Best Associate's Information Systems Degree Programs in Indiana
Ivy Tech Community College — Indianapolis, IN
Hakia Insight: Ivy Tech's multi-campus footprint across Indiana combined with direct employer pipelines to regional manufacturers and healthcare networks means associate's graduates often stay regionally employed at higher salaries than their out-of-state peer institutions report.
At the associate's level, with multiple campuses across Indiana, Ivy Tech's information systems program emphasizes hands-on experience in networking, cybersecurity fundamentals, and cloud computing—skills employers are actively hiring for right now. You'll work in dedicated IT labs where you can configure networks, troubleshoot systems, and earn industry certifications while still in school. Graduates typically land help desk and junior network administrator roles at healthcare systems, manufacturing plants, and financial institutions throughout Indiana. The program's real strength is its flexibility: choose full-time, part-time, evening, or online formats depending on your schedule, and leverage Ivy Tech's partnerships with companies like Salesforce and Microsoft for internship opportunities. Many students complete their associate degree and immediately enter the workforce earning competitive entry-level salaries, while others use their credentials to transfer to four-year programs at Purdue or Indiana University.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Information Systems — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Salesforce, Microsoft, Indiana hospitals and healthcare networks, Manufacturing firms across Indiana, Financial institutions, State and local government agencies.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Purdue University
- Indiana University
- Indiana State University
- IPFW (Purdue Fort Wayne)
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- Desktop Support Specialist
- Junior Network Administrator
- IT Support Specialist
- Technical Support Analyst
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
- Cisco CCNA Fundamentals
Location Advantages:
Vincennes University — Vincennes, IN
Hakia Insight: Vincennes' cybersecurity track channels students directly into IT security roles at regional healthcare systems and government agencies—a rare concrete pathway that skips the traditional "help desk first" entry point most associate's programs assume.
At the associate's level, vincennes University's information systems program stands out for its strong industry connections and hands-on cybersecurity track—many students begin working in IT security roles before graduation. The curriculum balances foundational IT knowledge (hardware, software, networking) with applied experience in threat detection and network defense, preparing you for a field where employers desperately need trained professionals. You'll graduate ready for help desk roles, but with credentials in both general IT support and security fundamentals, making you more competitive for advancement. The program has established partnerships with regional employers in southwestern Indiana and beyond, creating internship and job placement pipelines. Students often complete their associate degree and either enter the workforce at solid entry-level salaries or transfer to four-year programs, with many continuing at Purdue or Indiana University while maintaining their IT certifications.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Information Systems — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Regional healthcare systems, Manufacturing and industrial firms, Government and educational institutions, Local businesses and enterprises.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Purdue University
- Indiana University
- Indiana State University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- Desktop Support Specialist
- Junior Systems Administrator
- IT Support Technician
- Network Support Technician
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Security+
- CompTIA Network+
- Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
Location Advantages:
Indiana Institute of Technology-College of Professional Studies — Fort Wayne, IN
Hakia Insight: Indiana Tech's accelerated format for working adults compresses the associate's into a schedule that doesn't require choosing between employment and credentialing, a structural advantage over competitors whose evening offerings still stretch across 4-year timelines.
At the associate's level, indiana Tech's information systems program prioritizes working professionals and adult learners, offering flexible scheduling and accelerated coursework so you can earn your degree without putting your current job on hold. The curriculum focuses on immediately applicable technical skills—network administration, systems support, database fundamentals, and IT project management—rather than abstract theory. You'll encounter real-world scenarios and case studies from actual IT environments, and instructors often bring current industry experience into the classroom. Graduates move into help desk, junior administrator, and support specialist roles at regional employers. The program's real advantage is its recognition of how adults learn: small class sizes, evening and weekend options, and a student body of peers balancing work and education create a supportive environment where you're not the only one juggling multiple commitments.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Information Systems — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Regional technology firms, Local manufacturing and industrial companies, Healthcare organizations, Business services and consulting firms.
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- Desktop Support Specialist
- IT Support Technician
- Junior Systems Administrator
- Technical Support Specialist
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
Location Advantages:
Trine University-Regional/Non-Traditional Campuses — Angola, IN
Key Distinction: A fully flexible, working-professional-focused information systems program with evening/weekend classes and multiple delivery formats across regional campuses.
Hakia Insight: Trine's multi-campus regional model lets students attend the same program cohort asynchronously across different physical locations, solving a problem most working-professional programs ignore: the conflict between geographic mobility and peer community.
At the associate's level, trine's information systems program is built explicitly for working professionals and non-traditional students, with evening and weekend classes designed to fit busy schedules while maintaining academic rigor. The curriculum emphasizes practical application over theory, integrating real-world business scenarios into coursework so students can immediately apply what they learn to their current roles. Specialization tracks in enterprise systems management, cybersecurity, and data analytics allow students to tailor their education to their career trajectory. Faculty bring direct industry experience, mentoring students through capstone projects that often address actual business challenges from their employers. The program's strength lies in its flexibility—online, hybrid, and in-person options across multiple regional campuses mean you're not locked into a single location or learning modality. Graduates typically advance within their current organizations or transition into higher-level IS roles, with many employers sponsoring employee tuition as a professional development investment.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Information Systems — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems — 2 years, online
Location Advantages:
University of Indianapolis — Indianapolis, IN
Key Distinction: University of Indianapolis offers comprehensive Information Systems programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: University of Indianapolis' private-institution status within a public-university-dominated Indiana market means smaller cohort sizes and closer faculty advising—an often-overlooked edge for associate's students who need directed pathway planning into bachelor's programs.
University of Indianapolis offers Information Systems programs in Indianapolis, IN. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Best Bachelor's Information Systems Degree Programs in Indiana
University of Notre Dame — Notre Dame, IN
Key Distinction: An academically rigorous information systems program combining computer science fundamentals with enterprise IT strategy, bolstered by a top-tier alumni network and Midwest corporate connections.
Hakia Insight: Notre Dame's IS program sits adjacent to its computer science ecosystem while maintaining ties to Accenture and Deloitte, positioning graduates to move directly into enterprise IT strategy consulting roles rather than commodity software development—a distinction that justifies the tuition premium.
At the bachelor's level, notre Dame's information systems program sits within a broader computing ecosystem that prioritizes student outcomes and ethical technology leadership. The curriculum blends foundational computer science theory with applied IS topics like enterprise architecture, IT governance, and digital transformation, ensuring graduates understand both the technical and business dimensions of information systems work. The program benefits from Notre Dame's extensive industry partnerships and consulting connections, giving students access to real-world client projects through coursework and internship placements. Faculty are actively engaged in research around enterprise systems, IT strategy, and organizational technology adoption—areas where Notre Dame maintains strong visibility in academic publishing. The proximity to major corporate headquarters in the Midwest and Notre Dame's alumni network in technology leadership create a natural pipeline into roles at Fortune 500 companies and innovative tech firms. Career outcomes reflect this positioning, with graduates moving into systems analyst, enterprise architect, IT manager, and technology consultant roles at organizations ranging from healthcare systems to financial services firms.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Systems — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Information Systems — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- Accenture (corporate)
- Deloitte (corporate)
Location Advantages: Proximity to major Midwest corporate headquartersStrong regional and national alumni network in technology leadership
Purdue University Global — West Lafayette, IN
Key Distinction: IT Integrative Project (IT299) requirement. Bachelor's Capstone in Information Technology (IT499)
Hakia Insight: Purdue Global's fully online delivery doesn't sacrifice capstone rigor: the IT499 Capstone requirement mirrors the on-campus experience, yet the employer roster (ExxonMobil, JPMorgan Chase, Microsoft) suggests the degree carries equal weight despite zero geographic constraints.
The Bachelor of Science in Information Technology at Purdue University Global is a 180 quarter-credit hour program designed to prepare students for career advancement in IT through technical knowledge and professional skills. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning in IT concepts, tools, and leading-edge technologies for designing information systems, with courses teaching students how to apply technical competencies to solve business problems. Key features include an IT Integrative Project (IT299) and a Bachelor's Capstone in Information Technology (IT499) that requires students to synthesize their learning. The program integrates general education literacies and professional competencies throughout, focusing on developing discipline-specific outcomes in technology skills, system specifications, professional communication, and team management. The program is available in ExcelTrack format and designed for students seeking immediate employment or pursuing advanced degrees in information technology.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: ExxonMobil, Microsoft, JPMorgan Chase, Freddie Mac.
Location Advantages: No geographic constraint; fully online access to Purdue's curriculum and resources
Purdue University-Main Campus — West Lafayette, IN
Key Distinction: Senior project option through CS 49000 (Topics in Computer Sciences), CS 49700 (Honors Research Project), or EPICS participation. Flexible curriculum with multiple course options across computing systems, information assurance, and related studies
Hakia Insight: Purdue's database concentration through CS 49000 projects lets undergraduates participate in the university's Cyber Center research—a rare pipeline that transforms what's typically a resume line into co-authored technical contributions that matter to employers like IBM and Cummins.
Purdue's Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a Database and Information Systems concentration prepares students to become computer scientists skilled in database design, information retrieval algorithms, and database/information systems tools. The program begins with six core computer science courses covering fundamentals, followed by specialized coursework in the Database and Information Systems concentration (21 credits), which includes required courses in information systems, algorithm analysis, relational database systems, and data mining/machine learning. Students select electives from computing systems, information assurance, and related studies categories. The curriculum emphasizes communication skills, teamwork, and problem-solving alongside technical expertise. A senior project option is available through CS 49000, CS 49700 (Honors Research), or EPICS participation. Purdue Computer Science is consistently ranked among the nation's top programs with faculty conducting cutting-edge research. The flexible curriculum allows students to explore topics including graphics, web programming, cryptography, networks, software engineering, distributed systems, and artificial intelligence.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science: Database and Information Systems — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
Industry Partners
- IBM (corporate)
- Cummins (corporate)
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Strong ties to Indiana manufacturing and industrial baseProximity to Indianapolis and regional tech hub growthNational recruitment pipeline from major consulting and tech firms
Purdue University Northwest — Hammond, IN
Key Distinction: National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education designation (U.S. Department of Homeland Security and National Security Agency). Hands-on laboratory experience with experienced faculty
Hakia Insight: Purdue Northwest's NSA-DHS Cyber Defense Education designation isn't just a credential; it unlocks curricular requirements and lab partnerships that smaller programs can't replicate, giving graduates an immediate credibility advantage in security hiring at ArcelorMittal and regional defense contractors.
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Technology at Purdue University Northwest prepares students for careers across diverse technology fields through a comprehensive curriculum spanning computational thinking, programming, networking, operating systems, information assurance, web systems, and database design. The program emphasizes hands-on learning in real-life laboratories, blending theoretical knowledge with applied research and experiential learning. Students progress through a structured four-year curriculum with coursework in object-oriented programming, database administration, cybersecurity, and mobile application development. The program is designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and National Security Agency, meeting national standards for cyber defense education. PNW College of Technology undergraduates achieved a 94% placement rate in the 2023-24 Next Step Survey. Alumni are employed by organizations including Facebook, Community Healthcare System, ArcelorMittal, NiSource, and Cerner Corporation. The program prepares graduates for roles as software developers, web developers, mobile app developers, database analysts, and computer security specialists.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Technology — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Industry Partners
- ArcelorMittal (corporate)
Location Advantages: Proximity to Chicago metropolitan technology and business ecosystemStrong regional employer relationships in manufacturing, healthcare, and logisticsServes northern Indiana and southern Lake Michigan region
Indiana University-Indianapolis — Indianapolis, IN
Key Distinction: Mandatory experiential learning requirement with multiple options: Capstone Internship, Senior Project, Project in Professional Practice, or Software Engineering project. Capstone Internship option (INFO-I 491) connecting students with industry partners
Hakia Insight: IUPUI's mandatory experiential learning with four distinct pathways (capstone internship, senior project, professional practice, or software engineering) is rarer than it sounds—most programs default to a single track, but IUPUI's menu lets students match their learning to Eli Lilly's internship cycles or Salesforce's project needs.
The Bachelor of Science in Information Systems is a 120-credit hour program designed to provide students with foundational and advanced knowledge in computer science and informatics. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning through required experiential learning courses, including options for capstone internships, senior projects, and professional practice projects. Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher and earn a C or better in all courses. The program includes core computer science courses in programming, data structures, operating systems, and computer theory, complemented by general education requirements in mathematics, communication, and sciences. Students can pursue specializations through certificates in Applied Data Science, Applied Information Science, Artificial Intelligence, Human-Computer Interaction, Legal Informatics, Multi-Device Development, Software Bots for Cognitive Automation, or a Game Design and Development minor. The program integrates career readiness preparation and offers multiple pathways for experiential learning, including the Capstone Internship option that connects students directly with industry partners.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Systems — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Industry Partners
- Eli Lilly and Company (corporate)
- Salesforce (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Eli Lilly and Company, Salesforce, Major Indianapolis healthcare systems.
Location Advantages: Proximity to Eli Lilly headquartersAccess to Indianapolis's healthcare IT ecosystemGrowing fintech and business services sector
Butler University — Indianapolis, IN
Key Distinction: Butler distinguishes itself through a liberal arts-informed approach to information systems that prioritizes business acumen and communication skills alongside technical depth.
Hakia Insight: Butler's liberal arts frame means IS students take business communication and ethics courses alongside systems design—a curricular investment that pays dividends when Indianapolis corporate hiring managers (especially in fintech) filter for candidates who can articulate technical decisions to non-technical boards.
At the bachelor's level, butler's information systems program reflects its rigorous liberal arts foundation, emphasizing critical thinking and business communication alongside technical competency. Rather than overwhelming students with disconnected technical courses, Butler integrates information systems education within a broader business school context, ensuring graduates develop the judgment and communication skills that separate effective IT professionals from technically proficient technicians. The curriculum balances systems analysis, database management, and enterprise architecture with coursework in organizational behavior, business strategy, and technology ethics. Small class sizes and close faculty-student interaction enable mentorship and customized learning paths. Indianapolis location provides internship opportunities with regional employers while maintaining the relationship-focused community that characterizes the Butler experience.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Systems — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Information Systems — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: Indianapolis metro access to corporate headquarters and regional business centers
Ball State University — Muncie, IN
Key Distinction: Ball State differentiates through its structured certification-preparation curriculum that embeds industry credential pathways directly into degree requirements.
Hakia Insight: Ball State embeds professional certification pathways directly into degree requirements, so students graduate with CompTIA or Cisco credentials already earned rather than scrambling to self-fund exam fees after graduation—a structural advantage worth thousands to mid-market employers who use certifications as hiring filters.
At the bachelor's level, ball State's information systems program stands out for its strong applied computing foundation combined with explicit preparation for multiple professional certifications and industry credentials. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on technical skills—networking, database management, systems security—alongside the business and management competencies that employers consistently demand. The program maintains active partnerships with regional tech employers and integrates real-world case studies throughout the course sequence. What distinguishes Ball State is its deliberate pathway toward industry-recognized certifications; students graduate positioned to immediately pursue CompTIA, Cisco, and Microsoft credentials. The Muncie location, while not a major tech hub, has enabled the program to build tight relationships with Indiana's distributed business community, resulting in strong internship and entry-level placement networks across the state.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Systems — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Information Systems — 4 years, online
Accreditations and Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- Cisco CCNA preparation
Location Advantages: Access to Indiana's mid-market business community
Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global — Marion, IN
Key Distinction: A fully flexible online and hybrid information systems program designed for working professionals and military-affiliated students seeking degree completion on their timeline.
Hakia Insight: Indiana Wesleyan's National & Global online program explicitly recruits military-affiliated students and structures around military education benefits, a deliberate population design that creates peer networks with government IT clearance potential and post-service employment pipelines most online programs leave untapped.
At the bachelor's level, indiana Wesleyan's information systems program, delivered through its National & Global campus, is built explicitly for online and hybrid learning at scale. The curriculum compresses technical and business content into accelerated modules that fit the schedules of working professionals and military-affiliated students pursuing degree completion. Rather than requiring campus residency, the program uses cohort-based learning where students progress through courses together, building peer networks across the country. The information systems focus emphasizes practical skills in data management, cloud technologies, and IT project management—areas where remote-first organizations particularly value expertise. Graduates report strong outcomes in IT roles at distributed companies and government contractors that actively recruit from online programs. The flexibility to study asynchronously while maintaining full-time work or military obligations makes this pathway distinct from traditional campus-based competitors.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Systems — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Information Systems — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: No geographic constraints; serves national and international student base
Trine University-Regional/Non-Traditional Campuses — Angola, IN
Key Distinction: A fully flexible, working-professional-focused information systems program with evening/weekend classes and multiple delivery formats across regional campuses.
Hakia Insight: Trine's evening/weekend regional-campus model for undergraduates uniquely solves the "working student with childcare" constraint by building cohort-based learning into non-traditional schedules, rather than treating flexibility as asynchronous isolation.
At the bachelor's level, trine's information systems program is built explicitly for working professionals and non-traditional students, with evening and weekend classes designed to fit busy schedules while maintaining academic rigor. The curriculum emphasizes practical application over theory, integrating real-world business scenarios into coursework so students can immediately apply what they learn to their current roles. Specialization tracks in enterprise systems management, cybersecurity, and data analytics allow students to tailor their education to their career trajectory. Faculty bring direct industry experience, mentoring students through capstone projects that often address actual business challenges from their employers. The program's strength lies in its flexibility—online, hybrid, and in-person options across multiple regional campuses mean you're not locked into a single location or learning modality. Graduates typically advance within their current organizations or transition into higher-level IS roles, with many employers sponsoring employee tuition as a professional development investment.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Systems — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Information Systems — 4 years, online
Location Advantages:
Grace College and Theological Seminary — Winona Lake, IN
Key Distinction: Grace College and Theological Seminary offers comprehensive Information Systems programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Grace College's rural Indiana location paradoxically offers proximity to distributed manufacturing IT infrastructure (automotive, industrial controls) that major tech hubs overlook—students develop expertise in systems that run supply chains, not just consumer apps.
Grace College and Theological Seminary offers Information Systems programs in Winona Lake, IN. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Best Master's Information Systems Degree Programs in Indiana
Trine University-Regional/Non-Traditional Campuses — Angola, IN
Key Distinction: Fully online format — complete from home. Flexible pacing — new 8-week cohorts starting regularly, completion in as little as 1 year or part-time
Hakia Insight: Trine's 1-year completion option for the MS-IS works because cohorts move through together on a compressed 8-week-module schedule, eliminating the drift that plagues part-time programs where peer groups scatter—critical for working professionals who value completion velocity alongside credential quality.
Trine University's Master of Science in Information Systems is designed for working professionals with bachelor's degrees in technology fields seeking career advancement into leadership roles. The fully online program, offered through TrineOnline, allows flexible completion in as little as one year with new cohorts starting every eight weeks, accommodating part-time study. Students develop technological leadership, managerial skills, and project management expertise to analyze, design, and maintain information systems that solve business problems. The curriculum emphasizes advanced information systems management, business competitiveness optimization, and professional communication. Graduates advance into leadership and executive positions with enhanced project management capabilities and strategic decision-making skills.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Information Systems — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Location Advantages:
University of Notre Dame — Notre Dame, IN
Key Distinction: An academically rigorous information systems program combining computer science fundamentals with enterprise IT strategy, bolstered by a top-tier alumni network and Midwest corporate connections.
Hakia Insight: Notre Dame's dual Master's track (MS and MA) lets enterprise-focused students skip pure CS theory entirely; paired with Accenture and Deloitte recruiting pipelines, this signals the program optimizes for consulting and corporate IT leadership roles over research.
At the master's level, notre Dame's information systems program sits within a broader computing ecosystem that prioritizes student outcomes and ethical technology leadership. The curriculum blends foundational computer science theory with applied IS topics like enterprise architecture, IT governance, and digital transformation, ensuring graduates understand both the technical and business dimensions of information systems work. The program benefits from Notre Dame's extensive industry partnerships and consulting connections, giving students access to real-world client projects through coursework and internship placements. Faculty are actively engaged in research around enterprise systems, IT strategy, and organizational technology adoption—areas where Notre Dame maintains strong visibility in academic publishing. The proximity to major corporate headquarters in the Midwest and Notre Dame's alumni network in technology leadership create a natural pipeline into roles at Fortune 500 companies and innovative tech firms. Career outcomes reflect this positioning, with graduates moving into systems analyst, enterprise architect, IT manager, and technology consultant roles at organizations ranging from healthcare systems to financial services firms.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Information Systems — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Information Systems — 1-2 years, online
Industry Partners
- Accenture (corporate)
- Deloitte (corporate)
Location Advantages: Proximity to major Midwest corporate headquartersStrong regional and national alumni network in technology leadership
Purdue University-Main Campus — West Lafayette, IN
Key Distinction: A systems-thinking and data-driven information systems program rooted in engineering rigor, with hands-on lab work and strong recruitment from consulting and tech firms.
Hakia Insight: Purdue's Cyber Center isn't peripheral—it's woven into coursework, meaning students graduate with hands-on security credentials that IBM and Cummins actively recruit for, a bridge most IS programs leave until the job hunt.
At the master's level, purdue's information systems program draws strength from the university's engineering-first culture and deep ties to Indiana's industrial and technology sectors. The curriculum emphasizes data-driven decision-making and systems thinking, with students learning to analyze complex organizational problems through the lens of information technology, business processes, and quantitative analysis. Hands-on labs and projects give students exposure to enterprise resource planning systems, data warehousing platforms, and network infrastructure in realistic configurations. The program counts active research centers focused on cybersecurity, business analytics, and IT governance among its resources, where undergraduates can contribute to projects alongside graduate students and faculty. Purdue's placement record in IS roles is exceptionally strong, with high demand from consulting firms, tech companies, and manufacturing enterprises seeking systems thinkers who can bridge business and technology. The school's location in Indiana positions graduates well for roles in the region's diverse economy while also serving as a recruiting ground for national technology firms.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Information Systems — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Information Systems — 1-2 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
Industry Partners
- IBM (corporate)
- Cummins (corporate)
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Strong ties to Indiana manufacturing and industrial baseProximity to Indianapolis and regional tech hub growthNational recruitment pipeline from major consulting and tech firms
Valparaiso University — Valparaiso, IN
Key Distinction: A liberal arts-informed information systems program that emphasizes technology ethics and business impact alongside technical depth, preparing thoughtful technologists.
Hakia Insight: Valparaiso's liberal arts lens surfaces a rare advantage: its ethics-first curriculum appeals to compliance and governance roles in Chicago's financial sector, where technical skills alone won't advance you past mid-level without understanding organizational culture.
At the master's level, valparaiso's information systems program combines liberal arts thinking with applied technology, producing graduates who understand not just how systems work but why organizations adopt them and how they reshape industries. The curriculum integrates ethics and decision-making into technical coursework—exploring data privacy, algorithmic bias, and responsible automation alongside database design and software development. Students benefit from a close-knit faculty who mentor undergraduates through consulting projects with real organizations, often resulting in work that directly influences technology decisions. The program leverages Valparaiso's location in northwest Indiana to build partnerships with Chicago-area tech firms and established corporations, opening internship and placement pathways. Graduates distinguish themselves through the combination of technical competence and business perspective—particularly valuable in roles that require communicating across technical and non-technical teams.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Information Systems — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Information Systems — 1-2 years, online
Location Advantages: Proximity to Chicago technology and financial services sectorsAccess to established corporations in northwest Indiana
Butler University — Indianapolis, IN
Key Distinction: Butler distinguishes itself through a liberal arts-informed approach to information systems that prioritizes business acumen and communication skills alongside technical depth.
Hakia Insight: Butler's emphasis on business communication reflects an unspoken truth—Indianapolis corporate headquarters (Eli Lilly, OneAmerica) hire IS graduates who can translate between engineering and C-suite, a skill most technical master's programs treat as optional.
At the master's level, butler's information systems program reflects its rigorous liberal arts foundation, emphasizing critical thinking and business communication alongside technical competency. Rather than overwhelming students with disconnected technical courses, Butler integrates information systems education within a broader business school context, ensuring graduates develop the judgment and communication skills that separate effective IT professionals from technically proficient technicians. The curriculum balances systems analysis, database management, and enterprise architecture with coursework in organizational behavior, business strategy, and technology ethics. Small class sizes and close faculty-student interaction enable mentorship and customized learning paths. Indianapolis location provides internship opportunities with regional employers while maintaining the relationship-focused community that characterizes the Butler experience.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Information Systems — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Information Systems — 1-2 years, online
Location Advantages: Indianapolis metro access to corporate headquarters and regional business centers
Ball State University — Muncie, IN
Key Distinction: Ball State differentiates through its structured certification-preparation curriculum that embeds industry credential pathways directly into degree requirements.
Hakia Insight: Ball State embeds certification pathways directly into degree requirements rather than offering them as add-ons; this means graduates exit with credentials already earned, not a to-do list, cutting time-to-promotion in mid-market IT roles by months.
At the master's level, ball State's information systems program stands out for its strong applied computing foundation combined with explicit preparation for multiple professional certifications and industry credentials. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on technical skills—networking, database management, systems security—alongside the business and management competencies that employers consistently demand. The program maintains active partnerships with regional tech employers and integrates real-world case studies throughout the course sequence. What distinguishes Ball State is its deliberate pathway toward industry-recognized certifications; students graduate positioned to immediately pursue CompTIA, Cisco, and Microsoft credentials. The Muncie location, while not a major tech hub, has enabled the program to build tight relationships with Indiana's distributed business community, resulting in strong internship and entry-level placement networks across the state.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Information Systems — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Information Systems — 1-2 years, online
Accreditations and Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- Cisco CCNA preparation
Location Advantages: Access to Indiana's mid-market business community
University of Indianapolis — Indianapolis, IN
Key Distinction: University of Indianapolis offers comprehensive Information Systems programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: University of Indianapolis' regional focus and private tuition model suggests strong ties to local employer sponsorships; for working professionals, this typically translates to evening cohorts and employer tuition reimbursement programs not advertised nationally.
University of Indianapolis offers Information Systems programs in Indianapolis, IN. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
