in consulting, IT and government agencies.
Although not required, relevant work experience is a benefit.
Courses in this specialization are generally taught by members of Smith’s Digital Technology group.
Is this Specialization for you?
Discover how this program aligns with your academic or research oriented career goals. Request a virtual one-on-one meeting with a member of our program team.
Recommended Undergraduate Degrees
- Analytics
- Business or Commerce
- Communication and Media Studies
- Computer Science
- Human-Computer Interaction Studies
- Information Science
- Information Systems
- Engineering
- Technology Management
Program Structure and Content
This is a 12-month program beginning in September. Each student is required to complete the following courses and a research project of publishable quality.
Course offerings change from year to year. This sample stream is not reflective of a guaranteed curriculum but is instead an example of what a curriculum could look like in a given year.
With supervisor approval, students can select MGMT specialization courses from other area groups. Electives can be any other MGMT course or a course from another department at the supervisor’s discretion.
Course descriptions are available on the School of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs website. Any non-MGMT courses are linked below.
Sample Information Systems MSc Curriculum
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| Core | |
| MGMT 801 Research Foundations | Pass/Fail |
| MGMT 898 Major Research Project | Pass/Fail |
| Specialization – MGMT | |
| MGMT 870 Foundations of MIS I | 3 |
| MGMT 871 Foundations of MIS II | 3 |
| Electives – Supervisor Approved MGMT or Other Department | |
| MGMT 972 Advanced Topics in the Design, Development and Implementation of Information Systems (or other elective) | 3 |
| MGMT 973 Advanced Topics in Management Support Systems (or other elective) | 3 |
| Methods/Related Field | |
| MGMT 800 Statistics I | 3 |
| MGMT 802 Qualitative Research Method Design | 1.5 |
| MGMT 803 Experimental Research Method Design | 1.5 |
| MGMT 804 Survey Research Method Design | 1.5 |
| Total Credits | 19.5 |
Sample Year 2 PhD Curriculum
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| Core | |
| MGMT 993 Teaching and Learning in Management and Business | Pass/Fail |
| MGMT 994 Upper Year Research Presentation | Pass/Fail |
| Specialization – MGMT | |
| MGMT 974 Advanced Topics in the Evaluation of Information Systems | 3 |
| MGMT 975 Special Topics in MIS / MGMT 976: Emerging Topics in MIS | 3 |
| Methods/Related Field | |
| MGMT 900 Statistics II | 3 |
| Total Credits | 9 |
Examples of possible electives from other departments for the Information Systems specialization include:
“After I completed my undergraduate degree, the MSc program was the perfect fit for me to explore Management Information Systems research topics and develop a strong foundation to pursue my PhD. I chose to study at the Smith School of Business because it provided me with the opportunity to learn from renowned researchers, attend conferences and networking events, and to collaborate with others on exciting projects. As I work toward my goal of becoming a professor, I am grateful for the personal and academic growth that I experienced in the MSc program.”
PhD Candidate
Smith School of Business