- 1.IT Managers earn a median salary of $169,510 with 16% projected job growth through 2032 (BLS OES 2024)
- 2.Top-ranked Information Systems programs include University of California-Berkeley, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Washington-Seattle Campus based on graduation rates, program strength, and career outcomes
- 3.Best value: University of California-Berkeley offers information systems education at $11,834/year with 96% graduation rate
- 4.50 accredited Information Systems programs analyzed using IPEDS 2023 completion data
Best Information Systems Programs - Top 10 Master's
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 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 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 Michigan-Ann Arbor
Unable to determine unique distinguishing factors without access to program-specific information.
Carnegie Mellon University
CMU's Heinz College holds the #1 ranking for Information Systems programs nationally, with many world-changing technologies like AI, machine learning, and robotics having been invented on campus - making it the premier destination for aspiring tech leaders.
University of South Florida
USF was the nation's first medical school to offer a Master of Science in Health Informatics 100% online, and the Information Systems program maintains strong ties to defense research with $150 million in Army-funded projects over the past 20 years.
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.
The University of Texas at Dallas
551 information systems graduates annually
University at Buffalo
256 information systems graduates annually
University of Florida
210 information systems graduates annually
Best Information Systems Programs - Compare Top 5 Master's
| School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 University of California-Berkeley | Berkeley, CA | Public | $11,834 | 96% | 100/100 |
| #2 University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | Champaign, IL | Public | $14,768 | 90% | 92.8/100 |
| #3 University of Washington-Seattle Campus | Seattle, WA | Public | $11,524 | 97% | 91/100 |
| #4 University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | Ann Arbor, MI | Public | $17,977 | 92% | 83/100 |
| #5 Carnegie Mellon University | Pittsburgh, PA | Private | $62,260 | 98% | 78.7/100 |
Top 25 Information Systems Master's Programs 2026
| 1 | — | Berkeley, CA | $11,834 | — | — | — | 100 |
| 2 | — | Champaign, IL | $14,768 | — | — | — | 92.8 |
| 3 | — | Seattle, WA | $11,524 | — | — | — | 91 |
| 4 | — | Ann Arbor, MI | $17,977 | — | — | — | 83 |
| 5 | — | Pittsburgh, PA | $62,260 | — | — | — | 78.7 |
| 6 | — | Tampa, FL | $4,559 | — | — | — | 78.4 |
| 7 | — | Syracuse, NY | $61,310 | — | — | — | 77.7 |
| 8 | — | Richardson, TX | $14,564 | — | — | — | 75.8 |
| 9 | — | Buffalo, NY | $7,070 | — | — | — | 73.4 |
| 10 | — | Gainesville, FL | $4,477 | — | — | — | 72.9 |
| 11 | — | Austin, TX | $11,678 | — | — | — | 72.3 |
| 12 | — | College Station, TX | $9,003 | — | — | — | 72 |
| 13 | — | Los Angeles, CA | $66,640 | — | — | — | 70.8 |
| 14 | — | Adelphi, MD | $7,632 | — | — | — | 68.3 |
| 15 | — | Boston, MA | $63,798 | — | — | — | 68.1 |
| 16 | — | Evanston, IL | $64,887 | — | — | — | 67.9 |
| 17 | — | Chapel Hill, NC | $7,019 | — | — | — | 67.3 |
| 18 | — | Albany, NY | $7,070 | — | — | — | 66.4 |
| 19 | — | New York, NY | $60,438 | — | — | — | 65.9 |
| 20 | — | College Park, MD | $9,889 | — | — | — | 65.4 |
| 21 | — | Baltimore, MD | $9,238 | — | — | — | 65.3 |
| 22 | — | Pittsburgh, PA | $20,154 | — | — | — | 64.9 |
| 23 | — | Denver, CO | $9,096 | — | — | — | 64.7 |
| 24 | — | Angola, IN | $9,576 | — | — | — | 64.5 |
| 25 | — | Tallahassee, FL | $4,640 | — | — | — | 64.4 |
Showing 1–25 of 50
Information Systems Master's Programs Market Overview
Information systems management represents one of the fastest-growing technology career paths, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting 8% job growth through 2032 for computer and information systems managers. This growth rate significantly exceeds the average for all occupations, driven by increasing digitization across industries and the critical need for technology leadership.
Master's programs in Information Systems prepare graduates for senior technology roles combining technical expertise with business strategy. Unlike traditional Computer Science programs that focus primarily on software development, MIS programs emphasize systems integration, project management, and strategic technology planning. This interdisciplinary approach makes graduates particularly valuable for CTO, IT Director, and Systems Architecture roles.
The salary premium for master's degree holders is substantial. According to PayScale data, professionals with Master's in Information Systems earn median salaries of $105,000, compared to $78,000 for bachelor's degree holders in similar roles. This 35% salary increase, combined with accelerated career progression, makes advanced degree programs an attractive investment for technology professionals.
Current market trends show particular demand for professionals skilled in cloud architecture, cybersecurity integration, and data science applications within enterprise systems. Programs that incorporate these emerging technologies consistently produce graduates with higher starting salaries and faster career advancement.
Career Paths
Information Systems Manager
SOC 11-3021Lead technology teams and oversee enterprise system implementations with strategic planning responsibilities.
Data Scientist
SOC 15-2051Analyze complex datasets to drive business decisions and develop predictive models for organizational strategy.
Software Engineer
SOC 15-1252Design and develop enterprise software solutions with focus on scalability and system integration.
Cybersecurity Analyst
SOC 15-1212Protect organizational systems from security threats and implement comprehensive security frameworks.
DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1299Streamline development and operations processes through automation and continuous integration practices.
AI/ML Engineer
SOC 15-2051Develop artificial intelligence systems and machine learning models for business applications.
Top Program Analysis and Key Differentiators
Stanford University maintains its position as the top Information Systems master's program through its integration of cutting-edge artificial intelligence and machine learning applications within enterprise systems. The program's Management Science & Engineering department offers specialized tracks in AI systems and cloud architecture, producing graduates who command .
MIT Sloan's Technology and Operations Management program distinguishes itself through its emphasis on technology strategy and innovation management. Students work directly with Fortune 500 companies on real-world digital transformation projects, with receiving job offers before graduation. The program's strength in data science integration and systems thinking makes it particularly attractive to consulting firms and technology companies.
Carnegie Mellon's Information Systems Management program offers unique advantages through its School of Computer Science affiliation. Students gain access to advanced cybersecurity research and can pursue dual concentrations in software engineering or human-computer interaction. This technical depth results in graduates who are equally comfortable in CTO roles or leading software development teams.
Public university programs like UC Berkeley and Georgia Tech provide exceptional value propositions. Georgia Tech's Online Master of Science in Information Technology costs significantly less than private alternatives while maintaining identical curriculum and faculty. The program's focus on cloud computing and DevOps methodologies aligns with current industry demands, producing graduates with strong cloud computing expertise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Based on 125 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
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.