Informatics
The Master of Science in Informatics program consists of at least 30 credit hours (ten courses) beyond the baccalaureate degree. All students complete a set of five required courses (15 hours) including one course of independent study (3 hours). Students customize the remainder of their program of study by choosing courses from focus areas including: information resource management, cybersecurity, business analytics, and health informatics. A minimum grade point average of 3.0 (B) is required over the entire graduate program, and a minimum grade of C is required in all graduate courses.
As an academic discipline, informatics involves the study of information and the application of information technology to the acquisition, processing, management and utilization of information.
Over recent years, all aspects of business, and life in general, have become increasingly dependent on information technology and electronic processing of information making these skills the lifeblood of organizations and companies and impacting almost every job. The focus areas, and indeed all courses in the program, represent the most in-demand knowledge and skill sets in the world today promising a solid preparation for lifelong careers.
For more information, visit the College of Science and Technology.
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Since the majority of students in this program are working professionals and often do not live in close proximity to the Spartanburg campus, courses are offered in the evening hours and permit students to attend either in-person, synchronously (logging into a virtual classroom at class time), or asynchronously (engaging course materials via online on their own time).
Courses are scheduled in the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters and students can begin the program in any semester. Most students complete their program of study within two calendar years.
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ADMISSION CRITERIA
Individuals seeking admission to USC Upstate as a degree candidate will be considered for full admission when the Admissions Office receives all admissions materials. However, students are eligible to take up to six hours of program courses pending receipt of all materials.
Additionally, each candidate for the Master of Science in Informatics must:
- Contact the Department of Informatics for an information packet: 864-503-5432 or dsandor@uscupstate.edu.
- Submit a Department of Informatics Graduate Evaluation form
- Complete the University's online application form
- Submit a state residency status form
- Submit two (2) letters of recommendation using forms provided in the information packet
- Submit a minimum Miller Analogy Test (MAT) score or a Graduate Records Examination (GRE) score
- Submit official copies of transcripts from all previous undergraduate and graduate studies
- Achieve a minimum GPA on all undergraduate course work of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
- Provide proof of immunization for measles (rubeola) and German measles (rubella) if born after Dec. 31, 1956
- Complete a personal interview with a faculty member of the Department of Informatics
As long as all other admission requirements have been fulfilled, a student may apply for conditional admission by submitting a written request to the Chair of the Department of Informatics, in either of the following cases:
- If, after two attempts, the student fails to meet the required Miller Analogies Test (MAT) score or Graduate Records Examination (GRE) score
- The student has a GPA on all undergraduate coursework below 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
If the student is granted conditional admission, the student must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.25 on the initial 12 hours of USC Upstate graduate coursework to be fully admitted as a masters candidate. If the student fails to achieve this grade point average, the student may not continue in the masters program.
Each candidate will be reviewed by an admissions panel, consisting of faculty from the Department of Informatics.The panel will make recommendations, including possible remedial coursework (additional courses at the undergraduate level to repair any deficiencies in the candidate’s background), to the chair of the Department of Informatics who will make the final decision on admission. The Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences will be able to reverse any admissions decision made by the chair.
Before a student begins the independent study or research portion of the curriculum, each student will be assigned a faculty mentor to serve as the student’s adviser. Some students may be offered graduate student stipends depending on availability of funding.
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The design, procurement, implementation, maintenance and evolution of information-based resources are collectively known as information resource management. The mission of the Department of Informatics is to prepare professionals with a multi-disciplinary education rich in information technology, information management, business and communication - skills the information resource management job market is looking for in today’s graduates.
Upon graduation from the Master of Science in Informatics program, students will be able to:
- Envision and plan information management systems, solutions, structures and processes.
- Ensure legal and regulatory compliance.
- Use information management resources to analyze and transform information into a knowledge-creating competitive advantage for businesses or organizations.