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Athabasca University Master of Science-Information Systems |
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| Contact Information: SCIS, 1 University Drive Athabasca, Alberta T9S 3A3 Canada
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| Program Overview |
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Athabasca University's (AU) Master of Science–Information Systems (MSc IS) incorporates the MSIS 2006 Model Curriculum and a technology specialization. Information systems students learn about the management of information technology services and resources, and the development of infrastructure and systems for organizational processes. Graduates of the MSc IS program are normally proficient in their field at intermediate and senior levels. However, it is anticipated that most students in this program are already employed. Highlights of the MSc IS program include innovative techniques in curriculum design and delivery; instructional consistency that takes into account objectives, information and evaluation; frequent and relevant interaction between instructors and students; and assessment of credentials and experience for admission purposes that credits all traditional and non-traditional learning. Foundation courses compensate deficiencies in student credentials and experience. Core courses enhance student knowledge and skills in basic information systems principles. Elective courses feature a technology specialization or integrative track to program completion. Foundation courses accommodate students from a variety of backgrounds, while core courses address data management; analysis, modeling and design; data communications and networking; project and change management; and information systems policy and strategy. The program's MSIS 2006 Model Curriculum is introduced after the core courses and affords students the opportunity to implement comprehensive systems across an organization. Students with a suitable combination of academic credentials and professional experience normally complete the program in less than three years of part-time study, while those who must complete all foundation and core courses normally take up to four years of part-time study. The program's paced, grouped study courses, which are offered three times each year, accommodate the work schedules of IT professionals. Graduates of the MSc IS program can look forward to challenging careers in academe, industry, government and small business. They are qualified for senior-level positions in database and web design, advanced language programming, network design, project management, software development, engineering and analyzing, business operations, e-commerce, research, systems administration and teaching. |
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| Admissions |
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Applicants to the MSc IS program must have a bachelor's degree in computer science, information systems or a related area; a bachelor's degree and significant professional experience with information systems; or CIPS ISP designation or equivalent. Applicants must also have full access to the Internet. If applicants have not worked in IT for more than five years, currency of credentials may be questioned. The SCIS does not currently require proof of English language proficiency in the form of an acceptable English language examination. To be considered for admission, students must submit an online application with a nonrefundable $60 application fee. Following receipt of confirmation and an AU Student ID, applicants must submit two letters of reference, a resume, online questionnaire and official postsecondary transcripts. |
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| Highlights |
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| Program Facts |
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| Study Options |
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Distance Education
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| Student Profile - Masters |
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Master's
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| Student Profile - Doctorate |
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| Admissions at a Glance |
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March 31 (fall term), Oct 1 (winter term) International Student Application Deadlines: March 31 (fall term), Oct 1 (winter term) Minimum Academic Requirements: Bachelor deg in computer science, information systems or a related area and/or significant professional experience, and/or CIPS ISP designation Minimum English Requirements: AU reserves the right to require a demonstration of English language proficiency
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| Annual Expenses (in C$) |
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| Buildings and Facilities |
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AU delivers most courses and programs via distance education technologies. AU Central, the university's administrative building, opened in 1984 on a hilltop overlooking the town of Athabasca, Alberta. To participate in any AU program, each student must have access to computer hardware and software that meets the university's minimum configuration standards and features Internet access. |
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| Expenses and Financial Support |
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The tuition fee for each course is $1,375 for students living in Canada and $1,575 for students living outside Canada. The total tuition cost for a Canadian student living in Canada who takes all MSc IS courses through AU is $17,875. AU automatically considers all students for awards. Award recipients are announced at June and December convocations. Canadian students with disabilities may apply for bursaries and loans through full- and part-time student loan programs administered by the provincial and federal governments. A $1,500 grant is awarded annually from AU’s Access Fund for Students with Disabilities. |
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| International Students |
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AU provides the same level of student support to international students as domestic students. |
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| Faculty |
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| Research Areas |
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For more information on research areas, please visit the website at http://scis.athabascau.ca/scis/staff/. |
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