The Master of Science in Information Systems program at Lawrence Technological University is designed to prepare managers and information technology (IT) professionals to function at the highest level in an information systems environment. It is unique in its three-part focus on the development of managerial skills, technical expertise, and an understanding of standards and practices.

The Master of Science in Information Systems program seeks to provide graduates with the skills necessary to plan and develop IT solutions; evaluate legacy, current, and emerging technologies; design, implement, and improve IT systems; and use international standards and industry “best practices” to measure, test, and validate those systems. The final component of the program is an emphasis on developing the leadership abilities required for success in the rapidly evolving world of information technology.

A Program You Can Grow With

The curriculum consists of 30 credit hours of course work, including 18 hours of core courses and 12 hours of electives in the student’s chosen area of concentration, which can be enterprise security, enterprise resource planning, or project management. A capstone course, either technical or managerial, completes the program.

Students without an IT background must take foundation (pre-core) course work in statistical methods, programming, and management information systems. Students who lack relevant business experience must take the Foundations of Business course.

An overall GPA of 3.0 is required for graduation. Students have seven years in which to complete requirements for the degree.

To meet the varied needs of its students and maximize their learning opportunities, the College of Management offers three formats for course delivery:

• Traditional courses are taught exclusively in the classroom, usually on weekday evenings or Saturdays, and are offered on the Southfield campus and at some of Lawrence Tech’s education centers.
• Hybrid courses consist of approximately 50 percent classroom time and 50 percent online learning activities. Hybrid courses are offered at both the Southfield and education center campuses.
• Online courses involve no classroom time and can be completed at the student’s convenience. These courses provide maximum flexibility for students with challenging work and personal schedules.

Getting Started

Admission to the program is competitive. Applicants must:

• Hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an accredited institution.
• Have earned a GPA of 3.0 or higher for the last 60 credit hours of undergraduate work (applicants with a GPA of less than 3.0 may be provisionally admitted with a strong record of relevant work experience).
• Take the TOEFL or IELTS if English is not your native language. The minimum acceptable performance is 550 on the written TOEFL or 213 on the computerized version. Minimum acceptable IELTS score is 7.0. The Toefl /IELTS requirement is waived for those international students who have completed their degrees at a recognized U.S. university.
• Submit a completed application form and fee.
• Provide official transcripts from every college or university attended.
• Submit a professional resume.

The program can be entered in the fall, spring, or summer semester. Completed application packages should be received by the Office of Admissions no later than two weeks before the start of classes (academic calendars are available at www.ltu.edu/registrars_office).

Transfer Credit

A petition for transfer of credits should be initiated by the student in the form of a letter addressed to “Office of the Dean”, and should generally be made prior to the completion of the first semester of the graduate program. Nine semester credits are the maximum accepted by Lawrence Tech’s College of Management for the MSIS program. These courses must be graduate-level courses taken at an accredited college/university. Each course generally must have been taken within seven years of application for admission. Transfer students should apply for admission through the Office of Admissions. A grade of 3.00 or better must have been earned; “passed/not passed,” “pass/fail,” or “pass/no entry” grades are not acceptable.

The student may be required to submit additional evidence (e.g., course syllabi, catalog descriptions and tests/examinations) in order to justify transfer of credits. The Management Graduate Admissions Committee may require the applicant to demonstrate proficiency in the subject either through an interview or written examination prepared by faculty members who have expertise in the subject/discipline.

Why Lawrence Tech's College of Management?

• A leader in the development and delivery of distinctive management programs for professionals and non-traditional learners.
• Committed to improving the quality of organizational life tomorrow by developing visionary leaders and managers today.
• Provides students with convenient learning centers, enhanced personal services, innovative programs, and alternative delivery modes of instruction.
• Since 1998, Lawrence Tech's College of Management has consistently ranked among the nation's highest in student satisfaction surveys.