M.S.

in
MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS
Student Handbook
2017-18
WELCOME

Dear MIS Students:

From all of us in the Operations Management and Information Systems (OM&IS) Department at the
College of Business in NIU, welcome to the Management Information Systems (MIS) program and
congratulations on your admission!

The MIS program integrates business knowledge and skills with the theory and practical application
of modern information technologies. The program focuses on how to run business better by
improving processes and using technology. The faculty has extensive teaching and research expertise
in database management, business analytics, business intelligence, networking and
telecommunications, security, project management, web computing, system analysis and design,
enterprise resource planning, strategic information management, and SAP enterprise systems.

In 2013, Businessweek ranked our Information Systems programs No. 34 nationwide. The MIS
program is a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) designated degree program.
As a member of SAPs University Alliance, the NIU College of Business and its OM&IS department
offer a variety of courses on SAP in the MIS curriculum. Beginning in summer 2015, the department
will offer a SAP TERP10 certification exam preparation workshop for our students helping them build
a solid understanding of how SAP can be used to optimize an organizations business processes.

We have over 3,326 alumni from the OM&IS and they have gone on to work at some of the largest
and most prominent companies in the world. Abbott, Allstate, Caterpillar, Cumberland Consulting,
Deloitte, Discover, FBI, IBM, Intel, KPMG, Lowe's Distribution, McDonald's Corporate, McKesson,
Motorola Mobility, SAP, Inc., Sears, TransUnion, United Airlines, Target, True Value, Walgreens, and
Walmart Corporate are examples of companies who have hired OM&IS graduates and want to hire
more Our students are in high demand!

I look forward to congratulating you as you receive your MIS degree on graduation day. Enjoy your
journey at NIU and in the MS in Management Information Systems program.

Chang Liu
Department Chair
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

General Regulations 4

Contacts & Departments 6

College of Business
The Graduate School

Web-Based Directory Information 7

Getting Started 7
MyNIU
Accessing MyNIU
NIU E-mail Account
Blackboard
NIU OneCard
Graduate Catalog
MS in MIS Costs Tuition & Fees
Financial Aid & Loans
Scholarships
Campus Closure
Course Load
Registration
Schedule Changes/Withdrawals/Drops
International Student Information
Grading System
Graduation

International Student Information 11

Planning Your MS in MIS Degree 14

Phase One Requirements
Phase Two Requirements
Phase Two Time Limitation
Phase Two Course Substitution

MIS Course Descriptions 15

Internships 17

Graduate Assistantships 18

Phase One Exemption Exam Information 19

OM&IS Department Certificates/Awards 21

MS in MIS Course Offerings by Semester 22

General Regulations
Student Responsibility

It is the responsibility of students to know and observe all regulations and procedures relating to the program
they are pursuing, as well as those of the university and Graduate School. In no case will a regulation be
waived or an exception granted because students plead ignorance of, or contend that they were not informed
of, the regulations or procedures. Questions on regulations and their interpretation pertaining to studies at the
graduate level should be addressed to the office of the dean of the Graduate School.

Students planning to graduate should familiarize themselves with the dates relating to application for
graduation and other pertinent deadlines. (See the Graduate School Calendar, copies of which may be
obtained from the Graduate School, www.grad.niu.edu) It is necessary to apply for graduation by the specified
deadline in order to graduate in a particular term, whether or not the student plans to attend the
commencement ceremonies, if any.

Students must satisfy the degree requirements of the catalog in force during the term for which they have
been admitted to and begin course work in the degree program; or they may, with the consent of their
advisers, meet graduation requirements by complying with the degree requirements of a later catalog.
Students readmitted to a degree program must meet degree requirements of the catalog in force at the time
of the later admission (or of a subsequent catalog, as provided above). Aside from degree requirements, all
students are subject to the regulations and policies stated in the catalog currently in force. Exceptions to
regulations and requirements contained in the Graduate Catalog require the written approval of the office of
the dean of the Graduate School, unless otherwise stated in the catalog.

Student Responsibility for Obtaining Current University Information

The university reserves the right to make changes in admission requirements, fees, degree requirements, and
other specifications set forth in this catalog. Such changes may take precedence over catalog statements.
While reasonable effort is made to publicize such changes, students should remain in close touch with
departmental advisers and appropriate offices, because responsibility for complying with all applicable
requirements ultimately rests with the student. The office of the dean of the Graduate School is the
authoritative office for verifying deviations from provisions in this catalog.

Advisory System

Each student is assigned by his or her major department an adviser or advisory committee whose purpose is to
guide the students studies and recommend him or her for the degree when the student is properly qualified.

A program of study is formulated by the student in consultation with the departmentally-assigned advisor or
advisory committee. See The Program of Study in online NIU Graduate Catalog for details.

Departmental advisers can assist students in understanding and satisfying departmental and university
requirements. However, they are not responsible for informing students of published regulations, such as
those in this catalog, nor, except as explicitly provided in this catalog, do they have the authority to modify
those requirements. See Student Responsibility above.
Academic Integrity
Good academic work must be based on honesty. The attempt of any student to present as his or her own work
that which he or she has not produced is regarded by the faculty and administration as a serious offense.
Students are considered to have cheated, for example, if they copy the work of another or use unauthorized
notes or other aids during an examination or turn in as their own a paper or an assignment written, in whole or
in part, by someone else. Students are guilty of plagiarism, intentional or not, if they copy material from books,
magazines, or other sources without identifying and acknowledging those sources or if they paraphrase ideas
from such sources without acknowledging them. Students guilty of, or assisting others in, either cheating or
plagiarism on an assignment, quiz, or examination may receive a grade of F for the course involved and may be
suspended or dismissed from the university.

A faculty member has original jurisdiction over any instances of academic misconduct that occur in a course
which the faculty member is teaching. The student shall be given the opportunity to resolve the matter in
meetings with the faculty member and the department chair. If the facts of the incident are not disputed by
the student, the faculty member may elect to resolve the matter at that level by levying a sanction no greater
than an F for that course. The faculty member shall notify the student in writing whenever such action is taken,
and the Office of Community Standards and Student Conduct shall receive a copy of the Academic Misconduct
Incident Report indicating final disposition of the case, which will be placed in the student's judicial file. In all
matters where the charge of academic misconduct is disputed by the student or if the faculty member feels a
sanction greater than an F in the course is appropriate (such as repeated offenses or flagrant violations), the
faculty member shall refer the matter to the Office of Community Standards and Student Conduct, making use
of the Academic Misconduct Incident Report. Additional sanctions greater than an F in a course can be levied
only through the system of due process established and overseen by the Office of Community Standards and
Student Conduct or through the university's research misconduct procedures noted below. Suspension or
dismissal from the university for academic misconduct will result in a notation of that action on the transcript
of a graduate-level student.

The university has adopted additional policies and procedures for dealing with research misconduct among its
students, faculty, and staff. The guidelines, entitled Research Integrity at Northern Illinois University, are
available in department offices, in the office of the dean of the Graduate School, and online at
www.niu.edu/provost/policies/appm/I2.shtml, and pertain to the intentional commission of any of the
following acts: falsification of data, improper assignment of authorship, claiming another person's work as
one's own, unprofessional manipulation of experiments or of research procedures, misappropriation of
research funds.

If a graduate student fails to maintain the standards of academic or professional integrity expected in his or
her discipline or program, the student's admission to the program may be terminated on recommendation of
the student's major department. A statement on students' rights to the products of research is available in
department offices, in the office of the dean of the Graduate School , and online at
www.niu.edu/provost/policies/appm/I11.shtml.
CONTACTS & DEPARTMENTS
COLLEGE OF BUSINESS
www.cob.niu.edu

Operations Management & Information Systems Department

http://www.cob.niu.edu/omis/
College of Business
Barsema Hall 328
DeKalb, IL 60115
Phone: (815) 753-1285
Fax: (815) 753-7460

Dr. Chang Liu, Chair

(815) 753-3021 or cliu@niu.edu

Steve Kispert, MIS Academic Advisor

(815) 753-6372 or skispert@niu.edu

Office of the Dean

Dr. Balaji Rajagopalan, Dean
(815) 753-6260 or busdean@niu.edu

Paul Prabhaker, Associate Dean, Graduate Programs

(815) 753-6176 or prabhaker@niu.edu

THE GRADUATE SCHOOL

www.grad.niu.edu

Office of the Dean

Bradley Bond, Dean
(815) 753-9403 or bbond@niu.edu

Admissions Staff International

For questions about international academic credentials & applications:
Erin Corwin-Surwillo, internationalgrads@niu.edu
(815) 753-9410

For immigration issues and departmental questions about overall admission policies and issues:
Ann Sims, tsims@niu.edu (815)753-9409

Domestic Admissions Staff

For questions about the status of a domestic application:
Hope Montavon, hmontavon@niu.edu (815) 753-9413

For questions about admission as a Student at Large:

Taylor Wallin, twallin@niu.edu (815)753-2699
WEB-BASED DIRECTORY INFORMATION
The easiest way to navigate NIUs website is to go to our main page at www.niu.edu. From there, in the upper right hand
corner, select A-Z, and then select the letter of the alphabet you are looking for. For example, if you are inquiring about
textbooks, select B for Bookstore. Below you will find popular offices and websites that students often use.

Academic Year Calendar

Blackboard Course Server
Bookstore, University
Bursar, Office of the
Business, College of
College of Business A-Z Index
College of Business Directory
Campus Parking Services
Career Services
Center for Access-Ability Resources
Directory and Phone Book
Financial Aid, Student
Graduate School
Graduate Catalog
Graduation
Ceremony
Information
Health Services
Information Technology Services
International Programs, Division of
ITS Helpdesk
Libraries, University
MyNIU
MyNIU Training
OneCard, Student
Registration and Records
Residency
Testing Services
Veterans Assistance
Weather
Closing Information
Z-ID

Getting Started
MYNIU
MyNIU is your Student Account and you will want to familiarize yourself with this system.

Benefits of your MyNIU account:

Accepting your admission to your MS in MIS program
Viewing your enrollment time
Viewing class schedules
Registering for courses or dropping courses
Paying your bill
Updating your personal information
 Viewing your grades
Viewing your Degree Progress Report
Printing information that some of you may need for tuition reimbursement
Viewing financial aid information
Applying for graduation

How to access your MyNIU account

You will need to look up your Z-ID number and password by going to the A-Z index and selecting Z for Z-ID and follow the
prompts to look up your Z-ID number and your temporary password.

All students (including prospective and admitted) are given an initial password based on birthdate in YYYYMmmDD
format. It allows only 3 logins.
Mmm is the first 3 characters of the Month.
Example: January 1, 1993 = 1993Jan01

For additional information and training on MyNIU, please visit the MyNIU training website at
http://www.niu.edu/erptraining/myniu-sa/studentcenter.shtml

How to access your NIU e-mail account

Go to the A-Z index and select the Information Technology Services link. On their site, select
E-mail, then Student Email to find out more about your NIU e-mail account. Check your NIU e-mail on a regular basis as
this is the manner in which MIS program and NIU get important information to students.

How to access Blackboard

Almost every professor in the College of Business uses Blackboard. Blackboard is an internet communication device that
allows professors to provide to students such things as the syllabus, class notes, and projects. It is important to check
Blackboard for each course that you are enrolled in to see if there is work to be done for the first class meeting. On
occasion, Blackboard for a particular class may not be available prior to first class meeting as it is at the discretion of
faculty to make available to students. Be aware that MyNIU contains your official semester schedule.

NIU OneCard
Sign up for your OneCard here:
http://www.niu.edu/onecard/getting/onecardrequest.shtml

This card can be used to print to the NIU Print Stations in the NIU Outreach Center LRCs or at the Print Stations on the
DeKalb campus.

To pick up your card, stop by one of the NIU Outreach Center LRCs and present your drivers license or other government-
issued photo ID.

How to view the Graduate Catalog & Course Descriptions

Go to the A-Z index and select G for Graduate Catalog. Here you will see the entire Graduate Catalog. You will find the
General Regulations section and College of Business section very helpful. In the College of Business section you will be
able to select Operations Management & Information Systems and be able to review the information provided. All
department course descriptions are available, and additionally, are available in this handbook.
Cost of MS in MIS Program

College of Business
Graduate students are billed per a single hour rate. That rate includes both instructional and non-instructional charges.
Tuition rates vary by program. To determine how much you will be billed, excluding student health insurance charges (if
applicable) or any materials fees unique to a specific course, please refer to information below. Please note:
International graduate students, graduate assistants, and fellows are required to register for a minimum of 9 hours each
fall and spring semester.

Following is current tuition for MIS graduate courses Fall 2016/Spring 2017. Comprehensive information can be found by
going to the NIU Bursars homepage at http://www.niu.edu/bursar/

** For instructions on waiving insurance, please view the Student Health Insurance website. All international students,
regardless of credit hour load and campus location, are automatically enrolled in the student medical insurance.

Please Note: Tuition, fees, and surcharge rates are subject to change. The official charges are those billed and reported
on your MyNIU account by the Office of the Bursar.

How to find information on Financial Aid and Loans

For information on financial aid, go to our A-Z index and select F for Financial Aid.

Scholarships
Each spring semester, the OM&IS Department awards numerous scholarships to enrolled graduate and undergraduate
students. In spring 2016, close to $100, 000 was awarded to OM&IS students who have shown their dedication in their
field of interest through work ethic, attitude, academic excellence, service to community and leadership skills.
Scholarship applications are available in late January on OM&IS website, as well as in OM&IS Department suite.
Course Load
Graduate students may be required to enroll full time. The definition of full-time enrollment may vary depending on
the context. For example, requirements established by academic programs, lending agencies, government
regulations, employing entities, and certain insurance policies may utilize different definitions of full-time
enrollment.
A full-time load for a graduate student or student-at-large in a fall or spring semester is 9 semester hours and in the
summer term is 6 semester hours. A graduate-level student's course load includes all courses for which the student
is registered. A course from which the student has officially withdrawn is no longer part of that student's course
load.
A student enrolled in less than a full-time load will not receive official verification of full-time status for any purpose.

International students on an F-1 or J-1 visa must be enrolled full time for the purposes of Student Exchange and
Visitor Information System (SEVIS) reporting. International students must be enrolled in a minimum of 9 semester
hours in each fall and spring semester. Except in circumstances allowed by Federal regulation, those hours must
meet degree requirements of the academic program to which the student is admitted. International graduate
students who have a documented requirement to enroll in an undergraduate course or courses to address a
perceived deficiency meet requirements of SEVIS reporting if they are enrolled in a fall or spring semester while
enrolled in a combination of the specified deficiency courses and courses that count toward their degree, provided
that the total semester hours in which they are enrolled equals at least 9.

F-1 visa international students are permitted to enroll in a maximum of one online course per semester.

International students may not count audited courses toward meeting their enrollment requirement.
International students on an F-1 or J-1 visa whose first term of study is the summer must enroll in 6 semester hours
as described above. For the purpose of SEVIS reporting, continuing students need not enroll in the summer term.
However, they may be subject to other university policies that require enrollment. (See "Assistants and Fellows"
below and "Continuous Enrollment.")

In circumstances defined by government regulations, international students may receive permission to register for
less than full-time hours. Most commonly, students enrolled in their final semester of course work may request and
receive an underload. An F-1 or J-1 student requesting such an underload should contact the International Student
& Faculty Office for appropriate request form. Additionally, if employed as a graduate assistant, additional
underload form form the Graduate School needs to be completed:
http://www.niu.edu/its/asp2/OnBaseForms/gradschool/Underload.aspx

All policies governing international student enrollment are ultimately governed by U.S. regulations and laws and are
subject to change without notice.

Maximum enrollment limits are established by the Graduate School. A student in good academic standing may
register for up to 16 semester hours in the fall and spring semester and 13 semester hours in the summer session.
Enrollment in more than the established maximum hours, an overload, may be granted in unusual circumstances on
a case-by-case basis or when a student is planning to enroll in courses with staggered start and end dates so that
the student is not actively engaged in excessive hours simultaneously. For a graduate student in a degree program,
this approval must be obtained, in advance, from the student's major department and the Graduate School; for a
student-at-large, the prior written approval of the dean of the Graduate School is required. An e-form for requesting
permission to enroll in excessive hours can be found on the Graduate School web page. The MS in MIS program
strongly recommends students enroll in no more than 12 hours per fall/spring semester.
Registration
Your MyNIU will list your specific registration time/day under Enrollment Dates. Your eligibility is based on your specific
number of hours completed/currently enrolled in at NIU and cannot be changed by department or advisor. It is the
responsibility of the student to register as early as possible to avoid courses filling up, etc.

Spring/Summer Registration Begins in early April

Summer/Fall Registration Begins in early November

For any registration issues enrolling in OMIS courses, please contact the OM&IS advisor for assistance. If non-OMIS
course, student should contact specific offering course for registration assistance.

Students should check MyNIU for any Negative Service Indicators (holds) on their account that may prohibit registration,
and remedy through appropriate department. Common registration holds are due to past due tuition/fees, admission
document submission, immunization records, unpaid parking tickets, etc.

Schedule Changes/Course Withdrawals/Course Drops

Student course schedule on MyNIU lists specific deadlines for schedule changes. Following is information for fall/spring
semesters for students enrolled in regular academic session (16 weeks).
DROPS: Students can drop courses using MyNIU through midnight of the self-service drop date shown on MyNIU this is
usually Friday of the second week of class (check your specific course deadlines on your MyNIU course schedule).
WITHDRAWALS: Students may, with approval from the instructor and the Graduate School, withdraw from a course from
the self-service drop date in MyNIU through the end of the 14th week of classes. Withdrawals, which are executed only
after the DROP period, require that the student initiate the process with course instructor, who must complete a Schedule
Change Form (available on Graduate School website). Instructor approval is required and the student will be awarded a
WP or WF.
ADDS: Students may, with approval form the instructor and Graduate School, add a course through the fourteenth week
of classes. Adding a class after the add/drop period indicated on students schedule on MyNIU requires student to initiate
the process through course instructor, who must complete a Schedule Change Form (available on the Graduate School
website). It is at the instructors discretion to add a student past the initial MyNIU add/drop period.

Withdrawal Refund Policy

Tuition and fee refund information for course withdrawal can be found at the NIU Bursars webpage:
http://catalog.niu.edu/content.php?catoid=21&navoid=638#refu_poli

International Student Information

Non-immigrant MS in MIS students enrolled at NIU should maintain close contact with the International Student &
Faculty Office http://www.niu.edu/isfo/, the Graduate School, and the MIS academic advisor to ensure proper
immigration procedures are followed.

The MS in MIS program is a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics) designated program as approved by
the Illinois Board of Higher Education. Under the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, international students who
graduate from colleges and universities in the United States are able to remain in the country and receive training through
work experience for up to 12 months. Students who graduate from a designated STEM degree program are eligible for an
additional 24 months of OPT extension.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT): Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

Optional Practical Training (OPT): Optional Practical Training
Written English Proficiency Requirement for Graduate Students
The Graduate School has established a Written English Proficiency Requirement for international F-1 visa students.Those
students who hold a baccalaureate or higher degree from an accredited institution in the U.S., or a recognized institution
in the U.K., Ireland, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand at which the language of instruction was English are considered to
have met this requirement. Upon admission to NIU, affected graduate students are informed of their placement into (or
exemption from) English coursework. Students who wish to challenge their placement have one opportunity to do so by
taking the Graduate Exemption Test, offered twice a year in the week before classes begin in the Fall and Spring. The next
test date is January 12, 2016. Graduate Students are encouraged to take the Graduate Exemption Test and/or enroll in an
English course early in their career at NIU.

English 451/452 is a two term cross-disciplinary English writing course sequence for graduate students whose native
language is not English.

ENGL 453 is an English writing course with a concentrated approach to disciplinary writing for graduate students whose
native language is not English.

Starting in Fall 2016, ENGL 451, 452, or 453 will be 0 credit hours, and students will pay no tuition for these particular
courses. A grade of C or better is required to fulfill the requirement.

Reduced Course Load in Final Semester

For international F-1 visa students students in their final semester and not holding a graduate/teaching assistantship,
there is no longer a minimum number of credits necessary to be enrolled in. In the past, graduate students needed to be
enrolled in 4.5 credits in their final semester to be approved for the underload. The new rule is that you will need to be
enrolled in the number of credits necessary to graduate in the final semester. You will need to print out the form and go
to your academic advisor before you drop it off at ISFO. The form can be found in ISFO. If you have a graduate
assistantship, you will need to receive the approval from the graduate school and also fill out ISFO's form.
NOTE: 1) If you will be enrolled in only one course, it cannot be an online course; 2) if you do not complete your
coursework in that final semester and have been approved an underload, you will have to be enrolled as a full-time
student in the following semester (9 credits for fall or spring semester and 6 credits for the summer.)

Grading System
The Graduate School grading system applies to all graduate students taking courses for graduate credit. All 500-600 level
courses, including Phase One, are included in cumulative NIU grade point average.

The graduate grade point average (GPA) is computed by dividing the total number of grade points earned by the total
number of credit hours that a student has taken in NIU courses earning grade points. In no case are NIU courses taken for
undergraduate or law credit or transfer courses included in the computation of the graduate GPA. Grades and their grade
point values are as follows.

Grades Earning Level of Grade Points Per

Graduate Credit Performance Semester Hour
A Superior 4.00
A- 3.67
B+ Satisfactory 3.33
B 3.00
B- Marginal 2.67
 C+ 2.33
C 2.00

S Satisfactory -
for courses graded S/U

Grades Not Earning Level of Grade Points Per

Graduate Credit Performance Semester Hour
C- Deficient 1.67
D 1.00
F Seriously deficient 0.00
U Unsatisfactory 0.00
for courses graded S/U

Other transcript entries, with their definition, include the following.

IIncomplete (see also following section on Incompletes)

IPIn Progress
WPPassing at time of withdrawal
WFFailing at time of withdrawal
OAudit; no grade and no credit

Students doing less than satisfactory work will be assigned the grade of C-, D, F, or U. Graduate credit is given
only for those courses in which a grade of S, or C or better, is earned. A grade of S indicates that the student
has performed at a level equivalent to at least a B. Graduate students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0
or higher in all attempted 500-600 level coursework to be in good academic standing.

Graduation
When you are close to completing your MS degree, you will need to apply for graduation and submit the
graduation fee. Students are able to apply for graduation and pay the graduation application fee through their
MyNIU account. We make many announcements about graduation application deadlines through NIU e-mail
and it is student responsibility to apply by established deadline. Students may view graduation application
deadlines at the Graduate School website in the Student Resources Graduation Information section. It is
strongly recommended to apply early to ensure all requirements are met and any necessary scheduling
changes can be made prior to final semester.

Please note that a student cannot have an incomplete on their transcript and graduate.

MS in MIS candidates should apply for the term of graduation in which they will complete all of their
coursework. If a student has not completed their coursework and would like to participate in the May or
December graduation ceremony, the candidate must apply for intended graduation term early & contact the
Graduate School to request permission to participate in the May or December graduation ceremony.

The graduation application does not roll over to the next term. The candidate must submit a graduation
deferral form which is located at http://www.niu.edu/its/asp2/OnBaseForms/gradschool/RcGrGradDefer.aspx
Planning your MS in MIS degree

Advising
A copy of your Program of Courses indicating courses you have completed (or were waived) and which courses you need
to complete to earn your degree was provided with your initial acceptance e-mail from the OM&IS Department.
Department advisor can provide this upon request also. You are also able to view your progress by running a Degree
Progress report in your MyNIU account. MyNIU Degree Progress report is used by the Graduate School to verify
completion of degree requirements any discrepancies or issues should be discussed as early as possible with
department advisor to avoid graduation problems. Each semester, you are encouraged to discuss your schedule options
with department advisor prior to enrolling in your courses. Though walk-in appointments are possible, it is preferred
that an appointment is scheduled in advance though department.

The MS in Management Information Systems degree consists of two phases. Phase One (8 semester hours) is designed to
compensate for deficiencies in undergraduate course work in common business core knowledge.

Phase One Requirements

Phase One (foundation) requirements are included in a student's program of courses unless a grade of C or better has
been earned in corresponding undergraduate courses, or a grade of B or better has been earned in equivalent graduate
courses elsewhere, or has passed the first and only attempt of the Phase One exemption examination. Since work
experience in a particular Phase One area will not fulfill the requirement, the exemption exams are specifically beneficial
to students with proficiency/experience in relative subject area. Phase One courses may not be used as Phase Two
electives & credit earned in Phase One will not count toward the semester-hour degree requirements in Phase Two.

Upon admission to MS in MIS program, an evaluation of Phase One credit is provided to admitted students. This
evaluation is official. If student believes there is a discrepancy or feels he or she has previously completed an
equivalent course at transfer institution, it is the responsibility of student to contact MIS advisor to have course(s) re-
evaluated no later than the end of the 8th week of initial semester of enrollment in program.

The MS in MIS program does not require that all Phase 1 coursework is completed prior to start of Phase 2 courses.
However, Phase 1 requirements should be completed early in the program and prior to final semester (note: all Phase 1
courses are
not necessarily offered every semester). OMIS 507 or equivalent course needs to be completed prior to enrollment in
any Phase 2 course. As indicated below, ACCY 505 or equivalent is a prerequisite for FINA 505 under no circumstances
will they be permitted to be taken concurrently at NIU, so please plan & schedule accordingly.

Additionally, it is permitted to complete ACCY 505 equivalent course at one of the many local 2-year community colleges
see MIS advisor for eligible courses. All other deficient Phase One requirements must be completed at NIU or other
accredited 4-year university (community colleges do not offer acceptable equivalent courses). Phase One requirements
are not permitted at non-NIU institution in final semester of study.

Official transcripts from any course completed at non-NIU institution must be submitted either directly to Graduate
School 223 Adams Hall or mailed directly from transfer school to:
The Graduate School
Northern Illinois University
180 Stadium Drive
DeKalb, IL 60115-2828

NOTE: Be aware that taking a course at a transfer institution rather than at NIU can cause delays in credit posting,
requirement fulfillment, etc. The MIS program will not make special accommodations for transfer credit in regards to
any delays or difficulties that are not present when completing courses on campus.
Phase One Requirements:
ACCY 505 - Financial Accounting Concepts (2)
FINA 505 - Fundamentals of Financial Management (2) Prerequisite is ACCY 505 or equivalent
OMIS 507 - Business Information Systems (2)
One of the following (2 hours)
MGMT 505 - Principles of Management (2)
MKTG 505 - Graduate Survey of Marketing (2)
OMIS 505 Principles of Operations Management (2)
Total Phase Two Requirements: 8 semester hours

Phase Two Requirements

Phase II - Required Courses (21 credit hours)

OMIS 640 - Management of Information Systems Technology (3)

OMIS 643 - Enterprise Process Improvement (3)
OMIS 651 - Business Systems Analysis and Design (3)
OMIS 652 - Business Applications of Database Management Systems (3)
OMIS 660 - Business Computing Environments & Networks (3)
OMIS 675 - Internet Computing Applications (3)
OMIS 690 - Information Technology Project Management (3)
OMIS 599 Degree Completion Seminar (0)

Electives (9 credit hours) To be selected from the following courses or from among relevant graduate offerings
elsewhere in the university with approval of the academic program coordinator.

OMIS 605 - Independent Study in Information Systems (3)

OMIS 624 - Expert Systems in Business (3)
OMIS 653 Enterprise Systems Configuration with SAP
OMIS 661 - Business Intelligence Applications & Tools (3)
OMIS 670 Social Media Analytics for Business (3)
OMIS 682 - Advanced Networking & Network Security (3)
OMIS 694 - Advanced Topics in Information Systems (3)
OMIS 695 - Internship in Management Information Systems (3)
OMIS 692 - Advanced Project Management (3)
Students in the MS in MIS program can opt to complete one of the two specializations offered. A
specialization is not required to complete the MIS program, but will fulfill the 9 hours of electives in Phase
Two.

Specialization in Business Analytics (9)

The specialization in Business Analytics is for the students to solve complex decision problems in a business
environment with a combination of quantitative skills, modeling techniques, and hands-on expertise using current
software applications for data driven decision making. Students with these skills are in high demand in a variety of
industries and sectors including accounting, management, marketing, finance, information systems, operations,
health care, engineering, and energy. Equipped with a solid technical foundation in data analysis and model-driven
management decision making, this specialization prepares students for successful careers in this growing field.

Specialization in Business Analytics consists of the following courses

OMIS 665 - Big Data Analytics for Business Credits: 3

OMIS 670 - Social Media Analytics for Business Credits: 3
OMIS 694 - Advanced Topics in Information Systems Credits: 3-9 *

Students must take 3 semester hours in this course. *For the specialization in Business Analytics, students must
take the topic: Seminar of Research Methodologies and Applications in Business Analytics.

Specialization in SAP and Business Enterprise Computing (9)

SAP is the market leader in business enterprise computing software and Business Enterprise Computing is a broad
category of technologies, applications, and practices for gathering, storing, accessing, and analyzing enterprise data
to support effective business operations. The specialization in SAP and Business Enterprise Computing will allow the
students to understand how to run organizations more effectively by improving various business processes and
using SAP technology.

Specialization in SAP and Business Enterprise Computing consists of the following courses:

OMIS 643 - Enterprise Process Improvement Credits: 3

OMIS 653 - Enterprise Systems Configuration with SAP Credits: 3
OMIS 661 - Business Intelligence Applications and Tools Credits: 3

Students who choose this specialization will use OMIS 653, OMIS 661, and one of the elective courses to
serve the Phase Two Elective requirement.

Phase Two Time Limitation

You have six consecutive years in which to complete your program once you have enrolled in a Phase Two course (at NIU
or elsewhere). Transfer courses falling outside the limitation of time may not be used in a graduate program. Please be
aware that the student must demonstrate currency by examination if the NIU course taken to complete the requirements
for Phase Two does not fall within the consecutive six-year period allowed for the degree; otherwise, another course must
be completed in lieu of the expired course.
Phase Two Course Substitution
Under special circumstances due to scheduling issues, course duplication, or other legitimate reasons, it is possible to
formally request substitution of a required Phase 2 course using an approved OMIS course. To request a
substitution, a written appeal explaining substitution rationale must be submitted to program advisor prior to
course enrollment. Approval should not be assumed and is at the discretion of OM&IS Department.

MIS COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

OMIS 505 - Principles of Operations Management (2 hours) Examination of the issues, problems, and possible
solutions for operations managers in the manufacturing and service environments. Topics include product planning,
facility location, process design, capacity planning, quality management, inventory management, and operations planning
and control systems. Students may not receive credit for OMIS 505 if credit was previously received for either UBUS 310
or OMIS 338. A student must earn a grade of C or better in a business statistics course prior to enrollment.

OMIS 507 Business Information Systems (2 Hours) Introduction to business information systems concepts, uses,
and issues, including functional management information systems, end-user computing, technology, platforms, and
systems analysis and design. Emphasis on the effective utilization of information system technology by business
professionals. Students may not receive credit for OMIS 507 if credit was previously received for OMIS 351.

OMIS 599 Degree Completion Seminar (0 Hours) Completion of the MIS program assessment & exit survey during
the last semester of the program. S/U grading

OMIS 604 Independent Study in Operations Management (1 3 hours) Available to graduate students who have
demonstrated the capability for specialized independent study in operations management. May be taken a maximum of
two times. Prerequisite: Consent of department - prior to enrollment, sponsorship from OM&IS faculty member must be
approved.

OMIS 605 Independent Study in Information Systems (1 - 3 hours) Available only to candidates for the M.S.
degree in management information systems who have demonstrated the capability for specialized independent study in
information systems. May be taken a maximum of two times. Prerequisite: Consent of department - prior to enrollment,
sponsorship from OM&IS faculty member must be approved.

OMIS 640 Management of Information Systems Technology (3 hours) Applications of information systems in
strategic decision making and organizational leadership, management of information as an organizational resource, and
global and ethical issues relating to information systems technology.

OMIS 643 Enterprise Process Improvement (3 hours) Focus on continuous improvement in both service and
manufacturing firms, with emphasis on quality improvement and business process reengineering. Topics include
continuous improvement methodologies, business process analysis, business process redesign, and process change
implementation.

OMIS 651 Business Systems Analysis & Design (3 hours) Comparison of various methodologies and techniques
used in the analysis and design of business systems with emphasis on selecting appropriate techniques for evolving
development contexts. Projects utilize these analysis and design techniques to identify business problems and design
appropriate solutions. Emphasis on teamwork and communication skills. A student must earn a grade of C or better in an
information systems concepts course prior to enrollment.

OMIS 652 Business Applications of Database Management Systems (3 hours) Critical examination of the design,
implementation, and management of database systems. Topics include the relational database model, entity-relationship
modeling, normalization, the logical implementation of databases, transaction management, distributed databases,
object-oriented databases, client/server systems, data warehousing, database administration, and the use of databases in
Website design. Laboratory experience with current database software. A student must earn a grade of C or better in an
information systems concepts course prior to enrollment.

OMIS 653 Enterprise Systems Configuration with SAP (3 hours) Continues to build skills and knowledge about
SAP. Provides a thorough understanding of both the role that Enterprise Resource Planning Systems (ERPs) play in an
organization and the challenging task of implementing and configuring the Information System (IS) function. Projects and
case studies will be assigned that afford the opportunity to work through many real-life business situations using the SAP
ERP Central Component (ECC) system and explore the interaction among the different business processes.

OMIS 660 Business Computing Environments & Networks (3 hours) Examination of the field of business
telecommunications from the perspective of business applications. Evaluation of hardware needed for effective business
telecommunication. Includes projects that require examination of communications systems requirements and selection
of techniques suitable for meeting the system requirements. A student must earn a grade of C or better in an information
systems concepts course prior to enrollment.

OMIS 661 Business Intelligence Applications & Tools (3 hours) Provides a foundation in the area of business
intelligence (BI). Introduction to various BI technologies such as Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio, Analysis
Services, Reporting Services, and/or SAP Business Objects to analyze enterprise data. Use of software tools to build an
end-to-end BI solution. Prerequisite: OMIS 652 or consent of department.

OMIS 675 Internet Computing Applications (3 hours) In-depth examination of application of electronic commerce
technology and development tools to support business-to-business and business-to-consumer commerce. Focus on the
strategic impact of technology decisions in the electronic commerce marketplace. Extensive computer laboratory work
required to design advanced electronic commerce applications. A student must earn a grade of C or better in an
information systems concepts course prior to enrollment.

OMIS 690 Information Technology Project Management (3 hours) Application and integration of the project
management body of knowledge areas to managing information technology projects. Focus on project management tools
and techniques for defining and managing the project goal, scope, schedule, and budget. Other topics include quality
management, risk management, and knowledge management as they relate to information technology projects. A
student must earn a grade of C or better in an information systems concepts course prior to enrollment.

OMIS 692 Advanced Project Management in Business (3 hours) In depth study of advanced topics for
managing information technology projects in business. An emphasis on case studies and simulations to
provide a deeper understanding of key project management areas such as project selection, project planning,
and project decision making. Prerequisite: OMIS 690 or consent of department.

OMIS 694 Advanced Topics in Information Systems (3 hours) In-depth study of some of the advanced topics of
contemporary interest related to management information systems including alternative business systems design
methodologies, advanced database systems, architectures, and systems quality. May be repeated to a maximum of 9
semester hours provided no repetition of topic occurs. Concurrent enrollment in multiple sections and topics is
permissible with a maximum of 6 semester hours per semester. Recent topics have included: Advanced Project
Management, Big Data Analytics, Social Media Analytics, Visual Basic Applications, Javascript.

OMIS 695 Internship in Management Information Systems (3 hours) Designed primarily for students lacking full-
time business experience. Full-time work for a summer or a semester as an intern in a business firm under the supervision
of a coordinator from the Department of Operations Management and Information Systems. Should not be permanent
employment or taken as last course in program. Notes: Student must secure position and receive departmental approval
prior to enrollment.
Internships
MS in MIS students are encouraged to acquire an internship during their studies in our program. A professional
internship in management information systems provides professional experience outside the classroom, enhances career
opportunities upon graduation, can be taken for academic credit (will fulfill 3 hours of elective area), and are usually paid.
Internship scan be completed in fall, spring or summer semesters, but most opportunities are for summer and are usually
full-time. Internships can be sound by various methods:

1) NIU E-Mail The OM&IS Department advisor sends out numerous opportunities on a regular basis. These
opportunities are from companies and organizations, and often alumni, that have contacted the OM&IS
Department directly regarding positions they are seeking to fulfill. Employers want to hire OM&IS students and
these e-mail announcements are usually great opportunities from organizations that are familiar with our
program and students.
2) OM&IS Meet the Firm Night Each fall semester, the OM&IS Department hosts OM&IS Meet the Firm Night
on campus. The purpose of Meet the Firm is to acquaint our students with the companies who have hired our
students in the past and with those companies who are just finding out about the talents and ambitions of our
graduates. Not all companies that attend our Meet the Firm are looking to fill job openings. Although many
companies come to seek
qualified students, the OM&IS Meet the Firm is an event that provides an opportunity for students to learn about
the diversity of opportunities available -- whether they are open now or in the future. For more information,
visit the related page on OM&IS website: http://cob.niu.edu/departments/omis/meet-the-firm/index.shtml
3) NIU Internship & Job Fairs Each fall and spring semester, NIU hosts job and internship fairs at the NIU
Convocation Center. There are typically many employers seeking OM&IS majors at these fairs. Dates and
information can be found at the NIU Career Services office: http://www.cob.niu.edu/omis/meetthefirm.shtml

4) Company Websites Most companies and organizations, particularly larger ones, have many MIS-
related internship opportunities posted on their websites.
5) Networking - Pursue contacts received through family, friends, faculty and classmates for their ideas and
contacts which may lead you to an internship opportunity.

To best prepare to acquire an internship, students should utilize NIU Career Services for assistance and career guidance,
including resumes, interviewing, job search, etc.

International Students: F-1 students must have been enrolled full-time in a U.S. university for one academic year prior
to start of CPT (Curricular Practical Training). For example, F-1 students starting in fall semester 2014, the first term
eligible for CPT/internship would be summer 2015 semester . F-1 students must be maintaining good status as F-1 and be
in good academic standing.

Graduate Assistantships
A limited number of graduate assistantships are available in the OM&IS Department for declared MS in MIS majors.
Graduate assistantships carry a stipend and tuition waiver (fees are not part of this waiver) and require weekly hours
ranging from 10 to 20 hours. Acquisition of OMIS assistantships is very competitive and is based on merit, departmental
need, and available funding. To be considered for an assistantship, student must be admitted to MS in MIS program,
submit MS in MIS assistantship application and required supplemental materials directly to OM&IS Department MIS
application and additional assistantship information can be found here:
http://www.cob.niu.edu/omisMS/gradassistant.shtml Note: Graduate School standard assistantship application does
not need to be submitted to OM&IS Department.
MIS students are also encouraged to seek assistantships in other NIU offices/divisions as there is usually a need for
graduate students with computer/technical skills. These positions will likely require the general graduate assistant
application:

http://www.grad.niu.edu/grad/financing/assistantships.shtml Human Resources posts many of these opportunities:

http://www.hr.niu.edu/

STEM Program
The Master of Science in Management Information Systems (MIS) offered by the college's Department of OM&IS earned
STEM designated degree program status with the OPT extension. Championed by the Illinois Board of Higher Education,
the goal of STEM is to increase science, technology, engineering, and mathematics literacy and enthusiasm among
students. The college's MIS program attracts students in country and abroad. The OPT (Optional Practical Training)
extension allows international students who graduate from colleges and universities in the United States to remain in the
country and receive training through work experience for up to 12 months. Students who graduate from a designated
STEM degree program may remain for an additional 24 months for the OPT extension. With STEM designated degree
program status, the department's OM&IS faculty are afforded more opportunities to earn research grants in the STEM
areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

EXEMPTION LENGTH TEXTBOOK EXAMINATION

EXAMINATION OF TYPE OF EXAMINATION AND TOPICS COVERED (If Recommended) ADMINISTERED
FOR TEST BY
ACCY 505: 90 40 Multiple-choice Problems Any standard text in Testing Services
Minutes Topics covered: Income statement (cash and accrual Financial Accounting (815-753-1203)
FINANCIAL basis), balance sheet, statement of cash flows, adjusting Concepts or the text See "Guidelines"
ACCOUNTING and closing entries, transaction analysis, ratio analysis, currently used for noted below.
CONCEPTS use(s) of financial accounting data, and accounting for: the NIU ACCY 505
cash, temporary investments and receivables; inventory, course.
plant, property and equipment; short and long-term debt;
long-term investments; and stock-holders' equity.
Examinees may use non-programmable calculators only;
examinees may not use programmable alpha calculators.

FINA 505: 2 40 Multiple-choice Questions Any standard text in Testing Services

Hours Examinees should use financial calculators. Principles of Finance (815-753-1203)
FINANCING THE or the text currently See "Guidelines"
BUSINESS used for the NIU noted below.
ENTERPRISE FINA 505 course.

MGMT 505: 2 200 Multiple-choice Questions Any standard text in Testing Services
Hours Principles of (815-753-1203)
PRINCIPLES Management or the See "Guidelines"
OF text currently used noted below.
MANAGEMENT for the NIU MGMT
505 course.
OMIS 507: 2 100 Multiple-choice questions, with 1 point for each Any standard Testing Services
Hours question. A passing score is 75 points (75 correctly textbook in the (815-753-1203)
BUSINESS answered questions). Principles of See "Guidelines"
INFORMATION Examinees may use programmable or non-programmable Operations noted below.
SYSTEMS calculators. Management could
be used for student
study purposes.
 EXEMPTION LENGTH TEXTBOOK EXAMINATION
EXAMINATION OF TYPE OF EXAMINATION AND TOPICS COVERED (If Recommended) ADMINISTERED
FOR TEST BY
OMIS 505: 2 100 Multiple-choice questions, with 1 point for each Any standard Testing Services
Hours question. A passing score is 75 points (75 correctly textbook in the (815-753-1203)
PRINCIPLES answered questions). Principles of See "Guidelines"
OF Topics covered: Operations and productivity; operations Operations noted below.
OPERATIONS strategy for goods and services; forecasting; total quality Management could
MANAGEMENT management; statistical process control; design of goods be used for student
and services; process and capacity design; location study purposes.
selection; people and work systems; layout design;
inventory for independent demand; inventory for depend
demand (MRP); just-in-time systems; supply-chain
management; aggregate scheduling; short-term
scheduling.
Examinees may use programmable or non-programmable
calculators.

NOTE: As of April 30th 2015, the MKTG 505 exemption exam will no longer be offered. Students wishing to
take exam will need to do so prior to that date. After that date, MIS majors will need to enroll in MKTG 505 if
Phase 1 deficiency needs to be fulfilled

You may attempt an exemption examination only once for a given Phase One course. The score for any subsequent
attempt of the same Phase One course will be nullified automatically. There are no fees for these exams.
Examination results, which are non-appealable, will be mailed to examinees from the departmental or office
representative responsible for verification:

ACCY 505} 866-NIU MBA1

Office of M.B.A. Programs -or-
FINA 505} 815-753-1245
MGMT 505} Department of Management 815-753-1124
MKTG 505 Department of Marketing 815-753-1714
OMIS 505} 866-NIU-MBA1
OMIS 507} Department of OM&IS -or-
815-753-1245

If you have not received the results of the exemption examination within two to four weeks after taking the exam, please
contact the department or office responsible for verifying the results. Questions regarding the examination results should
be directed to the department offering the examination, rather than the Office of M.B.A. Programs.

Guidelines for exemption examinations administered by Testing Services are noted below:

1. Examinees who wish to attempt one or more of the above examinations must register with Testing Services, Adams
Hall 128, NIU (815-753-1203) at least eight days prior to the date examinees wish to take the exam. The exams are
administered in-office (DeKalb) during regularly scheduled work hours (8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.). Directions to Testing
Services can be found by going to the A-Z index and selecting M for maps, campus.
OM&IS Department Graduate Certificates and Awards

SAP University Alliance Student Recognition Award

The NIU College of Business is an official member of the SAP University Alliance Program. Sap is the dominant
player in the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software market and enables organizations to improve their
business processes. It is estimated that 70% of Forbes 500 companies run their businesses with the help of
SAP.

As part of this partnership with SAP, the Operations Management & Information Systems (OM&IS)
department has implemented SAP into both its undergraduate and graduate curriculum. NIU students
have the opportunity to earn the SAP University Alliance Student Recognition Award by successfully
completing a minimum of 3 OM&IS courses powered by SAP hands-on experience.

Award Requirements Complete 3 of the following courses:

OMIS 643 Enterprise Process Improvement 3 hours (offered fall/spring semesters)

OMIS 661 Business Intelligence Applications/Tools 3 hours (offered spring semesters)
OMIS 653 Enterprise Systems Configuration with SAP - 3 hours (offered fall semesters)

A grade of C or better required in each course.

Certificate of Graduate Study Business Analytics Using SAP Software

Business analytics is a broad category of technologies, applications, and practices for gathering, storing,
accessing, and analyzing enterprise data to support effective decision making. SAP is the market leader in
business analytics application software, used by organizations committed to data-driven decision making. A
certificate in Business Analytics Using SAP Software will add value to the MS in MIS degree, add value to
current positions, and increase employability within the field of business analytics.

Students must achieve a minimum grade of B in each required course.

Certificate Requirements
OMIS 640 Management of Information Systems Technology 3 hours (offered fall/spring semesters)
OMIS 643 Enterprise Process improvement 3 hours (offered fall/spring semesters)
OMIS 661 Business Intelligence Applications & Tools 3 hours (offered spring semesters)
OMIS 653 Enterprise Systems Configuration with SAP 3 hours (offered fall semesters)

Note: Students completing Business Analytics certificate will also have fulfilled SAP Student Recognition Award
requirements

If interested in pursuing award, certificate, or both, see OM&IS Department advisor for details and application
information.