Quick Facts

  • Delivery: On campus or online
  • Credits: 38
  • Online Option: Providing the same, high-quality, innovative, and immersive education and coursework, the online MS in ICS is designed for working professionals looking to change careers or seek promotion with a current employer. Learn More

Our innovative master of science degree in information and communication sciences is a career catalyst for developing technology leaders at every level. The center’s program will prepare you to manage and lead companies and organizations to succeed and prosper in the information economy.

Retention success: More than 90 percent of our students attain their master’s degree in our rigorous yet supportive environment.

Job placement success: Our placement rate for professional jobs is also over 90 percent, every year.

Through our program, you will:

  • Complete a full 36-credit master’s degree in 11 months straight. It’s not an “executive” degree, it’s a true graduate degree from a leading technological university. (Longer part-time plans are possible as well.)
  • Actively learn in an intensive, hands-on environment of interactive classrooms, well-equipped labs, industry-sponsored projects, and professional social learning opportunities.
  • Connect as a professional into our network of 1,800 alumni and the Center’s alliance of supporting companies and organizations.

Program Features

Immersive Learning

Immersive Learning

Immersive learning is Ball State University’s approach to student-driven projects, lasting outcomes, and community partnerships.

In our program, you can take part in special projects for information and communication companies. You can gain valuable experience and build business relationships in the process. You’ll receive: 

  • real-life application of the concepts you are learning in the classroom
  • feedback from professors, alumni, and industry professionals to reinforce your management and leadership skills
  • professional experiences to build your competence and confidence
  • satisfaction from helping our communities through service

Students at Golf CourseSocial Learning

The Student Social Learning Program is our well-developed strategy to grow our graduate students into more knowledgeable professionals who function well in business social settings at the leadership level. We hold more than a dozen events each year that provide social enrichment and the chance to further develop your networking and interpersonal skills.

Here are some examples:

  • job placement seminars
  • career workshops
  • annual wine tasting and networking dinner
  • golf outings
  • formal and informal business events
  • ski trips
  • networking events
  • professional conferences

CICS First Amazon Web Services Partner

AWS LogoThe Center for Information and Communication Sciences (CICS) is honored to announce two firsts. CICS is the first institution nationally to have two-faculty members certified as AWS Cloud Practioners, professor Steve Jones and program associate director Kirsten Smith. And, CICS is now the first university in the country partnered with Amazon Web Services (AWS) Academy to deliver its inaugural Cloud Practitioner curriculum (and hands-on labs!).

This curriculum is focused on the requisite knowledge to operate systems in the rapidly expanding Cloud technology environment. The AWS Cloud Practitioner designation is new to AWS’s educational platform, providing content for understanding the fundamentals associated with cloud computing, storage, databases, content delivery (multimedia), scaling networks, security, and other services tied to cloud infrastructure. A critical aspect of the curriculum is designed to help students see the value of using cloud-based services that are highly elastic, scalable, and cost effective for business applications.

Students will be qualified to take the exam certification at the end of the course, providing them with an industry-recognized achievement in the cloud networking industry.

CICS Scholarships

Submissions are closed for this year.

The CICS LGBTQIA+ Scholarship is awarded to support a student majoring in CICS who identify as LGBTQIA (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer/questioning, intersex or asexual).

Award Amount

LGBTQIA+ scholarships of $500 and $1,000 are awarded annually, depending upon fund availability.

Criteria

Applicants must have a 2.75 GPA in order to apply. The CICS LGBTQIA+ Scholarship is awarded to support students pursuing a graduate degree in the Center for Information and Communication Sciences who identify as LGBTQIA (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer/questioning, intersex or asexual).

How to Apply

To apply, fill out the online scholarship application. You will receive an email confirmation that your submission was received. Finalists for the scholarship will then be notified upon review.

Submissions are closed for this year.

The Jerry and Krishna Walker Scholarship is awarded to support students from traditionally underrepresented minority groups pursuing a graduate degree in the Center for Information and Communication Sciences.

Award Amount

Walker scholarships of $500 and $1,000 are awarded annually, depending upon fund availability.

Criteria

Applicants must have a 2.75 GPA in order to apply. Preference is given to students from traditionally underrepresented groups, non-Indiana residents, and/or bilingual students.

How to Apply

To apply, fill out the online scholarship application. You will receive an email confirmation that your submission was received. Finalists for the scholarship will then be notified upon review.

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