Master's in Information Systems | Northwestern SPS
Master's in Information Systems
Thanks for your interest
Let us help you find out if the MSIS is right for you.
We appreciate your interest in the MS in Information Systems program. MSIS students learn from a faculty of leading industry experts and build skills for careers in IT and IT management. Unlike traditional computer science programs, the Northwestern MSIS curriculum emphasizes the project development and management skills needed to lead integrated projects. You can choose from eight specializations including Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation.
If you would like to schedule a one-on-one appointment with an admission adviser, either on campus or over the phone, please email us with two dates and times that work best for you between Monday and Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (CT).
The MSIS program is designed to help you advance and transform your career, with a flexible curriculum that supports your unique professional goals. Online course options help you balance your studies with your other commitments.
Specializations
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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.
Students in Northwestern’s Master of Science in Information Systems program learn from a faculty of professionals who are thought leaders in their fields — industry leaders with real world experience from top companies around the world. A few of our faculty members are featured below. To view the full list of faculty bios, take a look at our faculty page.
FACULTY DIRECTOR OF THE MASTER OF SCIENCE IN INFORMATION SYSTEMS PROGRAM
Dr. Akkawi specializes in software architecture for concurrent systems and his research interests include reactive/adaptive intelligent systems and design issues of concurrent programming languages. During his time in the NASA Faculty Fellowship Program, Akkawi designed and implemented a framework that was used in the advanced diagnostic and caution and warning system for the International Space Station. He has an MS in electrical engineering and a PhD in computer science from Illinois Institute of Technology.
William Waas
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF GOODTOGETHER
Waas is the Executive Director of GoodTogether, a philanthropic initiative at Sage Sustainable Electronics with a focus on narrowing the digital divide. Prior to his current role, he most recently acted as the Chairman & CEO of the Illinois Technology Foundation, a not-for-profit organization that focuses on encouraging k-12 students to pursue a career in technology and encouraging college graduates to receive their graduate education in Illinois. Waas has a BBA in accounting and an MBA in finance from Hofstra University.
Nebiyou Kedir
DIRECTOR OF APPLICATION DEVELOPMENT AT SYMPHONY ASSET MANAGEMENT
As the Director of Application Development at Symphony Asset Management, Kedir is responsible for team leadership and mentorship, project management, hands-on software development, business and systems analysis, and more. Additionally, he collaborates with vendors on emerging technologies like Blockchain and Machine Learning. Kedir is an electrical engineer who holds a master’s in information systems management.
What do alumni say?
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The part-time Master of Science in Information Systems at Northwestern is designed to be flexible to support our students who have professional and personal commitments throughout the week. Once admitted to our program, you will join a network of like-minded classmates and alumni who understand the benefits of applying IT to a wide variety of industries, projects, and initiatives. Meet some of our alumni below. To learn even more, explore our collection of SPS stories.
I was really interested in an online program because of my work responsibilities. I checked out a few other schools, but I kept coming back to Northwestern. I did a deep dive of the curriculum and found I really liked the hands-on approach.
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Nancy Dandridge, Investor and Board Member for Pasadena Angels, Former Manager of Information Systems at SpaceX
The SPS faculty is outstanding. The instructors have deep subject matter expertise, strong dedication to students and work at Fortune 500 companies. I also learned a lot from the online discussion, where you get more insight and support than you would in a traditional classroom.
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The MSIS program was exactly what I needed. It was geared toward working people, it gave me the skills I needed, and it filled the gaps in my knowledge. It made me even better qualified for what I’m doing.
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Lauren Pahnke, Principal Software Developer/Analyst at The University of Texas at Austin
Admission
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As you begin your MSIS application, be sure to keep the following information in mind.
If you submit for an earlier deadline, you can receive your admission decision for your quarter of interest early.
You will receive a decision on your application within four to six weeks after the application deadline.
You can defer your admission up to one year past your intended start time.
Your statement of purpose should address why you are a good fit for the program. Tell us about who you are, what you want to achieve, and how the MSIS program will get you there.
For strong letters of recommendation, reach out to professional or academic references who have directly supervised your work.
If you have a lower GPA, you can strengthen your application with an academic addendum.
Quarterly Application Deadlines
Fall: July 15 | Winter: October 15 | Spring: January 15 | Summer: April 15
At Northwestern University School of Professional Studies, we understand that earning a master’s degree is a significant investment of time and resources. As you continue researching our Master of Science in Information Systems program, please be sure to review our tuition rates and remember that there are a number of resources at Northwestern to help you finance your education.
Citizens and permanent residents of the United States can use federal financial aid to fund tuition, fees, and other applicable costs. Students can apply for their aid package once admitted into the program. Recipients must be enrolled in at least two courses for each quarter during which aid applies.
Northwestern University’s Employer Reimbursement Plan program allows students to defer payment of tuition that is covered by their employer until the end of each term of study. The Office of Student Accounts can help facilitate the billing and payment processes.
Veteran students may use benefits offered through the Department of Veteran Affairs toward their degree. Our Office of Financial Aid can help students determine which benefits may be used at Northwestern. To help students determine which educational benefit is best for their course of study, students can contact VA counselors at the GI Bill hotline at 1-888-442-4451 and at the VA website.
Once you begin the Master of Science in Information Systems program at Northwestern University, you will be given the tools necessary to grow academically, professionally, and personally. We are here every step of the way to ensure your success. Click the icons below to explore the wealth of resources you will have access to as a student at Northwestern:
