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Accelerated MSMIS Program for University of Mary Washington Computer Science Majors


This accelerated degree program at the UMW College of Graduate and Professional Studies makes it possible to earn a graduate degree more quickly by including up to four common 3-credit courses that will count toward the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and the Master of Science in Management Information Systems. Students who are majoring in computer science at UMW can begin the graduate degree during their enrollment in the undergraduate program.

The Master of Science in Management Information Systems (MSMIS)

Students study the traditional discipline of science in information systems, with emphasis on technical training and managerial knowledge in the information systems field.

Courses explore such subjects as decision support systems within public and private organizations, standardizing new internet technologies into existing business processes, and the theory and practical applications of contemporary leadership.

Graduates are well-equipped with managerial and administrative skills in addition to technical knowledge, allowing them to begin satisfying careers in consulting, programming, systems analysis and design, and many more. The challenging and rewarding careers open to MSMIS students can also lead to managerial positions in information systems.

To apply, undergraduate computer science majors must meet the following requirements:

  • Satisfactory completion of at least 60 undergraduate credits
  • Satisfactory completion and/ or enrollment in at least 75 credits toward the degree program, with a minimum of 21 credits toward the computer science major
  • Minimum 3.0 overall GPA
  • Minimum 3.25 GPA in courses required for the computer science major at UMW

Admission requirements:

  • A completed MSMIS application sent to the CGPS Office of Admissions
  • Three faculty recommendation letters (may include computer science department chair and faculty)

Application deadlines:

Fall July 1
Spring November 1
Summer April 1

Interested students may contact the CGPS Office of Admissions at 540/286-8088, graduate@umw.edu or visit www.umw.edu/admissions/apply for more information on admissions requirements.

Provisional Admittance into the MSMIS Program:

  • Students who have not completed an undergraduate degree may be provisionally admitted into the MSMIS.
  • Once students are notified of provisional admittance in the program, they must meet with their assigned MSMIS faculty advisor before the beginning of the following semester to complete the MSMIS Provisional Program Plan.
  • The MSMIS Provisional Program Plan outlines the courses planned or already taken to meet the MSMIS requirements.
  • The MSMIS Provisional Program Plan outlines the additional courses planned after the completion of the B.S. degree in fulfillment of the MSMIS degree requirements.  Each MSMIS Provisional Program Plan must be signed and dated by the student, the MSMIS faculty advisor, and the CAS faculty advisor.

Program requirements:

  • CAS students provisionally admitted into the MSMIS program must meet all MSMIS admission requirements upon completion of their B.S. degree with a major in computer science to change to full admittance.
  • In order to graduate with an MSMIS degree, these students must meet all MSMIS degree requirements. MSMIS degree requirements are available at www.umw.edu/cgps/msmis .
  • The foundation course requirements may be met through designated undergraduate courses or their equivalents. Courses intended to meet foundation requirements must be approved by the CAS and MSMIS faculty advisors. A Foundation Course Advising Guide is available for additional information. Students are encouraged to earn a grade of B or higher in each of these courses.
  • A maximum of 12 approved MSCS/MMIS credits may be jointly applied toward both undergraduate and graduate degree requirements. Students are encouraged to earrn a grade of B or higher in each course in order to have the credits apply toward the MSMIS degree program.