Master’s in information systems degree programs prepare students to develop and implement complex information systems. These systems use hardware, software, and networks to help individuals and businesses solve problems. With a master’s in information systems, it’s possible to work as a network architect, an information systems manager, a computer scientist, or an information systems consultant.
Salaries for these jobs usually exceed $100,000 per year. For example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the median annual salary for a computer network architect is $126,900. Computer and information systems managers have a median salary of $164,070 per year.
Master’s in information systems degree programs cost an average of $19,749 per year, as reported by the National Center for Education Statistics.
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How we rank schools
Our list features the best Master’s in Information Systems degree programs at top colleges nationwide. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions.
We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, reputation, and the student resources provided for online students. We collected data from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics, individual school and program websites, school admissions counselors, and other data sources. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100 based on the following criterion:
Academic Quality:
- Admission rate versus enrollment rate
- Retention rate of students who return after year one
- Accreditation status (regional and programmatic)
- Nonprofit status, both private and public institutions
Graduation Rate
- Overall graduation rate
- Total number of currently enrolled students, including diversity metrics
- Student-to-faculty ratio
Cost and ROI
- In-state and out-of-state per-credit tuition rates and fees
- Required credits to graduate
- Earning potential after graduation
- Availability of federal student loans, scholarships, and other financial aid options
Student Resources
- Available student services for online-only and hybrid programs
- On-campus amenities like tutoring centers and the number of libraries
Read more about our ranking methodology.
Master’s in Information Systems Programs That Might Interest You
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best 23 Accredited Master’s in Information Systems Programs
FiltersInstitution Type
Status
- Intelligent Score
- Alphabetically By University Name
- Acceptance Rate
- Enrollment
- In-state Graduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Graduate Tuition
- In-state Undergraduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Undergraduate Tuition
University of Texas at Austin
Intelligent Score: 98.29In-state: $11,448
Out-of-state: $40,032
In-state: $12,028
Out-of-state: $12,028
SAT: 1210-1470
ACT: 26-33
Resident: $867 - $970
Non-Resident: $1,505 - $1,560
On-Campus
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
36
University of Maryland
Intelligent Score: 96.82In-state: $8,824
Out-of-state: $34,936
In-state: $13,158
Out-of-state: $13,158
SAT: 1270-1480
ACT: 30-34
In-State: $1,631
Out-of-State: $2,072
On-Campus
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
30
Brigham Young University
Intelligent Score: 96.59In-state: $5,970
Out-of-state: $5,970
In-state: $7,510
Out-of-state: $7,510
SAT: 1200-1410
ACT: 26-32
Member: $449 Non-Member: $907
On-Campus
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
34
University of Washington Foster School of Business
Intelligent Score: 94.11In-state: $10,629
Out-of-state: $37,998
In-state: $16,278
Out-of-state: $16,278
SAT: 1200-1453
ACT: 27-33
The University of Washington offers a Master of Science in Information Systems degree program that is the best in the Western region. Students in this program develop skills and knowledge in cutting-edge technologies like cybersecurity, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and others. This full-time graduate program can be completed in twelve months. Courses in the program cover topics like business data analysis, data mining and analytics, cyber security policy, digital transformation of organizations, and more. Students in the program can also choose from a long list of relevant electives that cover other information systems topics. Students in the program must have their bachelor's degree to be admitted.
Resident: $889
Non-Resident: $1,285
On-Campus
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
44
Arizona State University
Intelligent Score: 91.32In-state: $10,710
Out-of-state: $28,800
In-state: $11,720
Out-of-state: $11,720
SAT: 1100-1320
ACT: 21-28
The Master's in Information Systems degree program with the most flexible admissions on our list is offered by the W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University. This 12-month, 36-credit STEM-designated program has an admissions rate of 88%. The curriculum in this graduate program was built to develop strong management skills and to teach students how to leverage technology to improve the performance of an organization. It also offers several specializations for students to choose from to help deepen their understanding and education of information systems. Courses cover topics like data and information management, business intelligence, emerging technologies, and more.
$884
On-Campus
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
30
Georgia State University
Intelligent Score: 91.05In-state: $7,158
Out-of-state: $22,389
In-state: $7,164
Out-of-state: $7,164
SAT: 1030-1260
ACT: 20-26
In-State: $1,245
Out-of-State: $1,424
On-Campus
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
36
Indiana University
Intelligent Score: 90.41In-state: $9,815
Out-of-state: $36,194
In-state: $9,786
Out-of-state: $9,786
SAT: 1120-1350
ACT: 24-31
In-State: $740
Out-of-State: $1,407
On-Campus
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
30
University of Arizona
Intelligent Score: 89.78In-state: $10,990
Out-of-state: $33,273
In-state: $11,938
Out-of-state: $11,938
SAT: 1090-1350
ACT: 21-29
The University of Arizona's Master of Science in Management Information Systems degree program has the most innovative curriculum on our list. This 16-month, 33-credit-hour program has a curriculum designed by industry experts and covers the complexities of information systems. This program's coursework covers data mining, data management, software design, business consulting, and other industry-specific courses. Students can also choose from three different customizable concentrations for this graduate program, Security and Information Assurance, Business Intelligence and Analytics, and Managing Business Operations.
Resident: $908
Non-Resident: $1,794
On-Campus, Online
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
30-39
Texas A&M University
Intelligent Score: 89.66In-state: $8,395
Out-of-state: $36,849
In-state: $6,775
Out-of-state: $6,775
SAT: 1160-1380
ACT: 26-32
Resident: $869
Non-Resident: $1,410
On-Campus
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
36
University of California, Berkeley
Intelligent Score: 89.15In-state: $11,442
Out-of-state: $41,196
In-state: $11,442
Out-of-state: $11,442
SAT: 1310-1530
ACT: 30-35
The University of California Berkeley's graduate degree program in Information Systems is the best degree program offered by a public institution on our list. It is a 48-credit hour program designed to teach students the necessary skills to be successful information professionals. Along with valuable technical skills, students will also become familiar with theory, analysis, organization, and management skills that will translate well to careers in business after graduation. Courses in this program will cover topics such as social issues of information, information law and policy, introduction to programming and computation, and more.
Resident: $1,282
Non-Resident: $1,792
On-Campus
American Library Association
48
University of Michigan
Intelligent Score: 87.24In-state: $16,520
Out-of-state: $53,669
In-state: $24,344
Out-of-state: $24,344
SAT: 1340-1520
ACT: 31-34
Resident: $1,750
Non-Resident: $1,919
On-Campus
American Library Association
48
University of Illinois
Intelligent Score: 86.47In-state: $14,317
Out-of-state: $33,824
In-state: $15,016
Out-of-state: $15,016
SAT: 1200-1460
ACT: 27-33
$1,215
On-Campus, Online
American Library Association
40
Carnegie Mellon University
Intelligent Score: 84.23In-state: $57,560
Out-of-state: $57,560
In-state: $46,441
Out-of-state: $46,441
SAT: 1460-1560
ACT: 33-35
$755
On-Campus
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
36
New York University
Intelligent Score: 82.71In-state: $52,204
Out-of-state: $52,204
In-state: $34,704
Out-of-state: $34,704
SAT: 1370-1540
ACT: 31-34
$2,157
On-Campus
Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc.
39
University of Florida
Intelligent Score: 81.62In-state: $4,477
Out-of-state: $25,694
In-state: $10,770
Out-of-state: $10,770
SAT: 1290-1460
ACT: 29-33
In-State: $530
Out-of-State: $1,255
On-Campus, Online
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
36
University of Illinois at Chicago
Intelligent Score: 79.84In-state: $14,317
Out-of-state: $33,824
In-state: $15,016
Out-of-state: $15,016
SAT: 1200-1460
ACT: 27-33
$1,039
On-Campus
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
32
Johns Hopkins University
Intelligent Score: 79.79In-state: $54,160
Out-of-state: $54,160
In-state: $57,010
Out-of-state: $57,010
SAT: 1470-1560
ACT: 34-36
$2,326
On-Campus
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
36
Florida International University
Intelligent Score: 79.78In-state: $4,721
Out-of-state: $16,529
In-state: $8,912
Out-of-state: $8,912
SAT: 1110-1260
ACT: 23-29
In-State: $455
Out-of-State: $989
On-Campus, Online
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
30
How to Choose a Master’s in Information Systems Program
Choose your area of study
Most master’s in information systems programs usually include coursework in information security, computer programming, information systems design, and information systems management. However, many schools offer specializations to help students achieve their career goals. Consider specializing in digital transformation, artificial intelligence, data science, project management, or health informatics.
Research schools and programs
Now that you have a specialization in mind, it’s time to start researching schools. Think carefully about your learning style, your personal schedule, and the type of school you want to attend. These factors have a significant impact on your ability to succeed.
For example, some schools have weekend programs for students who work full-time during the week. It’s also possible to find part-time master’s in information systems programs, which tend to be a better fit for students who want to maintain an appropriate work-life balance.
While you’re researching master’s in information systems degree programs, consider the following:
- Can you take classes part-time instead of full-time?
- Is the tuition affordable?
- Do faculty members have real-world experience in designing and implementing information systems?
- Will you have the opportunity to complete an internship or participate in skills labs?
Prepare for tests and applications
The admission requirements for a master’s degree in information systems vary from one institution to another. You may need to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). Schools use test scores to determine if you’re likely to succeed in a graduate-level information systems program.
To improve your chances of acceptance, give yourself plenty of time to study. If you don’t do well the first time you take the test, consider registering for a second attempt.
Select your program
By this point, you should have a short list of programs meeting your criteria. It’s fine to apply to multiple schools, but you should keep in mind that you may need to pay an application fee for each one. Some institutions have competitive admissions processes, so applying to more than one school gives you a better chance of starting your master’s in information systems on time.
If you receive offers from multiple schools, choose a program based on these factors:
- Cost
- Course availability
- Faculty expertise
- Location
- Financial aid
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
Unless you receive a full scholarship from your school of choice, you’ll need to pay for your master’s in information systems degree. If you want federal aid, be sure to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This form helps determine if you qualify for federal loans or grants. It’s also helpful to apply for need-based and merit-based scholarships. You may even qualify for financial assistance via the Department of Veterans Affairs.
If you have enough cash to pay for your degree, make sure you understand the total cost of attendance. Tuition, fees, and other expenses add up quickly, so you may need more money than you originally estimated.
Next, we compared this comprehensive list of online PhD programs to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications like the U.S. News & World Report among others to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.
What Can You Expect From a Master’s in Information Systems Program?
Master’s in information systems degree programs typically include coursework in information systems development, network architecture, management information systems, and computer programming. If you specialize in cybersecurity, your program may include an in-depth study of security management, network authentication, cryptography, network threats, and online privacy.
Some schools allow students to specialize in data science. If you choose this path, plan to complete coursework in big data, data analysis, and computer programming.
It takes about two years to complete a master’s in information systems if you enroll in a full-time program. Some schools offer accelerated programs, reducing the time required to complete this degree. If you enroll in a part-time program, expect it to take three to four years, depending on the program requirements.
Potential courses you’ll take in a master’s in information systems program
Master’s in information systems degree programs typically include these courses:
- Networking. Computer networking involves connecting devices to facilitate the exchange of data. Therefore, networking courses typically cover wireless protocols, local area networks, TCP/IP design, network operating systems, and networking topologies.
- Information systems design. Information systems design courses help students apply theoretical concepts to a wide range of real-world situations. Students typically learn about database management systems, e-commerce technologies, network security, hardware, software, and networking.
- Data mining. Data mining makes it possible to identify relationships in large sets of data, making it essential for consumer research, health informatics, and other applications. Course requirements vary by program, but students typically learn about data sources, statistical modeling, data cleaning tools, and the use of popular algorithms for identifying patterns.
- Strategic communications. Information systems professionals need to communicate with managers, colleagues, end users, and other stakeholders. Strategic communications courses typically focus on crafting effective messages, choosing the right communication channels, and ensuring all communications are relevant to company goals.
- Project management. Information systems professionals have to oversee the development and implementation of new systems. As a result, they need to understand how to manage IT projects successfully. This course focuses on the fundamentals of project management, such as resource allocation, budgeting, and constraints.
Master’s in Information Systems Degree Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to a master's in information systems degree program?
Many schools have similar application requirements for their master’s in information systems degree programs. You may have to fill out an application, submit your undergraduate transcripts, and take the GRE/GMAT.
Before you apply, contact an admissions representative to find out if you need to achieve a minimum score on either of these tests. They can also tell you if you need to complete any prerequisites before enrolling in a master’s in information systems program.
How much does a master's in information systems degree cost?
It costs an average of $19,749 per academic year to complete a master’s degree in information systems. Note that your costs will vary based on your enrollment status and the number of credits you take each term. Many schools also charge more for out-of-state students versus in-state students.
How long does it take to earn a master's in information systems degree?
It typically takes two years to complete a master’s in information systems degree program. This timeline is based on full-time attendance. If you enroll in a part-time program, expect it to take about twice as long to finish your degree. To reduce your total cost of attendance, ask your program coordinator if you can test out of certain courses or use your undergraduate coursework to meet some of the most basic program requirements.
The total length of your program depends on how many credits you complete and which specialization you choose. For example, you may need to complete three or four additional courses in data science or management information systems.