Information Systems Master’s Degrees: Best Programs, Jobs, and Salaries

Information systems make it easier to keep records in different industries. These systems also make it possible to access communication records and revision histories. The professionals responsible for these systems work as information systems managers and network architects.

If you want to advance in this field, a master’s degree can help. This guide will highlight the best Master’s Degrees in Information Systems. Keep reading to learn about the salaries and jobs that are available to candidates with these skills.

What Are Information Systems?

Information systems are collections of different kinds of equipment used for collecting, processing, storing, and disseminating information. Information systems integrate software hardware and people to gather, filter, process, develop, and distribute data. Some of this equipment includes computer software, hardware, and information systems and connections.

What Is an Information Systems Master’s Degree?

An information systems master’s degree is a specialized graduate program that teaches business and technical expertise required to handle

information systems in different industries

. This interdisciplinary program may take around two years to complete and it offers entry into two main industry career paths in managerial and technical roles.

Information Systems Master’s Degree Requirements

Most universities require an undergraduate degree from an accredited college in a similar discipline. Incoming students may also be required to send copies of their official transcripts to the school. The admission requirements for an information systems master’s degree may vary depending on the university.

Other institutions may require letters of recommendation from prospective students along with a statement of purpose. In some cases, applicants may be required to write an essay. Also, a resume may be required to prove that you have professional experience in the field. To be sure about the admission requirements, contact an advisor.

How Much Does an Information Systems Master’s Degree Cost?

From the National Center for Education Statistics’ report of graduate tuition in 2020, the cost of master’s degree tuition at

public universities is $12,410 on average

. Private institutions charge an average of $26,597 per year.

Information Systems Master’s Degree Financing Options: How to Pay for Your Information Systems Degree

Institutions offer several financing options for students in graduate programs. The most popular ones include grants, financial aid, student loans, and scholarships. Some other students may opt to apply for internships to help pay for their tuition.

Best Information Systems Master’s Degree Programs and Schools: Overview

Best Colleges for Information Systems: Top Information Systems Master’s Degree Programs

Information systems master’s degree programs typically require 30 credits to complete. Some schools allow students to customize the courses to fit their career goals. Most are taken from the department of computer science.

Master of Science in Information Systems | California State University, Fullerton

This program consists of 10 courses and requires 30 credits to complete. The program can be completed in 18 months for students with business administration undergraduate degrees. The program has three concentrations for students to choose from. They include business analytics, generalist, and decision sciences. However, it is not a requirement to choose an emphasis.

Master of Science in Information Systems and Technology | Claremont Graduate University

This academic program requires 36 graduate credits to complete. It can be completed in 18 months for a full-time student and two years for a part-time student. The program offers five areas of concentration including data science, cyber security and networking, geographical information systems, data analytics, IT strategy and innovation, and health informatics.

Some of the courses in the curriculum include software development, databases, supply chain management, data mining, knowledge discovery, communication, and networking.

Master of Science in Information Systems | DePaul University

This degree program teaches students about agile project management, diverse tech trends, analytics systems, digital transformation, and innovation. Students can choose concentrations in business intelligence, database administration, business analysis, and IT enterprise management. Students who have professional experience may waive introductory courses.

Master of Science in Management Information Systems | Florida State University

This program covers topics like management of technology, project management, business intelligence, knowledge management, electronic business, systems analysis, and organizational issues in information systems. Students take 11 core courses to develop their business knowledge and technical skills. The program can be completed in two years.

Master of Science in Information Systems Technology | George Washington University

This program focuses on information technology management as well as specialized electives. This 30-credit program typically takes 18 months to two years for full-time students to complete. For part-time students, it may take longer to complete.

This program must be completed within five years of enrolling. Students learn to analyze problems, think critically, work with complex systems, and integrate strategies to solve business problems in IT management.

Master of Science in Information Systems | Georgia State University

This program focuses on information technology and business skills. Students can pick a concentration in health informatics, information technology, cyber security, big data management, data analytics, or information technology management.

The program is open to students from non-technological departments but they are required to take some foundational classes. Students benefit from internship opportunities with top companies like Microsoft, IBM, and Deloitte.

Master of Science in Information Systems | Indiana University

This program can be completed within three semesters. The program offers different concentrations including business intelligence, enterprise systems, and enterprise risk management. Students need to complete nine core courses as well as a team project. The program includes case competitions and internship or apprenticeship opportunities for students.

Master of Science in Information Systems | Santa Clara University

This degree program focuses on building and managing information systems. The program requires 51 credits to complete and students can choose to attend part-time or full-time.

Available concentrations include computer security, information technology management, enterprise computing, business intelligence, supply chain management, and mobile programming. Students also complete a capstone project.

Master of Information Management and Systems | University Of California, Berkeley

This Master of Information Management and Systems degree program requires 48 credits to complete. Students are required to take core and elective courses. Most full-time students complete the program within two years.

You will participate in paid summer internships after the first year of the program. To graduate, students also need to complete a capstone project. The coursework focuses on economics, computer science, information studies, psychology, and communications.

Master of Science in Management Information Systems | University of Illinois Chicago

This degree prepares students to enter the information systems field and have an impact on operational and strategic decisions. The program focuses on database management, enterprise infrastructure, and applications and information systems management. Students can choose to specialize in managerial concentrations, technical concentrations, or a mix of both.

Best Online Information Systems Master’s Degree Programs and Schools: Overview

Best Colleges for Information Systems: Top Online Information Systems Master’s Degree Programs

Online information systems master’s degrees are available as well. You can enroll in these programs to learn remotely. These programs are ideal for those who need a flexible learning schedule. This makes it suitable for working professionals.

Master of Science in Information Systems | Auburn University

This online program can be completed in one year for full-time students or two years for part-time students. Concentrations include risk and information assurance, business analytics, security, and Oracle database.

Students take courses in predictive modeling, communicating quantitative results, knowledge management, business information systems, organizational learning, and trending issues in information systems.

Master of Science in Management, Information Systems Security Concentration | Colorado Technical University

Students must complete 48 credits to earn this master’s degree. The program features a fast-track degree to help students complete the program in less time. The focus of the program is security management, software information assurance, network security, incident reporting, cyber security threats, and cryptography.

Master of Science in Management Information Systems | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

This online graduate program provides several concentration options. These options include information systems, project management, business intelligence, and information security. Students are required to complete 33 credits to graduate.

Some of the main courses include information systems, strategic planning, supply chain management, data and information modeling, and business systems. Students can complete this program within a year and begin to search for job opportunities.

Master of Management Information Systems | Georgia College

Students in this program can complete the 30 credits in both asynchronous and synchronous online formats. Students take part in face-to-face training using WebEx. The focus of the program is on strategic planning, project management, analysis, SQL, and SAP skills.

Some of the courses students take during the program include business intelligence, database design and modeling, enterprise resource planning, IT project management, and research with business analytics.

Master of Science in Information Systems | Marist College

This program requires 36 credits to complete. Students can choose from the three concentrations including business analytics, information systems management, and computer networks and security.

Students learn about information resources management, information systems and technology, and information strategy. They participate in team assignments to learn to collaborate on projects while improving their interpersonal skills.

Master of Science in Information Systems | Northwestern University

The focus of this program is on software project development and management in the workplace. Students learn about statistical analysis, project management, big data management, applied data science, and data analytics. Before completing the program, students need to complete a capstone project where they will work independently and in groups.

Master of Science in Information Systems | South University

This program focuses on software development methodologies, converged networks, governance, business intelligence, emerging technologies, and information security. Online classes are delivered asynchronously.

The coursework is a blend of business and technology concepts. Some of the courses cover subjects like cognitive computing, managerial economics, and information systems capstone projects.

Master of Science in Management Information Systems | University of Arizona

This program requires around 30 to 33 credits and a full-time student can complete it within 18 months. Students can choose to specialize in managing business operations, business intelligence and analytics, or systems security and information assurance.

The curriculum also focuses on enterprise data management as well as ways to analyze business processes. Students also learn to solve problems in the business world using IT support for business processes and business process management.

Master of Science in Computer Science and Information Systems | University of Michigan

This Master’s in Computer Science and Information Systems offers a thesis and non-thesis option for students. It also offers two concentrations which include health informatics and business information systems.

Advanced computer networking is a core course for both concentrations. Students who choose the health information systems track are required to take classes in healthcare administration, financial management, and legal issues.

Master of Science in Computer Information Systems and Business Analytics | West Texas A&M University

This online program requires 36 credits to complete. Some online courses in the curriculum include advanced business forecasting, data mining methods, web development, electronic commerce, quantitative business analysis, and change management. Online students also learn about cyber security, business integration, computing, data analytics, and project management.

What’s the Average Information Systems Master’s Degree Salary?

Payscale reports that these professionals earn an

average annual wage of $88,000

. People with a Master’s Degree in Information Systems can earn up to six figures depending on their industry and professional experience level.

Top Information Systems Master’s Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview

Best Information Systems Master’s Degree Jobs Explained

Chief Technology Officer

Chief technology officers are executives that manage technology within an organization. Chief technology officers also manage product development, technology strategy, and cyber security. They are well-versed in tech trends and business concepts.

Chief Information Officer

• 
  Average Salary:
  
  $153,679
• 
  Job Outlook:
  
  11%*
• 
  Number of Jobs:
  
  482,000*
• 
  Highest-Paying States:
  
  California, New York, New Jersey*

Chief information officers oversee information technology team members within an organization. They are responsible for maintaining and improving the internal technology processes in a company to ensure that productivity levels remain high. These experts may also use automated systems to make complex tasks easier.

IT Project Manager

• 
  Average Salary:
  
  $105,291
• 
  Job Outlook:
  
  11%*
• 
  Number of Jobs:
  
  482,000*
• 
  Highest-Paying States:
  
  California, New York, New Jersey*

IT project managers plan, organize, and allocate important resources to ensure that an organization meets its IT goals. Aside from coordinating members of the IT team, these experts have advanced knowledge of operating systems and computers.

Information Security Analyst

Information security analysts are responsible for installing software in an organization’s computer network. They install firewalls and carry out other security measures to ensure that the computer systems and networks are protected from unauthorized third parties and cyber attackers.

Information Systems Manager

• 
  Average Salary:
  
  $90,937
• 
  Job Outlook:
  
  11%*
• 
  Number of Jobs:
  
  482,000*
• 
  Highest-Paying States:
  
  California, New York, New Jersey*

Information systems managers oversee, design, and monitor an organization’s information systems to ensure the business runs smoothly. This expert is also responsible for managing a staff that is in charge of software and hardware upgrades.

Database Administrator

Database administrators use software to organize and store data. They are responsible for storing data like customer shipping records and financial information. These experts are also responsible for ensuring that the data is available to authorized persons when needed.

Software Developer

Software developers are responsible for creating computer programs for different platforms. These experts may focus on specific programs or apps while others build underlying systems and networks.

Computer Network Architect

Computer network architects are responsible for building, designing, and maintaining data communication networks. They work on intranets and expansive cloud infrastructures. These experts also need to understand an organization’s objectives or business plan.

IT Consultant

IT consultants are technical specialists that help businesses integrate information technology into their processes. These experts also teach clients how to use the systems effectively to meet their deadlines and targets.

Computer Systems Analyst

Computer systems analysts are responsible for studying the current computer systems of an organization and coming up with sustainable solutions to help them run more effectively. They are also called system architects.

*Based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data on Computer and Information Systems Managers

Benefits of an Information Systems Master’s Degree

• 
  Flexible programs.
  
  Master’s degree programs are flexible, allowing students to study part-time and continue to work. Online programs are particularly customizable and can reduce overall costs.
• 
  Increases your earning potential.
  
  A Master’s Degree in Information Systems can increase your salary as employers pay more for such skills. These professionals often earn more than those with bachelor’s degrees.
• 
  Lots of career paths to choose from.
  
  This degree gives you an opportunity to choose from a wide range of career options.
• 
  Knowledge upgrade.
  
  You can update the knowledge you have in the information systems field or even pursue newer and more rewarding career paths.
• 
  Differentiates you from others.
  
  An advanced degree will set you apart from others and this could increase your chances of securing a better and more rewarding job.

Should You Get a Master’s Degree in Information Systems?

Yes, you

should get a Master’s Degree in Information Systems

. An information systems master’s degree can help you get a better job. You can apply the skills and knowledge to your work to create and maintain information systems within an organization.

This degree makes it easier to transition to management positions. It shows executives that you are ready to take on responsibilities in management. A master’s degree also shows that you have developed the leadership skills to coordinate team members.

Information Systems Master’s Degree FAQ