MSIS Program Overview
Our top-ranked master’s program in information systems develops the next generation of IT and technical strategy leaders in the age of AI. Unlike traditional MSIS programs, which focus on legacy IT management, our program integrates artificial intelligence, analytics, cybersecurity, cloud and product/technology leadership throughout the curriculum.
Information Systems at Drexel University is ranked #1 by U.S. News & World Report as of 2025. Our Master of Science in Information Systems degree program integrates the expertise offered throughout the Department of Information Science, also including data science, human–computer interaction and user experience, and library and information science.
Students in our program learn to build, manage and strategically deploy intelligent systems through a blend of theory and practice. Our courses offer hands-on learning experiences with real industry case studies, embedded portfolios and projects that mirror the way industry technology teams work today.
This program enables students to develop expertise in cybersecurity, technology leadership, or artificial intelligence while building comprehensive practical knowledge across technology and business, including topics such as project management, product management, web application development, data science and human-centered computing.
Who is the MS in Information Systems for?
Drexel’s Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS) program is designed for students with or without technical or business backgrounds. Students with background in IS development or strategy will find a suite of specialized electives to deepen their skills, as well as access to the electives in other areas offered by the Department of Information Science, such as data science, human-centered computing, and library and information science. Students new to the field will benefit from rigorous foundational courses and electives to build upon and further practice those skills.
MSIS graduates typically earn a starting salary of $80,000 with an upward trajectory in a job sector that is predicted to continue growing, even in the age of AI. MSIS graduates are well suited for roles such as information systems manager, database architect, computer systems analyst and management analyst. Further in their careers, graduates take on roles such as Chief Information Officer (CIO) and Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), for which the median salaries are $161,000 and $230,000, respectively.
Fast Facts
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Hours
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Full-time (FT) or Part-time (PT)
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Time-to-Degree
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1.5 years (FT); 2.5 years (PT)
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Format
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On campus or online
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Term Starts
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Fall, Winter
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Hands-on experience
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- Coursework emphasizes hands-on skills that employers are seeking, including projects and teamwork
- Program culminates in a hands-on, collaborative capstone project
- For further industry experience, graduate co-op is available for on-campus, full-time students
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Technical experience required?
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No
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GRE required?
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No
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Meets F1 Visa STEM Requirements?
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Yes
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Curriculum
The MSIS curriculum includes a suite of core courses on fundamental topics such as information system development and management, digital transformation, data management and analytics, Agile project management, project leadership, and cybersecurity. All our courses emphasize hands-on and project-based learning to help you build the skills that employers are looking for.
Our electives offer a range of specialized options, including courses in digital resilience and risk management, strategic management, cybersecurity policy and governance, information assurance, digital forensics, full-stack development, and web programming.
Students can select electives to pursue pathways in leadership, cybersecurity, or artificial intelligence:
- The leadership pathway includes courses such as: Software Project Management and Requirements Engineering and Management
- The cybersecurity pathway includes courses such as: Information Forensics and Disaster Recovery, Continuity Planning and Digital Risk Assessment
- The artificial intelligence pathway includes courses such as: Applied Artificial Intelligence and Human–Artificial Intelligence Interaction
Visit Drexel’s Course Catalog for a full description of each required course and elective for this program.
Our curriculum also includes preparation for industry leading certifications, including:
- AWS Cloud Practitioner / Solutions Architect
- Google Professional Data Analytics or Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals
- PMI’s Agile and AI for PM certifications
- Cybersecurity certificates aligned with NIST or CompTIA content
- AI and LLM tooling micro-credentials
Meet an Information Systems Alum
"All of the courses that I've taken [at Drexel CCI] have placed a strong emphasis on group projects and collaboration. This approach is extremely relevant to how I collaborate with other colleagues [at Google]."
- Serpe Boyer
Read More About Serpe's Experience
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.
Where Our Information Systems Graduates Work
- Google
- Washington University
- Pluto TV
- The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson
Graduate Co-op
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.
Admissions Requirements
Please visit our Graduate Admissions section for admissions requirements and 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.
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. Contact our graduate recruitment team at cciinfo@drexel.edu, or by filling out this form, and we’ll get back to you soon.
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!