M.S. in Informatics

Program Overview

The M.S. in Informatics at USC Upstate is a 30-credit-hour graduate program. Students complete five required core courses (15 credit hours) and one independent study course (3 credit hours). The remaining 12 credit hours are customizable through electives, allowing students to focus on areas such as information resource management, cybersecurity, business analytics, and health informatics. The program emphasizes the practical application of informatics skills within specific domains. It is offered entirely online, with most content delivered asynchronously, providing flexibility for students to access courses at their convenience. Some courses may include occasional synchronous (live) sessions. The program also offers two levels of Post-Baccalaureate Certificates in Informatics (beginner and advanced) for working professionals seeking to gain graduate-level knowledge without committing to a full master's degree.

Curriculum: The 30-credit-hour curriculum of the M.S. in Informatics is designed to provide a strong foundation in managing and utilizing information. The core courses include "Cloud Based Information Resource Management," "Management of Innovation and Intellectual Property," "Interoperability," "Advanced IT Project Management," and "Independent Graduate Study in Informatics." Beyond the core, students can select from a wide range of electives organized into focus areas such as Artificial Intelligence (e.g., Applied Artificial Intelligence, Applied AI Agents, Applied AI Prompt Engineering), Cybersecurity (e.g., Information Privacy, Cybersecurity Management, Digital Forensics Technology), and Business Analytics (e.g., Data Mining and Management, Data Visualization, Data Governance, Law, and Ethics). This allows for a customized learning path that aligns with individual career goals. The program also offers an optional thesis preparation course for students interested in research.

Research Focus: The M.S. in Informatics program at USC Upstate emphasizes the practical application of information technology and data, preparing students to make informed decisions and solve complex problems. While the program offers an optional "Thesis Preparation" course (INFO U799), the primary focus is on developing practical skills in data acquisition, management, utilization, and transformation into actionable knowledge. The curriculum includes courses that touch upon advanced knowledge-based systems, information architecture, and business intelligence, which implicitly involve understanding and applying research principles in real-world contexts. Students are trained to use convergent research strategies and team-based science to address problems in various industries. The independent study course also allows for focused exploration of specific informatics-related problems, potentially involving applied research.

Industry Engagement: The University of South Carolina Upstate's M.S. in Informatics program demonstrates strong industry engagement by preparing professionals with a "multi-disciplinary education rich in information technology, information management, business, and communication," directly addressing the skills sought by the job market. The program is specifically "designed for working professionals" and offers an "Organizational Consulting Project" option where students can partner with a company to address a specific Informatics-related problem, gaining valuable real-world experience. The curriculum also introduces and prepares students for industry certifications such as CompTIA Network+ and Security+ for those interested in cybersecurity careers. The program's recent validation by the National Security Agency and the Department of Defense for cybersecurity education further highlights its alignment with industry standards and needs, particularly in the high-demand field of cybersecurity.

Global Perspective: The M.S. in Informatics at Western Illinois University incorporates a global perspective by acknowledging the "quickly changing globalized market" in its mission statement for the Department of Informatics and Engineering Systems graduate program. The curriculum is designed to prepare graduates who understand the unique challenges of managing information, knowledge, and processes in this globalized environment. Courses like "Cloud Based Information Resource Management" and "Interoperability" inherently deal with technologies and systems that operate across borders and require an understanding of global standards and regulations. The program's emphasis on cybersecurity is also inherently global, as cyber threats transcend national boundaries. While not explicitly offering international travel or study abroad components, the curriculum aims to equip students with a broad understanding of information technology's impact in an interconnected world, ensuring they are prepared for careers in multinational companies or organizations with global reach.