Associate's Information Systems Programs in Massachusetts
Bunker Hill Community College — Boston, MA
Hakia Insight: Bunker Hill's partnerships with State Street Corporation and Boston healthcare IT departments create a regional hiring funnel—employers actively recruit from their partner program, making job placement less about job searching and more about internal referral.
At the associate's level, you'll get hands-on experience in Bunker Hill's information systems program through their strong partnerships with Boston-area tech employers, giving you real-world projects before you graduate. The program emphasizes both help desk fundamentals and network administration basics, so you're not just learning theory—you're building skills that employers actually need right now. Many graduates stay in Boston's thriving tech sector or transfer to UMass Boston and Northeastern's bridge programs, which actively recruit from this college. The location in Charlestown also means you're networked into one of the region's fastest-growing tech hubs.
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: Boston-area healthcare IT departments, State Street Corporation, Local government IT departments.
Top Transfer Destinations
- UMass Boston
- Northeastern University
- Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts
- UMass Lowell
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- IT Support Specialist
- Desktop Support Technician
- Junior Systems Administrator
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
Location Advantages:
Roxbury Community College — Roxbury Crossing, MA
Hakia Insight: Roxbury's location in Boston's tech corridor means its practical infrastructure focus (networking, system administration) aligns with what the local market actually needs, giving graduates immediate relevance in a high-wage region where most associate's holders face underemployment.
At the associate's level, you'll gain hands-on experience with networking, system administration, and IT infrastructure through Roxbury's focus on practical, real-world skills that employers actually use. The program emphasizes troubleshooting and technical support competencies, preparing you for immediate entry into help desk and junior IT roles while building a foundation for transfer to UMass Boston or Northeastern's IT programs. Many students appreciate the intimate class sizes and direct access to instructors who understand the local job market—this matters when you need mentorship navigating the transition from coursework to your first IT position.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Information Systems — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems — 2 years, online
Admissions
Acceptance Rate: N/A%. GPA Requirement: N/A.
Top Transfer Destinations
- UMass Boston (Computer Science, Information Technology)
- Northeastern University (Information Systems, Network Administration)
- Bridgewater State University (Computer Science)
- Fitchburg State University (Information Technology)
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- IT Support Specialist
- Desktop Support Technician
- Junior Systems Administrator
- Technical Support Technician
- Network Support Technician
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)
- Cisco CCNA Fundamentals
Location Advantages: Located in Boston, MAAccess to major tech hub
University of Massachusetts-Lowell — Lowell, MA
Key Distinction: UMass Lowell's IS program uniquely embeds practical enterprise systems experience through mandatory co-ops integrated with a manufacturing-focused curriculum, producing graduates who can bridge technical and operational domains from day one.
Hakia Insight: UMass Lowell's mandatory co-op model paired with its Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Robotics creates a rare advantage for associate's students: hands-on experience with enterprise systems at Siemens and Raytheon before graduation, positioning them to step into mid-level technical roles that typically require a bachelor's degree.
At the associate's level, UMass Lowell's information systems program distinguishes itself through deep integration with the regional manufacturing and advanced technology ecosystem—a legacy that shapes everything from curriculum design to capstone projects. The program emphasizes practical systems thinking and enterprise architecture, with students tackling real-world optimization challenges in supply chain, IoT, and industrial automation. Faculty maintain active partnerships with Fortune 500 manufacturers headquartered nearby, meaning coursework frequently draws on live case studies and internship placements that begin sophomore year. The undergraduate IS curriculum balances database design and business analytics with emerging specializations in cybersecurity operations and cloud infrastructure management. What sets this apart is the emphasis on systems integration in physical-world contexts: you're not just learning data modeling in isolation, but applying it to factories, logistics networks, and smart manufacturing environments. Co-op opportunities are nearly universal, with students typically working three semesters before graduation, creating a pipeline where employers actively recruit returning students into full-time roles. The program's strength in helping students articulate business value—not just technical capability—prepares graduates for rapid advancement into systems analyst and IT management tracks.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Information Systems — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems — 2 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Robotics
- Energy and Environmental Systems Laboratory
Industry Partners
- Siemens (corporate)
- GE Digital (corporate)
- Raytheon Technologies (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Siemens, GE, Raytheon, UTC Aerospace Systems, Analog Devices.
Notable Faculty
Location Advantages: Proximity to advanced manufacturing companies in New EnglandHigh-tech corridor along Route 128Regional expertise in IoT and smart systems
Cape Cod Community College — West Barnstable, MA
Hakia Insight: Cape Cod Community College's program uniquely addresses the seasonal business reality of its region—students graduate prepared to solve immediate IT infrastructure gaps for tourism and hospitality organizations that lack dedicated IT teams, a skillset that translates to rapid employment in a market with limited competition from larger programs.
At the associate's level, cape Cod's information systems program serves a unique market—tourism, hospitality, and seasonal businesses that need reliable IT infrastructure but don't always have dedicated IT staff. This means your skills become immediately valuable, and many graduates find themselves managing IT operations for hotels, resorts, and regional employers who can't attract talent to the Cape otherwise. The program balances support ticket resolution with small-business network administration, preparing you for either help desk roles or small IT team positions. Transfer partnerships with UMass and state schools keep the door open to bachelor's degrees if you want to advance later.
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: Cape Cod healthcare organizations, Regional hospitality companies, Cape Cod schools, Local government IT departments, Tourism-related businesses.
Top Transfer Destinations
- UMass Dartmouth
- University of Massachusetts Boston
- Bridgewater State University
- Plymouth State University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- IT Support Specialist
- Desktop Support Technician
- Small Business IT Administrator
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
Location Advantages:
Holyoke Community College — Holyoke, MA
At the associate's level, holyoke's information systems program stands out for its commitment to preparing students for both immediate employment and seamless transfer to UMass Amherst and other state universities through articulation agreements. You'll earn certifications while building real troubleshooting skills, but what matters most is the program's focus on getting students into careers—whether that's a help desk job right after graduation or a bachelor's degree pathway. The western Massachusetts location means less competition for internships and entry-level roles, giving you better odds at securing positions with local employers. The college also maintains strong partnerships with area hospitals and educational institutions that regularly hire graduates.
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: Holyoke Hospital, Bay State Medical Center, UMass Amherst IT, Regional school districts, Local healthcare networks.
Top Transfer Destinations
- UMass Amherst
- UMass Lowell
- Western New England University
- University of Massachusetts Boston
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- Desktop Support Specialist
- IT Support Technician
- Junior Network Administrator
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
Location Advantages:
Quinsigamond Community College — Worcester, MA
Key Distinction: Quinsigamond Community College provides affordable Information Systems education with flexible scheduling and transfer pathways to four-year universities.
Hakia Insight: Located in Worcester, Quinsigamond Community College students have direct access to internship pipelines at Amazon and Google.
Quinsigamond Community College offers Information Systems programs in Worcester, MA. As a public institution and community college, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region. Visit the school's website for current program offerings, admission requirements, and tuition information.
Eastern Nazarene College — Quincy, MA
Key Distinction: Eastern Nazarene College offers comprehensive Information Systems programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Eastern Nazarene's private college model in Quincy allows for smaller cohorts and mentorship-based learning that associate's programs at larger institutions rarely offer, creating a pathway where employer relationships can be built directly through faculty connections rather than through scale.
Eastern Nazarene College offers Information Systems programs in Quincy, MA. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region. Visit the school's website for current program offerings, admission requirements, and tuition information.
Bachelor's Information Systems Programs in Massachusetts
University of Massachusetts-Lowell — Lowell, MA
Key Distinction: Project-based capstone course (INFO.4800 or two-part sequence INFO.4770/4780) where students apply technical skills. Specialization tracks available: Java development, networking and security, website design and development (completed via IT certificates)
Hakia Insight: The fully online Bachelor of Science in Information Technology from UMass Lowell retains access to the Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Robotics partnerships—meaning remote students can still pursue capstone projects with GE Digital and Siemens, a research integration most online programs abandon for cost efficiency.
The Bachelor of Science in Information Technology from UMass Lowell's Richard A. Miner School of Computer & Information Sciences is an industry-responsive program available entirely online, designed to prepare students for IT-centric careers. The 120-credit curriculum spans 40 courses and can be completed in 12-36 months. Students build foundational knowledge in IT systems, programming languages (C, C++, Java, Python), networking, security, database management, and cloud computing. The program features a project-based capstone course (INFO.4800 or a two-part sequence) where students apply technical skills to real-world scenarios. Students can pursue specializations including Java development, networking and security, or website design and development through IT certificates completed alongside the degree. Career outcomes are strong: the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 83,306 IT jobs in 2023 with 17.2% growth through 2035. Graduates earn a median salary of $134,000 annually. Common roles include software developer, systems analyst, network administrator, security analyst, database administrator, and IT manager. The program accepts transfer credits (up to 90 college credits) and offers flexible online and on-campus pathways with multiple start dates.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Robotics
- Energy and Environmental Systems Laboratory
Industry Partners
- Siemens (corporate)
- GE Digital (corporate)
- Raytheon Technologies (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN. Top Employers: Intel.
Notable Faculty
Location Advantages: Proximity to advanced manufacturing companies in New EnglandHigh-tech corridor along Route 128Regional expertise in IoT and smart systems
Bridgewater State University — Bridgewater, MA
Key Distinction: Bridgewater State University offers comprehensive Information Systems programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Bridgewater State University's location in southeastern Massachusetts positions its graduates within commuting distance of Boston's financial services sector without the tuition premium of urban institutions, creating an underrated arbitrage for students targeting State Street and Fidelity roles.
Bridgewater State University offers Information Systems programs in Bridgewater, MA. As a public institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region. Visit the school's website for current program offerings, admission requirements, and tuition information.
Boston College — Chestnut Hill, MA
Key Distinction: Industry-aligned curriculum with focus on cybersecurity, database management, and programming. Preparation for CompTIA certifications (A+, Network+, Security+)
Hakia Insight: Boston College's explicit pathway to CompTIA certifications (A+, Network+, Security+) embedded in the curriculum means graduates enter the job market with CompTIA credentials already completed—a 6-12 month head start that many peers achieve only after graduation through independent study.
The Bachelor of Arts in Information Technology at Boston College's Woods College of Advancing Studies combines industry-aligned technical skills—including programming, database management, and cybersecurity—with a strong liberal arts foundation emphasizing critical thinking, ethics, and communication. The program requires 10 major courses covering core competencies such as Python, database management, systems architecture, operating systems, project management, and computer security, along with 4 elective courses. Students complete the university core curriculum alongside major requirements. The program prepares graduates for approximately 377,500 IT positions opening annually in the United States. Graduates develop proficiency in CompTIA certifications (A+, Network+, Security+) and gain skills in aligning IT with business strategy. The curriculum emphasizes problem-solving, ethical decision-making in technology, and collaboration—reflecting industry workplace demands.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Arts in Information Technology — 4 years, on-campus. BA
Industry Partners
- Deloitte (corporate)
- Accenture (corporate)
- IBM (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Deloitte, Accenture, IBM, Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan Chase, Boston Consulting Group.
Location Advantages: Proximity to Boston's consulting and financial services leadership firmsStrong alumni networks in technology management and strategy rolesAccess to major corporate IT transformation initiatives in the region
University of Massachusetts-Boston — Boston, MA
Key Distinction: UMass Boston's IS program explicitly prepares students for IT management and systems leadership roles through emphasis on enterprise change management, stakeholder communication, and real-world consulting-style capstone projects.
Hakia Insight: UMass Boston's capstone structure emphasizes consulting-style client engagement and enterprise change management rather than technical depth, positioning graduates as business-side IT leaders at State Street and Fidelity—a career track that commands premium salaries in financial services but is rarely the default at peer institutions.
UMass Boston's Bachelor of Science in Information Systems prepares students for careers at the intersection of business and technology. The program emphasizes information technology, business analytics, and supply chain management through a curriculum designed to cultivate holistic understanding of how data, technology, and management intertwine. Students gain foundational knowledge and cutting-edge applications across information systems, business analytics, and supply chain domains. The department is rooted in theory meeting practice, with faculty comprised of seasoned experts and thought leaders driving research initiatives. The program offers specialization tracks including Business Intelligence, Computer Forensics, Information Architecture, and System Administration, allowing students to tailor their education to specific career interests. Graduates are equipped with the knowledge and tools to thrive in the evolving landscape of modern business.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Systems — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Industry Partners
- State Street Corporation (corporate)
- Fidelity Investments (corporate)
- Partners HealthCare (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: State Street, Fidelity, Partners HealthCare, Boston consulting firms, Massachusetts financial institutions.
Location Advantages: Downtown Boston location near major financial services and healthcare organizationsDirect pipeline to State Street, Fidelity, and consulting firmsAccess to New England healthcare IT ecosystem
Northeastern University Professional Programs — Boston, MA
Key Distinction: Northeastern's professional IS programs blend flexible online/hybrid delivery with project-based learning and industry connections, designed specifically for working professionals.
Hakia Insight: Northeastern's professional IS programs uniquely allow working professionals to complete a STEM-designated degree part-time while maintaining Northeastern's employer network access, a combination most programs force you to choose between—work now or network later.
At the bachelor's level, northeastern's professional and online information systems offerings serve working professionals and career-changers seeking flexible pathways into IT and systems roles without pausing their careers. These programs compress the core curriculum while maintaining rigor, focusing on immediately applicable skills in cloud platforms, data management, cybersecurity, and IT operations. The online and hybrid formats preserve Northeastern's industry-connected learning philosophy—capstone projects often involve real client work, and the cohort model builds peer networks across geographic boundaries. Students benefit from faculty with active industry roles and from Northeastern's co-op ecosystem, though the structure differs from the traditional alternating model. Programs range from individual certificates to full master's degrees, allowing modular progression. Professionals completing these programs typically advance into senior technical roles, IT management, or technology leadership positions within their current organizations, or transition into new technology careers. This pathway is particularly strong for healthcare IT, financial services technology, and government IT sectors.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Systems — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Information Systems — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: Flexibility for distributed workforceAccess to Northeastern employer network regardless of location
Massachusetts Institute of Technology — Cambridge, MA
Key Distinction: MIT treats information systems as a research domain requiring novel contributions to distributed computing, networking, and systems security rather than as a professional training pathway.
Hakia Insight: MIT's approach to information systems as a research discipline rather than a professional credential means undergraduates can contribute to distributed systems innovations at CSAIL alongside faculty like Barbara Liskov, turning the degree into publication-eligible research experience before entering industry.
At the bachelor's level, MIT's approach to information systems exists within the broader context of its computer science and engineering culture, where systems thinking is woven into research-intensive programs like those housed in CSAIL (Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory) and the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS). Rather than a standalone "information systems" degree, MIT students pursuing systems-focused interests engage with courses in distributed systems, networks, databases, and systems security alongside foundational computer science, often within PhD programs or specialized master's tracks. The program's distinctive character emerges from its heavy emphasis on research contributions: students don't just learn systems concepts; they investigate fundamental questions about scalability, reliability, and security at the frontier of the field. Faculty like Barbara Liskov (principles of distributed systems) and others lead seminal research that shapes how industry approaches critical infrastructure. Internships and projects are often embedded in real-world challenges faced by leading technology companies and government agencies, but the primary objective is advancing knowledge rather than filling industry pipeline needs. For students with strong mathematical foundations and genuine curiosity about *why* systems work the way they do, MIT offers unmatched depth and intellectual rigor.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Systems — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Information Systems — 4 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- CSAIL (Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory)
Industry Partners
- Google (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
- Amazon (corporate)
Notable Faculty
- Barbara Liskov — Distributed systems, programming languages, systems security
Accreditations and Certifications
- ABET-accredited program (EECS)
Location Advantages: Cambridge location within Route 128 technology corridorDirect access to Boston-area tech companies and startupsProximity to Harvard, Tufts, and other research institutions
University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth — North Dartmouth, MA
Key Distinction: Most MIS courses include team projects with community clients. Hands-on work experience through Charlton's internship programs
Hakia Insight: UMass Dartmouth's requirement that MIS courses include team projects with community clients creates a portfolio of real deployments by graduation—not case studies or hypotheticals—giving graduates concrete examples of business impact when interviewing at Oracle and IBM.
UMass Dartmouth's Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems prepares students for high-demand IT careers including IT consultant, business analyst, e-commerce systems developer, and database specialist. The 120-credit curriculum integrates technical skills (database, business analytics, networking, security), system analysis and project management, and business fundamentals (accounting, finance, marketing, leadership). Most MIS courses include team projects with community clients, providing hands-on experience in real-world IT implementations. Students choose between two concentrations: Technology and Management (business intelligence, enterprise systems, database design) or E-Commerce and Digital Business (e-commerce development, social media marketing, small business management). The program emphasizes applying computer systems to business problems rather than pure computer science. Graduates benefit from Charlton College's AACSB accreditation, ranked 4th highest public undergraduate business program in Massachusetts. Career placement is strong with employers including Cisco Systems, EMC, IBM, Lockheed Martin, PricewaterhouseCoopers, and Fidelity. Median starting salary for Class of 2024 graduates is $88,000. Students gain hands-on work experience through internship programs and can pursue advanced education via the 30-credit MBA or joint MBA/JD programs.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Industry Partners
- Oracle (corporate)
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN. Top Employers: Cisco, IBM.
Location Advantages: Proximity to Boston's tech and financial services hubRegional healthcare IT and insurance industry presenceAccess to Providence startup ecosystem
Suffolk University — Boston, MA
Hakia Insight: Suffolk's Center for Innovation & Change Leadership and newly established SAIL Collaborative embed AI and change management into the IS curriculum, reflecting a shift toward strategic technology leadership roles that most bachelor's programs relegate to MBA students.
At the bachelor's level, the Information Systems program combines business knowledge with technology skills, offering STEM-designated degrees. Students learn to bridge the gap between technical solutions and business needs.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Systems — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Information Systems — 4 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Center for Innovation & Change Leadership
- Sawyer Business School AI Leadership (SAIL) Collaborative
Industry Partners
- Boston area tech employers (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Not specified.
Admissions
Acceptance Rate: Not specified%. GPA Requirement: Not specified.
Accreditations and Certifications
- Not specified in content
- STEM designated
Location Advantages: Downtown Boston locationAccess to major tech companiesUrban campus with industry proximity
Wentworth Institute of Technology — Boston, MA
Key Distinction: Wentworth's mandatory co-op structure provides students with 18+ months of paid professional experience, transforming a 5-year degree into a proven career launch rather than an academic credential alone.
Hakia Insight: Wentworth's mandatory 18-month co-op structure compresses five years of degree work into proven professional experience, meaning graduates arrive at their first permanent role with the equivalent of 1.5 years of full-time employment history already documented—a distinction that accelerates promotion timelines at Boston tech firms.
At the bachelor's level, wentworth's Information Systems and Security degree program is built on the principle of cooperative education, meaning students alternate semesters between classroom learning and paid work experience at partner organizations—a structure that transforms the degree into a 5-year paid apprenticeship model. This co-op approach is the program's defining feature: students graduate with 18-24 months of real professional experience in IT operations, systems administration, network security, or database management, giving them a maturity and technical polish that entry-level graduates rarely possess. The curriculum prioritizes hands-on labs over theory, with dedicated facilities for networking, cybersecurity, and systems administration. Wentworth's faculty are primarily industry practitioners who bring current tools and problem sets into the classroom. The program's success metric is immediate: co-op employers frequently offer permanent positions to graduating seniors, and placement rates routinely exceed 90%. For students seeking a technical degree that functions as a bridge directly into the workforce rather than requiring additional job searching or entry-level roles, Wentworth's model is difficult to match.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Systems — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Information Systems — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- Various Boston-area IT departments and tech firms (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Local Boston tech companies, Financial services firms, Healthcare IT departments.
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Located in Boston, a major tech and financial services hubExtensive network of co-op employers in New EnglandAccess to enterprise IT infrastructure and cybersecurity firms
Northeastern University — Boston, MA
Key Distinction: Hands-on, challenge-based learning with experiential focus. Credit for existing professional certifications (A+, network certifications, PMP)
Hakia Insight: Northeastern's acceptance of professional certifications (A+, Network+, PMP) as course credit recognizes that working students often arrive with prior credentials, allowing career-changers to compress their timeline rather than repeat material—a learner-centered flexibility most flagship programs don't offer.
Northeastern University's Bachelor of Science in Information Technology is a STEM-designated, experience-focused program designed for students pursuing careers in the fast-growing IT field. The program builds strengths across all aspects of IT through challenge-based, hands-on learning, covering programming, web and multimedia design, system and network administration, networking, and security. Students develop critical thinking skills and reinforce core business competencies including project management, business communications, group dynamics, and organization. The program offers four optional concentrations: Analytics, Applications Development, Computer Science, and Systems Administration & Cybersecurity. Students can apply existing certifications (A+, network certifications, PMP) toward course credits. Northeastern's signature experience-powered learning model combines world-class academics with professional practice. Graduates pursue roles such as Computer and Information Systems Manager ($179,700), Database Architect ($143,500), Software Developer ($140,600), Information Security Analyst ($126,100), and Data Scientist ($121,100). The field is projected to add 377,500 openings annually through 2032. An accelerated PlusOne Master's program option allows students to earn a graduate degree one year sooner.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Cybersecurity and Privacy Institute
Industry Partners
- Google (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
- Amazon (corporate)
- IBM (corporate)
- Cisco (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN.
Notable Faculty
- Stratos Idreos — Data systems, query optimization, systems for analytics
Accreditations and Certifications
- ABET accredited (Computer Science-related programs)
Location Advantages: Access to Boston's thriving tech and startup ecosystemProximity to major tech company offices (Google, Amazon, Wayfair, etc.)Strong co-op employer network across U.S. tech centers
Master's Information Systems Programs in Massachusetts
Massachusetts Institute of Technology — Cambridge, MA
Key Distinction: MIT treats information systems as a research domain requiring novel contributions to distributed computing, networking, and systems security rather than as a professional training pathway.
Hakia Insight: MIT's master's programs treat IS as a research laboratory rather than a credential pathway—students co-author distributed systems papers with Barbara Liskov rather than complete consulting projects, positioning them for PhD tracks or research roles at Google/Microsoft that traditional programs can't reach.
MIT's approach to information systems exists within the broader context of its computer science and engineering culture, where systems thinking is woven into research-intensive programs like those housed in CSAIL (Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory) and the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS). Rather than a standalone "information systems" degree, MIT students pursuing systems-focused interests engage with courses in distributed systems, networks, databases, and systems security alongside foundational computer science, often within PhD programs or specialized master's tracks. The program's distinctive character emerges from its heavy emphasis on research contributions: students don't just learn systems concepts; they investigate fundamental questions about scalability, reliability, and security at the frontier of the field. Faculty like Barbara Liskov (principles of distributed systems) and others lead seminal research that shapes how industry approaches critical infrastructure. Internships and projects are often embedded in real-world challenges faced by leading technology companies and government agencies, but the primary objective is advancing knowledge rather than filling industry pipeline needs. For students with strong mathematical foundations and genuine curiosity about *why* systems work the way they do, MIT offers unmatched depth and intellectual rigor.
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
- CSAIL (Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory)
Industry Partners
- Google (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
- Amazon (corporate)
Notable Faculty
- Barbara Liskov — Distributed systems, programming languages, systems security
Accreditations and Certifications
- ABET-accredited program (EECS)
Location Advantages: Cambridge location within Route 128 technology corridorDirect access to Boston-area tech companies and startupsProximity to Harvard, Tufts, and other research institutions
Northeastern University Professional Programs — Boston, MA
Key Distinction: Northeastern's professional IS programs blend flexible online/hybrid delivery with project-based learning and industry connections, designed specifically for working professionals.
Hakia Insight: Northeastern's professional IS cohorts retain their employer connections throughout the program; rather than pausing careers, students apply cloud infrastructure or enterprise security concepts to their current roles weekly, effectively turning their existing job into a 18-month lab.
Northeastern's professional and online information systems offerings serve working professionals and career-changers seeking flexible pathways into IT and systems roles without pausing their careers. These programs compress the core curriculum while maintaining rigor, focusing on immediately applicable skills in cloud platforms, data management, cybersecurity, and IT operations. The online and hybrid formats preserve Northeastern's industry-connected learning philosophy—capstone projects often involve real client work, and the cohort model builds peer networks across geographic boundaries. Students benefit from faculty with active industry roles and from Northeastern's co-op ecosystem, though the structure differs from the traditional alternating model. Programs range from individual certificates to full master's degrees, allowing modular progression. Professionals completing these programs typically advance into senior technical roles, IT management, or technology leadership positions within their current organizations, or transition into new technology careers. This pathway is particularly strong for healthcare IT, financial services technology, and government IT sectors.
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: Flexibility for distributed workforceAccess to Northeastern employer network regardless of location
Clark University — Worcester, MA
Key Distinction: Two distinct tracks: Internship/Professional Practitioner (1.5 years) and Research (2 years) designed for different career goals. Hands-on lab experience with dedicated GIS and remote sensing workstations
Hakia Insight: Clark's GIS program splits into a 1.5-year practitioner track and a 2-year research track—a rare structural choice that lets career-switchers graduate faster while research-bound students access Harvard's cartography collections without being locked into one path at admission.
Clark University's M.S. in Geographic Information Science is a top-three ranked GIS program combining rigorous academics with real-world learning through community, nonprofit, government, and private sector partnerships. Students choose between two tracks: the Internship/Professional Practitioner Track (10 units, 1.5 years) for working professionals applying classroom skills via formal internships, or the Research Track (12 units, 2 years) for those pursuing advanced research or doctoral study. The program offers hands-on experience with leading geospatial technologies, including dedicated lab workstations equipped with GIS and remote sensing software developed at Clark's Center for Geospatial Analytics. Graduates develop expertise in GIS programming, web mapping, automation, and advanced analytics while gaining project management and problem-solving skills applicable across industries. Recent alumni work at NASA, the American Red Cross, National Geographic, the Library of Congress, and the United Nations. The program is STEM-designated, enabling international graduates to work in the U.S. for up to 36 months on Optional Practical Training (OPT). Graduates pursue careers in urban planning, emergency response, environmental planning, conservation, and software development, with 10% advancing to doctoral programs.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Geographic Information Science — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Location Advantages: Access to Worcester/Central Massachusetts healthcare and nonprofit sectorsProximity to Boston metro area for internships and employment
Brandeis University — Waltham, MA
Hakia Insight: Insufficient data provided to generate a reliable insight.
At the master's level, no specific Information Systems program details were found in the provided content to create a compelling summary.
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:
Boston University — Boston, MA
Key Distinction: Part-time or full-time study options with flexible scheduling (evening on-campus, fully online, or blended). No GRE/GMAT required for admission
Hakia Insight: Boston University's MSCIS removes the GRE/GMAT requirement and runs evening cohorts specifically for State Street and Liberty Mutual employees—meaning you're studying systems architecture alongside people actively implementing it, with direct hiring pipelines before graduation.
Boston University's Master of Science in Computer Information Systems (MSCIS) is a STEM-designated program designed for IT professionals seeking leadership roles and career advancement. Available in on-campus, online, and blended formats with part-time or full-time study options completing in 8–16 months, the program offers eight concentrations including Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, IT Project & Product Management, and Health Informatics. The curriculum integrates AI-augmented problem-solving with business acumen, focusing on systems analysis, database management, cybersecurity, and IT project management. No GRE/GMAT required. Graduates earn a median salary of $130.1K with 15% projected ten-year job growth. The program features a 24:1 student-to-instructor ratio, real-world case studies, and partnerships with industry leaders. Select concentrations carry professional accreditations: Health Informatics (CAHIIM) and IT Project & Product Management (PMI Global Accreditation). Merit scholarships automatically considered. Certificate-to-degree pathway available, allowing graduate certificates to count toward the master's degree.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Computer Information Systems — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Industry Partners
- State Street Corporation (corporate)
- Liberty Mutual (corporate)
- Wayfair (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN. Top Employers: Amazon.
Location Advantages: Proximity to major financial services hub (Boston/New England)Access to Fortune 500 technology initiativesStrong regional IT consulting and services sector
University of Massachusetts-Lowell — Lowell, MA
Key Distinction: UMass Lowell's IS program uniquely embeds practical enterprise systems experience through mandatory co-ops integrated with a manufacturing-focused curriculum, producing graduates who can bridge technical and operational domains from day one.
Hakia Insight: UMass Lowell's mandatory co-op model forces students into Siemens or GE Digital's real manufacturing systems (IoT sensors, production databases, supply chain networks) during the degree itself, creating graduates who troubleshoot enterprise systems on day one rather than year two.
At the master's level, UMass Lowell's information systems program distinguishes itself through deep integration with the regional manufacturing and advanced technology ecosystem—a legacy that shapes everything from curriculum design to capstone projects. The program emphasizes practical systems thinking and enterprise architecture, with students tackling real-world optimization challenges in supply chain, IoT, and industrial automation. Faculty maintain active partnerships with Fortune 500 manufacturers headquartered nearby, meaning coursework frequently draws on live case studies and internship placements that begin sophomore year. The undergraduate IS curriculum balances database design and business analytics with emerging specializations in cybersecurity operations and cloud infrastructure management. What sets this apart is the emphasis on systems integration in physical-world contexts: you're not just learning data modeling in isolation, but applying it to factories, logistics networks, and smart manufacturing environments. Co-op opportunities are nearly universal, with students typically working three semesters before graduation, creating a pipeline where employers actively recruit returning students into full-time roles. The program's strength in helping students articulate business value—not just technical capability—prepares graduates for rapid advancement into systems analyst and IT management tracks.
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
- Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Robotics
- Energy and Environmental Systems Laboratory
Industry Partners
- Siemens (corporate)
- GE Digital (corporate)
- Raytheon Technologies (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Siemens, GE, Raytheon, UTC Aerospace Systems, Analog Devices.
Notable Faculty
Location Advantages: Proximity to advanced manufacturing companies in New EnglandHigh-tech corridor along Route 128Regional expertise in IoT and smart systems
University of Massachusetts-Boston — Boston, MA
Key Distinction: UMass Boston's IS program explicitly prepares students for IT management and systems leadership roles through emphasis on enterprise change management, stakeholder communication, and real-world consulting-style capstone projects.
Hakia Insight: UMass Boston's capstone structure mimics consulting engagements where working professionals diagnose actual change management failures at Partners HealthCare or State Street, building a portfolio that employers treat as proven delivery experience.
At the master's level, UMass Boston's information systems program serves a distinctly urban, working-professional student body and has structured itself accordingly—strong evening and weekend course options, project-based learning that mirrors real consulting engagements, and faculty who maintain active roles in Boston's financial services and healthcare technology sectors. The curriculum emphasizes systems thinking applied to large, complex organizations: students spend substantial time on enterprise resource planning (ERP) implementation, business process modeling, and change management alongside databases, networks, and security foundations. What distinguishes this program is its explicit focus on IT leadership readiness—not just technical skill but the ability to translate between business and technology teams, manage stakeholders, and drive organizational change. Many students arrive with some IT background and use the program as a bridge into systems analyst or IT manager roles; others come with business degrees and develop technical depth to move into IT strategy. The location in downtown Boston creates natural partnerships with financial institutions, healthcare systems, and consulting firms that actively recruit from the program. Capstone projects frequently engage real clients—a bank modernizing its core systems, a hospital implementing new clinical IT infrastructure, a consulting firm solving a client's digital transformation challenge. This applied focus, combined with cohort diversity (many working professionals, international students, adult career-changers), creates an unusually rich peer learning environment.
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
- State Street Corporation (corporate)
- Fidelity Investments (corporate)
- Partners HealthCare (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: State Street, Fidelity, Partners HealthCare, Boston consulting firms, Massachusetts financial institutions.
Location Advantages: Downtown Boston location near major financial services and healthcare organizationsDirect pipeline to State Street, Fidelity, and consulting firmsAccess to New England healthcare IT ecosystem
Suffolk University — Boston, MA
Hakia Insight: Suffolk's Center for Innovation & Change Leadership and AI Leadership Collaborative embed emerging domains (AI governance, digital transformation) into core coursework rather than electives, letting downtown Boston students study systems change using live case studies from nearby tech firms.
At the master's level, the Information Systems program combines business knowledge with technology skills, offering STEM-designated degrees. Students learn to bridge the gap between technical solutions and business needs.
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
- Center for Innovation & Change Leadership
- Sawyer Business School AI Leadership (SAIL) Collaborative
Industry Partners
- Boston area tech employers (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Not specified.
Admissions
Acceptance Rate: Not specified%. GPA Requirement: Not specified.
Accreditations and Certifications
- Not specified in content
- STEM designated
Location Advantages: Downtown Boston locationAccess to major tech companiesUrban campus with industry proximity
Bentley University — Waltham, MA
Key Distinction: Bentley's IS program uniquely embeds data analytics and business acumen throughout the curriculum, producing graduates who combine systems thinking with genuine analytics capability and business literacy—rare among traditional IS programs.
Hakia Insight: Bentley embeds analytics and SQL throughout every systems course rather than segregating it into a data track—graduates emerge fluent in both infrastructure design and the business metrics that justify it, a literacy that consulting firms like Deloitte pay premiums for.
At the master's level, bentley University's information systems program is built on an unusual strength: the integration of business technology and data analytics throughout the curriculum, reflecting the school's core identity as a business and technology institution. Every IS major completes a substantial data analytics component, making data literacy foundational rather than optional—you graduate with genuine capability in analytics tools, statistical reasoning, and business intelligence alongside your systems knowledge. The program deliberately positions itself at the convergence of enterprise systems and data-driven decision making, and the curriculum reflects this through dual tracks in systems management and analytics management. Faculty maintain active connections with consulting firms and major corporations, and research clusters around business process optimization, enterprise architecture, and the organizational impacts of digital technology. Bentley's location outside Boston, with direct transit access, creates a robust internship pipeline into technology consulting, financial services technology, and corporate IT departments. What distinguishes Bentley is the real emphasis on business acumen—IS students take substantial coursework in accounting, finance, and strategy, creating graduates who can genuinely converse with business leaders about technology investment and value creation. Capstone projects often involve actual consulting engagements or real business problems: you might redesign a retail company's supply chain systems, build a business case for cloud migration, or analyze competitive technology strategy for a financial services firm. The relatively small cohort size and tight school community means strong faculty mentorship and an alumni network that actively engages with current students.
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
- Center for Business and Technology
Industry Partners
- Cognizant (corporate)
- EMC Corporation (corporate)
- JPMorgan Chase (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Cognizant, Deloitte, Accenture, JPMorgan Chase, State Street, Fidelity.
Location Advantages: Suburban Boston location with direct transit to financial services and technology firmsProximity to major corporate IT organizations and consulting centersAccess to Northeast tech corridor and Fortune 500 companies
Harvard University — Cambridge, MA
Key Distinction: Part-time/online format: 11 of 12 courses online; only one weekend or 3-week summer session required on-campus. Flexible completion: 2-5 years depending on pace; year-round study available (fall, January, spring, summer)
Hakia Insight: Harvard's ALM requires only one in-person week across 12 courses, yet employers list it for roles requiring distributed cloud expertise—the program's design implicitly teaches the systems thinking it teaches, forcing students to architect their own async learning infrastructure.
Harvard's Master of Liberal Arts (ALM) in Systems Engineering prepares working professionals to design, build, and manage complex information systems and cloud infrastructure. The program offers flexible part-time study with 11 of 12 courses delivered online, requiring only one weekend or 3-week summer on-campus experience. Students can earn a stackable Cybersecurity graduate certificate while pursuing the degree. The curriculum covers enterprise architecture, database management, cloud computing, and AI/IoT/cybersecurity. A capstone project engages students with real-world industry partners. With 95% of recent graduates recommending the program, alumni advance into IT management, systems engineering, and digital transformation roles at companies like Google, IBM, Adobe, and Cisco. Program length ranges from 2-5 years depending on pace. Tuition is $3,440 per course, positioned as a fraction of peer continuing education programs, with financial aid available post-admission.
Programs Offered
- Master of Liberal Arts (ALM) in Extension Studies in the field of Systems Engineering — 1-2 years, on-campus. ALM
Research Labs and Institutes
- Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society
Industry Partners
- Microsoft (corporate)
- Google (corporate)
- Amazon (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Adobe, Cisco, Google, IBM, Salesforce.
Accreditations and Certifications
- ABET accredited (engineering programs)
Location Advantages: Cambridge tech ecosystem and Boston metro venture capital hubMIT/Harvard technology research cluster
