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  • Online MS in Information Systems

    Master of Science in Information Systems

    Drexel University’s online Master of Science in Information Systems degree program trains systems specialists with the latest technology and techniques to help IT professionals transform their digital platform. The curriculum teaches the application of new technology to today's most pressing computer and information systems problems. Graduates of the program assume senior roles in areas such as information systems analysis and design, project management, web application software development, human-interface design, and information technology management.

    Drexel University is ranked 16th for best online graduate computer information technology programs by U.S. News and World Report, 2019, and 4th for best information systems programs in their ratings of Best Library and Information Studies Schools, 2020.

    What Can I Do with a Master's in Information Systems?

    Job titles that Drexel’s online master’s in information systems will prepare you for include computer specialist, user experience designer, information systems manager, and senior systems analyst.

    Courses integrate the business, organizational, and technical aspects of computer-based information systems. You will become equipped to assume leadership and management positions designing, developing, and delivering innovative technological solutions to information problems in a variety of contexts, encompassing four specialist areas:

    • Software and systems development, such as information system design, requirements analysis, software project management, and the development and implementation of organizational information systems and web applications.
    • Data, information, and knowledge management, such as database design and advanced data management; data analytics, data mining, and visualization; natural language processing, and social network analytics.
    • Human-centered computing, such as human-computer interaction, user-experience design thinking, social computing, collaboration systems, user experience research and prototyping.
    • Cyber-security approaches, such as principles of cybersecurity, information forensics, information assurance, and information policy and ethics.

    Upon Graduation, You Will Be Able To:

    • Use a human-centered approach to analyze information needs and design IS solutions to meet those needs
    • Lead or contribute substantially to a team in developing information technology products and services
    • Evaluate, compare, and select from alternative and emerging information technologies
    • Communicate with technical and non-technical audiences about information technology concepts and stakeholder needs
    • Contribute substantially to an information technology plan for an organization
    • Explain information technology uses, benefits, and ethical and global issues for individuals and organizations

    Professional Knowledge for Real-World Application

    • Principled Approach
      Curriculum focuses on analysis, design, implementation, testing, deployment, assessment, and enhancement of organizational, web, and mobile applications of information systems
    • Career-Oriented
      Designed for practicing information systems specialists and business-savvy professionals who want to improve their knowledge of managing and working with information systems
    • Distinguished Faculty
      Taught by the faculty of Drexel University's College of Computing and Informatics
    • Highly Interactive
      Drexel's online learning method is designed to challenge and engage, while remaining convenient for working professionals
    • Flexible
      Complete the program at a pace that fits your lifestyle, from one course per term up to a full time credit load (9 or more credits per quarter)

    Admission Requirements for the Online Information Systems Program

    Drexel’s online master’s in information systems requires that you have a four-year bachelor's degree in any major and graduated with at least a 3.0 GPA. You don’t need a background in information systems to pursue this degree; just come ready to learn!

    The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required for MSIS.

    Archived Webinar

    How Much Does a Computer Information Systems Major Make?

    Salaries within the information systems field will vary based on location, experience and job title. However, here are some common job titles and salaries, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics:

    Job Title

    Average Salary

    Computer and Information Systems Manager

    $146,360

    Chief Information Officer

    $184,460

    IT Risk Manager

    $117, 832

    Computer Systems Analyst

    $90,920

    Data Science/Analytics Manager

    $84,810

    What is an Information Systems Degree?

    Our world runs on information systems. The goal of information systems is to collect, organize and distribute data. Drexel’s online master's in information systems prepares you to develop and manage information systems for businesses and organizations across the industry spectrum. You’ll take core courses in areas like software development, human computer interaction, and information systems management, while customizing your degree with electives in subjects like data mining and healthcare informatics.

    Is a Master's in Information Systems Worth It?

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers for job seekers with an information systems background are on the rise. The job outlook for computer systems analysts is expected to grow 9% between 2018-2028, and for computer and information systems managers, that figure rises to 11% over the same time span. That means careers in this field are growing faster to much faster than average. Having a master’s degree in information systems will help you stand out in the job market, and may prepare you for higher-level roles.


    Drexel University offers a variety of Graduate Minors that can be added to any master's degree program.
    State restrictions may apply to some programs.

    Curriculum

    This program is organized into four 10-week quarters per year (as opposed to the traditional two semester system) which means you can take more courses in a shorter time period. One semester credit is equivalent to 1.5 quarter credits.

    You may transfer up to 9 approved credits (3 courses) into the program.

    Required Courses
    INFO 517 Principles of Cybersecurity 3.0
    INFO 540 Perspectives on Information Systems 3.0
    INFO 605 Database Management Systems 3.0
    INFO 608 Human-Computer Interaction 3.0
    INFO 620 Information Systems Analysis and Design 3.0
    Focus Area 15.0
    If chosen focus area is less than 15.0 credits, complete an additional 3.0 credit elective.
    Choose 1 Focus Area
    Web Application Development
    INFO 532
    Software Development
    INFO 600
    Web Systems & Architecture
    INFO 655
    Intro to Web Programming
    Choose 2 of the following:
    INFO 670
    Cross-platform Mobile Development
    SE 627
    Requirements Engineering and Management
    SE 638
    Software Project Management
    Data Science Foundations
    DSCI 511
    Data Acquisition and Pre-Processing
    DSCI 521
    Data Analysis and Interpretation
    Choose 2 of the following:
    CS 502
    Data Structures and Algorithms
    CS 503
    Systems Basics
    CS 504
    Introduction to Software Design
    CS 570
    Programming Foundations
    or CS 501
    Introduction to Programming
    DSCI 501
    Quantitative Foundations of Data Science
    INFO 590
    Foundations of Data and Information
    INFO 605
    Database Management Systems
    INFO 620
    Information Systems Analysis and Design
    INFO 633
    Information Visualization
    INFO 659
    Introduction to Data Analytics
    INFO 725
    Information Policy and Ethics
    Human-Computer Interaction & User Experience Research and Design
    INFO 508
    Information Innovation through Design Thinking
    or DSRE 620
    Design Problem Solving
    INFO 690
    Understanding Users: User Experience Research Methods
    INFO 691
    Prototyping the User Experience
    INFO 615
    Designing with Data
    Electives 15.0
    CS 501
    Introduction to Programming
    CS 502
    Data Structures and Algorithms
    CS 503
    Systems Basics
    CS 504
    Introduction to Software Design
    DSCI 632
    Applied Cloud Computing
    INFO 508
    Information Innovation through Design Thinking
    INFO 517
    Principles of Cybersecurity
    INFO 532
    Software Development
    INFO 600
    Web Systems & Architecture
    INFO 606
    Advanced Database Management
    INFO 607
    Applied Database Technologies
    INFO 612
    Knowledge-based Systems
    INFO 616
    Social and Collaborative Computing
    INFO 623
    Social Network Analytics
    INFO 624
    Information Retrieval Systems
    INFO 629
    Applied Artificial Intelligence
    INFO 633
    Information Visualization
    INFO 634
    Data Mining
    INFO 646
    Information Systems Management
    INFO 648
    Healthcare Informatics
    INFO 655
    Intro to Web Programming
    INFO 659
    Introduction to Data Analytics
    INFO 670
    Cross-platform Mobile Development
    INFO 690
    Understanding Users: User Experience Research Methods
    INFO 691
    Prototyping the User Experience
    INFO 710
    Information Forensics
    INFO 712
    Information Assurance
    INFO 725
    Information Policy and Ethics
    INFO 731
    Managing Health Informatics Projects
    INFO 732
    Healthcare Informatics: Planning & Evaluation
    INFO 733
    Public Health Informatics
    SE 570
    Agile Software Development Process
    SE 578
    Security Engineering
    SE 610
    Open Source Software Engineering
    SE 627
    Requirements Engineering and Management
    SE 630
    Software Engineering Economics
    SE 638
    Software Project Management
    Total Credits 45.0

    View Course Descriptions

    Admissions Criteria

    • A four-year bachelor's degree in any major from a regionally accredited institution in the United States or an equivalent international institution
    • GPA of 3.0 or higher in a prior completed degree, bachelors or above

    Required Documents

    With multiple ways to submit documents, Drexel makes it easy to complete your application. Learn more by visiting our Completing Your Application Guide.

    • A completed application
    • Official transcripts from all universities or colleges and other post-secondary educational institutions attended (including trade schools)
    • One letter of recommendation required, two suggested (academic, professional, or both)
    • Essay/Statement of Purpose
      • In approximately 500 words, describe what professional goals you hope to achieve, how an advanced degree facilitates that success, and anything else you want the Admissions Review Board to know about you
    • Resume
    • Additional requirements for International Students

    Tuition

    The tuition rate for the academic year 2024-2025 is $1438 per credit.

    For the academic year 2024-2025, students enrolled in an online graduate academic program will be charged a graduate online program fee of $125 per year.

    • This program is eligible for Financial Aid.
    • Special tuition rates available for Drexel University AlumniMilitary members, and members of our Partner Organizations
      • These rates apply only to new online students and students being readmitted.
      • Tuition rates are subject to increase with the start of each academic year in the fall term.
      • All students must contact applyDUonline@drexel.edu within the first two weeks of the term to request tuition savings for which they qualify.
      • Special rates cannot be combined. If you qualify for more than one special rate, you'll be given the one with the largest savings.
      • When receiving special tuition plans with Drexel University Online, you may not combine them with other tuition benefits that may be available from Drexel University.

     

    Academic Calendar

    2024-2025 Academic Year

    Term

    Classes Begin

    Classes End

    Exams Begin

    Exams End

    Fall 2024

    September 23, 2024

    December 7, 2024

    December 9, 2024

    December 14, 2024

    Winter 2025

    January 6, 2025

    March 15, 2025

    March 17, 2025

    March 22, 2025

    Spring 2025

    March 31, 2025

    June 7, 2025

    June 9, 2025

    June 14, 2025

    Summer 2025

    June 23, 2025

    August 30, 2024

    September 2, 2025

    September 6, 2025

     

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