Both the M.S. in Information Systems and M.S. in Information Technology at Cal State Fullerton’s College of Business and Economics feature world-class teaching and research faculty who bring applied experience, academic knowledge and technological competence to their instruction. One such faculty member teaching in both programs is Yinfei Kong, professor of Information Systems and Decision Sciences.

Kong earned his doctorate in biostatistics from USC in 2016 and teaches ISDS 361A – Business Analytics, ISDS 474 – Data Mining for Business Applications and ISDS 574 – Data Mining for Managers at Cal State Fullerton, where he has taught for nearly a decade.

A Research Focus on Health Care and Substance Abuse Treatment

As a researcher, Kong’s focuses are in big data analytics and health care, including a decade of handling and interpreting substance abuse data to understand access, retention and outcomes. “My work shows how factors such as workforce diversity, cultural competence, Medicaid policies, and organizational leadership influence treatment success for racial, ethnic, and gender subgroups. Recent machine learning studies also identify which programs are most effective for specific client populations,” he says.

Kong has collaborated on genomic studies of cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and lymphoma, applying big data tools to advance biomedical research. A highlight of his deep learning knockoff framework published in PNAS, improving variable selection in biomedical datasets.

Currently, Kong is applying heterogeneous treatment effect estimation, looking at how the same treatment or policy can work differently for different groups of people, to opioid use disorder treatment to understand what clients benefit from what treatment programs and what programs are most effective for specific subgroups. “The practical takeaway is that one-size-fits-all approaches often don’t work. By identifying what works best for whom, we can help treatment programs tailor services, improve retention, and ultimately support better recovery outcomes for diverse populations,” he says.

Which Information Systems Master’s is Best for You?

Kong notes that each program has a unique value-add and emphasis, so it is important to identify and pursue the path that is best for your goals and desires. “The M.S. in Information Systems is a STEM-designated program attracting many international students. The curriculum emphasizes hard-core technical skills such as Python, SQL, and computer-based systems, while also training students to approach business problems using scientific analytics,” explains Kong. “The diversity of student backgrounds creates a dynamic classroom environment. I especially enjoy the deep discussions and interactive learning that emerge from having students who bring different cultures, perspectives, and professional experiences to the program. This degree is ideal for students who want strong technical training and a pathway to analytics or systems-oriented careers.”

On the other hand, the flexibility of the fully online M.S. in Information Technology is ideal for working professionals or students with family responsibilities who are seeking new opportunities in the growing and lucrative information technology space. “Because most of the students are employed full-time, they come into the program with clear goals and a strong sense of purpose. They know what they want to learn and are eager to apply their new knowledge immediately in their workplace. I truly enjoy teaching M.S. in Information Technology courses because the students are motivated, focused, and often bring real-world problems from their jobs into class discussions, which enriches everyone’s learning,” explains Kong. “Overall, teaching in both programs allows me to engage with very different types of learners—each with their own strengths—and it is incredibly rewarding to see how both groups grow academically and professionally.”

For More on the Information Technology Specialized Master’s

If you believe the M.S. in Information Systems or M.S. in Information Technology are the best paths for you and that professors such as Yinfei Kong provides the insights you need for your next career move, applications for fall 2026 are open through June 15.