Those interested in information systems management might consider a master’s degree. A graduate program helps you develop more advanced skills and can make your resume more desirable to employers. Researching various schools that offer master’s degrees in this field can help you find the program that’s right for your career goals.
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In this article, we discuss eight schools where you can pursue a master’s in information systems management.
Why obtain a master’s in information systems management?
People might pursue a master’s in information systems management because this higher level of education can improve their job prospects, increase their earning potential and allow them to specialize. Information systems management is the discipline of leveraging relationships between people, processes and technology to optimize business operations. Many companies hire professionals in this field to create more efficient procedures and maximize their budgets.
Information systems manager positions typically require a bachelor’s degree, though some ambitious professionals pursue a master’s degree. Though programs vary by school, master’s degrees in information systems management typically involve research projects or internships in addition to advanced coursework.
8 master’s in information systems management schools
Here are eight schools that allow you to obtain a master’s in information systems management:
1. Carnegie Mellon University’s Heinz College
As one of Carnegie Mellon University’s seven colleges, Heinz College is a great place to pursue a master’s in information systems management. Students can enroll in the Pittsburgh flagship or Business Intelligence and Data Analytics programs.
Each program has 16-month and 12-month tracks, giving students plenty of flexibility with their schedules. There’s also a dual-city intercontinental program in Adelaide, Australia, for those interested in studying abroad. In addition to internship opportunities, Heinz College allows information systems management graduate students to complete courses such as:
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Distributed Systems for ISM
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Statistics for IT Managers
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Organizational Design and Implementation
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Managing Disruptive Technologies
2. Metro State University
The Master of Science in Management Information Systems program at Metro State University prepares students to pursue advanced careers in web development and system analytics. After you complete the prerequisites, you can take Phase I courses that focus on fundamental IT and management concepts.
Students in Phase II select one of six concentrations and take courses that allow them to specialize in areas like database administration or business analytics. During Phase III of the program, students integrate everything they’ve learned into a capstone project.
3. The University of Arizona Global Campus
The University of Arizona Global Campus has an IACBE-accredited Master of Information Systems Management program available through its Forbes School of Business and Technology. Graduates can lead IT teams thanks to the program’s focus on the assessment of business needs, analysis of dynamic company data and interrelationships between user needs and organizational goals.
Courses include Introduction to Computer Programming for Business Applications, Systems & Analysis and Leadership in Business Systems Development. You may increase your job prospects by choosing a specialization like Business Intelligence or Project Management.
4. DeVry University
DeVry University offers a master’s in information systems management through its Keller Graduate School of Management. Students learn not only how to use IT applications but also what the best implementation and management practices are for various industries.
Graduates find careers in fields ranging from information systems security analysis and IT project management to data security. Students often tailor the program to their career goals by pursuing concentrations in information security, project management or data administration and management. Courses you may take include:
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Database Programming and Applications
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Accounting and Finance: Managerial Use and Analysis
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Principles of Information Security and Privacy
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Leadership and Organizational Behavior
5. University of Illinois Chicago
The Master of Science in Management Information Systems available through the University of Illinois Chicago prepares students to enter many fields. You may pursue a career in business intelligence, health care IT, IS consulting or corporate IT management.
Three specialization options help you develop your expertise in enterprise IT and technology project management, service operations and supply chain management or data mining. The flexible program allows full-time students to earn their degree in a year, though you can also enroll part-time. Depending on your educational background and professional work experience, you may be able to waive the GMAT and GRE requirements.
6. Arizona State University
Arizona State University’s W.P. Carey School of Business has a Master of Science in Information Systems Management program. The faculty has decades of industry experience in cloud technology, big data and consulting, which professors use to prepare students for their competitive field.
You may choose a concentration in data analytics, cloud computing or tech consulting to develop specialized skills. Throughout your education, you can work with the W. P. Carey Career Services Center to prepare for your career. This resource helps you build your network so that you can get a job that suits your interests upon graduation.
7. University of Michigan-Dearborn
The College of Business at the University of Michigan-Dearborn offers a comprehensive master’s degree in information systems. Several management courses prepare you to organize IT teams and implement effective solutions based on an organization’s requirements. Students also take core classes like Information Assurance and Business Intelligence to develop their foundational knowledge. Elective courses like System Simulation, Applied Forecasting and Cost Management help you explore different specialties.
8. Florida Atlantic University
Florida Atlantic University’s College of Business allows students to earn a Master of Science in Information Technology & Management. The standard information technology management concentration emphasizes the relationship between people and systems within an organization. If you want to specialize in the collection and analysis of data, consider the business intelligence concentration. This program’s foundational courses include:
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Information Technology Fundamentals
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Business Data Communications
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Database Management Systems
I hope you find this article helpful.
