Master's (MS) in Information Systems

Who is the MS in Information Systems for?

Drexel’s College of Computing & Informatics' Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS) prepares students for both the technical and real-world aspects of developing and managing information systems. The program is designed for students with no prior background in information systems who would like an education in the latest innovative methods in data analysis and information systems or those with a background in IS development who wish to refresh and update their technical design and analysis skills. 

Fast Facts

Program Overview

In this program, courses integrate the business, organizational and technical aspects of computer-based information systems, while offering the chance to develop and expand expertise in three specialist areas:  

1. Information systems development and management, such as organizational information system design, business systems requirements analysis, software project management, web-based application development and systems implementation;
2. Big data management, covering the creation and management of databases, interfaces and information systems that connect users with the information they seek, including areas such as database systems design and management, data mining, natural language processing, intelligent systems, and data analytics;  
3. Human-centered computing, such as human-computer interaction, user-experience design, social computing, collaboration systems, and online community support.

Request More Information

Be in touch with us to get answers to all your questions! We can connect you with a Recruitment Specialist, one of our Graduate Dean’s Ambassadors, or a faculty member to help. Just fill out this quick form, and we’ll get back to you soon.

Meet an Information Systems Alum

Curriculum

IMPORTANT NOTE: Drexel operates on the quarter, not semester, system, offering classes during four 10-week quarter terms throughout the year. (You are not required to take classes every quarter, but full-time students must complete the degree in 3 years.) 

Our master’s degrees are 45 credits (15 courses) which is equivalent to 30- to 33-credit degrees at other universities. The benefit of the quarter system is that students receive instruction in more topic areas than through the semester system and have more freedom to personalize their curriculum using electives. 

Traditional Course-by-Course Curriculum

The degree program includes: 

• Courses that integrate the business, organizational and technical aspects of information systems for a complete understanding of the integration of organizations, data science, systems engineering and human-computer interaction 
• Specialized courses that focus on information and data analysis techniques to meet firms’ business intelligence needs; on the user experience in human-computer interaction to guide the design of interactive systems; and the creation and management of databases, interfaces and information systems that connect users with the information they seek 
• A principled approach to the analysis, design, implementation, testing, deployment, assessment and enhancement of organizational and online community information systems 
• Graduate co-op gives you the opportunity to gain experience within the field and use your new knowledge before graduation 

Modular Certificate Curriculum

This curriculum allows the student to select several certificates in order to 1.) gain a foundation in Information Systems principles and practice and 2.) focus in-depth on specific skills and knowledge through certificates, customized to your needs and professional goals.

Following the modular certificate option enables you to earn marketable credentials — skills set-based certificates — on your way to completing the master’s degree, and it lets you complete a certificate, step away from the program if you need to, and return to seamlessly pick up where you left off.

There are a variety of possible certificate combinations, and you will work with your advisor and the faculty to determine the best sequence to pursue for your needs and background.

The following certificates can be used to create the MS in Information Systems:

• Information Systems
• Human-Computer Interaction and User Experience Research and Design
• Data Science Foundations
• Web Application Development
• Machine Learning for Data Science
• Applied Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
• Big Data Analytics
• Computational Data Science
• Computer Science Foundations
• Computer Security and Privacy
• Healthcare Informatics
• Software Architecture
• Software Management

Graduate co-op gives you the opportunity to gain experience within the field and use your new knowledge before graduation.

Full-time, on-campus students who are accepted for fall and winter term admissions can also choose a Graduate co-op option. Please visit the Steinbright Career Development Center to learn more about cooperative education and its benefits.

Please visit Drexel’s Course Catalog for a full description of each required course and elective for this program. You can also find a sample Plan of Study for the degree.

Where Our Information Systems Graduates Work

• Google
• Washington University 
• Pluto TV 
• The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson 

Information Systems Career Outlook

Information Systems, like all disciplines within the computer and information sciences, has a very healthy employment outlook. Read more about this field and the places you can go with this master’s degree here.

Admissions Requirements

• A completed application.
• A four-year bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution in the United States or an equivalent international institution.
• A GPA of 3.0 or higher, in a completed degree program, bachelor’s degree or above.
• Official final transcripts from ALL Colleges/Universities attended.
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required for this degree program.
• One (1) letter of recommendation required, two (2) are suggested.
• Essay/Statement of Purpose. 
• Current Resume.
• Pre-requisites for all graduate level programs: computer requirements and skills.
• Additional requirements for International Students.

Please visit our Graduate Admissions section for application deadlines.

Finances

Tuition

Please visit Drexel’s official Graduate Tuition & Fees webpage. Note that this master’s degree requires 45 quarter credits.

Scholarships

There are a variety of sources of financial aid and scholarships to help you fund your master’s degree — explore them here.

Get in Touch

Our Recruitment Specialists are here to walk you through the sometimes confusing world of financing your graduate education. Get in touch with us now by filling out this form.

Schedule a Visit or Register for an Online Information Session

Learn more about the College of Computing & Informatics experience through an online information session or an in-person visit. Contact our recruitment team to schedule your visit today by contacting us at cciinfo@drexel.edu!