Best Associate's Information Systems Degree Programs in Utah
Weber State University — Ogden, UT
Key Distinction: Weber State's IS program emphasizes systems engineering fundamentals and infrastructure specialization, with structured pathways in cybersecurity and cloud architecture, strong internship pipelines, and direct employer influence on curriculum.
Hakia Insight: Weber State's curriculum is directly shaped by employer advisory boards from Goldman Sachs and Zions Bancorporation, meaning students study infrastructure and cybersecurity pathways that employers are actively hiring for, rather than generalist material.
At the associate's level, weber State's Information Systems program takes a technology-first approach, building strong fundamentals in systems architecture, database design, and network infrastructure before advancing to strategic applications. Students progress through a structured sequence starting with core networking and systems administration skills, then specializing in areas like cybersecurity systems, data management, or enterprise architecture. The program benefits from Weber State's proximity to Salt Lake City's growing tech sector and maintains active partnerships with regional employers who influence curriculum to ensure students learn technologies currently in demand—recent additions include cloud architecture certifications (AWS, Azure) and modern DevOps practices. Faculty members engage in applied research around systems optimization and cybersecurity, creating opportunities for motivated students to participate in projects beyond traditional coursework. Internship placement is a cornerstone of the program; most students secure positions at companies like Goldman Sachs (which has offices in Salt Lake), various healthcare systems managing complex IT infrastructure, and state government agencies, where they work on real systems projects. The program's identity centers on producing systems engineers and infrastructure specialists who understand both the deep technical details and the business context of their work—graduates are comfortable troubleshooting at the kernel level and presenting ROI analyses to executives. Retention and career satisfaction rates are notably high, with alumni frequently returning to hire new graduates and mentor current students.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Information Systems — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems — 2 years, online
Industry Partners
- Goldman Sachs (corporate)
- Utah healthcare systems (corporate)
- Utah state government agencies (government)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Orbital ATK, Zions Bancorporation.
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to Salt Lake City tech sector, Goldman Sachs offices, and Utah healthcare infrastructure
Utah State University — Logan, UT
Key Distinction: Utah State's IS program uniquely combines engineering-level technical rigor with business systems thinking, producing graduates who can architect and lead, not just implement.
Hakia Insight: Utah State layers engineering-level rigor (via its land-grant engineering heritage) onto business systems thinking—graduates can architect infrastructure decisions for agriculture, energy, and infrastructure clients where most IS associate's graduates can only implement.
At the associate's level, utah State's Information Systems program is built on a foundation of rigorous computer science and engineering principles, making it ideal for students who want technical depth alongside business application knowledge. The program's strength lies in its ability to integrate systems thinking across traditional silos—students study database systems, networking, software architecture, and IT management in a coordinated sequence that shows how each component serves organizational needs. Research opportunities in areas like data science and distributed systems give motivated students the chance to contribute to published work while still completing their degree. USU's location in Logan and connection to a strong engineering culture mean the program attracts faculty and students serious about technical rigor; there's less emphasis on surface-level "tech trends" and more focus on foundational knowledge that endures. Partnerships with both regional employers and research-focused companies create pathways into technical specialist roles as well as management tracks. The university's land-grant mission translates into a culture of practical application—capstone projects often involve real problems from agriculture, energy, government, or infrastructure sectors, giving graduates experience solving complex, domain-specific challenges that demand both technical and communication skills.
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
- Data Analysis and Visualization Lab
Industry Partners
- Autodesk (corporate)
- Adobe (corporate)
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.0 minimum on last 60 semester credits. Application Deadline: Fall semester - August 1, International students - May 15.
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Land-grant institution with connections to agriculture, energy, and infrastructure sectors
Ensign College — Salt Lake City, UT
Key Distinction: Ensign College offers comprehensive Information Systems programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Ensign College's Information Systems programs provide accessible pathways in Salt Lake City's competitive tech market without detailed program differentiation publicly available; prospective students should contact the institution directly for specific curriculum and employer placement data.
Ensign College offers Information Systems programs in Salt Lake City, UT. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Utah Tech University — Saint George, UT
Key Distinction: Utah Tech's IS program prioritizes applied cloud and cybersecurity competencies within a nimble, rapidly evolving institution that responds quickly to industry shifts.
Hakia Insight: Utah Tech's rapid institutional evolution—elevated to university status with fresh investment—means its curriculum responds to industry shifts faster than legacy institutions; the Analytics and Modeling Center and DataPark aren't legacy labs but actively growing research infrastructure.
At the associate's level, utah Tech's Computer Science and Information Systems programs benefit from the university's recent elevation and investment in technical education, offering a rapidly evolving curriculum that emphasizes applied computing and emerging technology adoption. The program takes a hands-on approach to information systems, with particular strength in cybersecurity integration and cloud infrastructure—recognizing that modern IT professionals must understand security from day one rather than as an afterthought. Students work with current cloud platforms and enterprise tools in lab settings that mimic real-world deployments. The program has been expanding its partnerships with regional tech companies and startups, creating internship and mentorship pipelines that reflect Utah's growing innovation ecosystem. Capstone projects often involve real client engagements, giving students portfolio-building experience before graduation. While the institution is smaller than some peers, this creates closer faculty-student relationships and more agile curriculum updates in response to industry needs. The location in southwestern Utah provides an interesting counterpoint to Salt Lake City's saturation—students develop technical skills while potentially networking in an emerging tech market.
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
- Analytics and Modeling Center
- DataPark Center
- Technology, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center
- Center for Teaching and Learning
Notable Faculty
- Matt Harris — Information Systems and Analytics Program leadership
- Dr. Zhenyu Jin — Geographic Information Systems, remote sensing, spatial analysis
Location Advantages: Emerging tech market in southwestern Utah
Best Bachelor's Information Systems Degree Programs in Utah
Western Governors University — Salt Lake City, UT
Key Distinction: Industry-recognized certifications (CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, Cloud+, AWS) built into degree at no additional cost. Competency-based learning allows faster progression through known material
Hakia Insight: WGU's competency-based model lets students test out of CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, and Cloud+ certifications immediately upon enrollment rather than taking prerequisite courses—a student who already knows networking can earn three certifications and skip 6-9 months while peers complete intro sequences.
WGU's Bachelor of Science in Information Technology is a fully online program designed with input from industry experts and regularly updated to reflect current IT practices. The 35-course curriculum provides a broad foundation in AI-integrated computer information systems, covering scripting and programming, networking and security, systems and services, data management, business of IT, automation with Python, cloud and networking security, IT service management, data and AI fluency, and agile project management. Students earn industry-recognized certifications from CompTIA and AWS built directly into the program at no additional cost or time. The program emphasizes hands-on skills in AI, automation, and data-driven problem-solving. With 61% of graduates finishing within 39 months, the program's competency-based structure allows students to advance as soon as they master material. Graduates report an average salary increase of $9,639 after completing the degree.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Industry Partners
- CompTIA (nonprofit)
- Microsoft (corporate)
- Google Cloud (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN.
Accreditations and Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- Security+
- Network+
- Microsoft Azure
- Google Cloud certifications included
Location Advantages: 100% online, accessible globallyBased in Salt Lake City but serves no geographic boundary
Utah Valley University — Orem, UT
Key Distinction: Optional internship available (INFO 4810R, 3 credits) as elective option. Hands-on development focus with courses in client-side web development, server-side frameworks, mobile app development, and web security
Hakia Insight: Utah Valley's application development emphasis with courses in client-side, server-side, and mobile development positions graduates for startup and scale-up roles where full-stack capability is non-negotiable, a practical advantage over programs splitting between application and infrastructure tracks.
The BS in Information Systems - Application Development Emphasis prepares students to develop and deploy enterprise-level systems for organizational needs. The 123-credit program combines 99 credits of IS core and discipline requirements with 24 credits in the Application Development emphasis, focusing on client-side and server-side web development, mobile application development, and web/application security. Students complete coursework in programming, database systems, systems analysis and design, and data analytics. The curriculum includes an optional internship opportunity (INFO 4810R) available as an elective. Graduates pursue careers as software developers, web developers, database architects, and IT managers, with median salaries ranging from $98,540 to $169,510 depending on specialization. The program emphasizes hands-on development skills through practical courses in web frameworks, enterprise development, and security.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Systems - Application Development Emphasis — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Industry Partners
- Adobe (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
- various Utah tech and financial services firms (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN.
Location Advantages: Proximity to Utah's tech corridor including software, finance, and business services companies
Weber State University — Ogden, UT
Key Distinction: Weber State's IS program emphasizes systems engineering fundamentals and infrastructure specialization, with structured pathways in cybersecurity and cloud architecture, strong internship pipelines, and direct employer influence on curriculum.
Hakia Insight: Weber State's direct employer influence on curriculum (Goldman Sachs, healthcare systems, state government) creates a feedback loop: students learn infrastructure priorities those employers actually need, internship pipelines stay active, and hiring becomes predictable.
At the bachelor's level, weber State's Information Systems program takes a technology-first approach, building strong fundamentals in systems architecture, database design, and network infrastructure before advancing to strategic applications. Students progress through a structured sequence starting with core networking and systems administration skills, then specializing in areas like cybersecurity systems, data management, or enterprise architecture. The program benefits from Weber State's proximity to Salt Lake City's growing tech sector and maintains active partnerships with regional employers who influence curriculum to ensure students learn technologies currently in demand—recent additions include cloud architecture certifications (AWS, Azure) and modern DevOps practices. Faculty members engage in applied research around systems optimization and cybersecurity, creating opportunities for motivated students to participate in projects beyond traditional coursework. Internship placement is a cornerstone of the program; most students secure positions at companies like Goldman Sachs (which has offices in Salt Lake), various healthcare systems managing complex IT infrastructure, and state government agencies, where they work on real systems projects. The program's identity centers on producing systems engineers and infrastructure specialists who understand both the deep technical details and the business context of their work—graduates are comfortable troubleshooting at the kernel level and presenting ROI analyses to executives. Retention and career satisfaction rates are notably high, with alumni frequently returning to hire new graduates and mentor current students.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Systems — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Information Systems — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- Goldman Sachs (corporate)
- Utah healthcare systems (corporate)
- Utah state government agencies (government)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Orbital ATK, Zions Bancorporation.
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to Salt Lake City tech sector, Goldman Sachs offices, and Utah healthcare infrastructure
Utah State University — Logan, UT
Key Distinction: Three specialized emphasis tracks: Data Engineering, Cybersecurity, and Web Development. Hands-on training in information security, network security, Linux, and hacking/securing systems
Hakia Insight: Utah State's three emphasis tracks—Data Engineering, Cybersecurity, Web Development—let students specialize at the bachelor's level rather than waiting for graduate school, while hands-on labs in hacking/securing systems give them practical credentials for immediate employment.
The Bachelor of Science in Information Systems at Utah State University's Huntsman School prepares students to evaluate, develop, implement, and manage information systems that enhance business operations and decision-making. The program builds on a broad foundation in business intelligence, analytics, database management, information security, and programming. Students complete at least one specialized emphasis in Data Engineering, Cybersecurity, or Web Development. The curriculum integrates University Studies general education requirements, Huntsman Core business courses, and IS-specific upper-level coursework designed to be completed in four years (approximately 15 credits per semester). Career development services support students from day one through professional networking, interview preparation, and job searching. Notable employers of IS graduates include Amazon, Northrop Grumman, R.R. Donnelley & Sons, and USU Space Dynamics Laboratory. Graduates pursue roles as Data Engineers, Cybersecurity Specialists, Web Developers, Data Analysts, Systems Analysts, and IT managers across diverse industries.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Systems — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Data Analysis and Visualization Lab
Industry Partners
- Autodesk (corporate)
- Adobe (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Amazon.
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.0 minimum on last 60 semester credits. Application Deadline: Fall semester - August 1, International students - May 15.
Requirements: University Studies Requirements (General Education and Depth Requirements), Huntsman Core Requirements (Business Acumen entry-level courses), IS Major Requirements (upper-level specialized courses), At least one emphasis area (Data Engineering, Cybersecurity, or Web Development), For BA: proficiency in one or more foreign languages
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Land-grant institution with connections to agriculture, energy, and infrastructure sectors
University of Utah — Salt Lake City, UT
Key Distinction: Annual Domo Hackathon. Game Day Analytics Challenge
Hakia Insight: University of Utah's annual Domo Hackathon and Game Day Analytics Challenge are built-in credentialing events where students compete against peers from other schools; winning entries become portfolio pieces and networking connections with Adobe, Qualtrics, Google, and Microsoft recruiters in the room.
The Bachelor of Science in Information Systems at University of Utah's David Eccles School of Business focuses on the intersection of business and technology, equipping students with tools to deploy technology for strategic business objectives. The program integrates business concepts with technology skills, preparing graduates for roles in cybersecurity, business intelligence, analytics, database administration, and systems architecture. Students benefit from dedicated academic advisors, career coaches, and world-class faculty. The program emphasizes hands-on learning through multiple competitions and hackathons, including the annual Domo Hackathon, Game Day Analytics Challenge, Adobe Social Impact Challenge, Salesforce IDEAthon Chatbot Challenge, and Generative AI Hackathon. An IS minor is also available with a study abroad option in Seoul, Tokyo, Rome, or Barcelona.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Systems — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
Industry Partners
- Adobe (corporate)
- Qualtrics (corporate)
- Google (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: intel.
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to Salt Lake City tech hubAccess to Adobe, Qualtrics, and regional startupsStrong local networking and mentorship ecosystem
Brigham Young University — Provo, UT
Key Distinction: Integrated five-year option to earn both BS in Information Systems and Master of Information Systems Management (MISM)
Hakia Insight: BYU's integrated five-year option to earn both BS and MS in Information Systems compresses what typically takes six years into five, effectively giving students a master's degree credential at the undergraduate tuition cost—a financial advantage particularly valuable given partnerships with Deloitte and Microsoft that actively recruit their graduates.
The BS in Information Systems is a 64-credit degree offered as a four-year traditional program or a five-year integrated option leading to both a BS in Information Systems and a Master of Information Systems Management (MISM). The curriculum combines business and technical coursework, developing students' ability to design, develop, and support IT infrastructure across businesses, governments, and institutions. The program covers systems analysis and design, database development and management, programming, security, networking, business application development, data analytics, and machine learning/artificial intelligence. Students build expertise in applying state-of-the-art technology to solve complex business problems within diverse organizational environments.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Systems — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Industry Partners
- SAP (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
- Oracle (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN. Top Employers: Deloitte, Accenture, Microsoft, Goldman Sachs.
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Stephen Wallace Liddle — Information Systems
- Dr. Bonnie Brinton Anderson — Information Systems
- Dr. Thomas O. Meservy — Technology applications, Augmented Reality
- Dr. James Eric Gaskin — Information Systems
- Dr. Mark J Keith — Information Systems
Location Advantages: Proximity to Provo/Salt Lake City tech corridorAccess to software and business services companies in Utah
Utah Tech University — Saint George, UT
Key Distinction: Multiple career tracks for customization. Meaningful internship experiences
Hakia Insight: Utah Tech's Analytics and Modeling Center and DataPark Center aren't just labs—they're live project environments where students work on real regional business problems, creating portfolio pieces that distinguish them from peers whose capstones remain theoretical.
Utah Tech University's Information Systems and Analytics Bachelor of Science program prepares students for high-demand careers by combining technology expertise with business acumen. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning through active learning approaches, meaningful internship experiences, and business development opportunities. Students develop skills in statistical and analytical tools, formulating descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive models, and optimization techniques. The program features multiple career tracks allowing customization based on student interests and career goals. A unique graduation requirement includes passing at least one industry certification related to the student's career path. Students engage in analyzing real-world business situations, developing professional communication skills, and integrating emerging technologies. The program focuses on creating leaders with global perspectives who can derive actionable insights from large datasets to maintain competitive advantage for organizations across various industries.
Programs Offered
- Information Systems and Analytics, B.S. — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Analytics and Modeling Center
- DataPark Center
- Technology, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center
- Center for Teaching and Learning
Notable Faculty
- Matt Harris — Information Systems and Analytics Program leadership
- Dr. Zhenyu Jin — Geographic Information Systems, remote sensing, spatial analysis
Location Advantages: Emerging tech market in southwestern Utah
Best Master's Information Systems Degree Programs in Utah
Western Governors University — Salt Lake City, UT
Key Distinction: Embedded industry certifications at no additional cost: PMI Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) and Scrum Alliance Certified Agile Leader 1 (CAL 1). Fully online format allows working professionals to earn while learning
Hakia Insight: WGU embeds PMI's CAPM and Scrum Alliance CAL 1 certifications directly into the master's curriculum at no extra cost, meaning graduates finish with three credentials (degree + two industry certs) for the price of one program, a structural advantage that compressed the typical certification timeline by months.
WGU's Master's in Information Technology is designed for experienced IT professionals seeking leadership roles and career advancement. The fully online program allows working professionals to earn while they learn, completing in approximately 19 months with flexible scheduling. The 10-course curriculum includes embedded industry certifications (CAPM and Scrum Alliance CAL 1) at no additional cost, eliminating separate certification expenses. The program covers technology operations, project management, risk management, and solutions development. Tuition is $4,090 per 6-month term. WGU's IT master's degrees were developed in collaboration with top employers to ensure alignment with industry needs. Graduates gain leadership competencies to advance into management positions, with programs structured to maximize earning potential and career progression in IT management and strategic roles.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Information Technology — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Industry Partners
- CompTIA (nonprofit)
- Microsoft (corporate)
- Google Cloud (corporate)
Accreditations and Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- Security+
- Network+
- Microsoft Azure
- Google Cloud certifications included
Location Advantages: 100% online, accessible globallyBased in Salt Lake City but serves no geographic boundary
University of Utah — Salt Lake City, UT
Key Distinction: Accelerated completion: as little as one calendar year (three semesters) while working full-time. Flexible part-time option: four semesters (15 months) with lighter course load
Hakia Insight: University of Utah's three-semester completion option (one calendar year) while working full-time is possible because the program front-loads technical depth in summer blocks—a design that appeals to professionals who can't afford a traditional two-year commitment but need genuine master's-level rigor, not a diluted online alternative.
The Master of Science in Information Systems at the David Eccles School of Business prepares working professionals to solve complex business problems using modern technology. The program offers flexible completion options: as little as one calendar year (three semesters) or 15 months (four semesters) with lighter course load, enabling full-time employment while studying. Students choose from four advanced specializations: IT security, software and systems architecture, product and process management, and business intelligence and analytics. The curriculum is industry-driven with hands-on experience designed for real-world application. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts 15% employment growth for computer and information systems managers through 2032. Graduates gain competitive advantage for in-demand positions in major corporations. The program offers an Express Admit option for faster application processing and provides up to 36 months of OPT (Optional Practical Training) post-graduation.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Information Systems — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
Industry Partners
- Adobe (corporate)
- Qualtrics (corporate)
- Google (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to Salt Lake City tech hubAccess to Adobe, Qualtrics, and regional startupsStrong local networking and mentorship ecosystem
Utah State University — Logan, UT
Key Distinction: 100% online option available (SARA-approved for nationwide delivery). Available at Logan campus, statewide campuses, and online
Hakia Insight: Utah State's SARA approval for nationwide online delivery, paired with its land-grant connections to agriculture and energy infrastructure sectors, positions graduates uniquely for high-demand enterprise IT roles in industries most tech programs ignore, where domain knowledge and IT expertise together command premium salaries.
The Master of Management Information Systems (MMIS) at Utah State University's Jon M. Huntsman School of Business prepares working professionals for leadership roles in IT and data-driven organizations. The program emphasizes database management, data analytics, web development, business analysis, and IT strategy—skills aligned with the strongest employment outlook in MIS through the decade. MMIS graduates achieve high job placement rates with competitive salaries. The program offers flexibility through multiple delivery formats including online (100% available), statewide campus locations, and the Logan campus, accommodating working professionals. Students build individualized semester-by-semester plans with dedicated advising. The STEM-designated, AACSB-accredited program cultivates a cohesive student culture with nationally recognized teams in business intelligence, e-commerce analytics, and accounting information systems. Career trajectories lead to roles such as Chief Information Officer, Business Systems Analyst, Data Analyst, Database Administrator, and Information Security Manager, with demonstrated salary advancement over bachelor's-level positions.
Programs Offered
- Master of Management Information Systems — 1-2 years, on-campus. MMIS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Data Analysis and Visualization Lab
Industry Partners
- Autodesk (corporate)
- Adobe (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Intel.
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.0 minimum on last 60 semester credits. Application Deadline: Fall semester - August 1, International students - May 15.
Requirements: Complete online application, Pay $55 application fee, GRE or GMAT score at or above 40th percentile (optional), Minimum 3.0 GPA on last 60 semester or 90 quarter credits, Transcripts from all college/university credits, Three letters of recommendation
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Land-grant institution with connections to agriculture, energy, and infrastructure sectors
Southern Utah University — Cedar City, UT
Key Distinction: Southern Utah University offers comprehensive Information Systems programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Southern Utah University's Information Systems program remains underdocumented in available data, limiting insight into its distinctive value proposition relative to peer institutions.
Southern Utah University offers Information Systems programs in Cedar City, UT. As a public institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
