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Graduate FAQS

What’s the difference between the MBA program and the MS program? 7/12/2005
All Master’s programs consist of three parts: 1) a foundation sequence of courses; 2) a core sequence of courses; and 3) electives or specialization. Both the MBA and MS programs have similar foundation and electives. The main difference between the two is in the core sequence. For the MBA program, the student takes a series of courses offered by the College of Business. For the MS program, the core consists of all CIS courses (CIS 8000 through CIS 8050). Thus, the MS program provides the student with twice as many CIS course hours when completed.

 

Does industry experience count toward a Master’s degree? 7/12/2005
No. The majority of our graduate students work in the technology field. As an accredited institution, we are not allowed to give students credit for experience unless there is a validated method for testing the level of that experience. At the present time, the CIS Department does not have such a test.

 

How do I get an advisor? 7/12/2005
Upon acceptance into the MBA or MS program, you are assigned an advisor. You will be notified as to whom that person is by mail. The MBA student is assigned an advisor from the College of Business Office of Academic Assistance. The MS student is assigned an advisor from the faculty of the CIS Department.

 

How do I know what courses I should take? 7/12/2005
At the start of your Master’s program, you will be asked to contact your advisor. The two of you will determine your "Program of Study". This document is designed to give the student direction in their Master’s program. It may be updated at any time.

 

Can I take a prerequisite concurrently with the course that requires that prerequisite? 10/25/2006
Check with the course instructor. Typically prerequisites must be completed with a grade of "C-" or better before taking any course that requires that prerequisite.

 

How can I find out more about the content of each course? 4/4/2008
There are generic syllabi for each course on this web site http://www2.cis.gsu.edu/cis/program/syllabus/index.asp . You may either use the search engine to find a particular course or look under "Academic Programs" on our Web site.

 

Can I take a course at another university and apply it toward my degree at GSU? 7/12/2005
Yes. One of the reasons all of the University Systems of Georgia switched to the semester system was to allow for such activities. Cross registration is now allowed with any accredited university in Georgia. In the Atlanta area, these include: Emory, Georgia Tech, Oglethorpe, and UGA. To take advantage of this, the student must have a syllabus from the course he/she wishes to apply toward their GSU degree program approved by the CIS Department Academic Program Director at least three weeks prior to Phase I registration.

 

How long will it take me to get my degree? 4/4/2008

For a full-time student who has an undergraduate business degree, the program is designed to take two years to finish. If the student’s undergraduate degree is NOT in business, then they may need to take further courses to finish their "Foundation" sequence of courses (see the graduate degree program of interest at http://www2.cis.gsu.edu/cis/program/index.asp or the graduate catalog at: http://www.gsu.edu/es/catalogs_courses.html .)

 

Why are there so few courses offered for the Summer Semester? 7/12/2005
Faculty at ALL universities work under academic year contracts. This is for Fall and Spring Semesters, ONLY. Teaching for the Summer Semester is by volunteers only. Most faculty work on their research during the summer months. Thus, the summer schedule of classes is always minimal. Core courses are generally the only courses that we guarantee over the summer session. A student should NOT plan to take electives during this time…chances are they will not be offered.

 

I do not want to be a programmer, should I consider a career in Information Systems? 4/4/2008
The MBA program has no programming course requirement, while the MS program requires two programming courses. However, both Master’s programs are designed for the student to take on a management position within a company. Some I.S. jobs require stronger management skills, with less emphasis on the technology. For these positions, a strong programming background is not necessary.

 

What’s the difference between Computer Science and Information Systems? 7/12/2005
Computer science discovers new ways to compute. E.g., the Java programming language the World Wide Web, the Pentium III chip, Windows xx, and the next version of your word processor were all invented by computer scientists. Computer information systems applies the inventions of the computer scientist to the business world. Thus, it is the CIS person who writes a Java application for Coca Cola’s Internet customers.

 

What are the job prospects after graduation? 1/22/2007

CIS majors will hold the 3 of the top 8 growth jobs over the next 8 years (Bureau of Labor Statistics). Also, see Hot CIS Jobs.

 

Are there internship programs available? 10/30/2006
Yes. Check out the web site at: http://www2.cis.gsu.edu/cis/internship/index.asp.

 

How can I become a Graduate Research Assistant (GRA)? 1/22/2007

The number of GRA positions available varies.  To apply, please fill out the application at http://robinson.gsu.edu/resources/files/rcbss/GRAApp.doc and submit your completed application to the CIS Business Manager.

 

What are the admission’s criteria? 1/22/2007

Please see the following information that appears in the Graduate Admissions and Student Services FAQ:

    How are master's applications evaluated?
    What is the academic profile of students accepted into the master's programs of the Robinson College of Business?

 

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