Why should you earn a Master’s in Information Systems? A master’s level education represents a high level of investment both in terms of time, finances, and mental bandwidth. In the case of the information systems industry, specialization and knowledge are key–and the field is defined by a level of complexity that leads to many of the best job opportunities being gated behind extensive educational requirements and years of professional experience.
Given the technical expertise required to excel in the upper echelons of the profession, a Master’s in Information Systems represents an ideal in-road to the job market. And as the industry experiences explosive growth year after year, many new programs are starting to offer this degree–both on-campus and online.
Online variants of this degree are often designed from the ground up to accommodate adult learners and working students with even the most hectic of schedules. Simply put, there are more high-end options for earning your Master’s of Information Systems than ever before, many of which offer surprisingly affordable tuitions or generous financial aid packages, and in some cases both.
Our researchers have done the leg work and have compiled the best of the best options to consider–programs that package comprehensive and academically rigorous curriculums in flexible and convenient online formats. The programs listed below have been organized according to metrics that we believe will be most meaningful to prospective students: graduation rate, average tuition costs, financial aid packages, and representation in trusted publications and other rankings.
1 Florida State University
Florida State University (FSU) brings top-tier degree programs to the comfort of your own home or office through its rapidly expanding online education programs. These programs leverage world-class faculty and student-centric teaching philosophies to groom each student for success in their careers. The FSU College of Business specifically tailors its programs to represent the needs of real world job markets. Students progress through coursework that emphasizes on-demand skill sets and models for problem solving.
Specifically, the FSU College of Business offers a fully online Master of Science in Management Information Systems (MS-MIS). The program consists of 11 courses that emphasize the infusion of technical skill with business knowledge. Students who have yet to earn the necessary baccalaureate prerequisites might want to consider the alternative program: Combined Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems/Master of Science in Management Information Systems (BS/MS-MIS) Pathway.
RELATED: The 20 Best Masters in Cyber Security Online
The curriculum of the program is organized into courses such as the following:
- Information and Technology Management
- Systems Analysis & Design
- Database Development & Management
- Project Management
- Corporate Information Security
- Business Intelligence
- Knowledge Management
Learn more about Florida State University’s Online Master’s in Information Systems
2 California State University – Fullerton
The California State University (CSUF) College of Business and Economics is the largest AACSB accredited business school in California, and offers a number of nationally renowned degree programs that are helmed by faculty with countless accolades that validate their expertise–both as professionals and as educators.
The College’s cohort model really demonstrates its value through its network of more than 65,000 graduates, who are now professionals working at the high-end of their respective fields. Graduates of the College often go on to find professional opportunities with the cohort groups they worked with throughout their degree program.
The CSUF College of Business and Economics offers a fully online Master of Science in Information Technology that is completed through 30 units of coursework. Before students begin the program, they are required to complete an orientation course which emphasizes how to make the most of one’s time in the program. Students can also choose to specialize by enrolling in one of two specialty tracks: Data Science or IT Management.
Learn more about California State University’s Online Master’s in Information Systems
3 Arizona State University
Arizona State University (ASU) is one of the premier hubs for online education for students around the world through hundreds of online degree and certification programs. The ASU W. P. Carey School of Business offers a robust selection of undergraduate and graduate level programs that are designed to be efficient and affordable. Program curriculums are compact and focus on only the most important information in order to offer accelerated tracks.
The ASU W. P. Carey School of Business offers an online Master of Science in Information Systems Management (MS-ISM). The program offers specialty tracks that are designed to represent on-demand opportunities in the job market in following areas: Cloud, Big Aata, and Tech Consulting. The program is completed at a blistering pace of just 12 months, making it one of the most efficient and affordable programs of its kind.
Learn more about Arizona State University’s Online Master’s in Information Systems
4 The University of Texas at Dallas
The University of Texas at Dallas offers a number of career-centric degree programs that position students to build lifelong success in their careers. The UT Dallas Naveen Jindal School of Management in particular offers forward-facing degree programs that combine specialized tracks with in-depth curriculums in order to prepare students to take on positions of leadership after graduation. The Naveen Jindal School of Management frames its degree programs in the context of business management and industry.
The UT Dallas Naveen Jindal School of Management offers a fully online Master of Science in Information Technology and Management. The distinguishes itself in two primary offerings that set it apart. Firstly, the program facilitates more than 400 internships every academic year, meaning that online students will have access to unparalleled professional grooming. Secondly, the program offers one of the most robust selections of specialization-tracks:
- Business Intelligence and Analytics
- Digital Product Management
- Cybersecurity Management
- Enterprise Systems
- Healthcare IT
- IT Consulting
Learn more about the University of Texas at Dallas’ Online Master’s in Information Systems
5 University of Illinois – Springfield
The University of Illinois System leverages a large network of schools and infrastructure in offering a number of online degree programs. The University of Illinois is consistently recognized for its traditions of academic excellence, which most importantly translate well into impressive career outcomes among graduates. Graduates of the University of Illinois go on to find success throughout their careers.
The University of Illinois offers a graduate level online Management Information Systems program. The program provides a curriculum that seamlessly combines the technical side of the field with the business savvy needed to thrive in mid-to-upper management positions. Specifically, students of the program will progress through the following curriculum:
- Technical Foundations of Information Systems
- Management Information Systems
- Managerial Decision Support Systems or Strategic Decision Support Systems
- Management of Database Systems
- Systems Analysis and Design
- Telecommunications
- Business Process Modeling and IT Governance
- Business Process Management and Innovation
- Project Management
- MIS Design and Research Methods
- MIS Elective
- Data Warehousing or Information Security
- Graduate Project and Seminar or MIS Capstone
- One approved MIS elective or MIS Thesis and Seminar
Learn more about University of Illinois’ Online Master’s in Information Systems
6 West Texas A&M University
The West Texas A&M University Paul and Virginia Engler College of Business offers a number of prestigious degree programs with specialty and technical tracks. The College’s degree programs have earned dozens of accolades consisting of top-spot rankings with the Princeton Review and US News & World Report. The College’s degree programs include: a Master in Business Administration (MBA) with several emphasis options, and Master of Science degrees in Computer Information Systems & Business Analytics (MSCISBA), in Finance and Economics (MSFE), and Professional Accounting (MPA).
The West Texas A&M University Paul and Virginia Engler College of Business offers a fully online Masters of Science in Computer Information Systems and Business Analytics (MS CISBA). The program is completed through 36 credit hours of coursework on an asynchronous schedule, meaning each student progresses through the program at a self-set pace. This is ideal for working students and adult learners who have many responsibilities to juggle.
Learn more about West Texas A&M University’s Online Master’s in Information Systems
7 University of Colorado
The University of Colorado (CU) Online is a well-respected pioneer of online education, having launched its distance education program nearly 30 years ago. CU Online has used this time to iterate and improve on its online programs, which is likely why so many of its programs rank among the best of their kind. CU Online differentiates itself from competition by developing its degree programs to reflect the needs and expectations of real-world employers. Students looking for career-first degree programs need look no further.
CU Online offers an online Master of Science in Information Systems program that infuses managerial training with technical skill-building. The program offers both full-time and part-time pacing options to accommodate working students and adult learners. Students can tailor their studies to match career aspirations by pursuing any of the following specialized tracks:
- Business Intelligence
- Cybersecurity and Information Assurance
- General Track (General Curriculum)
Learn more about the University of Denver’s Online Master’s in Information Systems
8 Missouri University of Science & Technology
The Missouri University of Science & Technology (MST) Business and Information Technology (BIT) department specializes in degree programs that prime students for building successful careers in STEM and technology related careers. Beyond offering comprehensive career-focused curriculums, students can further improve their competitiveness in the job market by completing a number of specialized graduate certificates in on-demand areas.
Specifically though, the MST BIT department offers a fully online Master of Science in Information Science and Technology (MS IST). The program makes use of the Laboratory for Information Technology Evaluation to offer a curriculum-focus on human-computer interaction where students can get hands-on experience in virtual labs. The program can be completed in just 12 to 24 months if completed on a full-time basis, or 24 to 36 months if completed on a part-time basis.
Learn more about Missouri University’s Online Master’s in Information Systems
9 Colorado State University
Colorado State University (CSU) is quickly becoming a hub for high-end, academically rigorous degree programs for adult learners and non-traditional learners. Each degree program is helmed by world class faculty who hold the highest degree in their field, and have demonstrated remarkable success as professionals as well. CSU faculty also take on the role of mentor and advisor in their students’ lives, and help them to build a solid foundation from which to launch successful careers.
CSU offers a fully online Master of Computer Information Systems (M.C.I.S.) as part of the Western Regional Graduate Program exchange (WICHE) program. The program is one of the elite few that is fully AACSB-accredited. Students can complete the program on-campus or online on a schedule that best matches their desired work-life balance, either over 3 or 5 years depending on whether students enroll on a full-time or part-time basis.
Learn more about Colorado State University’s Online Master’s in Information Systems
10 New Jersey Institute of Technology
The New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) is one of the country’s leading polytechnic universities. New Jersey is home to more than 30 of the world’s leading technology companies, a network that the NJIT Ying Wu College of Computing leverages to create both learning opportunities and professional opportunities for students. The College offers the following degree programs:
- Bioinformatics – M.S.
- Business & Information Systems – M.S.
- Computer Science – M.S.
- Computing and Business – M.S.
- Cyber Security and Privacy – M.S.
- Data Science – M.S – Computational Track
- Information Systems – M.S.
- Information Technology and Administration Security – M.S.
- Software Engineering – M.S.
The Master of Science in Information Systems program is offered online, and provides students with some of the most extensive options for specialization available on the higher ed market. The core curriculum however, is conferred through the following courses:
- Web Systems Development
- Enterprise Database Management
- System Analysis and Design
- Data Analytics for Info System
- Business Process Innovation
Learn more about New Jersey Institute of Technology Online Master’s in Information Systems
11 Bellevue University
Bellevue University offers an array of online degree programs designed from the ground up to meet students wherever they are in life–whether that is as a first-time student, working student, or adult learner. As such, each degree program is meant to cultivate on-demand skill sets and the high-value knowledge that employers expect. Bellevue University models its program curriculums on the best-practices in higher education, and the real-world needs of respective job markets.
Bellevue University offers a fully online Master of Science in Management Information Systems that is modeled on the best practices and standards set by the Association for Computing Machinery for IS Management and Technology (ACM). Students will further fine-tune their program by choosing from one of the following specializations:
- Business administration
- Business analytics
- Cybersecurity
- Information security management
- Information technology project management
Learn more about Bellevue University’s Online Master’s in Information Systems
12 Oklahoma State University
Oklahoma State University is a comprehensive research university that specializes in offering career-focused degree programs in engineering and technology, human services, business, education, and liberal arts. Students will participate in industry-defining research and will explore the fundamental paradigms and dynamics that influence job markets and employer expectations.
OSU offers a fully online Master of Science in Management Information Systems Program (MS in MIS) that positions students to build successful careers at the intersection of business and data science. The program is consistently recognized as one of the best programs of its kind in numerous trusted publications. Students will progress through a curriculum based on the following subjects:
- Business
- Database Management
- Data Warehousing
- Systems Analysis
- Programming for Analytics
- Descriptive Analytics
- Visualization and Professional Development
Learn more about Oklahoma State University’s Online Master’s in Information Systems
13 Minot State University
The Minot State University College of Business offers affordable degree programs that train students to recognize opportunities and seize them in order to advance their careers. The University continues to expand, moving more of its most successful programs online where more students can benefit from them. The College of Business also specifically looks to prepare students to work in a world that is becoming increasingly global.
The Minot State University College of Business offers a fully online Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS). The program is one of few that is designed for preparing students to take on roles of executive management. But the curriculum is also comprehensive, and graduates go on to successful careers in the following areas:
- Consulting
- Data Administration
- Systems Integration
- Networking, Telecom and Infrastructure
- Managing Sourcing and Global Projects
- Consumer Products and Services
- Project Management
- Software Development
Learn more about Minot State University’s Online Master’s in Information Systems
14 University of the Cumberlands
The University of the Cumberlands is one of the largest and most affordable universities in Kentucky, and has recently expanded rapidly into the online education space. A defining element of the University of the Cumberlands is its commitment to providing a career-focused curriculum framed in the context of christian principles. This translates to programs that train students to act as leaders and role models in their careers.
The University of the Cumberlands offers a unique degree information systems program, specifically an Online Master in Information Systems Security. The program is broken down into two major core inquiries–cyber security and information assurance. Graduates of the program go on to successful careers in the following fields:
- Computer and Information Systems Manager
- IT Security Manager
- Network and Computer Systems Administrator
- Database Administrator
Learn more about the University of the Cumberlands’ Online Master’s in Information Systems
15 Mississippi State University
Mississippi State University College of Business’ the Department of Management & Information Systems offers a number of degree programs at the associate, undergraduate, and graduate level. The Department of Management & Information Systems is helmed by world class faculty who have worked at the forefront of their fields–both in terms of academics and professional achievement. The Department also works hard to train students for positions of leadership through various avenues of business operations.
Students can earn an online Master’s of Science in Information Systems that is fully accredited by the AACSB, which is one of the most elite accrediting bodies for business schools. The curriculum delves deeply into the following subjects: technology, systems analysis, database design, and business telecommunication.
Learn more about Mississippi State University’s Online Master’s in Information Systems
16 Stevenson University
Stevenson University distinguishes itself by providing students with career-focused degree programs packaged in small class sizes that facilitate student-instructor engagement. The Stevenson Career Connections program provides a structure to connect students with potential employers, so that upon graduation students can hit the ground running. Faculty have real-world experience and bring this experience to their students so that they know how to maximize their opportunities after graduation.
Steven University offers an Online’s Master’s in Business and Technology Management. The program is a non-traditional format for the study of information systems, and shifts the focus from technical knowledge to macro-level inquiries based on understanding the relationship between existing and emerging technology and modern business. Students can choose between one of two tracks: Emerging Technology or Innovative Leadership.
Learn more about Stevenson University’s Online Master’s in Information Systems
17 Wright State University
The Wright State University Raj Soin College of Business offers innovative, forward-facing business degree programs that consistently rank among the best of their kind. Graduates of the College go on to become industry leaders–working at the forefront of business and technology. At the Raj Soin College of Business students learn how to actualize and maximize their potential as both students and professionals.
The Raj Soin College of Business offers a fully online Master of Information Systems. Online education is balanced by the program’s emphasis of real world learning and the facilitating of experiential opportunities. Students of the program are groomed to take on positions of leadership in the following fields:
- Systems Analysis
- Business Systems Designs
- Information Technology Management.
Learn more about Wright State University’s Online Master’s in Information Systems
18 Tarleton State University
Tarleton State University leverages seven academic colleges to offer a wide array degrees:
- Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
- Business
- Education
- Graduate Studies
- Health Sciences and Human Service
- Liberal and Fine Arts
- Science and Technology
The Graduate Studies College offers a fully online Master of Science in Information Systems. The program has ranked among the best of its kind–most notably for its affordability and overall value. And amazingly, 100% of graduates of the program report being satisfied with their investment.
Learn more about Tarleton State University’s Online Master’s in Information Systems
19 Dakota State University
Dakota State University looks to teach students how to build prosperity–both for themselves and for their communities. Its programs have received national attention for their adaptability–being constantly updated in response to industry trends and developments in the market. Program curriculums are developed around core values of academic integrity and intellectual curiosity.
Dakota State University offers a Master of Science in Information Systems that emphasizes technical skill and knowledge. Students will master all the various applications of information technology in business today such as:
- Computer-Aided Software Engineering (CASE) Programming
- Internet and Electronic Commerce
- Network Operating Environments
- Decision Support Systems (DSS)
- Database Management
Learn more about Dakota State University’s Online Master’s in Information Systems
20 Georgia College & State University
Georgia College & State University offers premier liberal arts online degree programs for both traditional and nontraditional students. GCSU frames its technology program curriculums within the context of a liberal arts framework, that is, students learn how to apply practical problem solving to theoretical problems and vice versa.
GCSU offers a fully online Master of Management Information Systems (MMIS) that is completed through a combination of asynchronous and synchronous learning formats so that students get the best of both worlds–the flexibility to progress through coursework at a comfortable pace, while still benefiting from organized lectures and collaborative peer projects. The program’s curriculum is built around core tenets of project management, analysis, and strategic planning.
Learn more about Georgia College & State University’s Online Master’s in Information Systems
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