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 |
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 Alumni, Military 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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