Welcome to the Master of Information Systems (MIS) Program! This website is a compilation of answers to questions commonly asked by prospective students. This will help you decide to pursue the program and apply for admission.

About the Program

The Master of Information Systems (MIS) Program of the University of the Philippines Open University is designed for professionals in the Information Technology industry who would like to develop advanced training in planning, designing, implementing, and managing production-grade information systems.

The program requires students to seek depth in their education by undertaking 18 units of Information Systems courses, taking a comprehensive examination, and completing four (4) units of Information Systems Capstone Project. The program also requires students to seek breadth in their education by allowing them to choose nine units of elective courses that encourage exploration and broaden their exposure to different domain applications for systems development.

UPOU employs the distance education (DE) mode of teaching and learning. The key features of DE as practiced at UPOU are:

• Students and teachers are physically separated from each other. They do not meet face-to-face in a physical classroom.
• Students undertake guided independent study of carefully selected and specially designed learning materials in various media, print, video, and multimedia.
• Interaction between teachers and students, and among students, takes place through online tutorials in a virtual classroom. Email, text, and videoconferencing are the other forms of communication between teacher and student.
• Final examinations are conducted face-to-face at the designated learning centers or online. All exams are proctored.

MIS students who have completed 18 units of Information Systems major courses with a general weighted average (GWA) of 2.00 or better and completed a satisfactory proposal presentation of their IS 295a project are qualified to take the comprehensive examination. After taking and passing the comprehensive exam, students can now take IS 295b (Information System Project Implementation).

A student must earn 31 academic units and a GWA of 2.00 to graduate. Students who are unable to meet the grade requirement may apply to be granted the Certificate of Completion of Studies in Information Systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is eligible to apply for the program?
Applicants with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Diploma in Computer Science, or other IT-related courses with a general weighted average (GWA) of 2.00 or better are qualified for admission.

All other applicants must satisfy the following qualifications:

• a Bachelor’s degree in any field from any recognized institution with a GWA of 2.00 or better;
• proficiency in at least one programming language;
• two years of work experience related to Information Systems development.

Applicants who did not meet the above requirements will be advised to apply to the Diploma in Computer Science program.

2. What are the requirements for application?

• Print a copy of the accomplished online application form or apply online.
• Original and photocopy of valid Transcript of Records (TOR) from all schools attended. The TOR should bear the school dry seal and imprint, and the Registrar’s signature in ink, and with acceptable remarks (view the List of Remarks in a TOR that will make it valid as a transfer credential)
• Two (2) letters of recommendation from any of your: a) employer/supervisor; b) former professor; or c) former program adviser
• Proof of payment of application fee (non-refundable). If payment was made other than online payment, please upload a scanned copy of the digital image of the proof of payment)
• Two identical 2” x 2” photos and two 1” x 1” photos, with your name and the program applied for, printed at the back of the photos
• Certificate of training/experience to prove proficiency in at least one programming language.
• 500-word essay explaining why you are applying for admission to the MIS Program and some background on your experience in systems development
• Photocopy of NSO Birth Certificate
• Photocopy of government-issued IDs with photo

3. Can I send my application through mail/personally?
You can send your application through mail or personally submit it to:

The Admission Section
Office of the University Registrar
UP Open University
Los Baños, Laguna 4031
Philippines

4. Is there a different application procedure for international students?
No, there is no separate application procedure for international students. All students will accomplish the same set of requirements.

5. Are international students required to submit their English language proficiency scores?
No, there is no need for international students to submit their English language proficiency scores for the MIS Program.

6. Are transferees from other master’s programs (UP and Non-UP) allowed?
Yes, applicants must accomplish the following for crediting of courses that are equivalent to be taken in the MIS Program:

• Accomplish the application for transfer of credits form.
• Submit the completed form and a photocopy of the transcript of records to the Learning Center or provide your Faculty Secretary a soft copy of the documents.

Please ensure that what you submitted to the Office of the University Registrar (OUR), particularly to the Admission Section, is an updated, valid, and original copy of your previous TOR. Otherwise, the OUR will not encode your evaluated application for transfer of credits.

Ms. Elvira R. Lalap
Coordinator
UPOU Headquarters, Los Baños, Laguna
Tel.: +63(49) 536-6001 to 06 loc Telefax: +63(49) 536-5484
Email: [email protected]

Prof. Joyce Manalo
Secretary to the Faculty
Faculty of Information and Communication Studies
[email protected]
Faculty website: http://fics.upou.edu.ph

• The FICS will provide you with the result of your application through email or by sending you the original copy. The OUR, specifically the EDP Section, will encode the evaluated document and consequently be shown in the Student Portal for viewing by the students.
• For courses taken more than five (5) years ago from the time of application are required to take the validation exam. Please coordinate with the Faculty Secretary for the details of the examination.
• For UP Transferees – a maximum of 9 units earned in another UP unit may be eligible for transfer of credits. The final grades earned must not be lower than 2.0 and must be taken within the last five years from the time of application; otherwise, the student must take and pass validation exams.
• For non-UP transferees – a maximum of 9 units earned in another school, college, or university may be eligible for transfer of credits. The final grades earned must not be lower than 2.0 and must be taken within the last five years from the time of application. A student must take and pass a validation exam for every course.

A formal application for transfer of credits must be submitted before the first semester of admission.

7. When is the application deadline?
The application deadline can be found on the Academic Calendar.

8. Are late submissions of applications allowed?
No, the application deadline is strictly followed by the university.

9. How can I check if my application was accepted?
The list of accepted MIS Program applicants can be accessed here.

10. Other FAQs

For more information, please read the MIS Program Handbook. You can also read the Student Orientation Handbook to learn more about the Distance Education mode of learning.

Welcome to the Master of Information Systems (MIS) Program! This site is a compilation of answers to questions commonly asked by continuing students. It is created to guide you to become an MIS graduate student. We hope this may help you to have a fruitful learning experience with the program.

General Information

The Master of Information Systems (MIS) program is designed to provide professionals in the Information Technology industry with advanced training in information systems without requiring them to take extended leaves from their current posts.

After completing this program, you will be expected to be able to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of technical concepts and ethical issues about information systems and to undertake the proper design, implementation, and maintenance of a production-grade information system.

To obtain the Master of Information Systems degree, complete all the program requirements indicated in the Program Handbook.

The following are the MIS Program point persons:

MIS Program Support Team (for tracked requests and inquiries): 
[email protected]

Program Chair, Master of Information Systems
[email protected], [email protected] 

Dr. Diego Maranan
Dean, Faculty of Information and Communication Studies
[email protected]

Asst. Prof. Joyce A. Manalo
Faculty Secretary, Faculty of Information and Communication Studies
[email protected]

Ms. Yrelle Lleva
University Extension Associate I, Faculty of Information and Communication Studies

Program Tracking

Below is a sample curriculum to complete the program in two years. You could take 1-3 subjects per semester depending on your workload (part-time students can take 1-2 subject/s per semester), but you should also remember that the MIS Program has a maximum residency rule of 7 years.

FIRST YEAR

First Semester
IS 201 Computer Ethics (3 units)
IS 214 Principles of Programming Languages (3 units)
Elective Courses (3 units)**
Second Semester
IS 215 Advanced Computer Systems (3 units)
IS 226 Web Information Systems (3 units)
Elective Courses (3 units)**

SECOND YEAR

First Semester
IS 238 Client/Server Computing (3 units)
IS 272 Strategic Information Systems Development (3 units)
IS 295a Information System Project Proposal (2 units)
Second Semester
IS 295b Information System Project Implementation (2 units)*
Elective Courses (3 units)**

TOTAL: 31 Units

*Students must pass the Comprehensive Exam before registering for IS 295b
**Do not choose electives you have already taken and credited in any program. MIS students are not allowed to take PhD courses as electives.

The Courses, Unit Load, Schedule of Offering, and Prerequisites

CORE COURSES

IS 201 Computer Ethics (3 units)
Ethical issues confronting the computer professional.
First Semester
Prerequisite: COI*

IS 214 Principles of Programming Languages (3 units)
Formal language theory, principles, and techniques of compiler construction, programming language, design concepts, parallelism, and formal semantics.
First Semester
Prerequisite: COI*

IS 215 Advanced Computer Systems (3 units)
Recent developments in computer architecture and computer systems.
Second Semester
Prerequisite: CMSC 203 or COI*

IS 226 Web Information Systems (3 units)
WWW programming, electronic commerce, and online databases.
Second Semester
Prerequisite: CMSC 208 and CMSC 209 or COI*

IS 238 Client/Server Computing (3 units)
Client/server computing techniques, system design, software and applications.
First Semester
Prerequisite: CMSC 205 or COI*

IS 272 Strategic Information Systems Development (3 units)
Information engineering concepts and tools for strategic systems planning and development.
First Semester
Prerequisite: CMSC 206 or COI*

IS 295a Information System Project Proposal (2 units)
Information System Design.
First and Second Semesters
Prerequisite: COI*

IS 295b Information System Project Implementation (2 units)
Information System Implementation.
First and Second Semesters
Prerequisite: COI

ELECTIVE COURSES

The MIS Program requires nine (9) units of elective courses to be chosen by students. Elective courses may be taken from other UPOU graduate programs like the Diploma in Computer Science, Master of Development Communication, Master of ASEAN Studies, and Master of Public Management.

Strategies for choosing your electives:

1. Prioritize the recommended courses provided by FICS. Check the course prerequisite and its semester offering.
2. Opt for courses that can address your IT weaknesses. Recommended courses to take are available in the DCS program.
3. For practical purposes, align your elective courses to the nature of your work. This can also help in improving your GWA.
4. Choose courses that can supplement your undergraduate background. For example, if you take Devcom as your undergraduate course, you can take Computer Science courses to harness your skills.
5. Embrace your passion and interest. This is your time to explore, grow, and make the most of it.

The list of recommended elective courses can be found here. If you want to take other elective courses besides the recommended list, please seek approval first from your Program Chair.

If you need assistance on prerequisites, contact the FICS faculty secretary support at [email protected]

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the enrollment procedures?

Enrollment can be done through online registration. To enroll online, you must do the following:

• Access the Student Portal by clicking the “Request for Password” link on the homepage of the Student Portal and entering your student number. Use the generated password to your email to log in to your Student Portal account.
• Once logged in, click the Online Registration System (ORS) icon. Select the term and select courses by clicking the course number/code. You must follow the recommended courses per batch posted on the Student Portal or seek advice from the MIS Program Chair. The system will automatically display the assessment of fees once courses are selected.

MIS Program Chair:
Assistant Professor Blancaflor Arada
[email protected] / mis

Are you registering your last units to complete the prescribed 31 units of the program? If yes, congratulations! You are one step closer to graduation. But first, you need to apply for graduation to help FICS prioritize the evaluation of your academic records. “No Application, No Graduation” policy is strictly implemented. The student must also be currently enrolled when applying for graduation.

Are you excited to graduate? Below is an image of what you will wear on your graduation day.

Image from: http://our.upd.edu.ph/acad.php

Procedures for filing of Application for Graduation:

1) Fill out the application for graduation form.

2) Submit the form at your Learning Center or email it directly to the Faculty Office at the start of each term/semester. Refer to the Academic Calendar for the deadline for filing.

3) The list of names is compiled by the Faculty Office and will be presented during the Faculty Council Meeting, ExeCom Meeting, and lastly, during the University Council meeting.

4) The final list of graduates will come out after the deliberation during the University Council meeting and approval of the Board of Regents. Refer to the academic calendar for the schedule of the meetings.

5) Once approved by the BOR, the graduating student will receive a graduation pack that includes a congratulatory letter, a request for TOR, and a University clearance form. The documents are both mailed and emailed by the OUR.
 

Graduation Requirements

• You must earn a total of 31 academic units consisting of 18 units of core courses, 9 units of elective courses, and 4 units of IS project.
• A weighted average of 2.00 or better in the 31 units of courses required in the program qualifies the student to earn the MIS degree.
• A student must also comply with other UPOU rules for graduation.

Students who are unable to meet the grade requirement may apply to be granted the Certificate of Completion of Studies in Information Systems.

For more information, please read the MIS Program handbook.

The Courses, Unit Load, Schedule of Offering, and Prerequisites

CORE COURSES

IS 201 Computer Ethics (3 units)
Ethical issues confronting the computer professional.
First Semester
Prerequisite: COI*

IS 214 Principles of Programming Languages (3 units)
Formal language theory, principles, and techniques of compiler construction, programming language, design concepts; parallelism, and formal semantics.
First Semester
Prerequisite: COI*

IS 215 Advanced Computer Systems (3 units)
Recent developments in computer architecture and computer systems.
Second Semester
Prerequisite: CMSC 203 or COI*

IS 226 Web Information Systems (3 units)
WWW programming, electronic commerce, and online databases.
Second Semester
Prerequisite: CMSC 208 and CMSC 209 or COI*

IS 238 Client/Server Computing (3 units)
Client/server computing techniques, system design, software and applications.
First Semester
Prerequisite: CMSC 205 or COI*

IS 272 Strategic Information Systems Development (3 units)
Information engineering concepts and tools for strategic systems planning and development.
First Semester
Prerequisite: CMSC 206 or COI*

IS 295a Information System Project Proposal (2 units)
Information System Design.
First and Second Semesters
Prerequisite: COI*

IS 295b Information System Project Implementation (2 units)
Information System Implementation.
First and Second Semesters
Prerequisite: COI

*Consent of Instructor (COI) is given to all MIS students who will take any IS courses except for IS 295b.  

ELECTIVE COURSES

The MIS Program requires 9 units of elective courses to be chosen by students. Elective courses may be taken from other UPOU graduate programs like the Diploma in Computer Science, Master of Development Communication, Master of ASEAN Studies, and Master of Public Management.

Strategies in choosing your electives:

1. Prioritize the recommended courses provided by FICS. Check the course prerequisite and its semester offering.
2. Opt for courses that can address your IT weaknesses. Recommended courses to take are available in the DCS program.
3. For practical purposes, align your elective courses to the nature of your work. This can also help in improving your GWA.
4. Choose courses that can supplement your undergraduate background. For example, if you take Devcom as your undergraduate course, you can take Computer Science courses to further harness your skills.
5. Embrace your passion and interest. This is your time to explore and grow, make the most out of it.

The list of recommended elective courses can be found here. If you want to take other elective courses aside from the recommended list, please seek approval first from your Program Chair.

If you need assistance on prerequisites, contact the FICS faculty secretary support at [email protected]

Program Tracking

Below is a sample curriculum for you to be able to complete the program in two years. Normally, you could take 1-3 subjects per semester depending on your workload (part-time students can take 1-2 subjects per semester) but you should also keep in mind that the MIS Program has a maximum residency rule of 7 years.

FIRST YEAR

First Semester
IS 201 Computer Ethics (3 units)
IS 214 Principles of Programming Languages (3 units)
Elective Course (3 units)**
Second Semester
IS 215 Advanced Computer Systems (3 units)
IS 226 Web Information Systems (3 units)
Elective Course (3 units)** 

SECOND YEAR

First Semester
IS 238 Client/Server Computing (3 units)
IS 272 Strategic Information Systems Development (3 units)
IS 295a Information System Project Proposal (2 units)
Second Semester
IS 295b Information System Project Implementation (2 units)*
Elective Course (3 units)**

TOTAL: 31 Units

*Students must pass the Comprehensive Exam before registering for IS 295b
**Do not choose electives you have already previously taken and credited in any program. MIS students are not allowed to take PhD courses as electives.

1. Blancaflor Arada (Program Chair) – [email protected]
2. Dr. Roberto B. Figueroa Jr. (Associate Professor)
3. Dr. Ria Mae H. Borromeo (Associate Professor)
4. Mari Anjeli Crisanto (Assistant Professor)
5. Reinald Adrian dL. Pugoy  (Assistant Professor)
6. Cecille Moldez (Assistant Professor)
7. Concepcion Khan (Associate Professor / Affiliate Professor)
8. Gerard G. Ravasco (Senior Lecturer)
9. Gulshan Vasson (Senior Lecturer)
10. Juan Miguel Abriol-Santos (Senior Lecturer)

Materials:

• Old Microsite
• MIS Handbook

Platforms:

• Student Program Planning @ UPOU Canvas – https://upou.instructure.com/
• Discord Server – Soon

Contact:

• Support:  [email protected]
• Talk to the PC:  [email protected]