Program Overview

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Information and Service Management, Master of Science (Economics and Business Administration)

The Master's Programme in Information and Service Management (ISM) is the most technology-oriented programme at the Aalto University School of Business. The ISM programme educates future leaders in the digital era with a unique combination of leadership, business, and technology. ISM provides students with in-depth expertise in developing, managing, and leading data-intensive businesses, making graduates highly sought after in the job market.

Description of the Programme

Informationsbaserade tjänster och databaserat beslutsfattande utgör det främsta tillväxtomrĺdet i de utvecklade ekonomierna. Magisterprogrammet Information and Service Management (ISM) har utformats för att utbilda nästa generation av företagsledare i de teknologidrivna företagens ĺrhundrade med fokus pĺ tre specialiseringsvägar: företagsanalys, informationssystem, logistik och service management.

Degree

Master of Science (Economics and Business Administration)

Application Period

1 December 2025 - 2 January 2026

Language of Instruction

English

Duration

2 years, full-time studies

Eligibility

Relevant lower university degree

Field of Study

Economic sciences

Credits

120 credits

School

School of Business

Tuition Fees

15,000 /year (Master's studies) for students from countries outside the EU/EEA

Structure of Studies

The programme is organized by the School of Business and consists of a total of 120 credits. The two-year programme includes:

• Studies in the programme (84 credits), including the master's thesis (30 credits)
• Elective studies (36 credits)

Specializations

In the Master's Programme in Information and Service Management (ISM), you can focus on one of three specializations. Based on your preferences, you can combine different courses to focus more on leadership or technology.

Specializations:

• Business Analytics: Focus on managing and analyzing the rapidly growing volume and variety of available data used in business, technology, and competitiveness.
• Information Systems: Focus on managing and developing business processes using information systems and networks, as well as managing and implementing IT projects.
• Supply Chain Management: Focus on managing and developing companies' production, distribution, procurement, and service operations.

Internationalization

The ISM programme provides students with knowledge and skills that are highly sought after in international companies and on international markets. You will gain experience working in international teams, as over 40% of the students in the programme come from abroad. Additionally, you have the opportunity to spend a semester abroad as part of your studies.

Career Opportunities

The ISM programme prepares you for various career opportunities in analysis, consulting, management, and technology. Typical job titles include business and data analyst or consultant. Titles in leadership positions can be Chief Data Officer, Chief Digital Officer, Development Manager, Growth Marketing Lead, or Scrum Master. Job opportunities span industries such as technology, finance, marketing, and global business, with roles in strategic planning, product development, and data-driven decision-making.

Research Focus

The research in the major subject is related to several research areas at the School of Business. More information about the major subject research can be found on the Department of Information and Service Management pages.

Collaboration with Other Actors

The ISM programme is well-supported by the course offerings at Aalto University's schools of engineering and technology, ranging from computer science and machine learning to industrial engineering. However, it is not the only discipline that students can choose courses from.

Aalto University is known for building bridges between disciplines in economics, art, technology, and science. A lively campus and the freedom to choose elective courses across the university bring together students from different fields under one roof. This spontaneous interdisciplinarity sparks new ideas, gathers enthusiasts around them, and gives rise to friendships, networks, and occasionally startup companies.

Admission Criteria

Applicants who meet Aalto University's general eligibility criteria for master's studies are evaluated and ranked according to the admission criteria decided in advance for each application option.

Applicants to the Master's Programme in Information and Service Management are evaluated based on the following criteria:

Admission Group 1

Applicants with a lower university degree (bachelor's degree) completed in Finland

• Relevance of Previous Studies: The applicant must have completed at least 12 credits of studies that enable in-depth studies in the programme. Studies in the following subjects or subjects considered equivalent by Aalto University School of Business can be considered: Logistics, Management Science, Information Systems Science, Technology Management, Business Mathematics, and Statistics.
• Academic Performance: The applicant's academic performance is evaluated based on the grade point average (GPA) of their previous degree. Applicants with a GPA lower than 3.50 cannot be admitted.
• Motivation Letter and CV: The motivation letter should be in English and no longer than 4,000 characters, including spaces.

Admission Group 2

Applicants with a lower university of applied sciences degree completed in Finland or a lower higher education degree completed abroad

• Relevance of Previous Studies: The applicant must have completed at least 24 credits of studies that enable in-depth studies in the programme. Studies in the following subjects or subjects considered equivalent by Aalto University School of Business can be considered: Logistics, Management Science, Information Systems Science, Technology Management, Business Mathematics, and Statistics.
• Academic Performance: The applicant's academic performance is evaluated based on the overall assessment of their previous studies.
• Standardized Tests: GMAT or GRE is obligatory in Admission Group 2 (minimum score 550 in GMAT, 515 in GMAT Focus edition, or a GRE score of 154 in Verbal Reasoning - 155 Quantitative Reasoning).
• Motivation Letter and CV: The motivation letter should be in English and no longer than 4,000 characters, including spaces.

Documents Required

The academic evaluation in the Master's Programme in Information and Service Management is based on the following documents:

• Transcript of records for additional higher education studies not included in the degree(s) marked on the application form but which the applicant wishes to be considered in the evaluation of their application.
• Course descriptions of relevant courses required by the programme.
• Motivation letter
• CV
• In Admission Group 2: GMAT/GRE test results

Please also check the general document requirements for all applicants.