Computer science professionals manage data, while business leaders make decisions. Information systems managers bridge the gap between the data-holders and the decision-makers. These professionals help turn raw data into useful analytics that can guide corporate executives.
As data analytics, cybersecurity, blockchain, and artificial intelligence assume greater importance in corporate work, businesses need more information systems professionals. A master's in information systems can help workers prepare for critical operations and management roles in technology-rich environments.
If you love technology, have an eye for analytics, and enjoy communicating with people, information systems may be the field for you. Explore this page to learn more about the top degrees in the field, what it's like to earn your master's, and what careers you can pursue in this fast-growing field.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Master's in Information Systems Degrees
#1 Best Master’s in Information Systems Degrees
Harvard University
- Cambridge, MA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
This famous Ivy League school ranks among the world's leading institutions of higher education. Harvard's esteemed faculty currently includes 50 scholars who have won Nobel Prizes during their tenure at the university.
Systems Engineering Master's Degree Program
Harvard's systems engineering master's degree program offers a customizable curriculum that puts students in control of their learning. Courses explore database management, enterprise architecture, systems analysis, and hardware infrastructure.
Learners take a collaborative, hands-on approach. Group projects highlight the program's design, allowing students to network with peers. The program builds to an immersive capstone, in which learners work with industry partners to solve real-world problems.
Along the way, students can earn up to six stackable certificates and microcredentials. Graduates also benefit from membership in Harvard's esteemed and influential alumni network.
Applying to Harvard
Before applying, each candidate must complete two foundational courses and earn at least a B grade in both. Applicants can seek entry through the Harvard Extension School. An application fee of $100 applies.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Private
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
- Tuition: $3,220 per course
- Required Credits: 48
- Program Length: 2-5 years
- Delivery Format: Hybrid
Percent Online Enrollment
38%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
New England Commission on Higher Education
#2 Best Master’s in Information Systems Degrees
University of Florida
- Gainesville, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
UF ranks among the top public universities in the United States, partly due to its spectacular retention rate: during the 2020-2021 school year, 96.7% of first-year students returned as sophomores.
Master of Science in Information Systems and Operations Management
UF's MS in information systems and operations management features a business-oriented curriculum. Available concentrations include business analytics, data science, information technology, and supply chain management. Students can also pursue a generalist degree, which allows degree-seekers to supplement core coursework with their choice of electives.
Learners can emerge with a strong set of proficiencies in technical computing, computer applications, and business analytics. Notably, the program's multidisciplinary coursework also qualifies for credits in UF's master's and doctoral degrees in business administration.
Applying to UF
Candidates apply through UF's graduate admissions website. Core requirements include a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA. UF charges a $30 application fee.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- Tuition: $12,470 per academic year (in state), $30,134 per academic year (out of state)
- Required Credits: 36-40
- Delivery Format: On campus, hybrid
Percent Online Enrollment
57%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 Best Master’s in Information Systems Degrees
Boston University
- Boston, MA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Through three campus locations, BU serves a learning community of more than 37,000 students representing 140-plus countries and over 300 academic programs as one of New England's top institutions.
MS in Computer Information Systems
Available in face-to-face, online, and blended formats, BU's MS in information systems combines technical skills development with managerial education. The program's core curriculum covers half of the degree requirements and features required courses in information structures, database design, information systems design, and IT management.
Students can also choose from seven concentrations. Options include computer networks, data analytics, database management and business intelligence, health informatics, IT project management, security, and web development. BU also supports customized learning paths covering multiple concentrations. Note that not all concentrations are available in all three program formats.
Applying to BU
Candidates apply through BU's Metropolitan College. Application materials include academic transcripts and a resume or CV. Letters of recommendation and test scores are both optional. An $85 fee applies for face-to-face courses.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Private
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), Project Management Institute (PMI) (IT project management concentration only), Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management (CAHIIM) (health informatics concentration only)
- Tuition: $63,798 per year
- Required Credits: 40
- Program Length: 2 years
- Delivery Format: 100% online, on campus, hybrid
Percent Online Enrollment
15%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
New England Commission on Higher Education
#4 Best Master’s in Information Systems Degrees
Northeastern University
- Boston, MA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Founded in 1898, Boston-based NU embraces an experience-focused learning model. The university partners with more than 3,500 employers to build practical, career-oriented academic programs. Its geographic footprint spans seven states across the United States, along with the United Kingdom and Canada.
MS in Information Systems
NU offers its MS in information systems through a technology-focused campus in Arlington, Virginia. Adjacent to the Dulles Tech Corridor, this location supports students pursuing cooperative education placements of up to eight months.
The program's core curriculum combines strong coverage of technical and computing concepts with targeted business analytics and project management instruction. Sample topics include data analytics, smart contracts, cryptocurrencies, cybersecurity, and user experience design.
Students can pursue part-time or full-time learning schedules. Most program graduates have landed job placements at major tech leaders, including Deloitte, IBM, Microsoft, and Oracle.
Applying to NU
Required application materials include academic transcripts, two letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a resume or CV. Each candidate should hold a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field. A nonrefundable application fee of $75-$100 applies.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Private
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
- Tuition: $57,600 for the entire program
- Required Credits: 32
- Program Length: 2-3 years
- Delivery Format: On campus (Arlington, Virginia)
Percent Online Enrollment
33%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
New England Commission on Higher Education
#5 Best Master’s in Information Systems Degrees
DePaul University
- Chicago, IL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
DePaul offers more than 300 academic programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels through 10 colleges and schools. This Chicago-based institution serves more than 21,000 students through campus locations in Lincoln Park and the city's famous Loop business district.
MS in Information Systems
DePaul's MS in information systems features six concentration options, which DePaul styles as major elective domains. Learners can specialize in areas like analytics, data management, and digital innovation. Each track maintains a career-oriented focus, preparing students for specific roles in their chosen area.
Graduates emerge with the ability to analyze information systems trends from a business utility standpoint, along with proficiencies in systems development and diagrammatic schema. Alumni enjoy very strong success rates: According to DePaul, 94% of program graduates land jobs or other placements within six months of graduation.
Applying to DePaul
DePaul's graduate admission process requires an online application, academic transcripts, and optional supplemental materials. A $25 fee applies to domestic students, while international applicants pay $75.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Private
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Tuition: $918 per credit
- Required Credits: 48
- Program Length: 2-3 years
- Delivery Format: 100% online, on campus, hybrid
Percent Online Enrollment
66%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#6 Best Master’s in Information Systems Degrees
Florida International University
- Miami, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Miami-based FIU ranks among the 10 largest universities in the United States by enrollment. The university enrolls about 56,000 students and boasts an alumni network of over 275,000 graduates.
Master of Science in Information Systems
FIU's MS in information systems offers face-to-face and online options. Campus-based students attend courses on Saturdays at FIU's MMC Campus in West Miami-Dade County.
The curriculum, developed in cooperation with C-suite executives and other industry leaders, builds technical, business, and management skills. Students can personalize their learning through concentration options in business analytics, business cybersecurity, and digital transformation.
Courses use an innovative experiential model across accelerated eight-week terms. Students also collaborate with industry-leading employers to complete capstone project requirements.
Applying to FIU
FIU describes its admission process as competitive. For consideration, each candidate submits academic transcripts, GMAT or GRE scores, a resume, and a personal statement. A nonrefundable application fee of $30 applies.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Tuition: $456 per credit (in state), $990 per credit (out of state)
- Program Length: 12-14 months
- Delivery Format: 100% online, on campus, hybrid
Percent Online Enrollment
65%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#7 Best Master’s in Information Systems Degrees
Washington University in St Louis
- Saint Louis, MO
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Founded in 1853, WashU attracts students from diverse geographic backgrounds. More than 110 countries are represented in its learning community, with about 90% of undergraduates coming from out-of-state homes.
Master of Information Systems Management
WashU's master of information systems management covers the technical and managerial aspects of information technology leadership. This campus-based, full-time program offers detailed academic treatments of IT infrastructure, information architecture, cybersecurity, data management, and governance issues.
Required coursework covers 18 of the required 30 credits, while students commit the remaining 12 credits to a concentration option. WashU offers specializations in cybersecurity, management, data analytics, mathematical analytics, and artificial intelligence.
WashU developed this STEM-designated degree with the active input of leading employers and professionals. Enrollees can also pursue various networking opportunities.
Applying to WashU
Each applicant must provide three letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a resume along with their academic transcripts. A $75 application fee must be paid via credit card or with an electronic check issued by a U.S. bank.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Private
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC), Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)
- Tuition: $32,250 per semester (full time, 9-21 credits)
- Required Credits: 30
- Program Length: 2 years
- Delivery Format: On campus
Percent Online Enrollment
20%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#8 Best Master’s in Information Systems Degrees
University of Illinois Chicago
- Chicago, IL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
UIC has evolved into a thriving, diverse institution from its 1859 origins as a pharmacy college. The modern UIC emerged from the 1982 unification of its Medical Center and Circle campuses.
MS in Management Information Systems
UIC's MS in management information systems emphasizes information systems strategy and policy, project management, and database management. Students also complete courses in accounting, finance, and marketing, helping them build versatile skill sets.
The program builds to a capstone experience in systems analysis and design, e-commerce, or independent study. UIC also offers several other graduate degrees that may interest information systems students. These include opportunities to combine an MS in information systems with an MBA, an MS in business analytics, or an MS in finance. All three options lead to dual degrees.
Applying to UIC
Each applicant submits academic transcripts along with GMAT or GRE scores, a personal statement, a resume or CV, and two letters of recommendation. UIC considers candidates from all undergraduate academic backgrounds. An application fee of $70 applies.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC), Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- Tuition: $4,240 per semester (in state), $8,837 per semester (out of state)
- Required Credits: 32
- Program Length: 2 years
- Delivery Format: On campus
Percent Online Enrollment
92%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#9 Best Master’s in Information Systems Degrees
Carnegie Mellon University
- Pittsburgh, PA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Pittsburgh's CMU has earned a global reputation for advanced innovation. The university has a particularly impressive track record for venture capital funding. Over the past decade, more than 400 CMU-aligned startups have combined to attract $7 billion in investor funding.
Master of Information Systems Management
Available in accelerated 12-month and standard 16-month tracks, CMU's master of information systems management builds a strong combination of technical and creative skills. Core coursework covers 114 of the program's 162 total learning units, with required topics covering computing, technical, business, and communications courses.
Learners in the program's 12-month and 16-month pathways can also pursue concentrations in artificial intelligence and robotics, digital marketing and commerce, business intelligence, IT strategy, and software development.
Alumni benefit from CMU's esteemed reputation. The university reports that program graduates earn an average starting salary of more than $104,000 per year.
Applying to CMU
Each candidate must submit an online application, transcripts, letters of recommendations, and an essay. GMAT or GRE scores are optional but strongly encouraged. Applicants must possess relevant professional experience to qualify for the accelerated 12-month track. CMU's Heinz College administers this program. Heinz College does not charge application fees.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Private
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE),
- Tuition: $27,055-$27,870 per semester
- Required Credits: 162 units
- Program Length: 12-16 months
- Delivery Format: On campus
Percent Online Enrollment
31%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#10 Best Master’s in Information Systems Degrees
Indiana University-Bloomington
- Bloomington, IN
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Famed as the home of the Hoosiers, IU combines top-ranked academics with a thriving college community. As a noted regional leader in research and innovation, IU pioneered the first informatics school in U.S. history and specializes in training students for future-facing careers.
MS in Information Systems
IU's MS in information systems welcomes learners from all academic backgrounds. Students do not require business, computer science, or STEM-oriented degrees. The curriculum takes an experiential focus, emphasizing collaborative group projects that reflect the dynamics of the professional world.
After the foundational core, learners proceed to concentrations. Specialization options include cybersecurity and risk analytics, enterprise analytics and intelligence, digital platforms and security, digital enterprise systems, and digital process assurance.
Program graduates enjoy excellent career prospects. According to IU, 97% of alumni receive in-field job offers, with average starting pay approaching $88,000 per year.
Applying to IU
Each candidate must submit academic transcripts, a resume, and a personal statement. Admission interviews may apply. IU prioritizes applicants with undergraduate GPAs of at least 3.2. No fees apply to candidates who submit their materials by the priority deadline.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC),
- Tuition: $11,790 per year (in state), $40,480 per year (out of state)
- Required Credits: 30
- Program Length: 1 year
- Delivery Format: On campus
Percent Online Enrollment
48%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
How We Rank Colleges And Bootcamps
ComputerScience.org ranks computer science degree programs at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. We also rank bootcamps and certificate programs. Our top priority is making sure you find the best possible fit for your education. We use up-to-date national statistics and focus on factors like return on investment, academic quality, and affordability.
Take a closer look at our rankings on our rankings methodology page.
Why Get an Information Systems Master's?
The Information systems field operates at the intersection of business and technology. The subject has existed as an academic discipline for over 50 years, but recent technological advances in artificial intelligence and data analytics have resulted in a fresh wave of interest.
Unlike computer science, which emphasizes theory and engineering, information systems degrees explore how to apply technology to business. Graduates in this field may pursue careers as computer information systems managers, database administrators, computer network architects, or network systems administrators. These professionals can earn higher-than-average salaries, giving these degrees the potential for positive return on investment.
As the world increasingly relies on digital tools to conduct business, information systems graduates may find their roles growing in number and influence. Companies need experts who can improve processes, promote efficiency, ensure information security, and promote long-term goals. A master's degree in information systems can develop career-relevant skills while establishing an academic foundation in business and technology.
Instead of a full master's program, some professionals may pursue a coding bootcamp because it offers a faster route to jobs in the field. However, bootcamps do not have the same depth as master's programs. Benefits of earning a degree include:
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Management and Technical Skill Development: An information systems master's degree can hone students' problem-solving and analytical skills. Graduates leave with more profound knowledge of computer systems, business development, and people management skills.
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Career Flexibility and Enhancement: A master's degree can lead to career advancement. With their distinctive perspective on business and technology, graduates can offer valuable insight to corporate leaders.
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Broad Scope of Coursework: Distinct from a computer science, engineering, or business major, information systems master's degrees often use interdisciplinary curricula to prepare students for real-world, high-impact careers.
What To Expect From Master's in Information Systems Programs
A master's in information systems is a graduate degree that explores business analysis, technology leadership, and project management.
A typical MS in information systems requires 30-36 credits, and students take 6-12 credits per semester. Full-time students can usually finish these degrees within two years. Some schools offer MBAs in information systems management, which typically focus more heavily on business concepts. In contrast to MS programs, MBAs in information systems management often help graduates qualify for a wider array of roles in business and technology.
The curricula for these degrees usually include data, security, planning, and strategic management courses. Enrollees typically complete a capstone project to finish the program, though some schools may require a research thesis instead.
Admission Requirements
Each school maintains its own admissions requirements, but most information systems master's degrees require the following:
- A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university, often with preference for a related field
- A minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA, though some schools may accept students with lower GPAs if they have high test scores or career experience
- A statement of purpose that explains how the program aligns with the prospective student's goals
- Letters of recommendation from professors or professional supervisors
- GMAT or GRE scores, which are optional for some programs
- Application fee
Degree and Specialization Options
The master's degree in information systems can vary significantly by school. For instance, some programs culminate in an MS, while others award an MBA. These degrees may also include specialization options that help learners focus their studies on niche subfields. We explore popular concentrations below.
- Artificial Intelligence: Learn how neural networks influence robotics, computer vision, and natural language processing.
- Data Science: Explore the nexus of information, business analytics, and machine learning.
- Digital Transformation: Understand and influence human-computer interaction.
- Health Informatics: Learn to manage data in a complex healthcare organization.
Popular Graduate Level Courses
Although each program offers its own courses for their master's in information systems curriculum, common classes include:
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Innovation with Blockchain Technology: An immutable shared ledger, blockchain impacts industries from banking to transportation. This course covers different kinds of blockchains and their provisioning, blockchain analysis, and developing solutions using blockchain.
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Disaster Recovery and Continuity: Learners explore ways to support business continuity and disaster recovery from a business perspective. Topics include risk management and business impact assessment.
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Security and Ethics: This course examines the ethical issues around information privacy, accessibility, and ownership. Topics include laws, regulations, compliance, and strategies for creating a secure digital environment.
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IT Architecture in the Cloud: In this class, students discover solution architecture for the cloud. The course covers resilient architectures and strategies for securing and cost-optimizing operationally proficient architectures.
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Data Analysis and Business Analytics: Learners in this course analyze problems and create data-driven solutions for businesses and organizations. Topics include data retrieval, report creation, visual representation of data, and long-term trend and pattern analysis.
How Much Will a Master's in Information Systems Cost?
The National Center for Education Statistics reports the average annual tuition for graduate programs in the 2021-22 school year was $20,513. Cost varies based on factors like public or private school status, student residency, online tuition rates, and institutional prestige.
Prospective students should explore financing options like scholarships, fellowships, loans, and employer reimbursement to help defray costs. Select organizations offer assistance to groups like women and students of color to create greater diversity in the field.
Careers for Master's in Information Systems Graduates
An MS in information systems can prepare you for a career in data administration, business analysis, or information technology management, including roles like those listed below.
Database architects build systems that store information, and administrators manage the data in those systems. Most administrators and architects work for technology-focused enterprises, but others serve in finance, management, or educational administration. Pursuing industry-specific certifications in data management or analysis can qualify workers for advanced roles.
- Required Education: Bachelor's degree
- Median Annual Salary: $112,120
- Job Outlook (2022-32): +8%
Sometimes called IT managers, these professionals plan, supervise, and direct organizations' computer systems-related activity. They may focus on a specific area, such as security or data networks, or they may be responsible for a small company's entire technological infrastructure. An MBA or MS in information systems can provide the academic foundation for this career.
- Required Education: Bachelor's degree
- Median Annual Salary: $164,070
- Job Outlook (2022-32): +15%
Project Management Specialists
Project management specialists oversee project staffing, budgeting, and timeline. Information systems project managers specifically direct computer- and information-based projects. In addition to their academic degrees, project management specialists may need appropriate certifications from professional organizations like the Project Management Institute. Project managers can become IT directors or chief technology officers.
- Required Education: Bachelor's degree
- Median Annual Salary: $95,370
- Job Outlook (2022-32): +6%
Network architects build data communication systems. These professionals engineer networks and create documentation for how to run them. They work in industries like management, communications, and education. With appropriate experience, network architects can become senior systems engineers.
- Required Education: Bachelor's degree
- Median Annual Salary: $126,900
- Job Outlook (2022-32): +4%
Chief Technology Officers
Chief technology officers (CTOs) are the executive leaders who oversee technology development within enterprises. CTOs need experience in leadership, IT management, IT infrastructure, product development, and software architecture.
- Required Education: Bachelor's degree
- Average Annual Salary: $175,390
- Job Outlook (2022-32): Not available
Choosing the Right Information Systems Program
Selecting the right program can help ensure you get the most benefit from your degree. Consider the following factors as you choose your information systems program:
- Accreditation: Attending an institutionally accredited school gives you access to federal financial aid and helps guarantee your degree's value in the marketplace. Institutional accreditation verifies that colleges and universities meet standards of academic excellence.
- Faculty: Review program faculty's credentials, experience, and philosophy of education. If you're interested in niche areas of the field, look for schools with faculty who specialize in these topics.
- Alumni Network: A robust alumni network can help you manage your career long after graduation. Look both at school-wide and information technology-specific alumni networks.
Should You Get Your Degree Online?
Online education has become more popular in recent years, with 56% of postbaccalaureate students taking at least one distance education course in the fall of 2021, according to NCES data.
Benefits of distance learning include increased flexibility and lower tuition rates. However, the online education model does not suit every learner — succeeding in online classes requires discipline, commitment, and time management skills. Students who need structured instruction may thrive better on campus.
Explore other computer science education paths:
Information Systems Certificate Programs
Master's in Computer Science Degrees
Master's in Data Analytics Degrees
Information Technology Certificate Programs
What Else Should You Know About Information Systems Degrees?
What is a master's in information systems?
A master's in information systems is a graduate degree that focuses on the links between business and information technology. You usually need a background in databases, programming languages, and computer systems to apply.
What can you do with a master's degree in information systems?
You can pursue multiple careers with a master's degree in information systems, including IT director, information security manager, or application architect. The degree can also help you qualify for a doctorate and, subsequently, research or teaching positions.
Should I get an MBA or an MS in information systems?
You may want to pursue an MBA if you plan to serve as a business leader who emphasizes information technology. However, if you aspire to be a high-level information systems technician, the MS may better serve you.
Is a master's in information systems worth it?
In March 2024, Payscale reported that people with a master's degree in information systems earned an average annual salary of $90,000. Some professionals, such as IT directors and information security managers, commanded much higher average wages.
Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by CollegeChoice. Page last reviewed February 21, 2024.
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