Master of Science in Information Systems
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$80,000
MSIS average starting salary
The master of science in information systems (MSIS) program gives you the tools you need to take your career to the next level. As an MSIS student, you will learn how to bridge the gap between business and technology — solving business problems using cutting-edge IT solutions.
Graduates of our program are bilingual in IT and business and are highly sought after by employers. This flexible program can be completed on a full- or part-time basis online or on campus.
MSIS program features
- A proven track record of employment.
- Average starting salary of $80,000.
- A capstone research project based on your interests.
- Customized course planning, choose electives from across campus.
- Flexible delivery methods with both online and in-person courses.
- Internship coaching and support.
- Double-degree option with the Ivy MBA.
- Add-on graduate certificates in other business disciplines.
- Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) designation for international students.
- Scholarship and assistantship opportunities.
I chose the MSIS program at Iowa State University primarily because of the strong university ranking and positive recommendations from past students.
Balvanth Gowda, master of science in information systems
MSIS program details
Admission and fees
Admission and fees
Apply to the MSIS program
Ivy MSIS students can begin the program in the fall or spring. Students are admitted year-round. International students who currently reside outside U.S. are encouraged to apply at least three months prior to the start of the semester.
Application requirements
- Resume.
- College transcripts.
- Two letters of reference.
- Personal statement of purpose.
- TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English score for non-native English speakers.
Please note: Graduate students whose native language is not English and who do not have a degree from Iowa State University, must take the English Placement Test at the beginning for their first semester of enrollment. The test is administered by the Department of English. It must be taken in addition to the Test of English as a Foreign Language), which is taken as a part of the admissions process. A student who does not pass this examination is required to take specific courses in the English 99/101 series. This coursework must be completed no later than the semester BEFORE you graduate.
Application deadline
Admission materials submitted by:
Fall semester: June 15
Spring semester: November 15
Summer semester: March 15 (Domestic students only)
GMAT/GRE
Not required
Format and length
Online and in-person, 30 credits, 2-3 semesters
Location
Ames, Iowa
Program tuition and fees*
Iowa residents: $818/credit hour + fees
Non-residents: $1,825/credit hour + fees
International students: $1,931/credit hour + fees
*Tuition and fee rates are subject to change
Cost of attendance – click here to review a general estimate. This is a university page.
Curriculum
Curriculum
Coding experience is not necessary. Instead, our program focuses on what’s important today and what will be relevant tomorrow — analytical skills, business foundations, strategic communication, decision making, and organizational techniques.
Our core curriculum includes the following options:
- Management information systems.
- Experiential learning capstone project.
- Data management.
- Business analytics foundations.
- Project management.
- Business process systems.
Electives offer a more customized experience and give students the opportunity to delve into personal interests like information system security and industrial engineering. Students may also explore options from business disciplines like business analytics and finance.
In addition, the MSIS program is STEM-designated. A STEM designation is awarded to a program that has qualified curriculum which meets the criteria. This designation allows international students the opportunity to extend their Optional Practical Training (OPT) from the standard 12 months to 36 months of work authorization in the United States for pre-approved programs.
Contact an advisor for more information at busgrad@iastate.edu.
Graduate certificates
Graduate certificates
The Ivy College of Business currently has six graduate certificate programs. Each certificate requires 12-15 credits — some of which may apply to your MSIS degree. See your advisor for more information, or email busgrad@iastate.edu.
Concurrent degree options
Concurrent degree options
Concurrent students are those that are earning their undergraduate and graduate degrees at the same time. At the Ivy College of Business you can earn your master of science in information systems at the same time you earn your bachelor’s degree in business analytics (BUSAN-MSIS), management information systems (MIS-MSIS), or software engineering (SE-MSIS).
Double degree options
Double degree options
Managers need to understand the complexities of today’s changing world. Many companies are seeking professionals who possess both a broad understanding of business operations and an in-depth knowledge of how technology works.
The MBA-MSIS double degree program combines the comprehensive management education of the top-ranked Ivy MBA with an in-depth study of information systems through the MSIS degree. The program can be completed on a full- or part-time basis.
The program requires 60 credit hours and can be completed in two years of full-time study. Students can enroll in the MSIS/MBA double degree program after initially enrolling in either the MBA or MSIS program.
Contact an advisor for more information at busgrad@iastate.edu.
Scholarships and assistantships
Scholarships and assistantships
There are a limited number of quarter-time assistantships available for qualified students. Anyone awarded an assistantship will be classified as an in-state student and will be given a 25 percent tuition scholarship. In addition, students on assistantship qualify for paid health insurance and a 10-hour-per-week stipend. Assistantships are renewable for the next semester provided students meet the academic and performance requirements. Any student may apply for an assistantship when applying for the program.
The $5,000 Heartland Scholarship is for Iowa residents only. The scholarship covers approximately one semester of tuition. The purpose of the scholarship is to promote the value of graduate business degrees among Iowa residents.
For more information, contact an advisor at busgrad@iastate.edu.
International students
International students
Important information for international students
Three-year degrees may be accepted if a WES or ECE transcript evaluation deems your degree equivalent to a U.S. four-year degree.
Otherwise, Iowa State University’s Graduate College does not accept three-year degrees from India, Bangladesh, Canada (excluding Quebec), Nepal, and Pakistan. Degrees from these countries are internally reviewed individually if submitted directly to Iowa State.
Additionally, Iowa State University’s Graduate College does not accept HNDs (Higher National Diplomas) without a top-up degree. It is acceptable if your WES or ECE course-by-course evaluation determines your three-year degree equivalent to a U.S. four-year degree.
For questions regarding internal reviews and top-up degrees, please contact gradhelp@iastate.edu.
Helpful information
ISSO: https://isso.dso.iastate.edu/
Admissions information for international students: https://www.iastate.edu/admission-and-aid/admissions/graduate-students/graduate-app-info
English requirements: https://www.grad-college.iastate.edu/prospective/english-requirements/
What should I do next?
Customized career advice
Whether you’re angling for a promotion or you want to polish your resume, the Graduate Career Services team offers each student personalized, custom advice and services for your climb up the corporate ladder.
Connect with us
Graduate Student Services
1420 Gerdin Business Building
2167 Union Drive
Ames, Iowa 50011
busgrad@iastate.edu
515-294-8118
Questions?
Send us an email: busgrad@iastate.edu or call 515-294-8118.