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
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:
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.
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.
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.
- 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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
- Learn more about how to pay for a degree
- Explore your scholarship and financial aid options
- Find companies that may pay for your degree
- Discover scholarship programs for women in tech
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 Administrators and Architects
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.
Computer and Information Systems Managers
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.
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.
Computer Network Architects
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.
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:
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.
