M.S. in Management Information Systems (MMIS)
Introduction
Admission
Requirements
The
Curriculum
Concentration in Information Security
Program
Formats and Term Dates
Early
Admission into the Doctoral Program
Course Descriptions
Graduate
Catalog 
Graduate School of Computer and Information Sciences home page
Introduction
The Master's of Science in Management Information Systems is a 36 credit-hour program. It focuses on the application of technological concepts of information systems to the collection, retention, and dissemination of information for management planning and decision making. The program concentrates on areas such as project management, decision support systems, computer languages, client-server and distributed computing, database systems and data warehousing, telecommunications, system analysis and design, human-computer interaction, electronic commerce, information security, computer graphics, and multimedia.
The program blends theory and practice into a learning experience that develops skills applicable to complex real-world problems. It is designed to give students a thorough knowledge of the field and to provide an enduring foundation for future professional growth.
The program’s formats offer full-time students the opportunity to earn the master’s degree in 12 months and working professionals the opportunity to earn the degree in 12–18 months.
Students have the option to earn the M.S. in MIS with concentration in information security, which requires a total of 42 credit hours (14 courses), or the Graduate Certificate in Information Security (Administration of Information Security), which requires a total of 15 credit-hours (five courses). The concentration and graduate certificate are recognized by the National Security Agency (NSA) based on its certification of the school’s curriculum under NSA national training standards NSTISSI No. 4011 (Information Systems Security Professionals) and CNSSI No. 4013 (System Administrators). As a result of this certification, Federal civilian and military personnel will be permitted to take the school’s certified graduate courses under government sponsorship, and the school is authorized to issue certificates to students who complete such courses. Individuals may apply to take one or more certified information security courses as non-degree students. This program is available online or on-campus. Students who complete the concentration may also request the graduate certificate.
The Curriculum
Core courses and electives are listed below. Students may substitute up to two electives for two core courses. Students who wish to take an additional elective must request approval from the program office prior to registration. If the thesis option is elected, students must take ten core courses plus six thesis credits. Plans for the thesis option must be made with and approved by the program office. Courses constituting the degree program with concentration in information security are listed following the electives.
Core Courses (three credits each)
MMIS 610 Survey of Computer Languages
MMIS 620 Management Information Systems (cross-listed with MCTE 620)
MMIS 621 Information Systems Project Management (cross-listed with MCTE 621)
MMIS 627 Enterprise Information Systems, Technologies, and Infrastructures
MMIS 630 Database Systems
MMIS 642 Data Warehousing
MMIS 653 Telecommunications and Computer Networking (cross-listed with MCTE 650)
MMIS 654 Electronic Commerce on the Internet (cross-listed with MCIS 654)
MMIS 660 Systems Analysis and Design
MMIS 661 Object-Oriented Applications
MMIS 671 Decision Support Systems (cross-listed with MCIS 671)
MMIS 680 Human-Computer Interaction
Electives (three credits each)
MMIS 615 Quantitative Methods
MMIS 623 Legal and Ethical Aspects of Computing (cross-listed with MCIS 623)
MMIS 625 Computer Graphics (cross-listed with MCIS 625)
MMIS 640 System Test and Evaluation
MMIS 652 Information Security
MMIS 655 Server-Side Development of eCommerce Applications
MMIS 656 Web Design Technologies
MMIS 681 Multimedia Systems (cross-listed with MCIS 681)
MMIS 683 Fundamentals of Security Technologies
MMIS 684 Information Security Management (cross-listed with MCTE 684)
MMIS 685 Information Security Policy, Privacy, and Ethics (cross-listed with MCTE 685)
MMIS 686 Information System Auditing and Secure Operations (cross-listed with MCTE 686)
MMIS 687 Information Security Project
MMIS 691 Special Topics in MIS
Concentration in Information Security (required courses, three credits each)
MMIS 610 Survey of Computer Languages
MMIS 620 Management Information Systems (cross-listed with MCTE 620)
MMIS 621 Information Systems Project Management (cross-listed with MCTE 621)
MMIS 627 Enterprise Information Systems, Technologies, and Infrastructures
MMIS 630 Database Systems
MMIS 653 Telecommunications and Computer Networking (cross-listed with MCTE 650)
MMIS 660 Systems Analysis and Design
MMIS 671 Decision Support Systems (cross-listed with MCIS 671)
MMIS 680 Human-Computer Interaction
MMIS 683 Fundamentals of Security Technologies
MMIS 684 Information Security Management (cross-listed with MCTE 684)
MMIS 685 Information Security Policy, Privacy, and Ethics (cross-listed with MCTE 685)
MMIS 686 Information System Auditing and Secure Operations (cross-listed with MCTE 686)
MMIS 687 Information Security Project
Program Formats and Term Dates
The 36-credit hour master’s program is designed so it may be completed by full-time students in 12 months or by working professionals in 12–18 months. To earn the degree in 12 months, students must enroll in three courses per term. To earn the degree in 18 months, students must enroll in two courses per term. Terms are 12 weeks long and there are four terms each year. Students select a preferred format (online or on-campus) in their admission applications, but once admitted may take courses in either format (except that some of the courses in the educational technology concentration are offered only online).
Students electing the online format may participate in online classes from anywhere in the world where Internet access is available. On-campus classes are held on the main campus in Fort Lauderdale. Each class meets once a week from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. for 12 weeks.
Students are provided NSU computer accounts but must obtain their own Internet service providers and use their own computer systems. New students are provided an orientation on computer and software requirements, online access, online tools and methods, and library resources. Online students use the web to access course materials, announcements, email, distance library services, subscription library databases, and other information and for interaction with faculty and fellow students. Online, interactive learning methods are based on the use of WebCT as a course management system. Online activities facilitate frequent student-to-faculty and student-to-student interaction. They are supported by threaded discussion boards, white boards, chat rooms, email, multimedia presentations, and assignment drop boxes.
Early Admission into the Doctoral Program
This option provides the opportunity for master’s students in management information systems to earn the Ph.D. in information systems in a shorter time. In addition to the requirements specified in the section Early Admission into the Ph.D. Program, the student must have completed MMIS 610 Survey of Computer Languages; MMIS 620 Management Information Systems; MMIS 627 Enterprise Information Systems, Technologies, and Infrastructures; MMIS 630 Database Systems; and MMIS 660 Systems Analysis and Design.
Course Descriptions
MMIS 501 Introduction to Java Programming (3 credits)
An introduction to the Java programming language. The course includes an introduction to the concepts of object-oriented programming and shows how Java supports this programming paradigm. Students learn about the Java environment and write both applets (programs that execute in a web browser) and applications (stand-alone programs). In addition to learning about basic language statements, students learn how Java provides support for such diverse applications as web pages, multimedia, education, etc.
MMIS 610 Survey of Computer Languages (3 credits)
A study of high-level languages, fourth-generation languages, and command languages used in the development of software for management information systems. The logical and physical structure of programs and data. Concepts of structured programming. Data structures, file management, and their use in problem solving.
MMIS 615 Quantitative Methods (3 credits)
An introduction to the basic quantitative tools needed to support problem solving and decision making in the information systems environment. Emphasis on application of these tools in a case-based, real-world environment.
MMIS 620 Management Information Systems (3 credits)
The application of information system concepts to the collection, retention, and dissemination of information for management planning and decision making. Issues such as personnel selection, budgeting, policy development, and organizational interfacing are discussed. Conceptual foundations and planning and development of management information systems. The role of MIS in an organization and the fit between the system and the organization. (Cross-listed with MCTE 620)
MMIS 621 Information Systems Project Management (3 credits)
Practical examination of how projects can be managed from start to finish. Life-cycle models/paradigms. Life-cycle phases. Project planning and risk analysis. Project control including work breakdown structures, project scheduling, activities and milestones. Software cost estimation techniques and models. Software quality assurance and metrics for software productivity and quality. Inspections, walkthroughs, and reviews. Documentation and configuration management. Automated project management tools. Software maintenance. Procurement of software services and systems and development of IS project specifications. Project management skills including leadership, team building, planning, time management, resource allocation, conflict management, and using IS project management in strategic planning. Ethics in project management. Case studies are used throughout the course to support concepts, principles, and problem solving. (Cross-listed with MCTE 621)
MMIS 623 Legal and Ethical Aspects of Computing (3 credits)
Building on a foundation in classical ethics, we examine the impact of the computer and the Internet on our society. Topics include ethical decision making; professional codes; whistle-blowing; computer crime; copyrights, patents and intellectual property; privacy; and risk management. Students analyze case studies and write a research paper. (Cross-listed with MCIS 623)
MMIS 625 Computer Graphics (3 credits)
Principles and concepts of computer graphics useful to information managers. Topics include an introduction to raster graphics, concepts of 2-D and 3-D graphics, modeling, rendering, graphic file formats, color, graphical user interfaces and virtual reality, and the graphical presentation of information. (Cross-listed with MCIS 625)
MMIS 627 Enterprise Information Systems, Technologies, and Infrastructures (3 credits)
Focuses on enterprise-level information systems, technologies, and infrastructures that are emerging as the first generation 21st century application integration design strategies and tools. Included are managing Web-based client/server and distributed environments, evaluation of vendor strategies, legacy system migration issues, performance, interoperability, scalability, and security concerns, Web services foundations, types of middleware, vendor architectures, distributed applications, the context for integration, service-oriented application integration, multi-enterprise portals, mobile devices, business process integration, Java-based middleware standards, Web services APIs, and emerging standards. Cases of enterprise systems and architectures are analyzed.
MMIS 630 Database Systems (3 credits)
The application of database concepts to management information systems. Design objectives, methods, costs, and benefits associated with the use of a database management system. Tools and techniques for the management of large amounts of data. Database design, performance, and administration. File organization and access methods. The architectures of database systems, data models for database systems (network, hierarchical, relational, and object-oriented model), client-server database applications, distributed databases, and object-oriented databases.
MMIS 640 System Test and Evaluation (3 credits)
An analysis of the verification and validation process. Methods, procedures, and techniques for integration and acceptance testing. Reliability measurement. Goals for testing. Testing in the small and testing in the large. Allocation of testing resources. When to stop testing. Test case design methods. Black box software testing techniques including equivalence partitioning, boundary-value analysis, cause-effect graphing, and error guessing. White box software testing techniques including statement coverage criterion, edge coverage criterion, condition coverage criterion, and path coverage criterion. Test of concurrent and real-time systems.
MMIS 642 Data Warehousing (3 credits)
This course includes the various factors involved in developing data warehouses and data marts: planning, design, implementation, and evaluation; review of vendor data warehouse products; cases involving contemporary implementations in business, government, and industry; techniques for maximizing effectiveness through OLAP and data mining.
MMIS 652 Information Security (3 credits)
Concepts and principles of system and data security. Risk assessment, evaluation of vulnerabilities, policy formation, control and protection methods. Review and evaluation of security models. Issues in physical, system, network, database and application security. Protection methods of encryption, authentication technologies, and access control are used to examine host-based and network-based security issues. Management of security, policy formulation, security personnel and issues of law and legal protection of privacy. System design and network design for security and techniques for combating security breaches.
MMIS 653 Telecommunications and Computer Networking (3 credits)
This course provides a framework for understanding computer network functionality, characteristics, and configurations. Topics include network topologies, protocols, and architectures and emerging trends in network technologies and services. The role of optical technologies in supporting national and international implementations is explored. Strategies for network planning, implementation, management, and security are introduced. Recent advances in standardization, internetworking, and deployment of LANs (local area networks), MANs (metropolitan area networks), and WANs (wide area networks) are introduced. (Cross-listed with MCTE 650)
MMIS 654 Electronic Commerce on the Internet (3 credits)
This course examines the foundation, operation, and implications of the Internet economy. Topics include Internet technologies, online market mechanisms, interactive customers, knowledge-based products, smart physical products and services, pricing in the Internet economy, online auctions and e-marketplaces, digital governance, policies for the Internet economy and an outlook for the new economy. (Cross-listed with MCIS 654)
MMIS 655 Server-Side Development of eCommerce Applications (3 credits)
A variety of web applications such as storefronts, electronic communities, electronic markets, and on-line auction systems are studied. Topics include server-side scripting using a scripting language, introductory systems analysis and design for electronic commerce applications, and web-database integration. Prerequisites: MMIS 630, 656.
MMIS 656 Web Design Technologies (3 credits)
A hands-on introduction to a variety of technologies involved in the design of web sites. Topics include aligning electronic business models with web site design, planning a web site, understanding the principles and elements of effective web site design, using web development and design tools, and evaluating web site effectiveness.
MMIS 660 Systems Analysis and Design (3 credits)
Analysis of requirements for information systems. Elicitation/fact-finding, problem analysis, decomposition, and the requirements document. Concepts, methods, techniques, and tools for systems analysis, modeling and simulation, and prototyping. Structured and object-oriented analysis. Role of the systems analyst in the organization. Gaining user commitment and fulfilling user needs. Concepts, tools, and techniques for systems design. Design principles, quality factors, decomposition of complex systems, and modularization techniques. Design methods such as object-oriented and function-oriented design. Comparison of analysis and design techniques.
MMIS 661 Object-Oriented Applications (3 credits)
Principles and concepts of the object-oriented paradigm and object-oriented programming languages. Notation and techniques for the analysis, design, and implementation of object-oriented systems. Mechanisms for reuse, including composition, inheritance, design patterns, and application frameworks. The use of object-oriented methods in common applications.
MMIS 671 Decision Support Systems (3 credits)
This course examines concepts of decision support in both automated and non-automated environments. The focus is on application of decision theory, analytical modeling, and simulation techniques to solve organizational problems. Group decision support systems, executive information systems, and expert systems are also discussed. Case studies of existing systems are used to reinforce concepts discussed in class. A major component of the course is a project entailing the design, implementation, and evaluation of a decision support system. (Cross-listed with MCIS 671)
MMIS 680 Human-Computer Interaction (3 credits)
The dynamics of human-computer interaction (HCI) are examined with a blend of theory and practice pertaining to the study of information systems. Provides a broad and comprehensive overview and offers specific background relating to user-centered approaches in the design and evaluation of information systems applications. Areas to be addressed include the user interface and software design strategies, user experience levels, interaction styles, usability engineering, web site usability, and collaborative systems technology. Students will perform formal interface evaluations and usability tests applied to current information systems technology.
MMIS 681 Multimedia Systems (3 credits)
Introduction to multimedia systems. Definitions of terms and concepts related to multimedia. Trends in the development and the use of multimedia. Tools, techniques, and guidelines facilitating the planning, design, production, and implementation of multimedia products. (Cross-listed with MCIS 681)
MMIS 683 Fundamentals of Security Technologies (3 credits)
This course investigates fundamental assurance technologies that can be applied to interface specifications, architectures, and implementations of information security mechanisms. Principles of testing are discussed and applied to demonstrative and vulnerability testing. The selection of appropriate security applications, security lifecycles, and interoperability issues will also be covered. Prerequisites: MMIS 610, 627.
MMIS 684 Information Security Management (3 credits)
This course will integrate concepts and techniques from management and organizational behavior in order to identify, understand, and propose solutions to the problems of computer security and security administration. Particular focus will be on the role of managers in the security process and the development of effective policies and procedures. Prerequisites: MMIS 620, 621. (Cross-listed with MCTE 684)
MMIS 685 Information Security Policy, Privacy, and Ethics (3 credits)
This course covers the development and need for information security policies, issues regarding privacy, and the application of computer ethics. It also covers legal issues and legislation that impacts the design, implementation, and administration of secure infrastructures. Prerequisite: MMIS 620. (Cross-listed with MCTE 685)
MMIS 686 Information Systems Auditing and Secure Operations (3 credits)
Information security ultimately depends upon correct usage of available security features. This course covers principles and practice related to secure operation of existing information technology. Topics related to security auditing and accountability will also be discussed. Prerequisites: MMIS 620, 621. (Cross-listed with MCTE 686)
MMIS 687 Information Security Project (3 credits)
This project course integrates all of the knowledge accumulated through the previous courses and serves as a capstone for the Concentration in Information Security. The class focuses on best practices demonstrated through case studies and systems assessment. Students may enroll in this class only after completing all of the information security concentration courses. Prerequisites: MMIS 683, 684, 685, and 686.
MMIS 688 Continuing Thesis in Management Information Systems (1.5 credits)
Students who have not completed the thesis by the end of the second thesis registration must register for continuing thesis. This allows the student to receive faculty and administrative advice and support related to the thesis. Prerequisite: Completion of second thesis registration.
MMIS 691 Special Topics in Management Information Systems (3 credits)
This seminar focuses on the professor’s current research interests. Requires consent of course professor and program director.
MMIS 699 Master’s Thesis in Management Information Systems (3 credits)
The student develops a framework within which research will be conducted and offers evidence of qualifications to pursue the research. Concepts and theories underlying the student’s thesis research are articulated; the problem is clearly stated; specific, measurable goals are specified; a literature review is presented; the methods of conducting research are delineated; and strategy to achieve the goal is given. Registration for MMIS 699 must be repeated for three more credits, for a total of six thesis credits. Prerequisite: Completion of eight courses at the 600-level.
