Information Systems
Master’s Degree

ON-CAMPUS PROGRAM

Earn your Master’s Degree in Information Systems at the iSchool

If you’re looking to stand out as a tech-savvy leader who can bridge the gap between business and technology, earning your master’s in information systems is a must. In addition to learning the technical side of IT, through this program, you will also master the art of leadership and management. Our Information Systems Master’s Degree is designed with flexibility in mind, so you can shape your studies around what excites you most, whether that’s cloud computing, cybersecurity, or machine learning.

And the best part? You can finish in as little as a year, meaning you’ll be leading teams and landing high-paying opportunities faster than you might think.

  • Set yourself apart as a tech-driven business leader.
  • Learn to develop and manage complex technical systems.
  • Hone your leadership and management skills to prepare you to lead in your organization.
  • Gain deeper technical expertise in areas like cloud computing, cybersecurity, and machine learning.
  • Complete your master’s degree in information systems in as little as one year.
Program Info
Clock

Next term starts: 

Spring 2025

36

Total Credit Hours

Graduate

Program Duration:

Complete within 1-2 years

Laptop

Program Delivery: 

Available on-campus and online

11

Courses

Globe

International Students:

STEM-designated program, eligible for up to 36 months of OPT

 
Admissions Requirements

  1. Complete the Graduate Program Application – Submit your application through the Graduate Program Application portal.
    After submission, you’ll receive an email confirmation from Syracuse University.
  2. Pay the Application Fee – A non-refundable fee of $75 is required.
    If you’re applying to multiple programs, each requires a separate application and fee.
    Post-9/11 veterans may qualify for a fee waiver; contact the Veterans Resource Center at veterans@syr.edu for details.
  3. Submit Academic Transcripts – Provide one copy of transcripts from all postsecondary institutions you’ve attended. While unofficial transcripts are acceptable for initial review, official transcripts confirming a U.S. bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) are necessary upon admission. Failure to provide official transcripts may result in revocation of admission.
  4. Write a Personal Statement – In approximately 500 words, discuss your academic and personal interests, relevant experiences, reasons for choosing this degree and Syracuse University, and your future plans post-graduation. Upload this document through the online application.
  5. Obtain Two Letters of Recommendation – Request two letters from individuals who can assess your qualifications. Recommendations can be submitted electronically via the OnBase application system. If electronic submission isn’t possible, mail sealed letters, signed across the seal by the recommender, to the Graduate Enrollment Management Center.
  6. Consider Exam Scores – Submitting GRE scores is optional. If you’ve taken the GRE, GMAT, or LSAT, you’re encouraged to include your scores.
  7. Provide a Current Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV) – Include an up-to-date resume or CV with your application.

Please visit the M.S. in Information Systems Application Checklist for more detailed information.

All international applications are required to submit one of the following: TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo scores.

  • Exemptions:
  • Applicants with a four-year (or higher) degree from a U.S. institution or select exempt countries (confirm eligibility via igrad@syr.edu).
  • Native English speakers or citizens of English-speaking countries.

Visit the International Student FAQ for detailed information.

Financial Documentation:

  • Not required for admission review but necessary for visa issuance (I-20).
  • Demonstrate funding for at least the first year of study:
    • Privately Sponsored Applicants: Submit a certified bank statement or loan approval letter showing sufficient funds in U.S. dollars.
    • Government-Sponsored Applicants: Submit an original or certified copy of an award letter indicating the annual funding amount.

Financial documents must be in English and valid within one year of the semester start date.

 
Scholarships & Awards

These include merit-based iSchool Merit Awards, the 30% Upstate Scholarship for residents of certain areas in Upstate New York, the Information Literacy in Academic Libraries Scholarship for those pursuing a career in academic librarianship, and the Veterans and Military Award for military personnel and veterans.

Eligibility and application details vary by award.

Visit the Graduate Awards and Scholarships for more information.

 
How to Apply

  1. Gather Required Documents
  2. Complete the Graduate Program Application:
    • Visit the Graduate Program Application portal on the Syracuse University website.
    • Create an account and fill out your personal information, educational background, and program-specific details.
  3. Submit Supporting Documents
  4. Pay the Application Fee
  5. Track Your Application

If you have any questions or need assistance throughout the process, feel free to reach out to our Enrollment Management team at iGrad@syr.edu. A member of our team will be happy to assist you.

We look forward to receiving your application!

 
Tuition & Fees

Cost per
credit
$1,945

X

Number
of credits
36

=

Total
Tuition
$65,824

Check Graduate Costs for more information.

 

What Can You Do with a Master’s Degree in Information Systems?

A master’s in information systems is a powerful degree that bridges technology and business, giving you the flexibility to work in a variety of industries.
Whether you’re into data, security, management, or even starting your own business, there are plenty of career paths to explore.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
  • IT Manager
  • Business Intelligence Analyst
  • Data Analyst
  • Cybersecurity Analyst
  • Information Security Manager
  • IT Consultant
  • Systems Analyst
  • Software Project Manager
  • Enterprise Architect
  • Entrepreneur

The MS in Information Systems is designated as a STEM program. This designation allows international students maintaining F-1 status to apply for up to 12 months of post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) after graduation. Additionally, the program qualifies for the F-1 STEM OPT work authorization extension, as recognized by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). With qualifying employment, students can apply for an extension, granting them a cumulative total of up to 36 months of F-1 OPT work authorization.

#0
Highly ranked program
by US News & World Report
US News & World Report
Median salary for
info systems careers
Bureau of Labor Statistics
$0
0%
Expected growth of
info systems jobs
Bureau of Labor Statistics

Customize Your Degree.

Explore your own passions, and graduate with a specialized and highly marketable skill set through Certificates of Advanced Study in Data Science and Information Security Management, as well as certificates in Health Information Systems or Enterprise Systems.

Explore Certificates

Grow Your Potential

In addition to getting practical, on-the-job experience, you’ll have opportunities to join a research lab or collaborate with faculty on their academic work. Your focus on information systems will mean your skills will be in-demand on almost any iSchool research team.

Explore Research

young woman studying on laptop
young woman listening in class

Graduate Career Ready.

Our dedicated Career Services team is available throughout your program and after. From resume and cover letter prep to interview training, career advising, and alumni and employer connections, you’ll have the support you need to land your dream job.

Learn More

0%
of students have
access to career support
0+
iSchool alumni give you
access to mentoring and jobs

Syracuse University is accredited by
the Middle States Commission
on Higher Education Accreditation.

Courses & Curriculum

Our Information Systems degree program is 36 credits and is typically completed within 1-2 years. The curriculum combines core classes with electives to give you a strong foundation along with the freedom to pursue the courses that interest you.

View Full Course Catalog

Required Core: 12 credits

Students must complete IST614, IST621, and IST654.  Students choose either IST651 OR IST659.

IST 614 | 3 CREDITS:

Basic ideas, concepts and perspectives of management and policy as they apply to the information professions. Students learn to understand and apply these principles to improve organizational effectiveness and promote digital transformation.

IST 621 | 3 CREDITS
Introduces the concept of digital transformation and its relationship to information systems within an organization. Uses business case studies to explore topics of digitization, strategic decision making, and organizational culture. Assignments emphasize development of analytical problem solving, presentation, and collaboration skills.

IST 654 | 3 CREDITS
Concepts and methods of systems analysis through decomposition and modeling. Extensive practice with structured methodologies. Systems analysis and project management techniques. Introduction to automated tools and technologies. Group project to apply skills.

IST 651 | 3 CREDITS
Scripting methods, languages, tools and theory for the efficient and effective management of resources and services in enterprise data systems.

IST 659 | 3 CREDITS
Definition, development, and management of databases for information systems. Learn data analysis techniques, data modeling, data normalization query writing for information retrieval and query performance tuning using the SQL language.

Concentration – 9 credits

Concentrations allow students to select course work that matches their professional interests and planned career paths. Students are required to select one concentration below, and complete three classes, or 9 credits, from that concentration.

Understand enterprise use of scalable cloud infrastructure. Students who choose this concentration cannot count IST651 towards the primary core.

IST615 – Cloud Management
IST 651 – Scripting for Enterprise Data Systems
IST714 – Cloud Architecture

Protect systems and data against cyber threats and vulnerabilities.

IST623 – Introduction to Information Security
IST636 – Leading Issues in Info Security
IST728 – Info Security Policy

Adopt new technologies to drive organizational innovation.

IST608 – Blockchain Management
IST629 – Technology and the Future of Work
IST688 – Building Human Centered AI Applications

Design systems to collect, process, and store data.

IST652 – Scripting for Data Analysis
IST659 – Data Administration Concepts and Database Management
IST769 – Advanced Big Data Management

Analyze data to derive predictive and actionable insights.

IST608 – Introduction to Data Science
IST629 – Applied Machine Learning
IST688 – Scripting for Data Analysis
IST718 – Big Data Analytics

Address organizational risk via security and compliance policies.

IST623 – Introduction to Information Security
IST 625 – Enterprise Risk Management
IST618 – Information Policy
IST728 – Information Security Policy

Turn data into actionable insights through visualization.

IST737 – Visual Analytic Dashboard
IST719 – Information Visualization
IST 649 – Human Interaction with Computers

Manage ethical, effective, and successful team-driven projects.

IST645 – Managing Information Systems Projects
IST644 – Managing Data Science Projects
IST682 – Cultural Competence for Information Professionals

Electives – 12 credits

Students must select 3 additional courses to count towards their electives. Students can choose from the following:

– An additional concentration

– Any IST course 600-level or higher

OR

– any non-IST graduate level course, approved by petition

Exit requirement: 6 credits

Students register for IST 755, the MSIS Capstone course, after the successful completion of IST 614 and at least 24 credits in the degree program. Students register for IST 971 halfway through their program of study. Students with one or more years of full-time professional experience in the information technology field may substitute the internship requirement for another graduate level IST course for three credits and must follow the iSchool petition process for approval.

IST 755 Information Systems Capstone

IST 971 Information Systems Internship

Student Success Stories
Meet Our Alumni

Our alumni are a testament to the transformative education and experiences at the iSchool. From tech innovators to leaders in information management, hear how our graduates have excelled in their careers and made a lasting impact on their industries.

Tech-Focused Childhood Led Alum to Cybersecurity Career

Marina Polachek, ‘17, G’19, works in operational technology and industrial control systems for Accenture Federal Services. She credits her parents for teaching her to love technology.

Read More

Mike Fudge

Guiding future IS leaders, Mike Fudge unites cloud, data, and human-centered design.

Scott Bernard

Retired naval aviator and IT leader, Dr. Bernard shapes future tech strategy through teaching

Jeff Saltz

Professor Jeffrey Saltz is here to share insights on leveraging data and AI, with experience from JPMorgan Chase.

Faculty Experts

At the iSchool, we pride ourselves on having a faculty made up of industry leaders and experienced professionals. Get to know the experts shaping the next generation of information studies and how their expertise enriches the student experience:

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to complete the graduate program in Information Systems?

The graduate program in Information Systems typically takes 1.5 to 2 years to complete, depending on the pace of study and whether you attend full-time or part-time.

Is a degree in Information Systems worth it?

Yes, a degree in Information Systems offers strong career prospects, with graduates in high demand across industries for roles in technology, data management, and systems analysis.

Is the Information Systems program available online, or is it only offered on-campus?

The Information Systems program is available both on-campus and online, offering flexibility for students to choose the learning format that best fits their needs.

Meet us in Syracuse, or virtually.

Explore More Events

Questions? We’re here to help.

Get access to upcoming events, meet with faculty and current students, connect with alumni, and see what a master’s degree can do for your career and future. Submit your contact info below and we’ll be in touch!

Loading…