Master of Science in Information Systems
Syracuse, USA
MSc
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
01 Jun 2026*
EARLIEST START DATE
Aug 2026
TUITION FEES
USD 68,052 **
STUDY FORMAT
Distance Learning, On-Campus
* Priority Date 1: October 1 | Priority Date 2: November 15 | Deadline: December 15
** 2025-26 specifically for students entering the on-campus program total: International applicants need to show this amount on their financials
Key Summary
Set yourself apart as a tech-driven business leader.
Today’s organizations face unprecedented technology challenges. From collecting, storing, and protecting critical data, to developing complex systems running everything from payroll, to business intelligence processes, to customer-facing web environments, technology is at the core of nearly every organization’s operations.
That’s why today’s information systems professionals are in such high demand. Our program prepares you for lucrative, in-demand careers in information technology while also providing the flexibility to customize your program toward your interests.
Gain deeper technical expertise in areas like cloud computing and cybersecurity. Explore leading-edge topics like blockchain and machine learning. Or focus on technology strategy and management.
Whatever direction you choose, you’ll gain the skills to help improve business processes, take on leadership roles within your organization, and stay at the forefront of advancements in the field.
Pursue your own interests.
Explore your own passions, and graduate with a specialized & highly marketable skill set through various program concentrations such as: Cloud, Cybersecurity, Digital Transformation, Data Pipelines & Storage, Data Science, Information Risk & Policy, Information Insights & Applications, and Project & Team Management.
Explore information systems.
In addition to getting practical, on-the-job experience, you’ll have opportunities to join a research lab or collaborate with faculty on their academic work. Your focus on information systems will mean your skills will be in demand on almost any iSchool research team.
The same faculty and coursework, available online.
As leaders in technology, we’ve been teaching online for decades. Our online program combines live weekly classes, multimedia coursework, and collaborative group learning exercises with a platform to help you cultivate lifelong professional relationships with professors and alumni worldwide.
You’ll learn from the same faculty and take the same courses as the on-campus program, and enjoy the same access to the Orange network when you graduate.
Courses & Curriculum
The Information Systems program is 36 credits and may be completed in one calendar year through summer and Winterlude coursework, depending on course availability. The curriculum includes primary core, secondary core (concentration), and elective courses, along with an exit requirement, designed to give you a strong foundation in data science while allowing you to focus on an area of your choice.
The 36 credits are distributed as follows:
- Required Core – 12 credits
- Secondary Core – 9 credits from one concentration
- Choose between 8 concentrations: Cloud, Cybersecurity, Digital Transformation, Data Pipelines & Storage, Data Science, Information Risk & Policy, Information Insights & Applications, and Project & Team Management.
- Elective Courses – 9 credits
- Choose any course from an additional concentration for 3 credits or an additional course from their own concentration for 3 credits.
- Exit Requirement – 6 credits
- Students register for IST 755, the MSIS Capstone course, after the successful completion of IST 614 and at least 24 credits in the degree program. Students register for IST 971 halfway through their program of study. Students with one or more years of full-time professional experience in the information technology field may substitute the internship requirement for another graduate level IST course for three credits and must follow the iSchool petition process for approval.
Program Requirements
Required Core - 12 credits
Students must complete IST 614, IST 621, and IST 654. Students choose either IST 651 OR IST 659.
- IST 614 - Information Technology Management and Policy - 3 credits
AND
- IST 621 - Information Management and Technology - 3 credits
AND
- IST 654 - Information Systems Analysis - 3 credits
- IST 651 - Scripting for Enterprise Data Systems - 3 credits
OR
- IST 659 - Data Administration Concepts and Database Management - 3 credits
Concentration - 9 credits
Students select 9 credits from one of the concentrations below.
Cloud
- IST 615 - Cloud Management - 3 credits
- IST 651 - Scripting for Enterprise Data Systems - 3 credits
- IST 714 - Cloud Architecture - 3 credits
Cybersecurity
- IST 623 - Introduction to Information Security - 3 credits
- IST 636 - Leading Issues in Information Security - 3 credits
- IST 728 - Information Security Policy - 3 credits
Digital Transformation
- IST 608 - Blockchain Management - 3 credits
- IST 629 - Technology and the Future of Work - 3 credits
- IST 688 - Building Human Centered AI Applications - 3 credits
Data Pipelines & Storage
- IST 652 - Scripting for Data Analysis - 3 credits
- IST 659 - Data Administration Concepts and Database Management - 3 credits
- IST 722 - Data Warehouse - 3 credits
- IST 769 - Advanced Big Data Management - 3 credits
Data Science
- IST 687 - Introduction to Data Science - 3 credits
- IST 707 - Applied Machine Learning - 3 credits
- IST 652 - Scripting for Data Analysis - 3 credits
- IST 718 - Big Data Analytics - 3 credits
Information Risk & Policy
- IST 623 - Introduction to Information Security - 3 credits
- IST 625 - Enterprise Risk Management - 3 credits
- IST 618 - Information Policy - 3 credits
- IST 728 - Information Security Policy - 3 credits
Information Insights & Applications
- IST 737 - Visual Analytic Dashboard - 3 credits
- IST 719 - Information Visualization - 3 credits
- IST 649 - Human Interaction with Computers - 3 credits
Project & Team Management
- IST 645 - Managing Information Systems Projects - 3 credits
- IST 644 - Managing Data Science Projects - 3 credits
- IST 682 - Cultural Competence for Information Professionals - 3 credits
Electives - 9 credits
A student may pick three (3) courses from the list below. Courses from any graduate program at the iSchool or other schools on campus that are not on the list may count as electives but must be approved through the iSchool petition process before registering for the class.
- IST 603 - Global Financial Systems Architecture - 3 credits
- IST 608 - Blockchain Management - 3 credits
- IST 615 - Cloud Management - 3 credits
- IST 618 - Information Policy - 3 credits
- IST 619 - Economics of Digital Transformation - 3 credits
- IST 623 - Introduction to Information Security - 3 credits
- IST 625 - Enterprise Risk Management - 3 credits
- IST 636 - Leading Issues in Information Security - 3 credits
- IST 641 - User-Based Design - 3 credits
- IST 643 - Enterprise Services and Virtualized Systems - 3 credits
- IST 644 - Managing Data Science Projects - 3 credits
- IST 645 - Managing Information Systems Projects - 3 credits
- IST 649 - Human Interaction with Computers - 3 credits
- IST 651 - Scripting for Enterprise Data Systems - 3 credits
- IST 658 - Advanced Enterprise Network Management - 3 credits
- IST 659 - Data Administration Concepts and Database Management - 3 credits
- IST 671 - Foundations of Research Methods in Information Studies -3 credits
- IST 673 - Technology and the Future of Work - 3 credits
- IST 682 - Cultural Competence for Information Professionals - 3 credits
- IST 687 - Introduction to Data Science - 3 credits
- IST 690 - Independent Study - 1-6 credit(s)
- IST 719 - Information Visualization - 3 credits
- IST 722 - Data Warehouse - 3 credits
- IST 726 - Enterprise Architecture: Concepts and Practice - 3 credits
- IST 728 - Information Security Policy - 3 credits
- IST 745 - Project Portfolio and Program Management - 3 credits
- IST 769 - Advanced Big Data Management - 3 credits
Exit Requirement: 6 credits
Students register for IST 755, the MSIS Capstone course, after the successful completion of IST 614 and at least 24 credits in the degree program. Students register for IST 971 halfway through their program of study. Students with one or more years of full-time professional experience in the information technology field may substitute the internship requirement for another three-credit course from the list of electives and must follow the iSchool petition process for approval.
- IST 755 - Information Systems Capstone - 3 credits
AND
- IST 971 - Information Systems Internship - 3 credits
Learning Outcomes
As an IS student, you will graduate with a diverse set of skills that enables you to participate at all levels of information technology management. You will build the following foundational competencies:
- Management of Technology: Integrate technical and solution development concepts with the principles of management, strategy, and financial analysis; apply these concepts in the analysis of management case studies and problems; analyze, compare, evaluate, and clearly articulate the relative value of IT investment alternatives.
- Management of Solution Development: Apply disciplines used in the development of information system solutions to solve organizational and business problems.
- Technical Knowledge: Apply information and computing technologies to solve information problems at the individual and organizational levels.
- Environmental Context of Information Management: Explain how demographic, social, economic, and ethical factors, as well as local, national and international information policy and regulation, affect Information Technology solutions.
- Professional Communications Skills: Develop and deliver professional communications in the field.
- Leadership and Teamwork Development: Demonstrate leadership, ethics, and effective collaboration skills.
- Information Literacy, Analysis, and Problem Solving: Find, organize, manage, evaluate, and use information resources critically and effectively for the solution of professional problems.
Get credit for work experience.
We welcome a diverse academic cohort every year, and historically, many of our students have a non-technical bachelor’s degree and still academically excel within the program.
IT professionals with over six years of experience, both technical and managerial, are eligible for the Information Systems for Executives master’s degree. Designed for aspiring leaders in the IT field, this 30-credit program allows you to complete the degree faster and focus on growing your managerial skills. Our admissions team will review your application and notify you if you qualify.
What can I do with a master’s in information systems?
A master’s in information systems is a powerful degree that bridges technology and business, giving you the flexibility to work in a variety of industries.
Whether you’re into data, security, management, or even starting your own business, there are plenty of career paths to explore.
Sample Job Titles
- IT Manager
- Business Intelligence Analyst
- Data Analyst
- Cybersecurity Analyst
- Information Security Manager
- IT Consultant
- Systems Analyst
- Software Project Manager
- Enterprise Architect
Careers
Gain in-demand skills that make you highly sought after by employers across industries. Here, you’ll gain the experience and support you need to launch and grow your career.
Career Outlook
Gain deep industry experience, and graduate prepared and ready to contribute on day one. Enter a field that boasts some of the highest salaries, largest growth potential, and best job satisfaction rates.
Students in a group take a moment to listen to their peers
Focus on Experience
Work with industry leaders. Consult with clients. Network with top employers. Work at highly sought-after internships. Here, getting hands-on experience is part of the everyday, in and out of the classroom.
Services & Support
We help you find the career that fits your passions. From connecting you with employers to helping with your resume and interview skills and negotiating your offer, you’ll have the support you need.
Corporate Partnerships
Work with us to hire the best candidates, grow your talent pipeline, and gain the analytical and data-driven expertise you need to drive business growth.
Staff
Our team of experts will support you from your time on campus throughout your professional career to help you reach your goals.