Northwestern University Launches Online Master of Science in Information Systems Program

CHICAGO, Sept. 14 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Recognizing the increased demand for skilled IT managers nationwide, Northwestern University School of Continuing Studies has launched an online version of its Master of Science in Information Systems program. The online format enables Northwestern to offer the curriculum to a national audience with greater flexibility for busy working adults. Students can apply for the program with classes beginning in winter 2011.

The MSIS curriculum provides rigorous IT training for a diverse audience of students, including professionals in the information technology and healthcare industries. The program is an excellent fit for students with or without an IT background and is designed to create managers in all fields – those working in IT and those managing people with heavy IT backgrounds.

Students may choose to concentrate on a specialty by selecting one of the six innovative professional specializations including medical informatics which brings information technology into the clinical environment. Rapid growth in the medical informatics field has created considerable demand for skilled IT managers in the health care arena. Students will learn about the creation and analysis of electronic health records and integrated delivery systems, standards and interoperability, and decision analysis and modeling from the unique perspective and needs of the medical industry.

Additional tracks include Database and Internet Technologies, Information Systems, Information Systems Management, Information Systems Security, and Software Project Management and Development. Course content for all specializations includes extensive interaction with instructors and colleagues. Online students must be comfortable interacting with faculty and fellow students via e-mail, online chats and web conferencing.

"The MSIS online program is state-of-the-art, offering world-class instructors and the best teaching tools on the web, while providing increased convenience for our busy students," said MSIS Executive Director Faisal Akkawi. "It is a testament to the importance of the integration of technology in our lives."

Akkawi has been managing the on-campus program since 2003 and has overseen the program through five curriculum revisions to keep up with the constantly changing needs of the information systems marketplace. SCS introduced the on-campus MSIS program in 2002 to offer adult students a part-time program that focuses on theoretical computer technology as well as its application and implementation in a variety of different specializations.  

"MSIS is a program designed primarily for professionals who seek a hands-on, laboratory-based experience that will broaden and deepen their knowledge of new and emerging IT," said Akkawi.  "The vast majority of our faculty members are industry leaders — the best at what they do."

Faculty members work for organizations such as Abbott Laboratories, Lucent Technologies and the Chicago Board Options Exchange. Most have advanced degrees in engineering or computer science.

Skilled IT managers continue to be in high demand. According to a report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), IT job growth is projected at 17 percent for the decade ending in 2018 — significantly outpacing projected growth for other occupations.

The BLS report added, "New applications of technology in the workplace will continue to drive demand for workers to remain competitive."

For more information on Northwestern University's MSIS online program, contact a Northwestern University Admissions Adviser at 877-664-3347, or click here to learn more: www.msis.northwestern.edu/info

Northwestern University School of Continuing Studies

The mission of Northwestern University School of Continuing Studies (SCS) is to extend the resources of Northwestern University to undergraduate and graduate students whose lives include significant professional and personal commitments that place limitations on their schedules and affect the pace at which they may achieve their educational goals. Consistent with Northwestern's dedication to excellence, SCS makes distinguished teaching available to non-traditional students and, to the greatest extent possible, provides access to the University's other resources, such as libraries, laboratories, recreational facilities and events.

SOURCE Northwestern University School of Continuing Studies