Northwestern University's MS 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 working professionals who seek a hands-on, laboratory-based experience that will broaden and deepen their knowledge of new and emerging IT. Choose from eight specializations to focus on your area of interest and build the skills you need to advance your career.
Technology changes rapidly. The Master of Science in Information Systems program at Northwestern is constantly evolving to remain ahead of the curve. Learn more about the program’s eight specializations, including the new Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation specializations.
I was really interested in an online program because of my work responsibilities. I checked out USC and a few other schools, but I kept coming back to Northwestern. I did a deep dive into the curriculum and found I really liked the hands-on approach.”
Nancy Dandridge, MS in Information Systems ('18); Information Systems Manager at rocket and spacecraft manufacturer SpaceX
I'm a huge fan of AI and data science, which are important for the healthcare industry. What I liked about the program was that I could specialize not just in AI, but also access many other courses related to different specializations.”
Both master's of information systems program formats offer a choice of specializations that enable you to create the course of study you need to meet your career goals. Whichever you choose, you will learn from experienced, engaged faculty who are thought leaders in their fields.
We welcome international students from around the world to apply for the accelerated MSIS option. If admitted to the accelerated option, international students are eligible to apply and receive a student visa.
Gain the skills needed to become an IT leader
As part of this interdisciplinary professional program, graduates of the master's in information systems program will build the knowledge, skills, and aptitude 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
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 Information Systems
Tuition for the 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 Information Systems tuition and financial aid page.
Registration Information for Information Systems
Already accepted into the Master's in Information Systems program? Get ahead and register for your classes as soon as possible to ensure maximum efficiency in your trajectory.
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.
The ultimate goal of the MSIS program for me was to become an independent consultant. Northwestern's name recognition and network helped me land my first contracts... and I created my own LLC.”
Bret Macke, MS in Information Systems ('13)
Information Systems Faculty
Instructors in the 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.
Advanced Graduate Certificate in Information Systems
Students who have already completed a master's degree in a related field and are looking to explore new trends in technology or refresh their skills in preparation for a career change should consider the certificate in Information Systems Interdisciplinary Studies. In order to earn this certificate students must complete their choice of four courses from the Information Systems curriculum. See which course options are running in upcoming quarters to plan your program. Please note that credits earned in the certificate program cannot be transferred to the corresponding graduate degree.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How does Northwestern’s online Master’s in Information Systems differ from other similar programs?
The online Master’s in Information Systems at Northwestern distinguishes itself from other information systems master’s programs in many ways, including:
Focus: Designed to cultivate future leaders in technology and business, Northwestern’s MS in Information systems program emphasizes the development and management of workplace software projects.
Approach: The online Information Systems Master’s at Northwestern uses a hands-on, laboratory-based approach to broaden students’ working knowledge of new and emerging IT.
Faculty: As leading practitioners in their industries, faculty members for Northwestern’s Master’s in Information Systems use their knowledge of the field to challenge students to think strategically, solve complex problems, and reach their full potential.
What are the networking opportunities as an online student in the MSIS degree program?
Networking is a key benefit of our Master’s in Information Systems online program. Rather than limiting your networking options, the online modality actually expands them by connecting you with professionals from across the country and around the world. During the program, you can build beneficial working relationships in several ways:
In the classroom: Given the program’s practical approach to the material, coursework often features discussions and group projects, helping you build connections organically as you collaborate with your peers. Faculty, who are lead practitioners in their field and hold positions at elite organizations including Microsoft, Humana, Ford, and more, are also happy to connect with MSIS students.
Outside the classroom: Students interested in enriching their program experience are encouraged to join the Data and Technology Student Leadership Council, which hosts networking, community building, professional development, and thought leadership events throughout the year. This group, whose aim is to foster relationships among current students and alumni, includes students from the online Master’s in Data Science as well as the Information Systems program, further expanding your pool of connections.
Northwestern Career Advancement: As a graduate student in the online MSIS degree program, you’ll also have access to career resources such as the Northwestern Career Advancement program, career coaching via InsideTrack, webinars, and more.
How is AI being incorporated into the MSIS curriculum?
The curriculum in the online Master’s in Information Systems is consistently revised to stay aligned with industry trends, including artificial intelligence. Many of the existing courses have been updated to incorporate AI lectures and projects, and faculty have also developed new Gen AI-first courses such as CIS 435-DL: Practical Data Science Using Machine Learning and MSDS 458-DL: Artificial Intelligence and Deep Learning. The coursework in Northwestern’s Information Systems Master’s thoughtfully balances a strong foundation in traditional analytics with modern AI capabilities to equip graduates with all the necessary knowledge for successful IT management careers.
How does Northwestern's online master's in information systems help students build real-world experience?
Going beyond the theoretical approach of traditional computer science degrees, the online Information Systems Master’s at Northwestern focuses on real-world skills that will allow graduates to become the IT leaders of tomorrow. Through a combination of case studies straight from the industry and projects based on real-world challenges, students build a robust portfolio they can use to demonstrate their prowess to prospective employers.
The MSIS also equips graduates with leadership capabilities necessary for success, such as communication, critical thinking, and business context. With AI rapidly changing the demands on IT professionals, these “soft” skills are what will allow graduates of the MSIS to stay relevant and competitive.
What does online learning look like for the Master’s degree in Information Systems at SPS?
Designed for flexibility with the busy schedules of working professionals, courses in the online Information Systems Master’s program are typically asynchronous, meaning there is no designated class meeting time each week. However, it is important to note that classes are not self-paced; there are still weekly deliverables such as readings, discussions, projects, and problem sets.
Each course in this program has a dedicated faculty member who has collaborated extensively with our in-house distance learning team to ensure their online classes are as engaging and academically rigorous as an in-person class. In addition to the asynchronous materials, all courses also feature a minimum of three live class sessions per quarter, hosted by the professor via Zoom. While optional, these are a great opportunity for real-time interaction with your peers and instructor. If you are unable to attend, recordings of these sessions will be posted to the course website.
What is the tuition for the Master’s in Information Systems online program?
As of the 2026-2027 academic year, the online MS in Information Systems degree consists of 11 courses at $5,037 per course for an estimated program total of $56,892, including the technology fee for each online course. Program tuition, which is competitive with other comparable programs at peer institutions, includes access to career advising and writing and math support, as well as Northwestern’s global alumni network and events.
Can I complete my master’s degree in information systems while working full time?
Yes; Northwestern’s online MSIS degree program is designed for busy working professionals. To be successful in your classes, you should plan for approximately 12 to 15 hours of work per week per course. Learn how other MSIS students have balanced school with personal and professional commitments by reading their student stories.
What can you do with a master’s in information systems?
Advance your career or change fields by earning your Master’s in Information Systems from the Northwestern University School of Professional Studies. This MSIS degree program is specially geared toward helping graduates excel at the management level; equipped with expertise in both IT and its strategic applications, you’ll be well-prepared for vital roles at the crossroads of business and technology. Enterprise architect, cybersecurity analyst, database manager, network administrator, and web developer are just a few of the in-demand careers open to those with an information systems master’s degree. For more information on the kinds of job opportunities available to graduates of the program, please visit our information systems careers page.
Why should someone get a master’s in information systems?
An information systems master’s degree offers several ways to build your knowledge and marketable skills; simply having a master’s in information systems demonstrates to employers your commitment to learning and staying current in the ever-evolving field of information technology, giving you a competitive advantage over your peers. The degree program itself is also a great way to build your professional network by connecting with fellow students and professors—IT leaders with extensive real-world experience. What’s more, the knowledge you gain from your master’s in information systems can be applied across various industries from healthcare to finance to e-commerce to give you flexibility in your career options and security in dynamic job markets. Looking to start your own tech business or help grow a startup? An information systems master’s can also provide a strong foundation to help you succeed as an entrepreneur. Discover what a few graduates of Northwestern’s MSIS degree program are doing now by exploring our student stories.
How long does it take to complete the Master’s in Information Systems?
Because most students earning their online Master’s in Information Systems from Northwestern are also working full-time, this program is designed to be completed within two to five years at a pace of one or two courses per academic quarter. If you are interested in earning your degree sooner, consider applying to the accelerated one-year information systems master’s instead.
What are the prerequisites for the Master’s in Information Systems online program at Northwestern?
All applicants to the accelerated and online Master’s in Information Systems program must have a four-year U.S. bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution or foreign equivalent. Because these programs are open to both those already working in IT and those looking to make a career change, there are no other formal prerequisites; the admissions committee will review your work experience, academic history, and application materials holistically to determine if you will be a good fit.
When are applications due for the online Master’s in Information Systems?
The online Information Systems Master’s admits students on a quarterly basis, allowing you to begin the program at any time. Please visit our graduate admissions page for up-to-date information on application deadlines and quarter start dates. Please note that the accelerated MSIS degree program only admits for the fall term and begins in fall 2024.
