The 25 Best Masters in Information Systems Programs in 2024

The study of information systems is essentially about utilizing databases and analytics, especially with computer programs. Many students who go on to get a Masters in Information Systems major in either computer science or business at the undergraduate level, as the field of information systems blends both of these disciplines. There are a few undergraduate information systems programs, but it is generally a graduate degree. Many information systems degrees are actually offered as a specialization within MBA programs. Master’s degrees in information systems may have slightly different titles, such as Masters in Information Management or the like.

Top 5 Masters in Information Systems Programs

What are the Requirements for This Degree?

As with all graduate degrees, the admissions requirements are fairly strict. Most Masters in Information Systems degrees require the student to have a related undergraduate degree with an excellent GPA. Many programs have a minimum undergraduate GPA requirement of 3.5, although it does vary. Once in the program, students will generally have to complete two to three years of challenging coursework and a final thesis. The thesis may be a research project or students may have to create their own information systems software.

What Can Graduates Do With Their Masters in Information Systems?

Masters in Information Systems degrees are very versatile. Many graduates get jobs in data analytics at large corporations. Some may join consulting firms. A minority of graduates may continue their education with a Ph.D in information technology with the aim of becoming researchers and/or college professors.

Best 25 Masters in Information Systems Programs

Our Ranking Methodology

Our methodology considers two factors from each school: yearly tuition and graduation rate. Many public institutions charge differing tuition rates for in-state and non-resident students. In these instances, we only considered the school’s in-state tuition rate. To come up with each school’s rating, we took its yearly tuition rate and added a multiplier equivalent to the percentage of students who did not graduate. For example: School 1 has a yearly tuition rate of $30,000 and a graduation rate of 80%. According to our formula, it would have a rating of 36,000. Lower ratings will result in better rankings on our list.

Are you a representative of one of the programs on this list? If so, you can contact us to make corrections or ask a question.

If you’re looking for the perfect Masters in Information Systems, we can help you find the right program based on your needs.

Advance Your Career Path with A Master’s in Information Systems

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects overall growth of 14% from 2018 to 2025 for information systems occupations. This equates to over 600,000 new job opportunities for those who wish to venture into this side of the world. If you are looking to join one of the fastest-growing employment sectors today, this is excellent news for you.

Ideally, a bachelor’s degree in Information Systems is enough for an entry-level job and a good salary. But to anyone looking to further their studies, a master’s degree in information systems is an excellent way to advance a career, get stable, and earn more salary. Either way, a degree in Information Systems is one of the promising ways of landing a job easily today.

Since today’s business world is closely intertwined with technology, it is only right to say people with related knowledge are great assets. Companies of different sizes are increasingly interested in finding professionals who can direct and lead technological projects. These may include the areas in database administration, network security, and software development.  A student who pursues in-depth knowledge in these areas can advance his/her long journey to a chosen career path.

What can you do with a master’s in information systems? Because it is evident that modern-day industries need technological assistance, from retail to healthcare, it is only right to say MIS is applicable in nearly every sector. Some of the common and amazing job positions you can fill in the future with this degree include security administrator, cloud administrator, and database administrator. And the sectors where someone may work span from the media, telecommunication companies, state and federal agencies and offices, and many more.

Benefits of A Master’s Degree in Information Systems

The decision to go back to university or college shouldn’t be taken lightly. It would be best if you considered all factors involved, such as the time you’ll spend in class and studying and the potential benefits you’ll reap from the advanced degree. But for a master’s degree in information systems, it’s worth the time and effort. The benefits will pay you for many years. Some of the potential benefits of enrolling for a master’s degree in information systems include: enhancing your brand within the workplace, setting yourself apart in the IT job market, more business management salary, and building your credibility. 

Master’s Degree in Information Systems Jobs

The majority of businesses and organizations in the modern world rely on the design, implementation, and management of information technology. As an information systems master’s degree holder, your extensive knowledge and skills will be invaluable to employers from many sectors. 

• Security Administration: Cybercrime is becoming one of the biggest problems for almost everyone-except for cybersecurity analysts. With an MIS degree, you can protect IT infrastructure from a wide range of criminal activities. You will monitor systems and networks, identify security threats, analyze, and report on threats. Broadly, you can offer advisory services to clients or work to protect the company’s security or organization. 

• Application Analysis: As an application analyst, you will maintain the information technology services and have one-on-one correspondence with any user who needs technical support. You will be responsible for administering, monitoring, and maintenance of software applications and infrastructure. You will oversee different practices and processes to enhance all applications and data’s integrity, availability, and safety as part of a company’s or organization’s information systems. In this task, you will combine your efforts with IT departments, software engineers, and application developers. 

• Database Administration: With a master’s degree in information systems, you can be a database administrator tasked with integrity, performance, and security skills. You’ll take part in the planning and development of the database. You’ll also be involved in troubleshooting issues on behalf of the users. Your role will be to ensure that data stays consistent across the database, data is clearly defined, and there is the provision of data security and recovery control. 

• Information Systems Management: In this case, you will be tasked with setting up the organization’s computer systems. This involves researching and installing new networks and systems, implementing technology, evaluating user needs and systems functionality, and organizing software and hardware purchasing. 

Master’s Degrees Related to Information Systems

Organizations choose to seek information systems specialists to plan and implement their marketing strategies, client development, and office procedures. It’s important to understand other master’s degree programs related to information systems to be in a better position to grab the opportunities available. 

• Master’s in Data Analytics and Information Systems Management: This master’s course gives students the skills they will need to reap the benefits of big data opportunities. The knowledge you gain from the course helps you apply data handling when making decisions and ensuring that your organization’s information systems align with your goals and strategies. 

• Master’s in Business Information Systems: This course prepares students with qualifications in other disciplines for careers in information systems analysis, business intelligence, IT project management, and enterprise systems. The master’s program allows you to undertake a research project or pursue an industrial experience path. 

• Master’s in Business Analytics and Information Management: A business analytics and information management master’s degree allows you to advance your technical and analytical skills. It will prepare you to become an invaluable specialist who can manage change and innovation within any industry. Many people will rely on your skills to understand technology and data. 

Earning a master’s degree in information system security is the first step towards a lucrative cybersecurity career. On average, the master’s program takes 1.5 to two tears for full-time students to complete. Online students can take up to 48 credits of coursework. However, several factors affect the length of time from enrolment to graduation. 

Another good thing about the master’s degree in information systems is that you can apply for federal financial aid. This means you can borrow up to $20 500 every year in direct unsubsidized loans. Federal loans have fixed interest rates, which are lower than that of other private loans. They also have flexible payment plans, which means you can reschedule your payments at your convenience.

Differences Between A Master’s in Information Systems and A Master’s in Computer Science

If you are considering a career working with computers, you might wonder what the difference is between a master’s in information systems and a master’s in computer science. Both are great careers, but they have significant differences. Here’s all you should know about each of the options. 

A master’s degree in computer science focuses on the technology or science behind computing. It explores computer programming and architecture heavily. Computer science as a discipline is based on a connection between engineering and mathematics. Therefore, computer science students must have an extensive background in algorithms, discrete mathematics, and calculus. Their focus is not just about writing code for computer processes but also about why it works on the computers. Critical-reasoning skills are vital for students in the computer science master’s program. This is because a significant part of the career involves solving efficiency issues in computer systems.

On the other hand, a master’s degree in information systems focuses on all practical applications of computer technology through the study of a wide range of subjects. Students in this program have the knowledge and expertise in different subjects such as communication, business, and software design. MIS degree students are simply the go-to experts when it comes to using technology in business applications. Students also learn how information systems work in a commercial environment, network theory, database management, statistics, finance, and system administration. The goal is to impart students with the business savvy and technical expertise required to analyze, design, deploy, maintain, and manage information systems in government, non-government, and industrial settings.  

Courses You Study to Attain a Master’s in Information Systems

The core courses studied to attain a master’s in information play significant roles in building information technology careers. They include systems design, systems analysis, data communication, project management, and database design.

• Systems Analysis: System analysis involves studying systems or businesses to identify their objectives and create procedures that will achieve them effectively and efficiently. It is more of a problem-solving method that ensures all business or system components work efficiently to achieve their purpose.

• Systems Design: Systems design is a process that defines, develops, and designs systems that satisfies the needs and requirements of organization or businesses. It involves planning new business systems or replacing existing systems to satisfy existing requirements. MIS degree students learn how to accomplish the goals of the system.

• Data Communications: Students learn to use computing and communication technologies to transfer data in this course. They focus on enhancing the movement of digital or electronic data between two or several network nodes. This is regardless of data contents, technological medium, and geographical location. The best thing about data communications is that the connection is always open, costs remain low, delivers significant savings, and enhances customer service.

• Database Design: Students are taught how to organize data according to a particular database model, which involves determining how to store data and how the data elements interrelate. With such information, they can begin to fit data to the database, classifying it and identifying interrelationships. Appropriate database design helps in easy retrieval of information and easier modification, maintenance, and information consistency. MIS degree programs involve the database design course to teach students how to design and construct databases through logical and efficient methods. Students who can construct and maintain information on internal systems to streamline organizational or business operations are vital components for different businesses.

• Project Management: Projects are temporary endeavors designed to produce unique services or products within a defined period. In this case, students learn how to lead a team to achieve specified goals and achieve success criteria within a specified time. The primary goal is to ensure that they can achieve a project’s goal within the given constraints. During the project planning process, managers use information systems for the budget framework, such as estimating the overall costs. They also use the systems to create schedules and define the scope standard.

Project management aims to finish up a project while ensuring that it complies with clients’ objectives. In some cases, project management also involves reforming or shaping client wishes to address their objectives feasibly. Once the objectives are established, they influence all the decisions made by everyone involved in the project, including information systems specialists.

Average Salary for Someone with a Master’s in Information Systems

Today, most businesses rely on technology to ease their processes. They need experts to work across their systems for better productivity and ensure cybersecurity. Masters in Information System graduates work in various roles in the vast computing technology systems. They earn different salaries depending on the field of information systems they work in.

In information systems, those working mid-level jobs earn about $60,000 up to six figures.  Job seekers with a master’s degree can work both in management and tech. Below are some roles in information systems, tech, and business management salary.

Some of the different roles in information systems and their salaries include: 

• Information Systems Analysts earn between $78,000 to $95,000. The salaries vary among those earning in entry-level and the experts.
• Information Systems Managers earn a median pay of about $143,000.
• Information Systems Directors earn an average pay of about $187,0000.
• Information Security Analysts receive a median pay of about 98,000.
• Enterprise Architecture Managers earn an average salary of about $170,000
• Virtual Systems Architects earn about 164,000

According to PayScale, holders of master’s in information systems earn about $86,000 while professionals earn $16000 more annually than those holding a bachelor’s degree. A chief information officer (CIO) earns $150,000 or more while a chief information security officer earns more than $260,000.

A student who majors in Management Information Systems (MIS) studies how various organizations use technological systems and data to make better business decisions. Though this field corresponds with information technology (IT) and computer science, it focuses on how individuals connect with information technology systems. These experts know how to manage data so that excessive information can’t complicate the organization’s processes.

MIS graduates are lucky because of the available employment opportunities and excellent salaries. Those earning median salaries in this field enjoy a double salary compared to those working in other industries. Average computer and information systems managers earn more than $140,000 each year.

Management information systems graduates’ careers aren’t limited to IT. They have skills in social media, computer programming, and web analytics. A computer programmer salary is higher than in several other fields. This gives these graduates opportunities for professional advancement in certain careers, including:

• Inventory control systems
• Website Management
• Decision support systems
• Credit and billing systems
• Knowledge management systems and business analysis
• E-commerce development
• Website management
• Software product development

Today, information systems graduates are among the most sought in various job markets. However, companies seek students who are knowledgeable and can fit into the company’s culture. Hence, firms choose candidates with a Master’s degree in Management Information Systems instead of those with lesser education. Their salaries are also higher in the various fields and industries they work in.

Most MIS graduates have the job requirements needed. Companies compete to get the best MIS graduate among the many job seekers. MIS graduates with a Master’s degree can work in several fields and industries.

Fields MIS Graduates Work in:

• Search Engine Optimization Specialist
• Computer Systems Administrator
• Information Security Analyst
• Database Administrator
• Librarian
• App Developer
• Data Scientist
• Search Marketing Strategist
• Software Engineer 
• IT Manager

Common Industries MIS Graduates Work in:

• Retail
• Insurance
• Health care
• Aerospace/Defense
• Hospitality
• Consulting
• Technology/Science
• Financial services

Most information technology professionals ask themselves whether it’s worth going back to school to study a master’s program in information systems. Most of these professionals feel that they have gained experience from college and in their workplace. However, obtaining a Master’s degree is accompanied by several benefits. Most graduates with a bachelor’s degree study to attain a master’s in information systems due to various reasons.

Some of the benefits of attaining a master’s in information systems include: 

• Earning More Money: Working in information systems has huge salaries. However, those with a Master’s degree earn an excellent salary compared to those with lesser education. With a higher salary, these workers have a better lifestyle.
• Getting Better at Your Job: Workers with a Master’s degree have more knowledge and can solve complex issues in technology easily. They apply the knowledge they gained in class to the organization they work for. Due to business intelligence, the business processes of such organizations are smoother and fast.
• Builds Your Credibility: Credibility builds success in IT. Workers with a master’s degree in Information Systems have specialized knowledge, especially in technical fields. Thus, they build credibility with clients and colleagues.

Transitioning from individual contributes to management is difficult for IT experts. These workers must have a certain level of qualification to become part of the senior management.  After attaining a master’s degree in Information Systems, these graduates have better credentials and can advance to leadership positions.

Master’s Degree Programs for Information Systems

Advancing in education is a dream many people have. However, a majority of the people find it hard to select a program that best suits their interests and career life as well. People advance their academic qualifications for various reasons. While some do it out of passion, others do it because certain jobs require such education levels. 

Advanced academic levels include a master’s degree and Ph.D. levels. One of the most sought-after master’s degree programs is for information systems. If you are a business owner or an employee in a company, enrolling in office administration programs for your master’s degree sets you above the rest.

Before you enroll in a school for your master’s degree program, here are some of the things you should consider.

• The Type of Information Systems Program Available: Information systems master’s degree programs are usually offered by business schools. In most cases, it is assumed that you might be enrolling in the program with management aspirations. However, some programs are tailored to suit people in the tech industry. If the program doesn’t suit your field, you might consider choosing a different one.

• Mode of Teaching: Most academic institutions offer master’s degree programs on campus. However, with technological advancements, some institutions have introduced online teaching. Before deciding on a program, ensure you are comfortable with the mode of teaching provided. Online learning is advisable if you live far from the institution or too committed to attend physical classes.

• Reason for Enrolling in The Program: Establishing whether the master’s degree program is worth your time will help you complete it and enjoy the studying period. If you are employed, you should analyze the impact it will have on your career as well as your personal life.

• Cost of The Program: Studying for your master’s degree can be very costly. In most institutions, the tuition fee is quite high. Before choosing a program, you should ensure it does not completely drain your finances. If you cannot finance the expenses on your own, you can apply for information systems scholarships. Organizations and governments provide financial assistance to help disadvantaged students complete their education.

Information systems is a broad field. Choosing a master’s program in this field implies that you specialize in a specific sector. Here are some top information systems master’s degree programs you can enroll in.

• Master’s in System Design and Management: This is one of the best master’s degree programs you can enroll in. The program is best suited for individuals with ideas and expertise in the tech world. The program takes 18 months to complete, with a final thesis submitted at the end of it. Institutions offering this program include the University of Denver, among others.

• Master’s in Information Systems Management: If you have a career in business, this master’s degree program is best suited for you. The program blends business, strategy, and technical proficiency for individuals aspiring to run businesses in the tech world. The length of this program depends on your work experience. You can take as short as 16 months if you have over three years of work experience.

• Masters of Science in Computer Science-System Specialization: This is one of the toughest master’s degree programs in information systems. The program is best suited for people with immense knowledge in programming. Once you enroll in this program, you will have to complete at least 45 units before being certified. If you want to rethink solutions to problems affecting information systems, this is the best program for you.

• MBA – Information Technology Management: Master of Business Administration, MBA, is one of the most popular Master’s degree programs. When coupled with Information Technology Management, the program becomes more specific with fewer people. This program is suited for people in all disciplines, and it takes up to 22 months to complete with internships during long holidays. The program is offered in various institutions, including Georgia Tech. Scheller College of Business.

• Masters of Science in Systems Architecting and Engineering – Computer and Information Systems Track: This program is suited for individuals aspiring to design and build complex information systems. The program is offered at the University of Southern California. The availability of online teaching makes it best if you don’t wish to quit your daily activities to attend school.

There are many other master’s degree programs for information systems that you can choose from. To make the best choice, you should consult a careers expert.

In Summary

Graduating with a master’s degree in Information Systems calls for an astute commitment to further your studies and get a rewarding career at the end of it. A student who chooses to go their route will gain a broad understanding of every detail this program entails. To graduate with MIS, you will have to complete key study subjects that will prepare you to be the best in this field.

These may include network administration, information security, data management, data analysis, and software development. Whether one pursues this program online or in-class, the program culminates in a capstone course, which at the end of it all prepares the student with the required skills and knowledge. Furthermore, you can choose to get a stable job with an MIS or further your studies to the highest terminal level imaginable.

Apart from merely getting a job, MIS is a gateway to advancing professionally at higher ranks. Combined with leadership and management skills, a graduate at this level is open to working in various sectors. Moreover, these sectors are not only playing well but allow their employees to explore different career opportunities.

While it is true that one can choose to complete this program online or on-campus, the former option is getting popular and comes with bountiful advantages. Taking a master’s in information systems from an online institution will lower costs in terms of tuition fees, increase convenience, and offer flexibility in the learning process.