- 1.IT Managers earn a median salary of $169,510 with 16% projected job growth through 2032 (BLS OES 2024)
- 2.Top-ranked graduate Information Systems programs include University of California-Berkeley, University of Washington-Seattle Campus, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign based on graduation rates, program strength, and career outcomes for doctoral candidates
- 3.Best value: University of California-Berkeley offers graduate education at $11,834/year with 96% graduation rate
- 4.35 accredited graduate Information Systems doctoral programs analyzed using IPEDS 2023 completion data
Best Information Systems Programs - Top 10 Graduate (Doctoral)
University of California-Berkeley
MIMS graduates don't just build technology—they shape its ethical future, with the program being uniquely positioned in the Bay Area where Silicon Valley meets Berkeley's social justice tradition, creating leaders who drive innovation at companies like Google and Meta while influencing California's AI governance policies.
Program Overview
The Master of Information Management and Systems (MIMS) at UC Berkeley's School of Information is a two-year, full-time STEM-designated professional master's program that uniquely bridges technology, people, and policy. Students customize their journey through six core knowledge areas including Computer Science & Software Engineering, Data Systems & Machine Learning, Human-Centered Design & UX, and Policy & Ethics. The program culminates in a final project that tackles real-world challenges, with recent projects including flood navigation apps for Ghana and arcade games designed for social interaction. The I School is home to cutting-edge research centers including the Center for Long-Term Cybersecurity (CLTC), the Center for Technology, Society & Policy, and the BioSENSE Lab, where faculty like David Bamman are pioneering AI applications in humanities scholarship and Joshua Blumenstock is using AI to combat extreme poverty.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Long-term cybersecurity research and policy
Technology policy and governance research
Biosensor and sensing technology development
Industry Partners
Admissions
University of Washington-Seattle Campus
UW's MSIS program is uniquely positioned in Seattle's tech epicenter, offering direct access to industry leaders from top companies like Microsoft and Amazon while being ranked #12 nationally for Information Systems programs by U.S. News & World Report.
Program Overview
The University of Washington-Seattle Campus offers a distinctive STEM-designated Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS) through the Foster School of Business, designed as a one-year intensive program for working professionals. With flexible evening and weekend classes, this program uniquely blends business insight with hands-on experience in artificial intelligence, data strategy, and technology management. The program stands out for its practical approach, featuring hands-on projects applying generative AI and predictive analytics in real business cases, personalized career coaching, and one-on-one mentorship from industry leaders. For those without extensive tech backgrounds, the MSIS Accelerate program provides a spring preparatory quarter to build foundational business, data, and technical knowledge before entering the main program.
Degree Programs
Industry Partners
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Illinois Information Systems uniquely combines a top-10 business school education with direct access to quantum computing research and one of the nation's premier cybersecurity labs, positioning graduates at the intersection of emerging technologies and business innovation.
Program Overview
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign offers a comprehensive Bachelor of Science in Information Systems that bridges the gap between technology and business strategy. This undergraduate program, housed within the prestigious Gies College of Business, prepares students to design, implement, and protect information systems that drive organizational success in an increasingly digital world. Students complete a rigorous curriculum combining core business foundation courses with specialized IS coursework including systems analysis and design, database management, and IT governance. The program emphasizes practical application through electives in data analytics, cybersecurity, social media strategy, and emerging technologies like big data platforms.
What sets Illinois apart is its integration within a top-ranked business school combined with access to world-class computing resources through the Siebel School of Computing and Data Science. Students benefit from the university's strong quantum research presence through IQUIST (Illinois Quantum Information Science and Technology Center) and the Coordinated Science Laboratory's cutting-edge work in cybersecurity, data science, and cyber-physical systems. The program's location in the heart of the Midwest provides excellent internship and career opportunities, with 91% of graduates participating in experiential learning and 42% receiving job offers directly from these experiences.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
75 years of excellence in cybersecurity, data science, robotics, and cyber-physical systems
Quantum computing research bringing together physicists, engineers, computer scientists, and mathematicians
Industry Partners
Admissions
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Unable to determine unique distinguishing factors without access to program-specific information.
Syracuse University
Syracuse's iSchool is ranked #26 in Best Online Master's in Computer Information Technology Programs and offers one of the fastest completion times in the field - students can earn their MS in Information Systems in just 12 months, with STEM designation providing up to 36 months of OPT work authorization for international students.
University of Maryland-College Park
Smith's MSIS program is ranked #7 among public universities for Management Information Systems and uniquely focuses on developing students as strategic liaisons between technical teams and business leadership, with mandatory real-company partnerships and AI proficiency training.
University of California-Los Angeles
2 information systems graduates annually
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
Penn State's Information Systems program uniquely combines rigorous business foundation coursework with cutting-edge technical training, requiring all students to complete real-world internships and capstone system design projects while offering seamless pathways from bachelor's to master's degrees on the same campus.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
2 information systems graduates annually
The University of Texas at Austin
3 information systems graduates annually
Best Information Systems Programs - Compare Top 5 Graduate
| School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 University of California-Berkeley | Berkeley, CA | Public | $11,834 | 96% | 82.8/100 |
| #2 University of Washington-Seattle Campus | Seattle, WA | Public | $11,524 | 97% | 79.6/100 |
| #3 University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | Champaign, IL | Public | $14,768 | 90% | 75.7/100 |
| #4 University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | Ann Arbor, MI | Public | $17,977 | 92% | 74.6/100 |
| #5 Syracuse University | Syracuse, NY | Private | $61,310 | 99% | 71.2/100 |
Complete Rankings: Best Doctoral Programs in Information Systems 2026
| 1 | University of California-Berkeley | Berkeley, CA | — | $11,834 | — | — | 82.8 |
| 2 | University of Washington-Seattle Campus | Seattle, WA | — | $11,524 | — | — | 79.6 |
| 3 | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | Champaign, IL | — | $14,768 | — | — | 75.7 |
| 4 | University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | Ann Arbor, MI | — | $17,977 | — | — | 74.6 |
| 5 | Syracuse University | Syracuse, NY | — | $61,310 | — | — | 71.2 |
| 6 | University of Maryland-College Park | College Park, MD | — | $9,889 | — | — | 67 |
| 7 | University of California-Los Angeles | Los Angeles, CA | — | $11,834 | — | — | 65.9 |
| 8 | Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus | University Park, PA | — | $19,672 | — | — | 61.9 |
| 9 | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | Chapel Hill, NC | — | $7,019 | — | — | 61.3 |
| 10 | The University of Texas at Austin | Austin, TX | — | $11,678 | — | — | 61.1 |
| 11 | University at Albany | Albany, NY | — | $7,070 | — | — | 60.6 |
| 12 | University of Maryland-Baltimore County | Baltimore, MD | — | $9,238 | — | — | 59.8 |
| 13 | University of North Texas | Denton, TX | — | $8,319 | — | — | 59.3 |
| 14 | Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus | Atlanta, GA | — | $10,258 | — | — | 59 |
| 15 | Rutgers University-New Brunswick | New Brunswick, NJ | — | $13,674 | — | — | 58.6 |
| 16 | University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus | Pittsburgh, PA | — | $20,154 | — | — | 58.2 |
| 17 | University of Wisconsin-Madison | Madison, WI | — | $9,644 | — | — | 57.3 |
| 18 | University of Colorado Boulder | Boulder, CO | — | $13,910 | — | — | 57.2 |
| 19 | Florida State University | Tallahassee, FL | — | $4,640 | — | — | 56.7 |
| 20 | University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee | Milwaukee, WI | — | $8,455 | — | — | 56.1 |
| 21 | University of Illinois Chicago | Chicago, IL | — | $12,656 | — | — | 54.9 |
| 22 | University of Arizona | Tucson, AZ | — | $11,546 | — | — | 53.5 |
| 23 | New Jersey Institute of Technology | Newark, NJ | — | $15,616 | — | — | 52.6 |
| 24 | Drexel University | Philadelphia, PA | — | $58,293 | — | — | 52 |
| 25 | Claremont Graduate University | Claremont, CA | — | $0 | — | — | 51.6 |
Showing 1–25 of 35
Information Systems Doctorate Degrees: Research-Focused Advanced Study
Doctoral programs in Information Systems prepare students for advanced research careers in academia and industry, focusing on the intersection of technology, organizations, and society. These programs typically offer both PhD and DBA (Doctor of Business Administration) degrees, with PhD programs emphasizing theoretical research and DBA programs focusing on applied research for practitioners.
The field encompasses diverse research areas including artificial intelligence, human-computer interaction, cybersecurity, digital transformation, data science, and organizational behavior with technology. Students engage in rigorous coursework covering research methods, statistical analysis, and advanced topics in their chosen specialization area.
Career prospects for IS doctoral graduates are strong, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting 15% growth for computer and information research scientist positions through 2032. Graduates typically pursue tenure-track faculty positions at research universities, senior research roles at technology companies, or consulting positions specializing in digital transformation and organizational technology adoption.
Top programs offer comprehensive funding through research assistantships, teaching assistantships, and fellowship opportunities. Students work closely with faculty mentors on funded research projects, gaining experience in grant writing, publication, and conference presentation. Many programs also provide opportunities for industry collaboration and internships at major technology companies or research laboratories.
Career Paths
Computer and Information Research Scientist
SOC 15-1221Conduct advanced research in computing theory, AI algorithms, or information systems design at universities, government labs, or corporate research centers.
Professor of Information Systems
SOC 25-1021Teach undergraduate and graduate courses while conducting research in specialized areas like HCI, cybersecurity, or digital transformation.
Principal Data Scientist
SOC 15-2051Lead advanced analytics and machine learning initiatives, often requiring deep research skills and ability to publish findings.
Technology Research Director
SOC 11-9041Oversee research and development initiatives at technology companies, translating academic research into practical applications.
Senior Information Systems Consultant
SOC 13-1111Provide strategic guidance on complex technology implementations, digital transformation, and organizational change management.
Research Areas in Information Systems Doctoral Programs
Information Systems doctoral programs offer diverse research specializations that reflect the field's interdisciplinary nature. Students can focus on emerging areas like artificial intelligence and machine learning, cybersecurity and privacy, digital transformation, or traditional areas like systems design and organizational informatics.
Popular research areas include human-computer interaction (HCI), which examines how people interact with technology systems and designs more intuitive interfaces. This field is particularly relevant as organizations adopt AI-powered tools and need to ensure effective human-AI collaboration. Students in HCI often work with data science methodologies to analyze user behavior patterns.
Cybersecurity and information assurance represent rapidly growing research areas, with students investigating topics like threat detection, privacy-preserving technologies, and organizational security behavior. This specialization aligns closely with industry demand, as evidenced by the cybersecurity career market showing 32% projected growth.
Digital transformation and organizational informatics focus on how technology adoption changes business processes and organizational structures. Researchers in this area often collaborate with industry partners to study real-world implementation challenges and develop frameworks for successful technology adoption. This research directly supports the growing need for information systems professionals who can bridge technical and business domains.
Admission Requirements for Doctoral Information Systems Programs
Doctoral programs in Information Systems typically require strong quantitative backgrounds and research experience. Most programs prefer candidates with master's degrees in information systems, computer science, engineering, or related technical fields, though exceptional candidates with bachelor's degrees may be considered for direct admission.
Standardized test requirements vary by institution, but competitive programs generally expect GRE scores of 320+ combined (160+ quantitative, 155+ verbal). Some programs have moved away from GRE requirements, focusing instead on research potential demonstrated through publications, conference presentations, or significant industry experience.
Research experience is crucial for admission success. Candidates should demonstrate familiarity with quantitative research methods, statistical analysis software (R, Python, STATA), and academic writing. Previous publications, even as co-author, significantly strengthen applications. Many successful applicants have backgrounds in software engineering or data science with demonstrated research interests.
Personal statements should clearly articulate research interests and career goals, showing alignment with specific faculty members' research areas. Letters of recommendation from research supervisors or faculty members carry more weight than general professional references. International students must demonstrate English proficiency through TOEFL (100+) or IELTS (7.0+) scores.
Frequently Asked Questions
Based on 45 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Degree completions (sqrt normalized, capped at 500)
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023
State-specific salary data from BLS OES 2024
Admission rate (lower = more selective)
Institution type (R1/R2 research bonus)
CAE-CD designation, curator bonuses
Data completeness proxy
Reporting completeness
Data Sources and Methodology
Research activity classifications and institutional data
Doctoral program assessment and rankings data
Program accreditation and faculty research metrics
Employment projections and salary data for related occupations
Program costs, completion rates, and graduate outcomes
Taylor Rupe
Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)
Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.