Online Master of Science in Information Systems
UMaine is ranked #50 in Best Online Master’s in Computer Information Technology Programs by U.S. News & World Report.
The online M.S. in Information Systems develops the technical and managerial skills to construct and manage modern computer-based information systems. The program creates a path for those from diverse academic backgrounds to transition to an information system career by providing a foundation in information systems.
Students will explore topics such as:
- Information system design
- Human-computer interaction
- Database systems design and management
- Systems development
- Computer networks
- Information law and ethics
- And More
For more information, visit the Information Systems website.
Curriculum
Students will work closely with the Steering Committee to develop a program of study that includes courses that reflect the student’s personal and professional goals.
Core Courses
The following courses are required (15 credits):
- SIE 505: Formal Foundations for Information Science (3 credits)
- SIE 507: Information Systems Programming (3 credits)
- SIE 515: Human Computer Interaction (3 credits)
- SIE 525: Information Systems Law (3 credits)
- SIE 550: Design of Information Systems (3 credits)
Electives
Choose 15 credits from the following:
- Business Courses
- MBA 601: Strategic Data Analysis (3 credits)
- MBA 680: Foundations of Business Intelligence and Analytics (3 credits)
- MBA 681: Data Management and Analytics (3 credits)
- MBA 682: Data Pre-Processing for Business Analytics (3 credits)
- MBA 683: Information Visualization (3 credits)
- MBA 684: Business Data Mining and Knowledge Discovery (3 credits)
- MBA 685: Problem Solving and Decision Analysis (3 credits)
- MBA 686: Predictive and Business Forecasting (3 credits)
- Computer Science Courses
- COS 535: Information Privacy Engineering (3 credits)
- COS 570: Topics in Artificial Intelligence (3 credits)
- COS 598: Advanced Topics in Computer Science (1-3 credits)
- Data Science and Engineering Courses
- DSE 501: Statistical Foundations of Data Science and Engineering
- DSE 503: Systems Foundations for Data Science and Engineering
- DSE 510: Data Science and Engineering Practicum (3 credits)
- Digital Curation Courses
- DIG 500: Introduction to Digital Curation (3 credits)
- DIG 510: Metadata (3 credits)
- DIG 540: Digital Collections and Exhibitions (3 credits)
- DIG 550: Digital Preservation (3 credits)
- Education Courses
- EDT 520: Digital Age Teaching and Learning Methods (3 credits)
- EDT 545: Legal, Ethical and security Issues in Educational Technology (3 credits)
- SIE 504: The Beauty and Joy of Computing (3 credits)
- Electrical and Computer Engineering Courses
- ECE 543: Microelectronic Devices I (3 credits)
- Interdisciplinary Courses
- INT 601: Responsible Conduct of Research (1 credit)
- Spatial Information Science and Engineering Courses
- SIE 508: Object-Oriented Programming (3 credits)
- SIE 509: Principles of Geographic Information Systems (3 credits)
- SIE 510: Geographic Information Systems Applications (3 credits)
- SIE 512: Spatial Analysis (3 credits)
- SIE 516: Interactive Technologies for Solving Real-World Problems (3 credits)
- SIE 517: Spatial Interaction Design (3 credits)
- SIE 554: Spatial Reasoning (3 credits)
- SIE 555: Spatial Database Systems (3 credits)
- SIE 557: Database System Applications (3 credits)
- SIE 558: Real-Time Sensor Data Streams (3 credits)
- SIE 559: Geosensor Networks (3 credits)
- SIE 580: Ontology Engineering Theory (3 credits)
- SIE 590: Information Systems Internship (3-6 credits)
Admissions
We have rolling admissions so you can apply and be accepted into the program at any time. However, the following dates are recommended:
- Fall semester: August 1
- Spring semester: January 1
Those applying for campus-wide research assistantships or scholarships should complete their application packets by January 1 for Fall admission.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university or a four-year international equivalent.
- Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Exceptions are considered on a case-by-case basis.
- College-level algebra
- Previous programming courses or experience are recommended but not required
Application Materials
When you are ready to apply, please first review the application instructions. Then submit the following:
- Online application
- Official academic transcripts from all institutions attended
- Current resume with the contact information for 3 professional references
- 300-500 word essay based on the following prompt
Contact Us
Have questions about earning your M.S. in Information Systems online with UMaine? Contact Todd Cooley, UMaineOnline Advisor, at 207.581.3072 or at todd.cooley@maine.edu.
Careers
The demand for information systems professionals is high. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of computer and information systems managers is projected to grow 11% from 2020-2030, faster than the average for all occupations. About 42,400 openings for computer and information systems managers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Also, the median salary for computer and information systems managers is $151,150.
Notable Companies Employing Alumni
- Bureau of Land Management
- U.S. Forest Service
- Maine State Department of Transportation
- Plisga and Day
- Sebago Technics
- Survey Engineering Resources, LLC
- Gartley and Dorsky Engineering and Surveying
- Herrick and Salsbury, Inc.
- Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc.
- SGC Engineering, LLC
- Northern Survey Engineering, LLC
- SurvTech Solutions, Inc.
Faculty
While all the faculty members in the School of Computing and Information Science may contribute to teaching and research in any of its academic units, the core Information Systems faculty members include:
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Harlan Onsrud
Professor of Spatial Computing, Graduate Coordinator for Spatial Informatics and Information Systems
207.581.2175
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Silvia Nittel
Associate Professor of Spatial Computing
207.581.3681
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Torsten Hahmann
Associate Professor of Spatial Computing
207.581.3943
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Nimesha Ranasinghe
Assistant Professor of Spatial Computing
207.581.2195
For detailed background, research and contact information on other professors in the School, please see Faculty and Staff.
Financial Aid
For general information on the range of grants, loans and scholarships available from Federal and other sources for graduate students, contact the Office of Student Financial Aid.
