Management Information Systems, MS 4+1

How to get started

Keep GPA strong

Plan to demonstrate you are prepared to enter into a graduate program by maintaining a strong GPA. Participating in summer internships early enhances your resume and secures evidence of early professional experience.

Begin to explore

Begin your 4+1 exploration with your assigned undergraduate advisor as early as possible (preferably Sophomore or latest by Junior year) to maximize potential for enrollment sequencing during your senior year.

When to apply

When classified as a junior, request an “Advisor Clearance Form” from your advisor and arrange an appointment with the graduate program advisor. You must complete 90-plus hours of undergraduate study to apply to the Graduate College.

Eligibility

To apply early for the MS MIS degree, students must be enrolled in the BSBA in Management Science and Information Systems (MSIS) program through Spears. Students must complete 90 credit hours or more toward their undergraduate degree by the end of the term of application.

Up to 10 credit hours applicable towards the MS MIS program can be taken at the graduate level during a student’s senior year.

Applicants must submit:

• Official transcripts with a minimum 3.0 GPA on coursework completed at OSU
• Three letters of professional recommendation
• Statement of goals and objectives
• Vita/resume

Timeline

• Senior year

  • Fall and Spring (max 7 hours in either term, not surpassing 10 hours total). There are a number of cross-listed courses that could meet requirements at both the undergrad and grad levels.  Working with your UG advisor we will choose the three courses that are of most benefit to you. Some examples include: MSIS 5253 (4253), MSIS 5303 (3233), MSIS 5633 (4263), MSIS 5193 (4623), MSIS 5673 (4673), MSIS 5233 (4233), MSIS 5243 (4243), MSIS 5273 (4273).

• Graduate year

  • Fall: 12 MS MIS hours suggested.
  • Spring: 12 MS MIS hours suggested (less or more to satisfy plan of study/degree requirements)
  • Students must receive advance approval from Spears undergraduate advisement to dually apply up to 10 hours of graduate level coursework towards requirements applicable to the undergraduate degree.
  • All graduate coursework taken as a senior and intended to be used toward the MS MIS degree must be approved by the Watson Graduate School of Management office. Graduate studies are not to exceed seven credit hours in the fall term or seven credit hours in the spring term of the undergraduate student’s senior year. An 10-credit hour max enrollment during this period complies with the 30% rule. Reduced variations of graduate level enrollment during the senior year will remain possible with advisor notice and approval. With appropriate planning and clearance with the Watson office, summer internships following the term of undergraduate program completion may be counted towards the MS MIS plan of study as elective credit.

Cost & Assistance

Cost for each program will vary depending on credit-hours taken, scholarship funding, assistantships and financial aid. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to calculate eligibility for aid.

Assistantships vary by department. Please contact the program coordinator for information on assistantships and funding opportunities.

Cost
Scholarships