MS in Information Systems, Accelerated Program Curriculum | Northwestern University School of Professional Studies - Northwestern School of Professional Studies

This course provides an overview of telecommunications and data communications. Course work includes local area network (LAN) and wide area network (WAN) components such as switches, routers, telecommunication circuits, and protocols. Advanced topics such as information security, information assurance, advanced networking technologies, and others will be overviewed as well.

This course covers the fundamentals of database design and management. Topics include the principles and methodologies of database design, database application development, normalization, referential integrity, security, relational database models, and database languages. Principles are applied by performing written assignments and a project using an SQL database system.

This course introduces core features of the Python programming language, demonstrating fundamental concepts in computer science. It provides an in-depth discussion of data representation strategies, showing how data structures are implemented in Python and demonstrating tools for data science and software engineering. Working on data analysis problems, students employ various programming paradigms, including functional programming, object- oriented programming, and data stream processing. Special attention is paid to the standard Python library and packages for analytics and modeling.

This course provides experience in the development of large multi-tier information systems. The project will cover all aspects of the software development life cycle (i.e., analysis, design, implementation, testing, deployment), as well as project management and software configuration management. Students will use Java, an object request broker, and a database management system to develop a three-tier application using a use-case-driven, iterative, and incremental methodology.

The earliest students may take this course is in the quarter of their final class. Students must have completed CIS 413, CIS 414, CIS 417, and CIS 494 prior to taking this course; they may not take CIS 498 alongside one of these core courses.

Note: Registration for CIS 498 will be closed one week prior to the start of the term.

This course provides an overview of machine learning concepts, techniques, and tools, that will help students deepen their understanding of applying machine learning to real-world complex datasets to design intelligent systems. Students will learn machine learning techniques that can optimize business processes, identify new revenue models, drive digital transformation, and support evidence-based decision-making in industries such as finance, retail, and healthcare.

Prerequisites:

• Required: CIS 417 and MSDS 430.

This course introduces participants to the technical, administrative and governance aspects of information security management system (ISMS). Participants are provided resources and tools essential to design, develop, implement, and manage an effective security management program. The course will also present the elements and actions required to develop an effective and practical information security strategy. Course topics include operational, physical, and network security. The course will examine the relation between information security, incident response, risk management, business continuity, and disaster recovery. Other discussion topics include: COBIT, Sarbanes Oxley, PCI – DSS, and selected Compliance topics. Beginning preparation for the CISSP Industry exam is also included in the course.

Prerequisites:

• Required: CIS 413-0 or CIS 413-DL
• Recommended: CIS 452-0 or CIS 452-DL and CIS 455-0 or CIS 455-DL

This course introduces students to the key challenges and responsibilities of managing information technology and an information technology organization. Students gain knowledge of the various facets of managing information technology including how to develop an IT strategy aligned with business strategy. Topics covered include the IT solution lifecycle, IT service management, IT supplier management and sourcing, ongoing IT technology operations, governance, business continuity, budgeting, benchmarking, and industry standard management frameworks such as ITIL and COBIT.

It is highly recommended that students complete CIS 413, CIS 452, CIS 455 and 457 or possess equivalent knowledge and skills prior to taking this course.

This course introduces effective frameworks and methods for developing information technology and systems strategies that focus on meeting enterprises business objectives and on leveraging IT to competitively extend business capabilities. Topics covered include business driver identification and business and IT alignment; key technology components of the IT strategy, including enterprise architecture, enterprise systems, SOA and other integration technologies, networks, and data management; portfolio management; sourcing and hosting alternatives; emerging technologies and entrepreneurship.

It is highly recommended that students complete CIS 413, CIS 452, CIS 455, 457 and 460 or possess equivalent knowledge and skills prior to taking this course.

This course will cover core concepts surrounding digital transformation, including what it means to transform a business or public institution, what factors go into defining digital transformation, and what success looks like in digital transformation cases. Students will craft a framework for understanding how to build digital transformation strategies and how to identify and prioritize transformation opportunities. Students will also learn about the cultural, regulatory, and technological constraints impacting digital transformation. Students will then present the case for transformative change in a real-world target organization of their choice.

Prerequisites: 

• Required: CIS 417-DL and MSDS 430-DL or CIS 414-DL

This course is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to lead business transformation initiatives using digital technologies. The course will cover the basics of business transformation, including the key drivers and benefits, as well as the challenges and risks associated with it. The course will then dive into advanced technologies that are transforming different aspects of a business, including operations, customer experience, and new business models. These technologies will include Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, and cloud computing. This course will include hands-on exercises and case studies to provide students with practical experience in implementing digital transformation initiatives using these technologies. This is a hands-on course where students will select business cases for digital transformation and, at the conclusion of the course, present a functioning prototype using digital technologies learned during the course.

Prerequisites: 

• Required: CIS 417-DL and MSDS 430-DL or CIS 414-DL

This course introduces best practices in project management, covering the full project life cycle with a focus on globally accepted standards. It reviews traditional methods, including integration, portfolio and stakeholder management, chartering, scope definition, estimation, the Delphi method, project evaluation and review technique, precedence diagrams, and the critical path method. It reviews scheduling, risk analysis and management, resource loading and leveling, Gantt charts, earned value analysis and performance indices for project cost and schedule control. By applying methods discussed in this course, students should be able to execute information systems and data science projects more effectively.

Prerequisites: None.

With increased dependence by organizations and individuals on secure information technology, this course provides a hands-on approach to security issues and techniques throughout various areas of cyberspace. Technical topics will be explored including security controls and technologies, cybersecurity law, auditing and cybersecurity programs, risk assessment, and mitigation. Tools and topics used to both control and compromise these systems and networks, and how to assuage these attacks, will be demonstrated. This course will provide learners with insight into defining problems in the field along with an understanding of the negative effects already experienced throughout the history of internet-available data, and those predicted for the future.

Prerequisite: Students must complete CIS 413 prior to taking this course or possess equivalent knowledge and skills.

Enterprise Security Strategy helps students develop an understanding of the core components of a holistic information security program. Coursework includes the study of industry standard frameworks for risk management, organizational structures, budgeting, executive communication, and overall program development. In addition, students will examine effective policy strategies, privacy program development and understand how security programs are managed in real organizations.

Prerequisites:

• Required: CIS 413.

This course provides an in-depth study of the solutions necessary to support business continuity and disaster recovery (BC/DR). Students will learn how to analyze the BC/DR requirements for an organization and ensure these requirements are met by implementing business solutions. This course will be taught from the business perspective. The course will utilize several business case studies with real-world scenarios in order to teach detailed BC/DR requirements, design, and implementation, including maintenance of the BC/DR plan. Coursework includes the study of risks, risk management, and business impact assessment (BIA), responding to a disaster, disaster recovery strategies, business continuity planning, and creating a recovery plan. Additional discussions will focus on designing disaster recovery solutions and surveying appropriate and current technologies and techniques.

CIS 413 is required prior to taking this course and it's highly recommended that students take CIS 452 or possess equivalent knowledge and skills prior to taking it.

This course introduces participants to the technical, administrative and governance aspects of information security management system (ISMS). Participants are provided resources and tools essential to design, develop, implement, and manage an effective security management program. The course will also present the elements and actions required to develop an effective and practical information security strategy. Course topics include operational, physical, and network security. The course will examine the relation between information security, incident response, risk management, business continuity, and disaster recovery. Other discussion topics include: COBIT, Sarbanes Oxley, PCI – DSS, and selected Compliance topics. Beginning preparation for the CISSP Industry exam is also included in the course.

Prerequisites:

• Required: CIS 413-0 or CIS 413-DL
• Recommended: CIS 452-0 or CIS 452-DL and CIS 455-0 or CIS 455-DL

This course will cover core concepts surrounding digital transformation, including what it means to transform a business or public institution, what factors go into defining digital transformation, and what success looks like in digital transformation cases. Students will craft a framework for understanding how to build digital transformation strategies and how to identify and prioritize transformation opportunities. Students will also learn about the cultural, regulatory, and technological constraints impacting digital transformation. Students will then present the case for transformative change in a real-world target organization of their choice.

Prerequisites: 

• Required: CIS 417-DL and MSDS 430-DL or CIS 414-DL

This course is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to lead business transformation initiatives using digital technologies. The course will cover the basics of business transformation, including the key drivers and benefits, as well as the challenges and risks associated with it. The course will then dive into advanced technologies that are transforming different aspects of a business, including operations, customer experience, and new business models. These technologies will include Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, and cloud computing. This course will include hands-on exercises and case studies to provide students with practical experience in implementing digital transformation initiatives using these technologies. This is a hands-on course where students will select business cases for digital transformation and, at the conclusion of the course, present a functioning prototype using digital technologies learned during the course.

Prerequisites: 

• Required: CIS 417-DL and MSDS 430-DL or CIS 414-DL

This course introduces best practices in project management, covering the full project life cycle with a focus on globally accepted standards. It reviews traditional methods, including integration, portfolio and stakeholder management, chartering, scope definition, estimation, the Delphi method, project evaluation and review technique, precedence diagrams, and the critical path method. It reviews scheduling, risk analysis and management, resource loading and leveling, Gantt charts, earned value analysis and performance indices for project cost and schedule control. By applying methods discussed in this course, students should be able to execute information systems and data science projects more effectively.

Prerequisites: None.