ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ

SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS
DAVID L. MCKENNA HALL
206.281.2753
DJWYSOM@SPU.EDU

We live in a society that is increasingly dependent upon the exchange of information and information services. More and more organizations recognize that their information resources are high-value assets of strategic significance and they rely upon rapid access and evaluation of accurate information for their survival.

The application of information technology and information systems is changing not only the way organizations do business but also organizational structures. Competition and cooperation in our global, networked, and dynamic environment has created a need for people who can work together in teams and apply information technology and information systems to meet organizations' information requirements.

This program develops IT leaders who will apply information technology and information systems to solve important problems in organizations. Students are prepared to lead and manage the integration of information systems and business processes as a project manager, an information manager, and, ultimately, as a CIO.

ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ's School of Business and Economics is committed to providing an applied, experiential, and collaborative learning environment in which information systems and Christian faith, ethics, and character are integrated. A team-centered educational approach provides students with opportunities for extensive group work and group interaction. Hands-on application of information technology is emphasized. The objectives of the information systems management (ISM) program are to develop students' ability to do the following:

• Provide values-based leadership in the planning, development, and management of information systems.
• Effectively integrate information systems with business strategies, processes, and decision making.
• Evaluate the effects of information systems on organizations and personnel, and assist in managing the resultant transitions.
• Communicate effectively, work in teams, and self-assess personal abilities, strengths and weaknesses.

ADMISSION
Applicants must have at least a 3.0 GPA in their undergraduate studies, GRE scores of at least 525 quantitative and 450 verbal and evidence of at least one year of continuous, full-time, substantive work experience. A TOEFL score of more than 225 for the computer-based test (or equivalent TOEIC scores) is preferred for international (ESL) applicants. Those with experience or scores that do not satisfy these minimums should also submit two letters of recommendation from employers and a three- to four-page personal statement that responds to essay questions available from the school.

PRE-QUALIFIED STUDENTS
Qualified individuals may take up to two background courses if they have an undergraduate degree (as evidenced by an official transcript from an accredited institution); a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0; and a minimum of one year full-time work experience (as evidenced by a current résumé). Prequalified students may not take advanced or elective courses. If they wish to continue in a graduate program, they must apply for admission. Prequalified status does not guarantee full admission at a later date.

APPLICATION DEADLINES
The School of Business and Economics admits students for all four academic quarters. The application for admission, application fee, and personal statement (essay) must be received by the dates listed below. Recommendation letters, transcripts, and test scores must all arrive before an admission decision can be made.

CONTACTS
Admission into the ISM program at ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ is administered by the School of Business and Economics. All correspondence and admission materials should be directed to the associate graduate director. Questions or requests for an admission application may be directed to the associate graduate director at 206.281.2753, faxed to 206.281.2733, or emailed to ism@spu.edu. For more information, visit .

PREREQUISITES
Students must show familiarity with programming or Web development. Skills in word processing, spreadsheets, and databases are also prerequisite. Background courses generally precede and are sometimes prerequisite to other core or elective courses. Background courses (6 credit hours) cover basic business processes that must be understood to achieve the program's objectives. Many students have covered some or all of this subject matter in an undergraduate program. If so, it is possible to waive background courses on the following basis:

1. If the student has a bachelor's degree that was earned within seven years of admission to the ISM program, any courses completed that cover the same body of knowledge as background courses in the ISM program may be waived. To qualify, a minimum grade of B or better must have been received in the undergraduate course. Courses taken pass/no credit will not waive the ISM background course requirement.
   
2. If the bachelor's degree was completed more than seven years prior to admission, or if the grade in the undergraduate course is below B but not below C+, the student may take a competency examination in the subject. Competency tests must be completed within the year following the student's date of admission to the program. If the competency examination is successfully completed, the applicable ISM course will be waived. If not, the student must take the ISM course as a regular student or successfully complete a credit by examination test for which tuition and an examination fee are charged.

REQUIRED COURSES
Required courses total 36 credit hours. These courses may not be waived and transfer credit from other institutions will be given only for graduate-level courses covering the same body of knowledge. Students may transfer a maximum of three courses (9 credits) from other institutions with the approval of the School of Business and Economics director of graduate studies.

ELECTIVE COURSES (9 credit hours)
Elective course offerings will vary each year based on student interest and relevance of subject matter to the information systems community.

2007-08 Graduate Time Schedule | Academic Calendar | Graduate Homepage


Older Editions of the Graduate Catalog
2006-2007 | 2005-2006 | 2004-2005 | 2003-2004 | 2002-2003