10 Best Master’s Programs in Information Systems

The business world is a much different place today than it was in the past. No longer can you just depend on your communication and leadership skills to move your business forward. Today, you need to be innovative and have a strong knowledge of how technology works and how it can help drive your business to the next level. With one of the Top 10 Master’s in Information Systems, you can go from having an average knowledge of technology to being extremely proficient and ready to tackle all of today’s challenges. It is those advanced individuals who are an asset to any company or organization and find themselves benefiting from a profitable salary as they move forward in life. Higher education also gives professionals future opportunities to manage and lead in the business and computer industry.

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The coursework for a Master’s in Information Systems is rigorous and demanding. You will get the most out of your learning and be able to help any business that hires you. As part of your master’s program, you will work on projects that put you in real-world business settings and give you the chance to apply all the innovative and strategic skills you were taught in class. Coursework will also teach you the fundamental principles and concepts of information technology and economics. What’s more, the courses in the program will enrich you with managerial practices that businesses use to succeed, such as ethical guidelines, law policies, communication practices, and problem-solving techniques. You will also be trained on how to make and assess information design decisions and learn every important aspect of IT.

There are a plethora of jobs out there that you will be eligible to apply for once you obtain a Master’s Degree in Information Systems. According to GradSchoolHub, the top five jobs for someone with an MIS include:

• Video Game Designer
• IS/IT Manager
• Cloud Architect
• Management Consultant
• Computer Systems Analyst

With this degree, you can also pursue positions with top companies that are respected nationwide. Graduates with an MIS have received jobs in the last year with companies like Apple, Microsoft, Facebook, Amazon, Twitter, Capital One, IBM, Infosys, General Electric, Intel, Wells Fargo, Disney, and Google.

Getting a Master’s degree is an important step in your life, and it’s the right one. In 1970, only 200,000 Americans held a degree higher than a bachelor’s. Today, over 21 million individuals currently hold a Master’s degree, according to the latest U.S. Census data. That is an increase of 22% from what it was in 2000 for adults 25 or older. This is the new way of education. Students are more competitive than ever and know that getting that graduate degree can set them apart from the competition. Doctorate degrees are also on the rise and will likely see an increase in numbers over the next ten to 20 years, just as we saw with master’s degrees since 2000. Online schooling has helped increase the number of students pursuing a master’s degree, as it offers a much more convenient and flexible format for students. Most everyone with a master’s degree has a full-time job, making it hard to go to campus and work full-time. However, by studying online, you can now work full-time and study when you can, not when you have to. Just don’t miss those deadlines!

Below we cover the things you can expect when applying for a master’s degree, such as tuition, scholarship information, and financial aid information. We also wanted to give you an idea of what to expect as far as salary goes and the overall benefits of earning your degree through one of the 10 best Master’s programs in Information Systems. 

See Also: 10 Best Master’s in Industrial Engineering

COMMON APPLICATION AND ADMISSION QUESTIONS

Getting a Master’s in Information Systems means a lot of hard work and preparation. Ambition and motivation are critical when applying. Put your maximum effort into your resume and your personal statement as these are important factors that admissions officers look at when determining who to accept into their program. Some graduate schools are very small and don’t accept just anyone. Therefore, you need to find ways to separate yourself from the competition. Get strong letters of recommendation from professionals who can go into great detail about the assets you will bring to that university. 

Be creative. Remember you are competing against a lot of other applicants, so when writing your essay or cover letter to the university, try to think of different ways to make yourself stand out. Tell an anecdote from an important life moment that can help illustrate the type of person you are and how the university will be benefiting by receiving you as a student. As you apply, make sure you have all the documentation you need to send to the school. Below, in our write-ups, we highlighted some of the critical documents that each school requests as part of their admission requirements. However, it’s always a good idea to contact a counselor from the college so you can be sure you have everything you need. Put together a checklist so you are organized as you are putting everything together. Most importantly, know your deadline and make sure you get everything in before it is due.

Many schools will require you to take the GRE, so if you have not taken it, it will be a good idea to sign up for it and take it as soon as possible. Some schools will allow you to fill out a waiver if your grades are good enough to bypass the GRE, so make sure you know what the school’s standardized test requirements are. Of course, be sure to study hard for the tests, as these scores play a big role in helping separate you from the competition. If you decide to enroll in a “Plus One” plan, which some schools offer, you will not have to take the GRE. The “Plus One” plan allows you to take undergraduate and graduate courses together, finishing the program in five years.

All schools will require the submission of a professional and detailed resume. Make sure that you are detailed in your professional and educational experience and that the resume is neat and organized. It’s a good idea to have one or two more sets of eyes look over it, possibly even your old English professor from your undergraduate school. Also, research everything you can about the university and know it from the inside out; you may be asked to conduct a video or face-to-face interview with a board member, and you will want to illustrate that you have a strong knowledge of the university. If you are interviewed, dress professionally and be well-prepared for all questions that come your way. 

WHAT ABOUT FINANCIAL AID & SCHOLARSHIPS?

When it comes to paying for your graduate degree, well, it’s not exactly cheap. Graduate degrees cost a lot more than undergraduate degrees in most universities. Before applying, make sure you can afford it, and if you can’t, explore all avenues to see if you can receive some financial assistance. There are a lot of ways to pay for a graduate degree without having to empty out all your life savings. 

The first method for paying for your college tuition is seeking a scholarship. If you did well at your undergraduate institution and had a solid GPA, you may be able to seek a scholarship that can help pay for part, if not all, your graduate tuition. Below are some of the top scholarships you can pursue for a Master’s in Information Systems, according to Scholarships.com:

• Women in Information Security Scholarship
• Cameron Impact Scholarship
• Davidson Fellows Scholarship
• Hyundai Scholarship
• Microsoft Imagine Cup Global Competition

There is also financial aid, something of which many students try to take advantage. Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and submit your federal tax records, your annual income information, bank statements, and provide your social security number. Then wait and see if they will give you financial aid and help you out with your college tuition. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), 85% of students receive some sort of financial aid at their institution. 

Another good way to get financial help for school is going to your place of employment. Many times if your employers see potential in you, especially management potential, they will help finance part of your degree. It doesn’t hurt to ask, especially if the school is a respectable and well-known institution for information systems, as are the ones on our list. Look for online opportunities to take courses so you can work at your job during the day and go home and complete your studies. Also, check with human resources at your company or organization to see if there are any programs that allow you to study while your company helps pay for your schooling.

You can also pursue a student loan. This is usually a last resort, as you will need to pay the loan back eventually, which can take many years. If you are unable to get help from your employer or get a scholarship or financial aid assistance, however, this is another option. According to U.S. News & World Report, the top places from which to get a student loan include:

• Citizens Bank
• CommonBond
• Discover
• EarnestLendKey
• Laurel Road

Many of the banks on our list above can offer a loan of up to $20,500 for your master’s degree.  Look for an interest rate that is not extreme and find the best loan out there for you.

HOW MUCH CAN I MAKE WITH A MASTER’S IN INFORMATION SYSTEMS? 

An information systems specialist uses analysis and design techniques to solve problems in businesses using information technology. They can also take a lead role in a company and implement software that will help make business operations better. Without these workers in place, it would be almost impossible for businesses to excel. That’s why IT workers make a very significant salary. If you are someone who wants to make money, well, then it would be a good idea to keep reading. Some big salary numbers are coming here very soon.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, information security analysts make an annual salary of more than $98,000 per year. Management positions within the field receive a higher salary. For instance, a computer and systems information manager makes an average salary of $142,000 per year! What’s even better news is that the job outlook for this profession is very healthy. With technology taking on an even bigger role in the workplace, the need for computer information specialists continues to grow at a record rate. The field is expected to see a job growth of anywhere from 10-20% over the next ten years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

According to BusinessStudent.com, the average income for a graduate with an MIS is $68,000 per year. With a bachelor’s degree, that number is only $56,000 per year, so getting a master’s degree is worth it. Not to mention, with a master’s, the opportunity to move up in your company is there for you. The more experience you accumulate, the higher your salary will be. BusinessStudent.com states that the average salary of individuals with ten to 20 years of experience in the information systems field is over $90,000 per year. With more than 20 years of experience, you’ll be making six figures. According to CNBC, three jobs in the field of information systems field rank in the top ten of the highest salary professions in the U.S. Those three professions are enterprise architect, software engineer, and software development manager. If you are able to pursue those positions after you graduate, you will walk home with an annual salary that is more than $140,000 per year!

According to BusinessStudent.com, there are a large number of jobs you can receive with an MIS. Some of those include:

• Chief Information Officer, earning $154,000 per year
• Chief Technology Officer, earning up to $231,000 per year
• Computer and Information Research Scientist, earning $111,000 per year
• Computer Systems Analyst, earning approximately $70,000 per year
• Software Developer, earning $102,000 per year

It all depends on your interest and even the concentration or specialization you choose when pursuing your degree. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is an excellent place to visit if you want to see some of the different salaries and professions out there for information systems degree holders. Having software and IT skills makes you a major asset for any company out there, and it will open you up for a lot of jobs. 

WHAT ARE THE BEST MASTER’S DEGREES IN INFORMATION SYSTEMS?

We know that you have educational goals that you desperately want to pursue, but you may not know where to start. The editors of Master’s Programs Guide utilize a unique ranking methodology based on the following three aspects:

40% Potential Salary After Graduation: Average mid-career salary of school alumni 

30% Institutional Accreditation: Regional and National Accreditation for the 2019-2020 school year 

30% Overall Degree Affordability: Average cost of undergraduate and graduate tuition per school

At Master’s Programs Guide, we strive to do our best to guide you and your family toward a fruitful academic career. The pursuit of knowledge is a noble one, and we want to help you reach your goals.

Check out our ranking of the Best Master’s in Information Systems!

#1. The University of Texas at Austin

Texas Master of Science in Information Technology and Management

School spirit at the main University of Texas campus in Austin is one of the best in the country. Students bleed orange and white, especially on Saturdays when the Longhorns take the field, and the whole crowd sings “The Eyes of Texas Are Upon You”. Texas also has a library that is the seventh-largest in the country; it holds over ten million volumes of books and is a great environment to work on your studies for your graduate degree. 

The Texas MS in Information Technology and Management is intended to build leaders in the industry and train students on the newest innovations and the roles those play in emerging businesses and technologies. One of the highlights of the program is that it provides hands-on experience with real-world businesses, allowing you to produce solutions to the challenges you will see after you graduate. Furthermore, the program keeps class sizes very small and is led by world-renowned faculty with high expertise and experience in the field. You also receive one-on-one career coaching that includes mock interviews, industry visits, and career search tips. This coaching will help you transition into the real world after earning a master’s degree.

By pursuing an accelerated path, you can earn your degree in as little as ten months. You will enroll in six foundation courses and seven cutting-edge topics courses. The program concludes with a capstone course that allows students to work with companies to produce a business model that integrates all coursework concepts learned. There are also pathways to earn a specialization in either Cybersecurity or Blockchain & FinTech. Sample courses you will see on your schedule include Business Data Science, IT and Supply Chain Management, Cognitive Computing, Financial Management, Advanced Programming & App Development, and User Generated Content Analytics.

Texas comes in as one of the best-ranked information technology schools in the U.S. It ranks No. 5 on the list of Best MIS Programs in the Nation and No. 3 among Best MBA Programs in Information Systems, according to U.S. News & World Report. It also ranks No. 28 on the list of Best Universities in the Nation, according to ARWU. The admissions office requires all applicants to have at least a 3.0 GPA to be eligible for enrollment. The office also asks students to apply only if they have a strong understanding of computers and technology, as many of the courses in the program use advanced coding language. Texas requires all of its applicants to submit a resume, letters of recommendation, transcripts, and a personal essay alongside the application. 

Among the more than 482,000 alumni of The University of Texas is actor Matthew McConaughey, former First Lady Laura Bush, former Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, and former First Lady “Lady Bird” Johnson. The school is known for its diversity, with a 20% Hispanic population, 20% Asian population, and 10% foreign population. The student body also includes more than 100 Fulbright Scholars and 31 Rhodes Scholars. There are more than 1,300 student organizations, seven museums, and 15 career centers for you to explore at the campus, too. 

#2.  The University of Minnesota

MBA with a Specialization in Information Systems

Are you intrigued by studying in the Midwest but afraid of going from class to class and getting frostbite in the winter as you travel around on foot? Don’t worry: the University of Minnesota is unique in that it provides underground hallways and tunnels for students to use to get from one building to another. This way, in the middle of January, when it’s ten degrees below zero and icy outside, you don’t have to worry about going outdoors. The campus even has a few skyways so you can see the beautiful scenery that surrounds U of M. 

Located in the Twin Cities, you can pursue a full-time MBA with a specialization in Information Systems that focuses mainly on the technical side of business. With this degree from the Carlson School of Management, you will be provided with the essential IT skills and learn how to innovate and produce high growth and differentiation opportunities based on data-driven business intelligence. Additionally, you will learn about important financial and accounting processes. The Carlson School ranks No. 4 on the list of Best Information Systems Programs, according to U.S. News & World Report.

Along with business courses that all students in the MBA program will take, the curriculum calls for 12 credits to be taken in information systems. Overall, there are 64 credits in the MBA program for students to enroll in. Nearly all courses are two-credit classes, with the exception of Global Sourcing of IT and IT Enabled Services, which is a four-credit class. The courses covering information systems are meant to be beneficial to make you an attractive candidate for a number of positions in the field once you graduate. Past graduates have been able to quickly find a profession in IT governance, strategic and technology consulting, global sourcing management, vendor relationship management, E-procurement, and business analytics and predictive modeling. 

The school also recommends that students incorporate interdisciplinary classes into their schedule to gain a better understanding of how business and technology influence each other. Some of those courses include Management of Innovation and Change, Service Management, Advanced Corporate Finance Analysis and Decisions, and New Product Design and Business Development. 

If you are applying to U of M, you will need to compile transcripts and letters of recommendation for submission to the admissions office. Along with the application, you will also need a personal statement, resume, and copy of your GRE scores. The Carlson School of Management will help all students with internship opportunities while enrolled at the university. Internships will give students extra hands-on practice and real-world experience so they are best prepared after graduation.

With a degree from U of M, you will become one of the thousands of alumni to earn a degree from the school ranked No. 27 among the Best Public Schools in the Nation, according to U.S. News & World Report. Some of the most recognizable names to earn a degree from the university include former Vice President Walter Mondale, former Vice President Hubert Humphrey, Hall of Fame head coach Tony Dungy, and musical artist Bob Dylan. The Twin Cities campus is one of five campuses in the state. Most classes at the Twin Cities campus for this program are face-to-face, but other campuses offer online courses for you to enroll in.

#3. The University of Arizona

Master’s in Management Information Systems

Located in Tucson, AZ, and not far from downtown Phoenix, the University of Arizona goes by the motto of “Bear Down, Arizona.” The university’s mission is to inspire young students to become future leaders in the world and have a positive impact on society. When you study Arizona’s Master’s in Management Information Systems, you will be trained in business skills that will help you excel in today’s world. You’ll learn how to address the technical issues of the business world and use a variety of strategies in IT that you will need after you graduate. The program ranks No. 1 on the list of Best Information Systems Programs, according to U.S. News & World Report. It also ranks No. 53 among Top Public Schools in the Nation. 

The program’s curriculum requires you to take 30-33 credits, which will give you a deep understanding of the rigor involved in complex information systems. You will take coursework in one of the program’s concentration areas, such as in Security Information and Assurance, Business Intelligence and Analytics, and Managing Business Operations. Among the core courses you will enroll in are Enterprise Data Management, Business Communications, Business Foundations for IT, and Eller Business Consulting. 

Required in the curriculum is an internship that you will take during your first summer of enrollment. Also included is a Master’s Project that all students must complete; this project has a wide range of focus topics, will give you further hands-on practice, and allows you to show mastery of all the skills you learned in the program. There are options to take courses both face-to-face and online.

You are required to have a GPA of at least 3.0 to be eligible to apply to Arizona. You will also be required to have taken the GRE within five years of applying to the school. Along with the application, the university’s admissions office requires you to submit transcripts, a resume, a statement of purpose, and two letters of recommendation. Students must also have a solid background knowledge of business and technical skills before applying. If you are interested in a dual degree in Technology Leadership, contact an admissions counselor for more information on the curriculum and prerequisites. 

The University of Arizona’s location in the Southwest is perfect for those who wish to take a break from their studies and explore some of the beauty of Arizona and the surrounding areas. The school is within driving distance from cities like Phoenix, Scottsdale, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and San Diego. It is also not a long drive to the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam. Some of the university’s most famous graduates include Olympic swimmer Amanda Beard, comedian Garry Shandling, and actor Greg Kinnear. Arizona is nicknamed “The Science City” and has been a longtime partner with NASA in helping research astronomy and space science. There are nine family-friendly museums on campus and plenty of athletics teams to go see. The most popular sport on campus is men’s college basketball, which has reached the Final Four a total of four times.

#4. Carnegie Mellon University

Master of Information Systems Management

Located in Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University is largely respected and is recognized as one of the top schools in the country. According to U.S. News & World Report, CMU ranks No. 25 on the list of Best Universities in the Nation. It also comes in with the top-ranked program in Management Information Systems and ranks in the top ten among Most Innovative Schools. With a Master of Information Systems Management, you will learn about the power behind technology and how it works with businesses to make a successful company or organization. The program blends technical and leadership skills and equips you with the power to transform businesses and organizations through technology. Much of the school’s leadership teaching focuses on analytics, ethics, and creativity as primary principles in making you a successful manager.

The MISM program offers several full-time tracks, including 12- and 16-month curricula. Students can also choose a  path in either Business Intelligence and Data Analytics or in Global Management. With a Global Management concentration, you will spend the first year in Adelaide, Australia and gain exposure to multiple worldwide markets. You will also be able to complete an internship in Australia during your time there. This track can be completed in 21 months. 

Concentrations within the program are offered in Managing Al & Robotics, Digital Marketing and Commerce, Business Intelligence, IT Strategy & Management, and Healthcare Informatics. There are 15 core courses in the MISM curriculum and several electives in the bank to choose from. With a full-time schedule, you can complete the program in just three semesters.

 In order to be eligible to attend CMU, you must first meet all admissions requirements. You must first have a 3.0 GPA or higher and an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution in order to be eligible for consideration. You must also take the GRE and submit all test scores and transcripts to the admissions office. Along with the application, you are required to send in two letters of recommendation, a professional resume, and a required essay. CMU also gives you the option of sending in a second essay if your grades fall below the threshold requirement. In the essay, you can explain any gaps in your grades or any other information on your resume that might need elaboration. After that, CMU will conduct a video interview with you prior to making a decision on your application.

CMU graduated one of America’s most famous mathematicians, John Nash, upon whom the movie “A Beautiful Mind” was based. The school also graduated actor Ted Danson, artist Andy Warhol, and “Superman” actor Christopher Reeve. Along with Nash who won the Nobel Prize in 1994, CMU has had 17 Nobel laureates teach its classes. 

A small school, CMU has just 315 graduate students and produces some of the highest achievers in the country. Rhodes Scholars, Goldwater Scholars, Gilliam Fellows, and Beckman Scholars are part of the population at the university. By attending on or near campus, you can also explore beautiful Pittsburgh and take part in plenty of student-life activities off-campus.

#5. University of Maryland

MS in Information Systems

The man who founded Google, Sergey Brin, began his career by walking away with a degree from the University of Maryland. Through computer science courses at the College Park campus, Brin learned about advanced methods in technology and programming and was able to build Google, which has become the biggest search engine in the history of the internet. If you are ambitious and have the drive to become a leader in today’s world, you can pursue UM’s Master of Science in Information Systems. A Master of Science in Information Systems from the Robert H. Smith School of Business makes you a strategic asset to any organization.

This degree is the perfect complement to careers such as a technology analyst, business analyst, project manager, or enterprise architect. With the Smith School’s partnerships with companies like Ernst & Young, Deloitte, PricewaterhouseCoopers, and KPMG, the degree is able to deliver real-world learning supported by theory and practice. Whether you’re interested in risk management, technology strategy, information management or project management, the MS in Information Systems will provide an outstanding ROI throughout your career. 

The 30-credit curriculum can be completed by full-time students in nine to 16 months. Courses are offered both in-person and online, and they allow you to complete your studies around your professional work life. Seven courses are required for all students in the program and include Data Models and Decisions, Data Analysis and Processing in Python, Database Management Systems, Strategic and Transformational IT, Managing Digital Business Markets, and Business Process Analysis. The coursework will conclude with a two-credit project management course in which you will engage with senior supply chain executives from other industries. This experience will elevate your knowledge in management and give you incredible insight into the field. Along with the seven required courses, you can choose three electives from a course bank of nine classes.  

When you are set to apply to UM, the office of admissions requires you to send in a number of documents along with your application in order to be considered for eligibility. UM does require graduate applicants to take the GRE and submit those scores to the university. Along with those scores, you will need to send in all transcripts on file, a professional resume, one letter of recommendation, and a completed essay. If you are an international student, you must also send in scores from your TOEFL or IELTS.

Being a Big Ten school, UM is a major competitor in athletics. You can show school spirit at sports games and watch your school take on powerhouse teams from universities like Michigan, Michigan State, Nebraska, Ohio State, and Penn State. Along with its top rankings mentioned above, UM was also ranked No. 8 on the list of Best Value Colleges, according to Kiplinger’s Personal Finance. Students from over 118 countries help make up the enrollment at UM, too, and its faculty includes three Nobel laureates, two Pulitzer Prize winners, and three Emmy Award winners. If you are interested in joining a student club or organization on campus, there are over 800 of them to choose from.

#6. Georgia Institute of Technology

MBA in Information Technology Management

Have you ever heard the song lyric, “I’m a rambling wreck from Georgia Tech and a heck of an engineer”? Yes, this is that school. Known as a leader in education, Georgia Tech ranks in the top five for Best Public Schools in the Nation and Most Innovative Schools, according to U.S. News & World Report. If you’re looking for a school that will teach you the most advanced technological methods that will help you succeed in business, you can’t go wrong with Georgia Tech. It offers an MBA in Information Technology Management that teaches students how to use IT to help their business excel and compete with the best companies and organizations out there. Professors will educate you on how to achieve top results and help pave the way for an innovative future.

The curriculum for the program includes both full-time and part-time tracks, with courses offered in-person and online. Courses are offered in the evening for working individuals who cannot attend classes during the day. Both tracks include a core course in Managing Information Resources and nine elective courses. Students can take electives like Electronic Commerce, Emerging Technologies, Project Management, and Data Analytics in Business. Students will also be required to take either an IT Practicum or a Business Analytics Practicum. These courses will challenge students to apply all the skills they have learned from the coursework and utilize them in a real-world setting. It will assess students’ problem-solving and decision-making skills and also best prepare them for the business industry after they graduate.

Georgia Tech’s program ranks No. 8 among Best MBA in Information Systems, according to U.S. News & World Report. If you are interested in taking the next step and applying to Georgia Tech, feel free to sign up for one of the information sessions that the school holds throughout the year. These sessions include pathways and webinars that help answer any questions pertaining to the MBA. You can meet with admissions counselors who will cover in detail all the documentation you need to submit with your application. Some of the application requirements will include GRE scores, letters of recommendation, transcripts, and a resume.

Located in Atlanta, Georgia Tech has some of the most esteemed alumni of any school in the nation. Some of the more recognizable and respected names to receive a degree from the university include former President Jimmy Carter, legendary Hall of Fame golfer Bobby Jones, engineer and astronaut Timothy Kopra, and famous scholar Rosalind Picard. The university also has a lot of history behind it. Back during the Civil War, the Surrender of Atlanta took place right where Georgia Tech is located. Twenty years after the war, Georgia Tech admitted its first students, 84 males. Today, more than 25,000 undergraduates and graduates attend the school, and its programs are taught by a plethora of award-winning faculty who span all academic disciplines.

#7. Arizona State University

Master of Science in Information Systems Management

Located in Tempe, AZ, and within driving distance of Phoenix, Scottsdale, Las Vegas, and the Grand Canyon, Arizona State University offers students the chance to get a high-quality education while enjoying glorious weather and exquisite scenery. With ASU’s Master of Science in Information Systems Management, you will learn about different innovative techniques that you can use to help manage and lead your company to ultimate success. ASU is a leader when it comes to innovation. In fact, the university ranks No. 1 on the list of Most Innovative Schools in the Country, according to U.S. News & World Report. Additionally, it ranks No. 53 among Best Public School and No. 9 for Best Management Information Systems Program. ASU also ranks No. 46 on the list of Best National Universities, according to Washington Monthly.

The STEM-designated program offers specializations in Big Data and Tech Consulting. The rigorous core curriculum focuses on six courses: Data and Information Management, Strategic Value of Information Technology, Business Intelligence, Information Security and Controls, and Artificial Intelligence and Business. Students will conclude with a course in Emerging Technologies and complete a capstone project. The capstone project is intended to integrate all the content learned from the previous courses. Students are also encouraged to complete an internship while attending ASU. The program will give students additional hands-on practice in information systems and best prepare them for future management positions in the field.

ASU is looking to add concentrations to its program as the market demands grow. The MISM program prepares students for potential careers as business systems analysts, chief intelligence officers, senior data analysts, and project managers, each of which comes with a very rewarding salary. Many of the courses in ASU’s curriculum are hands-on and incorporate projects, allowing students to get extra experience in the field. The program is also very technology-based and provides courses that can be taken either online or in-person.

If you are applying to ASU, you will be required to answer a compilation of essay questions and submit alongside your application an updated resume, three letters of recommendation, and all transcripts on file. The GRE is required by the admissions office and can be sent directly to ASU. You will need to have a 3.0 GPA and an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution in order to be eligible for admission.

If you want to get involved at the university, there are more than 1,000 student organizations to choose from! There are four campuses throughout Arizona, including one in downtown Phoenix. ASU accepts some of the best students from around the country as evidenced by their 3.42 average GPA score and 24.5 average ACT score among all undergraduate students. The school is also extremely affordable and was recently recognized by Washington Monthly for ranking No. 7 among universities that offer “The Most Bang For Your Buck!” Famous golfer Phil Mickelson, comedian Jimmy Kimmel, fashion designer Kate Spade, and baseball great Reggie Jackson all graduated with a degree from ASU. 

#8.  The University of Texas at Dallas

Master of Science in Information Technology and Management

Hook ‘em Horns! Known most for its popular slogan and the school’s mascot, Beavo, a longhorn steer, the University of Texas at Dallas is one of the top colleges in not only the state but also the country. The Dallas campus ranks No. 1 on the list of Best Value Public University in Texas, according to Forbes. The school also ranks No. 21 for Best Places to Get a Graduate Degree, according to U.S. News & World Report. Texas’s Master of Science in Information Technology and Management will give you a strong knowledge of the correlation between business and IT. With technology becoming such an integral part of organizations today, you will be best prepared to handle all the challenges you face and be able to market yourself as a future leader in the industry. The program will teach you managerial skills to help lead a team and excel in today’s industry. 

The curriculum for the MSITM program consists of IT foundation courses, basic business courses, IT elective courses, and personal elective courses. Some of the roles this program aims to train students for includes IT manager, information systems analyst, and cybersecurity administrator. Among the 18-semester core credits that students will enroll in are Object Oriented Programming in Java, Data Management, Systems Analysis and Project Management, Accounting for Managers, and Innovation and Entrepreneurship. You will have options to choose electives in a large number of areas related to the program, including topics in forensics, healthcare informatics, web analytics, risk management, applied machine learning, social media business, and software programming. Additionally, the program offers several tracks of study for you to choose from. These tracks include those in Healthcare Systems, Cybersecurity, IT Consulting and Services Manager, Enterprise Systems, and Business Intelligence and Analytics. 

Along with your application, the office of admissions requires a list of documentation that must be submitted for approval in order to be eligible to attend Texas. You will be required to send in your official transcripts, a detailed professional resume, GRE scores, a narrative essay, and three letters of recommendation. When making a decision on eligibility, Texas takes a number of areas into consideration, including a student’s GPA in undergraduate coursework, any awards of excellence, all documentation and recommendations that are submitted, and scores on standardized tests, in particular, the GRE.

Perhaps the most popular Longhorn graduate is actor Matthew McConaughey who is a regular sight at the University of Texas football games when they play in Austin. The football team comes to Dallas once a year to play against the University of Oklahoma in the Red River Shootout, which one of the biggest rivalry games of the college season. 

If you live in Dallas, you will have the opportunity to take part in many other student-life opportunities, including going to see the Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys play in one of the largest stadiums in the country, AT&T Stadium, which holds nearly 100,000 people. The Cotton Bowl is also played at that stadium on, or just before, New Year’s Day. 

#9.  The University of Pennsylvania

MBA in Operations, Information, and Decisions

The University of Pennsylvania is known for a lot of things, but maybe none more important than its creation of the general-purpose electronic computer in 1946 by the Moore School of Electronic Engineering. Penn is also most famous for handing out a degree to the 45th President of the United States, Donald Trump, as well as former President William Henry Harrison, businessman Warren Buffett, quarterback Drew Brees (who attended Purdue as well), and famous fashion designer Tory Burch. With Penn’s MBA in Operations, Information, and Decisions, you will gain the business skills you need while learning how innovation and technology play a major role in elevating a company or organization to the next level. 

As part of the curriculum, students are required to take six courses in operations, three courses in information systems, and five courses in decision processes. Sample courses that students will sign up for include Risk and Crisis Management, Managerial Decision Making, Service Operations Management, Innovation, Information Technology and Business Transformation, and Retail Supply Chain Management. Courses are offered in both in-person and online formats. All students are also encouraged to take an internship during their studies to gain additional hands-on practice and to be able to apply the principles learned in the classroom in the real world. Students are given the option to pursue a dual MBA/MS degree, too, in which they can take additional courses in Telecommunications, SEAS, and Cognitive Sciences. With this dual option, students can study mechanical engineering, bioengineering, materials science, and innovative medicine measures. 

All students applying to graduate school for the College of Business at Penn are required to take the GRE and submit those scores to the office of admissions. Additionally, the college requires that all application materials are submitted electronically. These include official transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a professional resume. For all prerequisite courses needed to be eligible for the program as well as for GPA eligibility requirements, contact the office of admissions for more details. 

Penn carries on the nickname the Quakers and is one of eight Ivy League schools in the U.S. It is recognized by many surveys as a top university. It ranks No. 6 on the list of Best National Universities, according to U.S. News & World Report, and ranks in the top five in several other studies for best national colleges. It is also ranked by U.S. News & World Report as having the No. 1 Business Program in the Nation and is No. 3 in Operations Management. 

More than 21,000 students attend Penn, a large majority of whom attend on a full-time basis. Ninety-six percent of the students who were admitted in its latest class ranked in the top ten for their high school class rankings. Penn is located in Philadelphia and is one of the most diverse colleges in the Northeast; more than 3,000 of the graduate students are international, which makes up more than one-third of the total enrollment.

#10.  Georgia State University

Master of Information Systems

Located in downtown Atlanta, Georgia State University is the perfect place to go to school if you want to not only get a Master’s degree but also get involved at school and in the local community. Georgia State offers over 300 student organizations to sign up for that feature service-learning and volunteer opportunities. With a Master of Science in Information Systems, you will get the professional insight on how technology helps drive business success and begin pursuing a position that is highly sought after in today’s job market. Georgia State ranks No. 2 on the list of Most Innovative Schools, according to U.S. News & World Report, and ranks No. 10 in the Nation for Best Management Information Systems Program! Its mission is to give all students significant experiences and growth throughout their time at the university.

The program can be completed in as little as 12 months on a full-time schedule or 24-months on a part-time schedule. Concentrations are offered in Digital Innovation, Big Data Management, and Cybersecurity. The curriculum includes six courses in your concentration area, four required core courses, two elective courses, and a capstone project that is a field study in computer information systems. There are also three foundation courses, but those can be waived if a student meets the GPA requirement within the College of Business. 

Students who take a concentration in Cybersecurity will take one additional elective during their coursework. Additionally, an internship is required to be completed during the duration of the program for additional practice of the content. The Georgia State faculty, made up of five members, is ranked No. 1 in the world for information systems education, according to different independent journals’ rankings. Online and evening courses are available for working professionals who are not able to attend classes during the day.

If you are interested in applying to Georgia State, the admissions office requires you to complete a video interview as part of the application process and submit scores from your GRE. Other items that the office requires to be sent along with the application include a professional resume that details all education and work experience, official transcripts, an essay, and a personal statement that highlights all characteristics and qualities that make you an asset to the program. Letters of recommendation are not mandatory but are recommended. There are three application deadlines throughout the year as well as three separate scholarship deadlines. Recent graduates from Georgia State have found employment in the field at companies like Amazon, IBM, Delta Airlines, Microsoft, Georgia-Pacific, UPS, SAP, Wal-Mart, and Verizon.

Georgia State has over 60 abroad programs that you can choose to enroll in to get extra education while traveling the world. With an extremely small faculty-to-student ratio in the program, you are able to work more closely with your teachers and get strong feedback on all of your assignments. If you plan on taking courses online, make sure you have all the proper equipment and internet connection that the course requires. Georgia State ranks among the Best National Universities, according to Washington Monthly.

OTHER NOTABLE PROGRAMS

#11. Loyola University of Maryland

Location: Baltimore, MD

Degree: MBA Information Systems

Net Price: $39,027

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#12. New York University

Location: New York, NY

Degree: Master of Science in Information Systems

Net Price: $39,935

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#13. University of California Berkeley

Location: Berkeley, CA

Degree: Master of Information Management and Systems

Net Price: $14,131 (in-state); $29,233 (out-of-state)

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#14. Texas A&M University

Location: College Station, Texas

Degree: M.S. in Management Information Systems

Net Price:  $9,812 (in-state); $21,164 (out-of-state)

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#15. University of Scranton

Location: Scranton, PA

Degree: MBA

Net Price: $36,725

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#16. Indiana University

Location: Bloomington, IN

Degree: MS in Information Systems

Net Price: $7,669 (in-state); $17,232 (out-of-state)

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#17. University of Michigan

Location: Ann Arbor, MI

Degree: MS in Information 

Net Price: $23,456 (in-state); $47,006 (out-of-state)

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#18. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Location: Champaign, IL

Degree: Information Management, MS

Net Price: $18,126 (in-state); $31,279 (out-of-state)

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#19. Purdue University

Location: West Lafayette, IN

Degree: MIS for MBAS and MS

Net Price: $9,992 (in-state); $28,794 (out-of-state)

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#20. Brigham Young University

Location: Provo, Utah

Degree: Master of Information Systems Management

Net Price: $13,120

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IF YOU ENJOYED THAT, THEN CHECK OUT OUR ARTICLE ON THE 50 BEST ONLINE MBA PROGRAMS!