Master's in Information Systems
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 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.
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I was really interested in an online program because of my work responsibilities. I checked out USC which is right down the street from me 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.”
Swetha Popuri, MS in Information Systems ('22)
The School of Professional also offers the MS in Information Systems in a one-year accelerated format. Students in this full-time, visa-eligible program are immersed in the curriculum through a blend of online and on-campus courses as they move through the program in a cohort of diverse professionals from across the U.S. and the world. Find out more about the accelerated option.
An interdisciplinary professional program, MSIS graduates will possess the knowledge, skills and aptitude to:
This program offers eight areas of specialization, which must be declared at the time of application. Focus your degree in general information systems, or select from the following:
For detailed information on all nine areas, please visit the Part-time Information Systems Curriculum page.
Explore MS Information Systems Online Courses. You can narrow your course search by day, location or instructor.
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 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.
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.”
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.
Certificates of Advanced Graduate Study offer students a unique opportunity for targeted study in a field. Each certificate is designed around a specialized area of focus, allowing students to explore new trends in their field or to refresh their skills in preparation for a career change.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
