Following our some of the most common queries that we receive concerning the Master of Science in Information Systems (MS-IS) program. If these FAQs don't answer your questions, please contact us via e-mail (cis_dept@tarleton.edu) or by calling 1-800-OUR-CIS1.

1. What is the MS-IS program?
2. Who enrolls in the MS-IS program?
3. What is the Virtual Learning Environment?
4. Are the online courses taught by the same professors that teach the face-to-face courses?
5. How is the virtual learning environment different from face-to-face courses?
6. What are the program requirements?
7. Can I be successful in an online course?
8. How do I apply to the MS-IS program in Stephenville or Central Texas?
9. How do I apply to the MS-IS program in the Virtual Learning Environment?
10. What type of software and hardware will I need for the program?
11. If I am in the MS-IS program in Stephenville or Central Texas, can I enroll in Virtual Learning Environment courses?

1. What is the MS-IS program?
   The MS-IS program is designed to provide students with an advanced information systems skills that will help prepare you to advance your career in the information technology field. [Return to Top]
   
2. Who enrolls in the MS-IS program?
   The MS-IS program is designed to meet the needs of three distinct groups of students:
   1. students with a baccalaureate degree in Information Systems,
   2. students with a baccalaureate degree in another area who have information systems skills and desire to develop new career skills in Information Systems.
   3. students with a baccalaureate degree in another area who lack information systems skills and desire to develop new career skills in Information Systems. [Return to Top]
      
3. What is the Virtual Learning Environment?
   The virtual learning environment is the Department of Computer Information Systems effort to deliver the MS-IS program to students that are unable to regularly attend courses at either the Stephenville or Central Texas facilities. The virtual learning Environment delivers courses in an online format. [Return to Top]
   
4. Are the online courses taught by the same professors that teach the face-to-face courses?
   All the courses in the MS-IS program whether online or face-to-face are taught by members of the Department of Computer Information Systems graduate faculty. [Return to Top]
   
5. How is the Virtual Learning Environment different from face-to-face courses?
   Actually, the Virtual Learning Environment has more similarities to the other options than differences. For example, the "core" courses are the same for all three programs. Additionally, a course whether taught online or face-to-face covers many of the same topics, often uses the same textbooks, and has many of the same assignments. We believe it is very important for all students that graduate from the MS-IS program to be able to demonstrate the same "core" skills. [Return to Top]
   
6. What are the program requirements?
   The MS-IS program requires completion of at least 36 hours of graduate credit. Students may choose to do a thesis as part of this degree program.
   • Core Courses: CIS 504, CIS 507, CIS 511, CIS 516, CIS 518, CIS 598 (18 Hours)
   • CIS Electives (12 Hours)
   • Electives (6 Hours)
   • Comprehensive Exam: A student must satisfactorily complete the comprehensive exam before receiving the MS-IS degree. The student’s academic advisor should be contacted for information about comprehensive examination requirements and policies. [Return to Top]
     
7. Can I be successful in an online course?
   A number of research studies have concluded that students can and do learn in online environments. However, online learning environments are not the "best fit" for all students. We recommend that you complete the following two surveys to help you determine whether you might be successful in an online learning environment:
   1. Distance Learning Quiz
   2. Basic Internet Skills Requirements checklist [Return to Top]
      
8. How do I apply to the MS-IS program in Stephenville or Central Texas?
   Submit an application to the College of Graduate Studies and indicate on the application your interest in the MS-IS program. [Return to Top]
   
9. How do I apply to the MS-IS program in the Virtual Learning Environment ?
   In addition to the College of Graduate Studies admission requirements, you must submit an application for the MS-IS Virtual Learning Environment Program. [Return to Top]
   
10. What type of software and hardware will I need for the program?
    The software and hardware requirements will vary from course to course. However, all of the software and hardware required for CIS courses are available in the computers laboratories located in the College of Business Administration on the Stephenville campus and at Tarleton Central Texas. Additionally, many students prefer to complete course assignments at home. Therefore, the following information is provided for those students that wish to obtain their own software and hardware.
    
    Software: Many of the software tools required for your CIS courses are available at "no cost" through the Department of Computer Systems. Additionally, many of the other software tools can be purchased at a substantial discount through the University bookstore. Be sure to check with your instructors concerning course specific software requirements.
    
    Hardware: Tarleton does not require students to purchase computers from specific vendors. However, the Department of Computer Information Systems has partnered with Dell to provide specially configured computer systems to meet the department's requirements for the 2003-2004 academic year. Information concerning these systems are available at http://premier.dell.com/premier/acc_lgn.asp?661AC4A8DD7544F617EFF0F06339AB61E5973E74563348F6780C7BA2D19D606EA49B240151EC135E. If you are going to purchase a computer system from any vendor, we recommend that you use the specifications located at the above Dell link for configuring your computer system. [Return to Top]
    
11. If I am in the MS-IS program in Stephenville or Central Texas, can I enroll in Virtual Learning Environment courses?
    Many of the online courses offered through the Virtual Learning Environment are available to students enrolled in the MS-IS program in Stephenville or Central Texas. However, each semester, selected online courses will be exclusively reserved for students enrolled the Virtual Learning Environment program. To find out which online courses are available each semester, check the courses schedule [Note: Links to course schedules are available on the program's home page.]. [Return to Top]

Department of
Computer Information Systems
Tarleton State University
Box T-0170
Stephenville, TX 76402
www.tarleton.edu