The program combines the Computing Career Change Opportunity (COSMIC) track in the MS-CIS degree at Marquette University with the strength in Liberal Arts and Ethics at Saint Xavier’s College. It allows Indian nationals with a background in the Sciences, Commerce, or Management and Business Administration to train for a career in Information Technology at two fellow Jesuit universities. A semester in Mumbai is followed by four semesters at Marquette University. Admission is administered jointly by both institutions. The program allows an Integrated Practicum specialization at Marquette with up to four graduate credit hours of integrated practicum, normally one credit per semester, where each credit hour requires about 100 hours of effort. After graduation, students can apply for a STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension of up to 24 months to gain real-world experience. 

The Mission of the MS -CIS program is to prepare Global Technology and Business Leaders of tomorrow. We produce critical thinkers who have a solid understanding of fundamental concepts and theory, in leadership, Ethics, Information Science and Technology, enabling them to continually expand and apply their foundational knowledge to ever-changing technologies and practices.

 By offering a wide range of courses, flexible structure, personalized attention, and a choice of career focus, we provide opportunities to individuals with vastly differing backgrounds and goals.

The M.S. in Computer and Information Science assists students in adding depth and breadth of computer and information science of computing technology and technology management to grow careers. 

The program is based on a strategy that includes:

• A strong academic program with flexibility for students of varying backgrounds and interests

• An integrated approach that combines the study of technology and technology management

• Recognition that deep knowledge and soft skills are more important than "geek speak"

• The development of skills for technology evaluation and application

Applicants seeking enrollment in SXC and Marquette MS-CIS Program with Integrated Practicum, must submit the following:

1. 1. An SXC application.

   2. A Marquette application.

   3. Any required application fees.

   4. Copies of all prior college/university transcripts except those from Marquette. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable for application.  Official transcripts are required for enrollment.

   5. An essay outlining relevant work experience or education, career goals, possible areas of interest and reasons for seeking admission to this Program.

   6. Three letters of reference from professors or professionals familiar with the applicant's abilities, academic work and professional background.

          A minimum TOEFL score of 80 on the Internet-based version or other acceptable proof of English proficiency is required.

Yes it does. International students completing the MS-CIS degree with Integrated Practicum will be eligible for the STEM OPT Program. This allows students to continue working in the USA for two years after graduation, without the need for a H1-B visa sponsorship. 

•   Admission to Marquette and to SXC will be pursued concurrently, with the expectation students admitted to Marquette will be admitted to SXC and students admitted to SXC will be offered admission to Marquette, pending successful completion of SXC courses. Following the submission of application materials, the admissions process will involve two phases:

•  SXC filters applicants according to criteria for admission to SXC and Marquette and provides Marquette with standardized    transcripts and other required documents.

• Marquette reviews application materials, reserving the right to interview applicants.

•  Applicants will be admitted conditionally to Marquette, pending successful completion of SXC coursework. 

•  Successful completion is indicated by a grade equivalent to a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in each course.

• Students will be required to obtain an F-1 Visa issued by the United States Immigration Department prior to arrival in the United States.

               The provisions of the conditional admission will be clearly communicated to applicants Marquette

The MS-CIS with Integrated Practicum program has one semester in Mumbai, followed by three semesters at Marquette University.

•  The first semester commences at SXC, Mumbai, in January 2024

• The three semesters at Marquette University will consist of four terms i.e. Fall 2024, Spring 2025.Summer 2025, Fall 2025 

Marquette will assist students in locating suitable accommodations but does not guarantee the availability of housing nor its proximity to the campus.

The Integrated Practicum is intended for students who want to continue their studies of computer science, computing, or software engineering on a full-time basis but wish to simultaneously start a career and possibly receive financial support for graduate school study. Students who are awarded this opportunity will be introduced to employers seeking qualified workers. 

The employers will have the opportunity to hire students who are learning about the latest in technology. Because this option integrates graduate coursework with work assignments, the student experiences the practical aspects of implementing technology. Classroom projects and assignments are certainly beneficial, but practical application provides greater benefits.

The students have the benefit of enhanced learning and completing their MS degree in less than two years. They will gain valuable work experience and may receive wages, depending on their performance, to offset graduate school expenses. To be eligible, the student must declare the intention to follow this curriculum path from the first semester in the MS in Computer and Information Science program.

The students must maintain part time employment with a participating employer throughout their studies. This option qualifies as Curricular Practical Training. International students with an F-1 visa are eligible for the integrated work assignments starting in their first semester at MU.

The practicum consists of applying knowledge gained in the course of study to a challenging assignment and reporting the results. The practicum focuses on the delivery of a practical solution to a problem faced by an organization engaged in applying computing. The problem addressed and the solution delivered can be specific to the organization sponsoring the practicum. It is typically a work assignment. The practicum requires a faculty sponsor.

This curriculum path allows students to build practical knowledge through significant job assignments while building fundamental knowledge through academics. In this unique dual-path option, students begin their professional careers while continuing to enrich their fundamental knowledge of IT and Computer and Information Science.

Computer and Information Science is a broad-based family of disciplines that includes Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Information systems and Information Technology.

Leaders throughout the computer and information science industry are seeking professionals who not only understand the technology but who can act as innovators and advocates.

The MS-CIS Integrated Practicum Specialization offers all of the above with a focus on Leadership, Ethics and an integrated Practicum with select organizations.