Oklahoma State University Online Master of Science in Management Information Systems – Big Data, Oklahoma

Why Oklahoma State University?

The online  Master of Science in Management Information Systems at Oklahoma State University offers a Big Data concentration that combines training in information systems management with education in data science skills and techniques. Oklahoma State University,  a large public research university in Stillwater, Oklahoma, expects applicants to have an undergraduate degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0. GRE or GMAT scores are required. The TOEFL is required for inter$64national applicants. Aspiring data scientists considering this program should be aware that the Data Science concentration will shortly be merged with the Master of Science in Business Analytics, so the details on this page may change.

Program Snapshot

University Name Oklahoma State University
Location Stillwater
State Oklahoma
Niche.com Grade A
Name of Degree Master of Science in Management Information Systems
School or Department Administering Program Business
Credits 33
Cost per credit $648
Tuition for Entire Program $21,384
Test Requirements
  • GRE or GMAT
  • TOEFL if applicable
Minimum GPA 3.00
Prerequisite Courses and Skills None
Campus Visit Required? No
Typical Time to Complete 18 months
When Can Students Start the Program? Fall
Program Concentrations Big Data is a concentration within the Master of Science in Management Information Systems program.
Synchronous Classes No
Required Courses
  • Programming for Data Science and Analytics II
  • Statistics for Data Science
  • Information and Network Technology Management
  • Advanced Database Management
  • Data Warehousing
  • Descriptive Analytics and Visualization
  • Practicum in Management Information Systems (Part-time students can replace with alternative 5000-level course)
Does the Program Include a Capstone? No
Does the Program Include a Practicum or Internship? Yes
Other Features that Make the Program Unique
  • Merging with Master of Science in Business Analytics Program upcoming
  • partnerships with IBM, Teradata, SAS
Program Objectives 
  • Business
  • Security
  • Professional development
  • Big Data
  • Data warehousing
  • Systems Analysis
  • Database Management
  • Information assurance
  • Health Analytics
Program Description Students follow a general curriculum in Information Management Systems while pursuing a Data Science concentration in this 33 credit program. Courses cover database management, data warehousing, systems analysis, programming, visualization, and others. Students are required to complete a practicum developed in collaboration with industry partners. 

What will I Learn?

The Big Data program is a concentration within the Master of Science in Management Information Systems program.  The program is focused on teaching students the skills they need to design and manage information systems such as networks, databases, and search systems within businesses and other organizations. In addition to the required courses for the Data Science concentration, students in the MIS Big Data program can take elective courses across the systems management and business curriculum. Oklahoma State is particularly strong in the areas of health analytics and information assurance and security.

Students who choose the Big Data concentration must take Programming for Data Science and Analytics II and a course in Statistics for Data Science. They gain fundamental skills in systems design and management through courses in Information and Network Technology Management, Advanced Database Management, and Data Warehousing. They learn to communicate their data analytics results and explore data using different methods and techniques in a required course on Descriptive Analytics and Visualization. Students then have an opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge they have learned through a required practicum course.

How much will the program cost?

Students finish their degree within 18 months and pay $648 per credit for a total of 33 credits, or just over $21,000.

How does the program fit into my life?

The program is usually completed in 18 months. Students enter the program in the Fall semester. The program can be completed 100% online, and no campus visits are required.  All courses are asynchronous, meaning that instructors create learning materials such as lectures, activities, quizzes, assignments, and group discussions in weekly modules, and students are responsible for completing the module on their schedule within the given week.

Summary

The Oklahoma State Master of Science in Management Information Systems, Big Data Concentration, will shortly be merged with the school’s Master of Science in Business Analytics program. Oklahoma State partners with industry leaders such as IBM, Teradata, and SAS to design curriculum and practicum opportunities. The MIS data science concentration is particularly strong in the areas of data management and systems design while providing an introduction to skills in all critical areas of data science practice.

The program is very cost-effective, coming in at a total price of just over $21,000 over 18 months of study. Students who are Oklahoma residents pay lower full tuition of only over $17,000. Unlike some lower-cost programs, the Oklahoma State MIS Big Data program is offered by a large, reputable, public research university with a robust program of faculty research and teaching. These features should make it very appealing for many graduates. Students who wish to focus solely on data science skills, and are less interested in data and information systems management, may find the Oklahoma State MIS Big Data program to be too general for their needs.