MS in Information Systems
Advance your career in a top program — part-time and online on your schedule.

Northwestern University's MSIS program prepares graduates to advance their careers in IT management or to move into an IT career and progress to management level. Distinct from traditional computer science programs, MSIS puts emphasis on the development and management of software projects existing in the workplace. It is designed for professionals who seek a hands-on, laboratory-based experience that will broaden and deepen their knowledge of new and emerging IT. World-class instruction emphasizes the best practices in the field, along with evolving standards, which keep students abreast of trends in this rapidly changing field. Not sure if you're ready for a full degree program? Learn about stackable certificate options.

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A Flexible Curriculum

An Experienced Faculty

Learn from experienced doctoral-level faculty and guest lecturers from organizations like Abbott Laboratories, Cisco, Lucent Technologies, NASA, and the Chicago Board Options Exchange.

A Deep and Flexible Program

Choose from eight different specializations and a wide range of electives to align with your career goals. Earn your Northwestern master's degree entirely online.

A Powerful Network

Network within a community of students and faculty that includes leading information systems professionals from prominent public and private organizations.

Online and Part-Time

Earn your degree online and at a pace that works with your life. You'll learn and network with classmates who are experienced professionals from a wide range of fields. The primarily asynchronous class sessions provide great flexibility for your schedule, with additional online opportunities for connection, support, and engagement.

  • Earn your degree entirely online with a part-time, flexible schedule — complete the program in two to five years
  • Course load is one to two courses per quarter — study at your own pace
  • Faculty members are accessible as needed; meet and network with classmates — most are working professionals
  • Most students balance their studies with full-time jobs
  • Apply at any time and begin in any quarter

Specializations

Focus your degree on general information systems, or tailor the program to your interests and career goals by choosing one of eight in-demand specializations including artificial intelligence, data science, database and internet technologies, digital transformation, health informatics, information systems management, information systems security, and project management.

Stackable Certificates

A fast path to advanced skills and credentials

Some information systems students elect to begin their studies by completing a four-course graduate certificate to build specific IT skills and earn a recognized graduate-level credential. The certificates also create pathways to the MS in Information Systems degree, as credit earned can be applied to degree requirements.

Why choose stackable certificates?

  • Build the precise skills you need for your career.
  • Earn graduate-level credentials from Northwestern University.
  • Learn at your own pace—you can choose to complete a specific certificate or certificates and you can later apply credit earned to the MS in Information Systems degree.
  • Flexibility—complete courses on your schedule. Classes are asynchronous and entirely online.

Choose from certificates in:

  • Database and Internet Technologies
  • Information Systems Management
  • Information Systems Security
  • Project Management

What do MS in Information Systems graduates think?

My degree taught me what I need to know to be effective in my job and understand how to strategically use IT to achieve objectives.”

Austin Olson, IT Governance and Compliance Systems Specialist and Project Manager, General Dynamics

Austin Olson
Gabriel Schofield

I chose the Northwestern MSIS because it was one of the only online programs that delivered foundational technical knowledge, tailored specializations, and faculty who worked in the field. And of course, there’s the excellent Northwestern reputation.”

Gabriel Schofield, Managing Director, Divisional CIO – Wealth & Asset Management at Charles Schwab & Co


Admission

Apply any time — applications are accepted quarterly.

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution or its foreign equivalent. A competitive undergraduate record that indicates strong academic ability is required, though applicants need not have extensive academic experience in IS/IT or related fields. Work or research experience in the field of study is desirable but not necessarily a requirement. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required, but strong scores bolster chances for admission. Admission advisers are available to provide details about the MSIS program and the admission process.

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Quarterly Application Deadlines

Fall — July 15 
Winter — October 15 
Spring — January 15 
Summer — April 15

Accelerated MS in Information Systems

For students seeking a full-time, immersive experience, the MS in Information Systems program is also offered in a one-year accelerated format that blends online and on-campus courses.