Students who complete an online master’s in information systems and technology program will learn the skills needed to attain a senior-level position within the IT field. Because these online programs typically take 30 to 36 credits, full-time students can complete all the necessary coursework within two years, and select accelerated programs are available that allow you to earn your degree in only one year.
According to U.S. News & World Report, this online degree costs $13,000 to $54,000 in total tuition. Once students graduate, they may qualify for high-paying occupations such as computer research scientist, which has an average salary of $136,620.
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The Intelligent.com Higher Education Team is dedicated to providing students with independent, equitable school and program rankings and well-researched resources. Our expert-driven articles cover topics related to online colleges and programs, paying for school, and career outlooks. We use data from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard, the National Center for Education Statistics, and other reputable educational and professional organizations. Our academic advisory team reviews content and verifies accuracy throughout the year for the most current information. Partnerships do not influence rankings or editorial decisions.
- Analyzed over 2,000 national, accredited, and nonprofit colleges and universities
- 800+ rankings pages are reviewed and updated yearly
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- Over 100 data points are reviewed for accuracy and quality throughout the year, including sources
How we rank schools
Our list features the best online Information Systems and Technology 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.
Best 33 Accredited Online Master’s in Information Systems and Technology 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 Michigan - Dearborn
Intelligent Score: 99.88In-state: $16,520
Out-of-state: $53,669
In-state: $24,344
Out-of-state: $24,344
SAT: 1340-1520
ACT: 31-34
Resident: $506
Non-Resident: $632
Online, On-Campus
Higher Learning Commission
30
Auburn University
Intelligent Score: 97.27In-state: $10,080
Out-of-state: $30,240
In-state: $10,080
Out-of-state: $10,080
SAT: 1160-1320
ACT: 25-31
$950
Online
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
30
University of Utah
Intelligent Score: 97.12In-state: $7,412
Out-of-state: $26,017
In-state: $6,666
Out-of-state: $6,666
SAT: 1130-1350
ACT: 22-29
$1,000
Online
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
30
Iowa State University
Intelligent Score: 96.62In-state: $8,042
Out-of-state: $23,230
In-state: $9,758
Out-of-state: $9,758
SAT: 1010-1310
ACT: 21-28
Resident: $782
Non-Resident: $1,746
Online, On-Campus
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
30
University of Arkansas
Intelligent Score: 96.41In-state: $7,568
Out-of-state: $24,056
In-state: $7,752
Out-of-state: $7,752
SAT: 1090-1280
ACT: 23-29
In-State: $676
Out-of-State: $1,761
Online, On-Campus, Blended
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
30
Baker College
Intelligent Score: 96.35In-state: $9,960
Out-of-state: $9,960
In-state: $12,510
Out-of-state: $12,510
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$600
Online
Higher Learning Commission
36
Drexel University
Intelligent Score: 96.12In-state: $53,868
Out-of-state: $53,868
In-state: $36,234
Out-of-state: $36,234
SAT: 1180-1380
ACT: 25-31
$1,396
Online
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
46
West Texas A&M University
Intelligent Score: 94.73In-state: $5,748
Out-of-state: $7,195
In-state: $4,968
Out-of-state: $4,968
SAT: 920-1130
ACT: 18-23
$500 - $540
Online
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
33
Marist College
Intelligent Score: 93.03In-state: $39,925
Out-of-state: $39,925
In-state: $15,300
Out-of-state: $15,300
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$920
Online, On-Campus, Hybrid
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
36
University of Missouri - St. Louis
Intelligent Score: 92.03In-state: $9,330
Out-of-state: $27,612
In-state: $9,478
Out-of-state: $9,478
SAT: 1110-1320
ACT: 23-29
Resident: $769
Non-Resident:$1,615
Online, On-Campus, Blended
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
30
New Jersey Institute of Technology
Intelligent Score: 91.64In-state: $14,448
Out-of-state: $30,160
In-state: $20,624
Out-of-state: $20,624
SAT: 1200-1390
ACT: 25-31
$1,143
Online
Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
30
Coastal Carolina University
Intelligent Score: 87.94In-state: $11,460
Out-of-state: $27,214
In-state: $10,674
Out-of-state: $10,674
SAT: 1020-1180
ACT: 19-25
In-State: $598
Out-of-State: $1,191
Online
Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
33
Liberty University
Intelligent Score: 86.28In-state: $14,791
Out-of-state: $14,791
In-state: $7,935
Out-of-state: $7,935
SAT: 1040-1250
ACT: 21-29
$565
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
36
Friends University
Intelligent Score: 86.11In-state: $29,670
Out-of-state: $29,670
In-state: $11,448
Out-of-state: $11,448
SAT: 960-1140
ACT: 18-24
$636
Online, On-Campus
Higher Learning Commission
30-33
University of Colorado Denver
Intelligent Score: 85.63In-state: $10,728
Out-of-state: $34,930
In-state: $11,826
Out-of-state: $11,826
SAT: 1130-1350
ACT: 25-31
In-State: $720
Out-of-State: $839
Online
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
30
University of Detroit Mercy
Intelligent Score: 85.37In-state: $29,562
Out-of-state: $29,562
In-state: $20,047
Out-of-state: $20,047
SAT: 1050-1260
ACT: 22-27
$1,821
Online, On-Campus
Higher Learning Commission
30
Nova Southeastern University
Intelligent Score: 83.31In-state: $32,370
Out-of-state: $32,370
In-state: $20,618
Out-of-state: $20,618
SAT: 1030-1240
ACT: 20-27
$969
Online
Computing Accreditation Commission
30
Oklahoma State University
Intelligent Score: 82.15In-state: $5,357
Out-of-state: $20,877
In-state: $5,531
Out-of-state: $5,531
SAT: 1020-1250
ACT: 21-28
In-State: $489
Out-of-State: $530
Online
Higher Learning Commission
33
How to Choose an Online Master’s in Information Systems and Technology Program
Choose your area of study
This degree is typically available as a Master of Science (MS), though some programs offer a Master of Professional Studies (MPS). MS degrees emphasize technical skills and research, while MPS degrees are more oriented to practical applications of knowledge.
Depending on the program, students may be able to choose a specialty area of study. These concentrations typically include information security, data science, computer science, smart technology, IT management, and web design and application. While all of the online programs will provide students with a strong foundation of knowledge regarding information systems and technology, these specific areas of study can help students customize their education and better prepare themselves for a particular career after graduation. When selecting a program, you should always try to find the best match for your career goals.
Research schools and programs
There is a wide array of online master’s in information systems and technology degree programs available, so students must develop specific criteria to determine which schools they are likely to apply to.
You should only consider institutions that have been approved by a DOE-recognized regional accrediting organization, such as the New England Commission of Higher Education or Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. These organizations evaluate schools to ensure they provide students with a high-quality education. Those who attend a school that isn’t regionally accredited may be unable to access financial aid or transfer credits to another institution if needed.
Ideally, your master’s in information systems and technology program will also be accredited by a respected industry group like the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). This programmatic accrediting organization has particularly high standards for technology education.
Another concern is cost — if students wish to avoid graduating with lots of debt, they should focus on programs that are reasonably within their budget. Beyond these criteria, students may want to focus on programs that offer the schedule flexibility they need to succeed in their remote coursework.
To learn more about any schools that you’re interested in, you can visit the school’s website, contact an admissions counselor, follow the school on social media, or attend an in-person or virtual open house.
Prepare for tests and applications
Application requirements vary by school and program. For example, some online master’s in information systems and technology programs require students to submit GRE test scores. It’s essential to discover whether these test scores are needed and, if so, what the minimum score requirements are for each section. Students who haven’t taken the GRE before should know they may need up to three months to study for it and may have to wait up to 15 days before receiving test results.
Additionally, students should review the application to determine if other paperwork may be required, such as undergraduate transcripts, a personal statement, or letters of recommendation. Before submitting an application, always contact an admissions counselor to ensure you have the most accurate information regarding requirements and deadlines.
Select your program
Students may wish to apply to multiple online master’s in information systems and technology programs, but it’s still important to be selective.
To determine which schools to apply to, students should consider the cost and whether they can afford the program. Students may also consider other factors, including the program’s job placement rate and the school’s reputation within the IT industry. Students may focus on programs taught by influential figures in the field. Such professors may offer a better education, and they can also help students establish a professional network.
Before making your final decision, review your needs and goals again. Do you plan to attend school full-time or part-time? Are you only interested in 100% online programs, or are you fine with a hybrid program that has a few in-person requirements? Some programs offer asynchronous courses, which can be completed at your own pace, while others only offer synchronous courses, which involve remotely attending lectures and completing assignments at the same time as other students — which of these two online learning formats do you prefer? Your school should accommodate your scheduling needs and learning preferences.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
Students should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each academic year. By filling out this application, most students will automatically qualify for federal student loans, and the FAFSA is sometimes a prerequisite for other forms of aid. These aid forms include most grants and select scholarships, though both are harder to obtain for graduate students. Beyond this, students should contact the school’s financial aid office to inquire about extra aid available through either the state or the school. Those who already work in the field should see if their employer offers tuition assistance benefits as well.
What Can You Expect from an Online Master’s in Information Systems and Technology Program?
Students earning an online master’s in information systems and technology degree can expect coursework emphasizing collaborative projects in which they work closely with fellow students. The courses build on students’ computer and IT knowledge while providing them with the knowledge and experience necessary to attain a senior-level position within the industry upon graduation.
Some programs will require students to complete a capstone course that helps to demonstrate their readiness to enter the workforce in a leadership position. Fortunately for remote students, most of these programs do not require any on-campus labs.
If students can attend such a program full-time, they should be able to complete all of the necessary coursework in two years, and part-time students should expect to take three years. Students who enroll in an accelerated program can complete the coursework in just one year.
Potential courses you’ll take in an online master’s in information systems and technology degree program
- Advanced Database Management Systems. This course builds on existing database management systems knowledge and helps students learn more about skills such as cover indexing, concurrency control, information modeling, database security, and transaction and locking.
- Information Systems Development. This course covers the development life cycle as a whole, all while providing hands-on practice with specific methodologies and techniques relevant to the field, including agile and structured analysis.
- Analyzing Big Data. This course helps students learn how to analyze big data in order to discover information relevant to specific business interests. To do this, the class uses numerous examples from real business cases, allowing students to learn the most effective analytical tools and techniques.
- Data Visualization & Reporting. This course walks students through using popular data visualization tools such as Tableau and Python Bokeh.
What Can You Do With an Online Master’s in Information Systems and Technology?
Career outlook
The field of information systems and technology is at the forefront of driving innovation, efficiency, and security in the digital age. Earning an online master’s degree in information systems and technology equips individuals with the knowledge and skills to design, implement, and manage cutting-edge technology solutions for organizations.
As organizations increasingly rely on technology to streamline operations, enhance cybersecurity, and stay competitive, there is a growing demand for professionals who can navigate the complexities of information systems. An online master’s degree in information systems and technology opens the door to various career paths, each contributing to the advancement of technology and its strategic application in organizations. Here are some common career options:
- Information systems manager — Assess an organization’s technology needs, plan IT projects, and hire and supervise IT staff.
- Median annual salary: $164,070
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 15%
- New job openings projected: 46,900 annually
- Information security analyst — Monitor networks, identify vulnerabilities, train staff on how to prevent security breaches, and recommend security upgrades.
- Median annual salary: $112,000
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 32%
- New job openings projected: 16,800 annually
- Computer network architect — Design, implement, and upgrade data communication networks.
- Median annual salary: $126,900
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 4%
- New job openings projected: 10,200 annually
Online Master’s in Information Systems and Technology Degree Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to an online master’s in information systems and technology degree program?
Students can apply to an online master’s in information systems and technology program by accessing the application on the university website. The application should specify the requirements, including undergraduate transcripts, GRE scores, and a cover letter. Some applications may require students to submit letters of recommendation and application essays.
To verify that the application is complete, students should strongly consider contacting the admissions office for the school(s) they are interested in. The counselor who answers should be able to handle any additional questions regarding the application or the school.
How much does an online master’s in information systems and technology degree cost?
According to U.S. News & World Report, the cost of this online degree ranges from $13,000 to $54,000 in total tuition. Generally, private schools will be more expensive than public schools. At public schools, out-of-state students will almost always have to pay more than in-state students. And the exact cost of a degree may be affected by other factors, including how long the student takes to complete classes and how many credit hours the degree requires.
How long does it take to earn an online master’s in information systems and technology degree?
Students attending full-time can usually complete their online master’s in information systems and technology degree program in two years. Part-time students may need about three years to complete everything. Students may be able to find accelerated programs that are designed to be completed in one year, which are a good fit for those trying to finish the degree quickly.
Ultimately, students need to be honest about how much time they can devote to their studies and choose the appropriate program. That way, the student won’t have to worry about accidentally falling behind in their studies.
Is an online master's in information systems and technology worth it?
Graduates with a master’s in information systems and technology have the opportunity to play pivotal roles in shaping the technological landscape of organizations. Their expertise is essential in driving innovation, ensuring cybersecurity, and leveraging technology for strategic advantage. The diverse career paths in this field offer opportunities for professionals to contribute to the success and efficiency of organizations across various industries.
Many positions in IT are growing at rates that far outpace the economy as a whole, and these occupations often offer exceptionally high salaries as well.
There are many benefits to earning your master’s in information systems and technology degree online. Online programs offer a higher level of flexibility and can be an excellent choice for adult learners who have other personal or professional commitments. Also, this learning format attracts a diverse pool of motivated students, enhancing networking opportunities and connecting students with peers, professors, and industry professionals worldwide.
Read More about Online Master’s in Information Systems and Technology Degrees
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