To ensure that students have an adequate background in mathematical methods, computer technology, and business knowledge, the program requires the following four foundation courses or their equivalents:

INFS 501 Discrete and Logical Structures for Information Systems
INFS 515 Computer Organization
INFS 590 Program Design and Data Structures
SWE 510 Object Oriented Programming in Java

When applying to the MS-IS program, applicants are asked to complete a departmental self-evaluation form indicating whether previously taken courses may satisfy these foundation requirements. Upon acceptance, students are advised of the necessary foundation courses to be satisfactorily completed to meet this requirement. Foundation courses do not earn credit toward the MS-IS degree; however, they must be successfully completed with a grade of B or better before enrolling in the core curriculum.

Students may test out to indicate that they have the requisite knowledge for those foundations of INFS 501, 515, 590, and SWE 510. The exams are given before classes begin in January and August, and can only be taken once. Registration is not required; students need only to be present at the date, time, and location specified, and bring some form of picture identification. Detailed information is available on the ISE web page. Students failing any of the exams must take the equivalent course before enrolling in the core curriculum courses.

The following undergraduate courses offered at GMU will serve as equivalents to the above listed foundation classes.

Foundation		GMU
INFS 501		MATH 125, 325, or 112
INFS 515		CS 265 or 365, or ECE 303
INFS 590		CS 211
SWE 510		CS 112

Note: (1) A grade of B or better must be obtained in each foundation course, (2) Foundation classes must be completed before enrolling in the core curriculum, with the exception of the business course, (3) All students on F-1 or J-1 visas must satisfy any required foundation courses at GMU.