Information Science, M.S.

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This program is offered both in-person and as a 100% online degree program through UA Little Rock Online.

Deriving useful insights from data is more challenging than ever, thanks to the ever-increasing volumes, varieties, and velocities of available data. The Master of Science in Information Science is designed for post-baccalaureate students, including working professionals, who are interested in helping organizations harness the power of data by moving into advanced data solutions, analyst developer, and leadership roles.

Admission Requirements

Regular Admission

Baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution. Candidates with a background in computer programming, database concepts, and applied statistics, or who have professional experience in an information analytics role, will be the most prepared to enter the program.
Cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general test section or other standard test scores are recommended for applicants in foreign countries and for domestic applicants whose applications would be significantly strengthened. The program may recommend that the applicant submit such scores.
Completion of any remedial coursework that the department may specify. Students seeking regular admission to the program without needing remedial coursework will have completed (with a grade of B or better in each course) undergraduate coursework equivalent to the following UA Little Rock undergraduate courses:
- IFSC 20003 - (was 2300) Object-oriented Technology
- IFSC 32003 - (was 3320) Database Concepts
- MATH 21003 - (was STAT 2350) Introduction to Statistical Methods

Students with approved graduate certificates from UA Little Rock may apply any courses taken as part of their graduate certificate toward the completion of the MSIS program, provided that both programs allow the courses to be used.

Conditional Admission

Applicants with a baccalaureate degree who do not meet one or more of the other requirements for regular admission may be granted conditional admission. For conditionally accepted students, regular admission status would be granted once the student has satisfied the stipulations mentioned in the admission letter.

Program Requirements

The Information Science M.S. degree requires the completion of 33 credit hours, as described below.

Core courses (12 Credits)

Elective Courses (15 Credit Hours Required), possible choices include, but are not limited to:

IFSC 72103 - (was 7321) Information Science: Principles and Theory
CPSI 78203 - (was CPSC 7382) Systems Analysis and Design
or
IFSC 71003 - (was 7310) Information Systems Analysis
or
CPSI 71103 - (was CPSC 7311) Software Engineering
IFSC 52503 - (was 5325) Data Mining Concepts and Techniques
IFSC 53003 - (was 5330) Database Security
IFSC 53903 - (was 5339) Network Security
IFSC 56003 - (was 5360) Social Computing
IFSC 72503 - (was 7325) Deep Learning Theory and Apps
IFSC 73103 - (was 7331) Network Science
CPSI 75203 - (was CPSC 7352) Advanced Database Issues
CPSI 77303 - (was CPSC 7373) Artificial Intelligence
CPSI 77403 - (was CPSC 7374) Image Processing
CPSI 78503 - (was CPSC 7385) Analysis of Algorithms
Graduate Special Topics

Note: Due to some limitations on the number of 50000-level courses a student can enroll in, we recommend all students review the Limits on 50000-Level Courses Policy, specified in the Graduate School’s Academic Policies and Procedures.

No more than two elective courses may be chosen with the INFQ prefix. Choices include but are not limited to:

Additional Program Requirements

Six credits of either master’s thesis, master’s project, or coursework are needed to complete the 33 credits for the MS in Information Science, as specified next.

Option 1: Six credits of master’s thesis-students can use any combination of IFSC 79801 , IFSC 79802 , IFSC 79803 , IFSC 79804 , IFSC 79805 , or IFSC 79806 over consecutive semesters to complete the required six credits of graduate thesis coursework.
Option 2: Six credits of master’s project-students can use any combination of IFSC 78601 , IFSC 78602 , IFSC 78603 , IFSC 78604 , IFSC 78605 , or IFSC 78606 over consecutive semesters to complete the required six credits of graduate project coursework. As an alternative option, students can elect to combine 3 credits of cooperative education experience (INFQ 79103 ) with 3 credits of a project (ex. INFQ 78603 taken once or any combination of IFSC 78601 and/or IFSC 78602 totaling at least 3 credits)
Option 3: Six credits of advisor-approved coursework needed to meet the course requirements of the Information Science Track of the Ph.D. in Computer and Information Science. Dissertation course hours are excluded.

Graduate Assistantships

A limited number of graduate assistantships are available. Contact the program coordinator for more information.

Distance Education Option

The program offers a distance education option that permits students to participate in classes via a broadband Internet connection. Students attending class online will be able to see the course materials presented in the on-campus classroom and participate in discussions with the other students on-campus and online. Classes are also recorded so that students can replay previous class meetings. The transcripts of students completing the program through the distance education option will appear the same as those completing the program on campus. Students on campus may also take advantage of the webcasting of classes. F-1 and J-1 international students must fulfill the physical presence requirement of their visa type as defined by the course load requirements for international students previously addressed within the Graduate Catalog.

Graduation Requirements

Successful completion of the program of study outlined above with a GPA of at least 3.0 is required for graduation.