The Accelerated Master's in Information Systems Degree Program
Earn your MS in Information Systems degree in just one year
Northwestern University's one-year Master's in Information Systems (MSIS) program prepares graduates to advance their careers in IT management or to move into an IT career and progress to management level. Distinct from traditional computer science programs, the MSIS curriculum — which requires 11 units of graduate credit — puts emphasis on the development and management of software projects existing in the workplace. It is designed for professionals who seek a hands-on, laboratory-based experience that will broaden and deepen their knowledge of new and emerging IT. Choose from two specializations to focus on your area of interest and build the skills you need to advance your career.
You'll be immersed in the course material and earn your master's in information systems in one year by taking two on-campus courses at our downtown Chicago location and one online course over the fall, winter and spring quarters, with the final two courses over the summer term. Benefit from strong relationships built in a cohort and from learning with diverse groups of professionals — many who are highly-placed in their fields. International and domestic students are encouraged to apply for the accelerated option. Admitted international students are eligible to apply for and receive a student visa.
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ACCELERATED PROGRAM FEATURES
- An full-time pace that allows for completion of the program in one year in a blend of day, evening, and online classes
- Intense interaction with faculty and a dedicated cohort of classmates from the U.S. and around the globe — international applicants are highly encouraged to apply early in order to allow sufficient time for the I-20 process
- Exclusive access to Immersion Week and career and industry and networking events as well as other benefits for Northwestern graduate students
- Engage in Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) opportunities. For more information please see the FAQs regarding International Students
- Each cohort begins in fall quarter and students complete their degree the following summer quarter
About the Accelerated MS in Information Systems
- One-Year Master's in Information Systems Program Goals
- Accelerated Information Systems Specializations
- Accelerated MS in Information Systems Courses
- One-Year Master's in Information Systems Admission
- Tuition and Financial Aid for Accelerated Information Systems
- Registration Information for Information Systems
- Careers in Information Systems
- Information Systems Faculty
Part-time MSIS Program
The School of Professional also offers the MS in Information Systems in a format that allows students to complete the program at their own pace. The curriculum can be completed entirely online or through a blend of online and on-campus courses. Find out more about the part-time program.
One-Year Master's in Information Systems Program Goals
An interdisciplinary professional program, graduates of the accelerated one-year MSIS program will possess the knowledge, skills and aptitude to:
- Ability to develop and manage software projects
- Build effective leadership techniques and communication skills necessary to implement change management and innovation
- Network within a population of peers and leading information systems professionals from prominent public and private organizations
Accelerated Information Systems Specializations
This program offers two areas of specialization, which must be declared at the time of application:
For detailed information on each specialization, please visit the Information Systems Specializations page.
Accelerated MS in Information Systems Courses
Explore Accelerated MS Information Systems Courses. You can narrow your course search by day, location or instructor.
One-Year Master's in Information Systems Admission
Applicants must hold a U.S. bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution or foreign equivalent. A variety of factors are considered when your application is reviewed. Background and experience vary from student to student. For a complete list of requirements, see the Admission page for SPS graduate programs.
Tuition and Financial Aid for Accelerated Information Systems
Tuition for the Accelerated Master's in Information Systems program at Northwestern is comparable to similar US programs. Financial aid opportunities exist for students at Northwestern. Complete details can be found on the Accelerated Information Systems Tuition and Financial Aid page.
Registration Information for Information Systems
Already accepted into the Accelerated Master's in Information Systems program? Get ahead and register for your classes as soon as possible to ensure maximum efficiency in your trajectory.
Careers in Information Systems
Information systems impacts virtually every industry, field, and activity in today's society. Those with appropriately rigorous education in the field will likely find significant professional opportunity. For details visit the Information Systems Career Options page.
Information Systems Faculty
Instructors in the one-year Master's in Information Systems program at Northwestern are leaders in the field. They bring practical real-world experiences to the online classroom and engage with students on an interpersonal level. Get to know the instructors on our Information Systems Program Faculty page.
Related Programs
If you want to complete your degree in 12 to 18 months and have the time to take a full-time course load, but you can’t come to Chicago for the Accelerated MSIS program, the part-time online MS in Information Systems program offers a course path that will allow you to earn your MSIS degree in 12 to 18 months.