Best Master’s in Information Systems Degree Programs of 2023
Information is an essential tool to help businesses operate efficiently, make better decisions, and plan for the future. Prepare for a career as a systems architect, IT project manager, or business intelligence analyst with a Master's in Information Systems degree.
Why This Matters
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COMPUTER AND INFORMATION SYSTEMS MANAGERS MAKE $159,010 PER YEAR
Information systems managers earn three times more than the average worker. The median salary for all other occupations is $45,760.
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EXPECT A 16% INCREASE IN DEMAND FOR THIS OCCUPATION
As more businesses expand to digital platforms and cloud computing continues to gain popularity, computer and information systems managers are needed to direct these changes.
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82,400 MORE INFORMATION SYSTEMS MANAGERS ARE NEEDED BY 2031
It’s estimated that there will be a total of 591,500 computer and systems management positions nationally by the end of the decade.
Our Research
This list features some of the best master’s in information systems degree programs at top colleges across the country. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions. The programs on our list are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), a reputable organizations who assess business programs for educational excellence and a commitment to quality education.
We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, and reputation as well as the student resources provided for on-campus students. Then we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.
Next, we compared this comprehensive list of master’s in information systems degree 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.
The Top 50 Master’s in Information Systems Degree Programs
What You Should Know About This Degree
When considering a computer science career, you should also think about pursuing a master’s degree in computer science or information technology. Computer science degrees focus on computer programming, and students learn skills such as algorithmic modeling and software development. Information technology programs specialize in technical theory and develop solutions to meet end users’ needs. Determine whether you’d like to pursue a career in software development, business intelligence, or IT oversight when choosing your program of study.
Certifications in information technology can help verify your expertise in the field and provide a competitive edge when you’re pursuing new job opportunities. The AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Certified Ethical Hacker, and Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) are all valuable certifications for you to hold. Most certification programs require participants to pass an exam to demonstrate their knowledge.
Over the next decade, the job outlook for information systems graduates is positive, and employment is expected to grow much faster than other occupations. Information systems graduates can pursue careers in non computer-related settings, such as financial institutions, governmental agencies, and nonprofit organizations.
What’s Next?
Ask yourself these questions when choosing a graduate program in information systems:
- Am I eligible for this program? Students who wish to pursue a master’s degree in information systems must hold a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. Most programs require a minimum Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score as well as letters of recommendation.
- How long does it take to complete this online degree? Graduate programs in information systems take about one to three years to complete. The programs on this list require between 30 and 48 credits to graduate.
Research application deadlines and make sure you submit all required materials by the due dates. Contact the program directly or visit the admissions page of the program’s website for more detailed information.
Determine how you will cover tuition fees and other academic-related costs. If you’re employed, your company might cover the cost of your graduate studies. You may also be eligible for funding through scholarships, grants, and loans.