Program Overview

Master of Science in Information Systems and Technology

The Master of Science in Information Systems and Technology (MSIST) is designed to provide the technical and managerial knowledge to work successfully in design, development, and leadership roles related to information technology (IT). Students have opportunities to gain skills in application development, business intelligence, cybersecurity, cloud computing, fintech, and other emerging areas that impact organizational IT strategies.

Quick Facts

• Program Length: 30 Credit Hours (10 courses); 1 to 1.5 years full-time; or 3 years part-time
• STEM Designation: Yes
• Admission Requirements:
  • UMSL Graduate School admissions requirements
  • MS Information Systems and Technology requirements

Overview

The program is designed for students and professionals with diverse undergraduate backgrounds including business, information systems and technology, computer science, engineering, and other disciplines. MSIST students interact extensively with their peers as well as with industry executives in a carefully curated academic environment to gain a well-rounded perspective on the role of IT in contemporary organizations. Flexible class schedules (day and evening, weekends, 8 or 16 week sessions) and course delivery formats (in-person, blended, and online) enable students to balance school, work, and life.

Flexible Pathways to Finish Your Degree

The MSIST program provides students with flexible pathways to complete the degree by combining two stackable graduate certificates and taking two additional courses toward the MSIST degree. Students may start with graduate certificates and then count them toward a full master's degree if they choose.

Admission Requirements

Graduate School Admission Requirements

Applicants must meet the general graduate admission requirements of the Graduate School. Students are considered for admission to the graduate program in Information Systems and Technology only after they have formally applied for admission through the Graduate School.

MS IST Admission Requirements

In addition to Graduate School admission requirements, the following requirements apply for the MSIST program:

• Applicants must have an undergraduate degree with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Students whose GPAs are between 2.75 and 2.9 may be admitted under a restricted status.
• Applicants must have foundational knowledge of data analysis and computer programming. This requirement can be fulfilled by providing evidence of prior coursework, training, or professional experience.
  • Applicants may also join the program without this background and complete the following coursework:
    • Students without a background in data analysis could take SCMA 5300 as a graduate student to fulfill this requirement.
    • Students without a background in computer programming can take INFSYS 6805 as a graduate student to fulfill this requirement.

Entrance Examinations

• The GMAT is not required for admission to the Master of Science in Information Systems and Technology program.
• Non-native speakers of English must provide evidence of English language competency by submitting an official TOEFL or IELTS score. The minimum TOEFL score for graduate admission is 79 iBT. The minimum IELTS score is 6.5.

Degree Requirements

Candidates for the Master of Science in Information Systems and Technology must meet all Graduate School requirements. The program requires a total of 30 hours for students with either business or non-business undergraduate degrees.

All Students Will Complete:

• INFSYS 5800 (3 hours)
• The requirements for two of the certificates listed below (24 hours):
  • Graduate Certificate in Information Systems and Technology
  • Graduate Certificate in Business Intelligence
  • Graduate Certificate in Enterprise Systems Development
  • Graduate Certificate in Information Security Management and Auditing
  • Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity
• One elective course (3 hours)