Best Bachelor's Information Systems Degree Programs in Missouri
University of Missouri-Columbia — Columbia, MO
Key Distinction: Ample internship opportunities through Career and Internship Program. Undergraduate Research and Scholarship opportunities
Hakia Insight: Mizzou's dual AACSB accreditation signals exceptional rigor, but the program's value hinges on whether those autonomous systems and health informatics labs translate into career outcomes—the absence of median salary or placement rate data leaves this unproven.
The Bachelor of Science in Information Systems and Technology at UMSL is a career-oriented program offered through the Ed G. Smith College of Business, which holds dual AACSB accreditation placing it in the top 2% of business schools globally. Students gain advanced technical skills combined with business acumen through extensive experiential learning opportunities, including real-world problem-solving projects with existing businesses, internships, and undergraduate research. The program offers flexibility with on-campus, hybrid, and fully online formats. Students can pursue a generalized degree or specialize in application development, business intelligence, or cybersecurity. Graduates are well-positioned for in-demand IT careers, with 100% placement rate into employment or graduate school within one year. The median annual salary for graduates is $117,450, and the field is expected to grow 15% by 2032 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Systems and Technology — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Autonomous Systems Laboratory
- Medical Intelligent Systems Laboratory (MISL)
- Health Intervention and Treatment Research Lab
- Immunity & Autoimmunity Research Lab
- Shelden Clinical Simulation Center
Industry Partners
- Booz Allen Hamilton (corporate)
- Husch Blackwell (corporate)
- State of Missouri (government)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN.
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Balaji Rajagopalan — Management Information Systems, transformative impact of technical artifacts
- Kristofferson Culmer — Autonomous Systems
- Noor Al-Shakarji — Engineering and Information Technology
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Growing Columbia tech corridorProximity to major financial services and healthcare employersAccess to state government IT opportunities
Washington University in St Louis — Saint Louis, MO
Key Distinction: Washington University's IS program uniquely positions students for executive-track technology leadership by embedding business transformation and change management into a technically rigorous curriculum, paired with capstone projects tied directly to St. Louis's Fortune 500 and mid-market enterprise ecosystem.
Hakia Insight: Washington University's capstone projects aren't theoretical exercises—they're embedded directly into St. Louis's Fortune 500 ecosystem (Bayer, Express Scripts, Centene), meaning you're solving real enterprise transformation problems for companies that will potentially hire you.
At the bachelor's level, washington University's information systems program distinguishes itself through a curriculum that bridges technical depth with business acumen, preparing graduates to lead digital transformation initiatives rather than simply execute them. The program emphasizes systems thinking and organizational change management alongside core computer science foundations, reflecting the reality that most IS professionals spend their careers solving business problems through technology rather than building technology in isolation. Students gain hands-on experience through capstone projects embedded with real St. Louis organizations—healthcare systems, financial services firms, and manufacturing companies—giving them exposure to enterprise-scale challenges before graduation. The faculty bring active industry consulting experience; many maintain research interests in cybersecurity, cloud architecture, and enterprise data systems that directly inform curriculum design. The location in the greater St. Louis region provides unexpected advantages: the city hosts significant operations for companies like Monsanto (now Bayer), Express Scripts, and Centene, creating internship pipelines and recruiting relationships that rival larger coastal tech hubs. Graduates report strong placement in roles spanning IT governance, business systems analysis, enterprise architecture, and technology management—the career trajectories typically lead toward CIO-track positions rather than individual contributor roles. The program's cohort-based structure fosters tight peer networks that persist professionally after graduation, a distinctive feature among IS programs that often operate on a more individualized basis.
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
- McDonnell Academy Global Engagement (MAGE)
Industry Partners
- Bayer (formerly Monsanto) (corporate)
- Centene Corporation (corporate)
- Express Scripts (corporate)
- Ameren Corporation (corporate)
Notable Faculty
- Cynthia Dwork — Differential privacy and cryptography
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Major operations hub for Bayer, Express Scripts, Centene, and AmerenSt. Louis regional tech ecosystem with strong enterprise IT demandAccess to Fortune 500 capstone project partners
Missouri State University-Springfield — Springfield, MO
Key Distinction: Internship option in Information Technology and Cybersecurity (ITC 494). Specialized cybersecurity track with courses in network security, ethical hacking, computer forensics, and web application security
Hakia Insight: Missouri State's cybersecurity track goes beyond compliance theory: ethical hacking and computer forensics coursework are paired with a dedicated internship option (ITC 494), letting students build hands-on incident response credentials before graduation.
Missouri State's Bachelor of Science in Information Systems with a Cybersecurity Track is a four-year program designed to prepare students for careers in IT security and systems management. The curriculum integrates general education requirements with specialized coursework in cybersecurity fundamentals, network security, ethical hacking, computer forensics, and web application security. Students select four cybersecurity option courses from a menu including ITC 360 (Fundamentals of Cybersecurity), ITC 563 (Network Security), ITC 564 (Ethical Hacking), ITC 565 (Computer Forensics), and ITC 566 (Web Application Security). The program includes an internship option (ITC 494) in Information Technology and Cybersecurity, providing hands-on experience with industry practices. Graduates must maintain a 2.50 GPA in upper-division coursework and complete at least 120 credit hours, with a minimum of 40 upper-division credits, positioning graduates for roles in cybersecurity, IT infrastructure, and systems administration.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Systems — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Location Advantages:
Park University — Parkville, MO
Key Distinction: Park University's IS program uniquely bridges technical depth and business strategy through IT governance and data-driven decision-making coursework, with direct Kansas City employer partnerships.
Hakia Insight: Park University's curriculum uniquely emphasizes IT governance and data-driven decision-making—skills that position graduates for director-level roles faster than peers at schools focused purely on technical breadth.
At the bachelor's level, park University's information systems curriculum balances foundational computer science with strategic business applications, preparing students for leadership roles in technology-driven organizations. The program emphasizes data-informed decision-making and systems thinking, with coursework spanning database design, network architecture, information security, and IT governance. Students benefit from Park's strong connections with Kansas City area employers, creating internship pipelines and direct recruitment relationships. The blend of technical rigor and business context means graduates understand not just how to build systems, but why and where they matter organizationally. Online and hybrid delivery options make the program accessible to geographically dispersed students without sacrificing hands-on lab experiences.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Systems — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Information Systems — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- Kansas City Chamber of Commerce member companies (corporate)
Location Advantages: Proximity to Kansas City technology and financial services sectorStrong regional employer network
Columbia College — Columbia, MO
Key Distinction: Columbia College's information systems program prioritizes accessibility and working-professional scheduling while maintaining employer-relevant technical depth in databases and enterprise systems.
Hakia Insight: Columbia College's working-professional scheduling model doesn't sacrifice rigor; graduates emerge with enterprise systems and database expertise valued by employers who specifically recruit from programs designed for part-time completion.
At the bachelor's level, columbia College's information systems program emphasizes applied business technology and practical skill development suited to working professionals. The curriculum integrates core IS concepts with hands-on projects in database management, enterprise systems, and business analytics, reflecting the college's focus on accessible, career-ready education. Students engage with real-world case studies and work alongside faculty who bring industry experience to the classroom. The program's flexible scheduling accommodates students balancing work and education, particularly appealing to those in the Missouri region seeking accelerated completion pathways. Graduates emerge prepared for roles in systems administration, IT project management, and business analysis across various sectors.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Systems — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Information Systems — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: Access to Missouri regional business centers
Saint Louis University — Saint Louis, MO
Key Distinction: Saint Louis University uniquely anchors IS education in ethical technology leadership and healthcare IT specialization, leveraging its Jesuit identity and regional healthcare ecosystem to produce IT professionals equipped for both technical and human-centered problem-solving.
Hakia Insight: Saint Louis University's partnership with SSM Health and Ascension—two of the nation's largest healthcare systems—creates an unusually deep pipeline into healthcare IT, a sector facing acute talent shortages and offering premium salaries.
At the bachelor's level, saint Louis University's information systems education reflects its Jesuit mission by emphasizing ethical technology leadership and the human dimensions of digital transformation—a philosophical angle that distinguishes it from purely technical IS programs. The curriculum integrates business ethics, corporate social responsibility, and stakeholder management into core IS courses, preparing students to navigate the real-world complexity of technology decisions that affect employees, customers, and communities. The program offers specialization tracks in areas like healthcare IT, financial systems, and sustainable business technology, allowing students to develop domain expertise alongside IS fundamentals. Faculty leverage Saint Louis's location within a vibrant healthcare and financial services corridor; many have appointments that bridge industry and academia, ensuring curriculum stays aligned with practitioner needs. The school maintains particularly strong relationships with healthcare organizations throughout the region—SSM Health, Ascension, and others—creating internship and capstone opportunities in one of the most sophisticated IT environments (healthcare demands rigorous security, compliance, and data management). Students benefit from a close-knit cohort model where peer learning and collaborative projects build the interpersonal skills that employers consistently cite as critical gaps. Career services actively connect graduating students to roles in healthcare IT operations, financial systems, and business analysis, with many graduates advancing into IT management within five years.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Systems — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Information Systems — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- SSM Health (corporate)
- Ascension Health (corporate)
- Mastercard (corporate)
- Edward Jones (corporate)
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.0 (recommended for most successful applicants). Application Deadline: February 1 for graduate assistantship priority consideration.
Location Advantages: Major healthcare IT hub with SSM Health, Ascension, and BJC HealthCare headquarters/operationsRegional financial services presence (Edward Jones, Mastercard)Strong pipeline into healthcare IT roles—one of the most IT-intensive industry sectors
University of Missouri-Kansas City — Kansas City, MO
Key Distinction: Mandatory internship required for degree completion. ABET accreditation
Hakia Insight: UMKC's mandatory internship requirement, combined with its Health Informatics Center and direct partnerships with Kansas City health systems and Google, means students emerge with portfolio projects from enterprise-scale health IT deployments.
The Bachelor of Information Technology (B.I.T.) is an ABET-accredited program preparing students for careers in IT infrastructure, software development, and technology deployment. The curriculum blends computer science, IT, and business coursework across 120+ credits, with a mandatory internship required for degree completion. Students complete a capstone course (COMP-SCI 451R Software Engineering Capstone) alongside foundational programming, networking, operating systems, and data structures courses. The program emphasizes secure technology development, ethical computing practices, and real-world problem-solving. Graduates typically work as software developers, network specialists, web developers, programmer analysts, database administrators, and digital media specialists. The Kansas City area has a large, growing IT job market with significant demand for B.I.T. graduates.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Information Technology — 4 years, on-campus. B.I.T.
Research Labs and Institutes
- Health Informatics Center (embedded within university health sciences research)
- Data Science and Analytics Innovation Center
- DANS Lab (Data-Algorithms-Network Systems-Security Laboratory)
- Data Mining, Database and Multimedia Research Group
- Distributed Multimedia Information Systems Laboratory
- DIGIT Lab
Industry Partners
- Truman Medical Centers (nonprofit)
- Kansas City health systems (nonprofit)
- Google (employer)
- Facebook (employer)
- Amazon (employer)
- Microsoft (employer)
- IBM (employer)
- eBay (employer)
- Lowe's (employer)
- ScottsMiracleGro (employer)
- Florida Power & Light NextEra Energy Resources (employer)
- Miami-Dade County Office of Emergency Management (collaborator)
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Shu-Ching Chen — Data science, AI, machine learning, multimedia big data, disaster information management
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.0 core high school GPA.
Requirements: Minimum grade of C- in all School of Science & Engineering courses, UMKC Essentials general education (30 credits), Constitution course requirement (3 credits), Missouri Higher Education Civics Achievement Examination (passing score of 70% or greater), Mathematics: Calculus I and Elementary Statistics (7 credits), Life and Physical Sciences (7 credits, at least one with lab component), Computer Science/Information Technology core courses, Business coursework (Accounting, Economics, Marketing, Supply Chain/Operations), Software Engineering Capstone (COMP-SCI 451R), Mandatory internship for degree completion
Location Advantages: Integration with UMKC medical school and health sciences researchDirect partnerships with major Kansas City health systems and hospitals
University of Missouri-St Louis — Saint Louis, MO
Key Distinction: STEM designation. accelerated BS/MS pathway (5 years, 138 credits)
Hakia Insight: UMSL's accelerated BS/MS pathway (138 credits in 5 years) lets IS students earn a master's degree while peers are still in undergraduate programs—a credential compression that compounds earning potential without extending time-to-market.
The Bachelor of Science in Information Systems and Technology at UMSL provides students with a foundation in both business functional areas and computing technologies. This unique blend enables graduates to appreciate the strategic role of technology and communicate effectively with stakeholders. Students are prepared for both technical and managerial careers in public and private organizations using leading-edge technologies. The program offers STEM designation and is housed within the AACSB-accredited College of Business. Students can pursue an accelerated BS/MS pathway completing both degrees in 5 years with 138 credits instead of the typical 150. The program allows students to simultaneously earn cybersecurity credentials through appropriate elective selection. UMSL is the only public university in the region with dual AACSB accreditation for business and accounting programs.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Systems and Technology — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Cybersecurity and Information Technology Innovation Lab (CITIL)
- Advanced MIS Laboratory
- Networking Systems and Security Lab (NetSyS)
Industry Partners
- Express Scripts (corporate)
- Saint Louis University Hospital (nonprofit)
- Mastercard (employer)
- Advisory Board Companies (partner)
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Dinesh Mirchandani — IT Planning, ERP Systems, IT Acceptance
- Dr. Kailash Joshi — IT Acceptance, Knowledge Sharing, Globalization
- Dr. Joseph Rottman — IT Outsourcing
- Dr. Shaji Khan — Cybersecurity, IT Outsourcing, Entrepreneurship and Innovation
- Dr. Vivek Singh — Machine Learning, Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity, Online Learning
- Dr. Necdet Gurkan — Information Systems, Cognitive Science, Decision Making, Collective Intelligence, Data Science
- Dr. Le (Carol) Kuai — Online Community, Technology Interruption, Trust in IT, Emerging Technology
- Dr. Jamillah Boyd — Technology Education for Adults and Seniors, Higher Education Student Services
- Dr. Damon Walker — Information Systems, Cybersecurity, Technology Education, Social Justice
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.0 minimum.
Requirements: university general education requirements, College of Business Administration undergraduate program requirements, BS IST coursework requirements
Accreditations and Certifications
- AACSB
- STEM Designated
- National Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity for Cyber Defense Education
Location Advantages: Strong St. Louis financial services sector connectionsAccess to healthcare and biopharmaceutical industry partnershipsRobust alumni network in region
Missouri University of Science and Technology — Rolla, MO
Key Distinction: Strong encouragement for summer internships and co-ops with industry partners. Curriculum emphasizes both technical skills and business understanding (management practices, economics, psychology, humanities)
Hakia Insight: Missouri S&T's faculty expertise in human-computer interaction and virtual reality, combined with Boeing and Ameren partnerships, positions students at the intersection of enterprise systems and emerging technologies most undergraduate programs haven't integrated yet.
The Bachelor of Science in Information Science and Technology at Missouri S&T is a 120-credit program designed to prepare students for careers in IT administration, business analytics, and enterprise systems. The curriculum combines a rigorous foundation in business and information technology with specialized coursework in business analytics & data science, database management systems, networking, cybersecurity, and enterprise resource planning. Students take core courses in systems analysis, data science, networks and communications, and cybersecurity, followed by advanced IS&T electives. The program strongly encourages summer internships and co-ops with industry partners, which students report provide significant educational value and competitive advantage in full-time job placement. The curriculum emphasizes both technical skills and business acumen, requiring foundational knowledge in economics, psychology, humanities, and management practices. Graduates are prepared for roles in IT administration, business systems analysis, data science, and cybersecurity management in today's business environments that critically need IT professionals with broad organizational understanding.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Science and Technology — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Intelligent Systems Center
Industry Partners
- Boeing (corporate)
- Ameren (corporate)
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Keng Siau — Management information systems and database management
- Dr. Fiona Nah — Human-computer interaction and virtual reality
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 2.5 cumulative GPA for transfers. Application Deadline: July 1 (fall), December 1 (spring), May 1 (summer).
Requirements: General Education Requirements Core (Humanities, Social Sciences, Mathematics, Science, Communication Skills), Common departmental core in Business and Information Technology, IS&T Core courses (business analytics & data science, database management, systems analysis, introduction to data science and management, networks and communications, cybersecurity), IS&T Electives (advanced coursework in required course areas), 11 credit hours of free electives, Minimum grade of C in designated core courses, Completion of 120 total credit hours
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to major industrial and energy sector employersAccess to defense and critical infrastructure partnerships
Maryville University of Saint Louis — Saint Louis, MO
Key Distinction: Maryville integrates cybersecurity fundamentals throughout its entire IS curriculum rather than siloing it, producing graduates who think like security practitioners from day one.
Hakia Insight: Maryville's decision to weave cybersecurity throughout the entire curriculum rather than isolating it as a track produces graduates who approach every systems design problem through a security lens—a mindset gap that employers increasingly demand.
At the bachelor's level, what sets Maryville's information systems program apart is its deliberate focus on cybersecurity as a core competency woven throughout the curriculum rather than offered as a standalone elective. Students don't just learn to build systems—they learn to protect them from the ground up, gaining exposure to threat modeling, secure coding practices, and risk management across every major course. This security-first mindset reflects the school's recognition that modern IT professionals must be security practitioners. The program also emphasizes emerging technologies including cloud architecture and data analytics, with lab environments where students can experiment safely before entering the workforce. Maryville's location in the St. Louis region, a growing cybersecurity hub, creates natural partnerships with employers who are actively building security operations centers and need talent that can hit the ground running. Alumni frequently transition into security analyst, information security officer, and compliance-focused roles, though the broad technical foundation also prepares graduates for traditional systems administration and IT management positions.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Systems — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Information Systems — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: Growing cybersecurity sector in St. Louis metro; proximity to major financial and healthcare employers
Best Master's Information Systems Degree Programs in Missouri
Washington University in St Louis — Saint Louis, MO
Key Distinction: Washington University's IS program uniquely positions students for executive-track technology leadership by embedding business transformation and change management into a technically rigorous curriculum, paired with capstone projects tied directly to St. Louis's Fortune 500 and mid-market enterprise ecosystem.
Hakia Insight: Washington University's Cynthia Dwork, a pioneer in differential privacy, teaches in the master's program—an unusual advantage that lets part-time working professionals access cutting-edge research in privacy-preserving AI directly relevant to enterprise data strategy.
At the master's level, washington University's information systems program distinguishes itself through a curriculum that bridges technical depth with business acumen, preparing graduates to lead digital transformation initiatives rather than simply execute them. The program emphasizes systems thinking and organizational change management alongside core computer science foundations, reflecting the reality that most IS professionals spend their careers solving business problems through technology rather than building technology in isolation. Students gain hands-on experience through capstone projects embedded with real St. Louis organizations—healthcare systems, financial services firms, and manufacturing companies—giving them exposure to enterprise-scale challenges before graduation. The faculty bring active industry consulting experience; many maintain research interests in cybersecurity, cloud architecture, and enterprise data systems that directly inform curriculum design. The location in the greater St. Louis region provides unexpected advantages: the city hosts significant operations for companies like Monsanto (now Bayer), Express Scripts, and Centene, creating internship pipelines and recruiting relationships that rival larger coastal tech hubs. Graduates report strong placement in roles spanning IT governance, business systems analysis, enterprise architecture, and technology management—the career trajectories typically lead toward CIO-track positions rather than individual contributor roles. The program's cohort-based structure fosters tight peer networks that persist professionally after graduation, a distinctive feature among IS programs that often operate on a more individualized basis.
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
- McDonnell Academy Global Engagement (MAGE)
Industry Partners
- Bayer (formerly Monsanto) (corporate)
- Centene Corporation (corporate)
- Express Scripts (corporate)
- Ameren Corporation (corporate)
Notable Faculty
- Cynthia Dwork — Differential privacy and cryptography
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Major operations hub for Bayer, Express Scripts, Centene, and AmerenSt. Louis regional tech ecosystem with strong enterprise IT demandAccess to Fortune 500 capstone project partners
University of Central Missouri — Warrensburg, MO
Key Distinction: Two specialized tracks: Software Engineering and E-commerce/Internet Technologies. Graduate assistantships available with paid work opportunities
Hakia Insight: UCM's two specialized tracks (Software Engineering vs. E-commerce/Internet Technologies) let master's students narrow their specialization from day one, avoiding the broad generalist curriculum that makes networking with focused peers difficult.
UCM's MS in Computer Information Systems and Information Technology is an AACSB-accredited, 30-credit program designed for working professionals and career-changers. Students choose between two tracks: Software Engineering (systems architecture, design, active directory) or E-commerce and Internet Technologies (web development, server management). The program culminates in an Advanced Systems Project capstone requiring students to design and implement IT business solutions. Internships with major employers like Cerner, Amazon, and Evergy provide hands-on experience. Graduate assistantships offer paid work opportunities. The program features a 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio and achieves nearly 100% job placement. Graduates work at Fortune 500 companies including Apple, Google, Microsoft, Tesla, and Boeing. UCM ranks #1 for Most Focused Colleges for Information Technology in Missouri and is recognized as a Best Value Master's Degree College for IT.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Computer Information Systems and Information Technology — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Apple, Amazon, Boeing, Cisco, Google, Microsoft.
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages:
Saint Louis University — Saint Louis, MO
Key Distinction: 100% online delivery with flexible eight-week terms for working professionals. Multiple start terms (fall or spring entry)
Hakia Insight: Saint Louis University's 100% online delivery with eight-week terms is structurally designed for healthcare IT professionals already embedded in SSM Health and Ascension—meaning cohort peers are working inside your target industry.
Saint Louis University's Master of Science in Information Systems is a 33-credit program designed for working professionals seeking technical expertise and strategic decision-making skills. Offered through the School for Professional Studies, the program is 100% online with flexible eight-week terms and multiple start dates (fall/spring), enabling completion in approximately two years part-time. The curriculum covers software development, analytics, ethics, and leadership. Students can earn embedded graduate certificates (Cloud Computing or Information Systems Consulting) often without additional credits. A capstone Master's Research Project (3 credits) replaces a traditional thesis option. Graduate assistantships are available with priority deadline of February 1. The program costs $42,000 total ($810 per credit online). Graduates advance to high-level technology roles managing IT installations and leading information systems departments in large organizations, with career outcomes supporting mid-career advancement and strategic leadership positions.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Information Systems — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Industry Partners
- SSM Health (corporate)
- Ascension Health (corporate)
- Mastercard (corporate)
- Edward Jones (corporate)
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.0 (recommended for most successful applicants). Application Deadline: February 1 for graduate assistantship priority consideration.
Requirements: Maintain cumulative GPA of 3.0 in all graduate courses, Complete 3 required SPS graduate courses (AA 5221, ORLD 5050), Complete 5 foundation courses (programming, information retrieval, enterprise architecture, advanced software development, mobile/web development), Complete 9 credits of electives or post-baccalaureate certificate courses, Complete Master's Research Project (3 credits; capstone, not thesis-based), Virtual meeting with academic coach upon admission (online students only)
Location Advantages: Major healthcare IT hub with SSM Health, Ascension, and BJC HealthCare headquarters/operationsRegional financial services presence (Edward Jones, Mastercard)Strong pipeline into healthcare IT roles—one of the most IT-intensive industry sectors
University of Missouri-St Louis — Saint Louis, MO
Key Distinction: Flexible part-time completion in 3 years for working professionals. Flexible class schedules: day, evening, weekend classes
Hakia Insight: UMSL's three-year part-time pathway and evening/weekend class schedules, paired with faculty expertise in IT acceptance and ERP systems, attract working professionals who then gain access to three research labs (CITIL, NetSyS, Advanced MIS) during their tenure.
The Master of Science in Information Systems and Technology (MSIST) is a 30-credit program designed for working professionals seeking technical and managerial expertise in IT design, development, and leadership. The program offers flexible pathways through stackable graduate certificates in Information Systems and Technology, Business Intelligence, Enterprise Systems Development, Information Security Management and Auditing, and Cybersecurity. Students complete two certificates (24 hours) plus one core course and one elective. With flexible class schedules including day, evening, and weekend options across 8 or 16-week sessions—delivered in-person, blended, or online—the MSIST accommodates full-time (1-1.5 years) and part-time (3 years) completion. The curriculum emphasizes application development, business intelligence, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and fintech. Students interact with industry executives and peers in a curated academic environment. The program is STEM-designated and accepts diverse undergraduate backgrounds. No GMAT required. Career advancement focuses on IT leadership and specialized technical roles in contemporary organizations.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Information Systems and Technology — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Cybersecurity and Information Technology Innovation Lab (CITIL)
- Advanced MIS Laboratory
- Networking Systems and Security Lab (NetSyS)
Industry Partners
- Express Scripts (corporate)
- Saint Louis University Hospital (nonprofit)
- Mastercard (employer)
- Advisory Board Companies (partner)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: intel.
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Dinesh Mirchandani — IT Planning, ERP Systems, IT Acceptance
- Dr. Kailash Joshi — IT Acceptance, Knowledge Sharing, Globalization
- Dr. Joseph Rottman — IT Outsourcing
- Dr. Shaji Khan — Cybersecurity, IT Outsourcing, Entrepreneurship and Innovation
- Dr. Vivek Singh — Machine Learning, Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity, Online Learning
- Dr. Necdet Gurkan — Information Systems, Cognitive Science, Decision Making, Collective Intelligence, Data Science
- Dr. Le (Carol) Kuai — Online Community, Technology Interruption, Trust in IT, Emerging Technology
- Dr. Jamillah Boyd — Technology Education for Adults and Seniors, Higher Education Student Services
- Dr. Damon Walker — Information Systems, Cybersecurity, Technology Education, Social Justice
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.0 minimum.
Requirements: INFSYS 5800 (3 hours) core course, Two graduate certificates from offered options (24 hours total), One elective course (3 hours), Minimum 30 credit hours total, Meet all UMSL Graduate School requirements
Accreditations and Certifications
- AACSB
- STEM Designated
- National Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity for Cyber Defense Education
Location Advantages: Strong St. Louis financial services sector connectionsAccess to healthcare and biopharmaceutical industry partnershipsRobust alumni network in region
Park University — Parkville, MO
Key Distinction: Park University's IS program uniquely bridges technical depth and business strategy through IT governance and data-driven decision-making coursework, with direct Kansas City employer partnerships.
Hakia Insight: Park University's master's program leverages Kansas City's underrated fintech and insurance tech clusters through its Chamber of Commerce partnerships—a regional network advantage overlooked by students fixated on coastal tech hubs.
At the master's level, park University's information systems curriculum balances foundational computer science with strategic business applications, preparing students for leadership roles in technology-driven organizations. The program emphasizes data-informed decision-making and systems thinking, with coursework spanning database design, network architecture, information security, and IT governance. Students benefit from Park's strong connections with Kansas City area employers, creating internship pipelines and direct recruitment relationships. The blend of technical rigor and business context means graduates understand not just how to build systems, but why and where they matter organizationally. Online and hybrid delivery options make the program accessible to geographically dispersed students without sacrificing hands-on lab experiences.
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
- Kansas City Chamber of Commerce member companies (corporate)
Location Advantages: Proximity to Kansas City technology and financial services sectorStrong regional employer network
Missouri University of Science and Technology — Rolla, MO
Key Distinction: Thesis vs non-thesis track options. Embedded dual graduate certificates available (students can earn up to 2 certificates alongside M.S. degree)
Hakia Insight: Missouri S&T's embedded dual certificates option lets you earn up to two specialized credentials alongside your master's degree—a credential stacking strategy that accelerates advancement in systems engineering roles without extending time-to-degree.
Missouri S&T's Master of Science in Systems Engineering prepares working professionals for leadership roles in complex systems design and management. Offered in synchronous hybrid format for flexibility, the program provides both thesis and non-thesis tracks (30 credit hours for non-thesis; thesis track includes 6 hours of research). Students can earn up to two embedded graduate certificates alongside the M.S. degree—popular specializations include Digital Engineering, Model-Based Systems Engineering, Computational Intelligence, and Cyber Physical Systems. The program, developed in 1999 with Boeing and now educating professionals from 20+ companies globally, offers INCOSE academic equivalency, allowing graduates to bypass the knowledge exam for Associate Systems Engineering Professional (ASEP) or Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP) certification. Graduates advance into senior systems engineering, program management, and technical leadership roles with mid-to-senior career salary advancement. The modular curriculum enables customization based on professional needs, with core courses in systems analysis, architecting, life cycle costing, and model-based systems engineering.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Systems Engineering — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Intelligent Systems Center
Industry Partners
- Boeing (corporate)
- Ameren (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Boeing.
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Keng Siau — Management information systems and database management
- Dr. Fiona Nah — Human-computer interaction and virtual reality
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 2.5 cumulative GPA for transfers. Application Deadline: July 1 (fall), December 1 (spring), May 1 (summer).
Requirements: Non-thesis: 18 credit hours core courses + 12 credit hours electives (30 total), Thesis: 18 credit hours core courses + 6 hours graduate research (SysEng 6099) + 12 credit hours specialization courses (36 total), Successfully complete core courses: Systems Engineering and Analysis, Information Based Design, Systems Life Cycle Costing, Systems Architecting, Model-Based Systems Engineering, Systems Engineering Capstone, Form I submission required for thesis students by 9th credit hour
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to major industrial and energy sector employersAccess to defense and critical infrastructure partnerships
Missouri State University-Springfield — Springfield, MO
Hakia Insight: Missouri State's dual-track master's structure (MS and MA options) lets students customize depth based on technical background—a rarity among regional programs that typically enforce one pathway regardless of prior coursework.
At the master's level, missouri State University offers more than 200 undergraduate options and 70 graduate options. The university has a Department of Information Technology and Cybersecurity that offers a Cybersecurity Graduate Program.
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:
Culver-Stockton College — Canton, MO
Key Distinction: Culver-Stockton College offers comprehensive Information Systems programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: As a private institution in Canton, Culver-Stockton operates in a region where Fortune 500 tech talent is scarce; graduates often become the senior IT voice in their organizations rather than one of many peers.
Culver-Stockton College offers Information Systems programs in Canton, MO. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
