Master's in Information Systems (MSIS)
Program Overview
Program Overview
The Master's in Information Systems (MSIS) program at Northwestern University is designed to prepare graduates for careers in IT management or to transition into an IT career and progress to management level. The program emphasizes the development and management of software projects in the workplace and is tailored for working professionals seeking a hands-on, laboratory-based experience to broaden and deepen their knowledge of new and emerging IT.
Graduate Programs
- Information Systems
- Part-time Curriculum
- Compare Accelerated vs. Part-time
- Faculty
- Course Schedule
- Tuition and Financial Aid
- Career Options
- Student Leadership Council
- Admission
- Enrollment Advising
- Registration
- SPS Academic and Holiday Calendar
- Resources
- Events
- Academic Catalog
- Distinguished Thesis and Capstone Awards
- Frequently Asked Questions
Master's in Information Systems
The MSIS program requires 11 units of graduate credit and offers eight specializations to focus on areas of interest. The program is designed for working professionals and provides a hands-on, laboratory-based experience to broaden and deepen knowledge of new and emerging IT.
Choose Your Specialization
The Master of Science in Information Systems program at Northwestern is constantly evolving to remain ahead of the curve. The program offers eight specializations, including:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Database and Internet Technologies
- Data Science
- Health Informatics
- Digital Transformation
- Information Systems Management
- Information Systems Security
- Project Management
Program Formats
The MSIS program is offered in part-time and accelerated full-time formats.
Part-Time Option
- Classes are 100% remote
- Part-time format, ideal for busy professionals
- Self-paced — finish in as little as two years
- Begin in any quarter
Accelerated Option
- Blend of online and on-campus courses
- Full-time pace for total immersion
- Complete your degree in just one year
- Begin in the fall quarter
- Student visa eligible
Gain the Skills Needed to Become an IT Leader
As part of this interdisciplinary professional program, graduates of the MSIS 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
About the MS in Information Systems
- Request Information about MSIS
- Part-Time MS in Information Systems Online Courses
- Accelerated MS in Information Systems Courses
- Admission for Master's Programs
- Tuition and Financial Aid for Information Systems
- Registration Information for Master's Programs
- Careers in Information Systems
- Information Systems Faculty
MS in Information Systems Online Courses
Explore MS in Information Systems online courses. You can narrow your course search by day, location, or instructor.
Masters in Information Systems Admission
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.
Careers in Information Systems
Information systems impact 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 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
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.