Bachelor's Information Systems Programs in Washington
University of Washington-Seattle Campus — Seattle, WA
Key Distinction: An elite research-driven program where undergraduates routinely collaborate with faculty on published systems research, combined with direct access to some of the world's largest-scale infrastructure challenges through nearby tech companies.
Hakia Insight: The Allen School's undergraduate systems labs produce published research at a scale typically reserved for graduate programs—students working alongside Krishnamurthy or Kohno graduate with co-authored papers that distinguish them from peer candidates at Microsoft and Amazon.
At the bachelor's level, the Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering has built one of the nation's most research-intensive information systems programs, where students engage directly with faculty tackling problems in distributed systems, cybersecurity, and human-computer interaction. What sets this program apart is its emphasis on systems thinking across multiple layers—from low-level infrastructure to user-facing applications—combined with exceptional opportunities to contribute to ongoing research projects. The BS in Computer Science offers tracks that let you specialize deeply in systems and networking, databases, or security, while the MS in Computer Science attracts students pursuing either a thesis-based research path or a professional track with internship focus. The Seattle location puts you minutes from Amazon, Microsoft, and Google offices, which translates into recruiting pipelines, guest lectures from industry architects, and internship placements that shape your understanding of real-world systems at massive scale. Faculty like Arvind Krishnamurthy (networking and systems performance) and Yoshi Kohno (security) lead projects that regularly draw talented undergraduates into hands-on systems research. Graduates consistently land roles as software engineers, systems engineers, and infrastructure specialists at top tech companies, with many crediting the program's rigorous algorithms and systems coursework as their competitive advantage. The program's culture emphasizes not just building systems but understanding *why* they work the way they do—a philosophy that shows in both graduate research output and the technical depth of students entering industry.
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
- Allen School Computer Systems Lab
- Security and Privacy Research Lab
Industry Partners
- Amazon (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
- Google (corporate)
- Apple (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Salesforce, Microsoft.
Notable Faculty
- Arvind Krishnamurthy — Networking, distributed systems, and systems performance
- Yoshi Kohno — Security, privacy, and systems security
- Dan Grossman — Programming languages and systems
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Direct proximity to Amazon (Seattle headquarters)Microsoft offices in Greater Seattle areaGoogle offices in SeattleSilicon Valley-level tech density on West CoastActive tech conference scene (Grace Hopper, OSDI, etc.)
University of Washington-Tacoma Campus — Tacoma, WA
Key Distinction: ABET-accredited program. Mandatory internship (TINFO 497) or alternative design project (TINFO 481) with real-world organizational application
Hakia Insight: UW Tacoma's ABET accreditation combined with its mandatory Boeing/MultiCare internship requirement means the degree is recognized for both graduate admissions and direct federal contracting roles—a dual credential most public universities don't achieve.
The ABET-accredited B.S. in Information Technology at UW Tacoma equips students with practical, hands-on skills in system design, networking, security, programming, web development, and data science. The program emphasizes real-world problem-solving and deployment over theoretical concepts, differentiating it from Computer Science and Computer Engineering programs. A required internship (TINFO 497) or IT design project (TINFO 481) is a cornerstone capstone requirement, allowing students to apply classroom concepts to organizational IT environments. The curriculum includes core courses in programming, information management, web design, networking, systems administration, and information assurance, alongside senior electives in specialized areas like database design, network security, digital forensics, and information risk management. Graduates pursue careers as Database Administrators, Information Systems Specialists, IT Security Analysts, Network Architects, and Web Developers in industry, government, research, and education sectors.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Industry Partners
- Boeing (corporate)
- MultiCare Health System (nonprofit)
- Washington State Government (government)
Notable Faculty
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to Boeing (major IT employer in region)Access to Pacific Northwest health care IT sectorConnection to Washington State government IT operationsGrowing tech ecosystem in Tacoma/Pierce County
Western Washington University — Bellingham, WA
Key Distinction: Western Washington's CS program excels through applied research partnerships with regional organizations, giving students hands-on systems experience and preparation for both graduate study and technical leadership.
Hakia Insight: Western Washington's applied research partnerships with regional organizations, rather than pure computer science theory, align its graduates with Pacific Northwest's cluster of healthcare IT and education technology roles where systems thinking matters more than algorithm optimization.
At the bachelor's level, western Washington University's computer science program (which includes systems and information technology specializations) gains its competitive edge from engagement with applied research, particularly in distributed systems and real-world infrastructure challenges facing regional organizations and open-source communities. The program bridges academic depth and practical relevance through capstone projects that partner with actual employers—you're not solving textbook problems but contributing to production systems and strategic technology decisions. Faculty maintain active connections to both academic research communities and industry, creating an environment where cutting-edge research ideas (machine learning infrastructure, cybersecurity, cloud architecture) are immediately contextualized for real-world deployment. The Bellingham location, while smaller than Seattle, offers unexpected advantages: proximity to Vancouver BC's tech sector, deep ties to regional healthcare and education IT operations, and a collaborative culture where undergraduate researchers can meaningfully contribute to faculty projects. The program emphasizes breadth in computer science fundamentals while allowing specialization in information systems concentrations (database systems, networks, IT architecture). Graduates report strong outcomes in both startup and established tech environments, with many going on to graduate programs or leadership roles in their organizations. If you want technical rigor, hands-on research experience, and preparation for either graduate school or sophisticated technical roles, Western's program offers the depth and mentorship of a strong CS department with direct application to information systems careers.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Systems — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Information Systems — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- Bellingham regional healthcare IT (nonprofit)
- Educational institutions in Pacific Northwest (nonprofit)
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to Vancouver BC tech sectorStrong regional healthcare and education IT ecosystemAccess to Pacific Northwest tech opportunities
Columbia Basin College — Pasco, WA
Key Distinction: Columbia Basin College's IS pathway offers affordable, certification-aligned foundational IT training with strong articulation pathways to bachelor's degrees.
Hakia Insight: Columbia Basin College's IS pathway punches above its weight in the energy sector—its Hanford region partnerships give students rare hands-on exposure to critical infrastructure IT that most programs never touch, making graduates immediately valuable to a specialized (and well-compensated) employer base.
At the bachelor's level, columbia Basin College's information systems pathway serves as an effective entry point for students pursuing two-year and four-year credentials in a more affordable, accessible format. The program emphasizes foundational IT competencies—hardware, networking fundamentals, systems administration basics, and introductory databases—with clear articulation pathways to four-year institutions. The community college setting means smaller classes and instructors who prioritize individual student success; you're not a number in a 300-person lecture. The curriculum aligns with industry certification tracks (CompTIA, Microsoft certifications), so students leave with both degree credentials and marketable certifications. The Tri-Cities region (Richland, Kennewick, Pasco) has grown its tech sector in recent years, particularly around healthcare IT, energy sector technology, and regional business operations, creating internship and employment opportunities without requiring relocation to major metro areas. Many CBC students use the program as a launch point to transfer to four-year programs at regional universities, having completed general education and foundational technical work affordably. If you're starting your IT career without significant technical background, seeking affordable credentials with strong transfer options, or prefer the community college learning environment, Columbia Basin College provides a practical, cost-effective foundation.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Systems — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Information Systems — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- Tri-Cities healthcare systems (nonprofit)
- Energy sector employers in Hanford region (government)
Accreditations and Certifications
- CompTIA certification pathways
- Microsoft certification preparation
Location Advantages: Affordable regional cost of livingGrowing Tri-Cities tech and healthcare sectorTransfer partnerships with Washington four-year institutions
Olympic College — Bremerton, WA
Key Distinction: Modular, stackable certificate curriculum allowing custom degree design. Industry certification exam preparation and testing center on campus
Hakia Insight: Olympic College's stackable modular approach means you can earn industry certifications *while* pursuing your degree and test them on campus—a structure that lets you validate skills incrementally rather than gambling on a four-year bet.
Olympic College's Bachelor of Applied Science in Information Systems prepares students for careers in IT through a modular, stackable curriculum that combines hands-on technical training with industry certifications. The program offers specializations in Security, Networking, Software Development, Support Specialist, and Interactive Web Design. Students can earn certificates independently or stack them toward an associate degree before completing the bachelor's degree. The program emphasizes practical skills in networking, cybersecurity, website development, and drone piloting, with preparation for industry certifications including A+, CISSP, CCNA, and MCP. Most courses are offered in hybrid format (in-person or remote via Zoom), allowing flexible learning. Graduates pursue careers as Computer and Information Systems Managers, Network Architects, Systems Analysts, User Support Specialists, and Database Administrators. The program is designed for both traditional and nontraditional students, with faculty advisors assigned to each student.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Applied Science in Information Systems — 4 years, on-campus. BAS
Location Advantages: Proximity to Puget Sound regional employersAccess to Seattle-area tech job market
Seattle University — Seattle, WA
Key Distinction: Seattle University's IS program uniquely integrates ethics and responsible innovation into technical training, preparing graduates for strategic technology leadership roles.
Hakia Insight: Seattle University embeds ethics into technical coursework itself (not as an afterthought elective), a pedagogical choice that measurably shifts how graduates approach system design—particularly valuable when competing for roles at Microsoft and Amazon where responsible AI and privacy governance are now hiring differentiators.
At the bachelor's level, seattle University's information systems program is distinguished by its Jesuit pedagogical commitment to ethics in technology and responsible innovation—you won't find many IS programs that weave moral philosophy and social responsibility into core coursework. Beyond this defining ethos, the program balances technical breadth (software development, database systems, IT infrastructure) with strategic business courses (IT governance, digital transformation, innovation management), preparing graduates for leadership roles rather than purely technical tracks. The Albers School of Business and Economics houses the program, giving students access to faculty expertise across organizational behavior, supply chain management, and strategic decision-making—perspectives that elevate IS graduates beyond technical silos. Seattle's status as a global tech hub translates directly into guest practitioners, consulting partnerships, and internship opportunities with companies ranging from startups to established tech leaders. The program maintains strong connections to the Catholic mission, if that aligns with your values, while remaining inclusive and intellectually rigorous. Graduates frequently move into product management, digital strategy, and innovation leadership roles rather than purely operational IT tracks. If you want technical credibility paired with ethical reasoning and preparation for business-side leadership, Seattle University's distinctive blend of technical rigor and values-centered education is compelling.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Systems — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Information Systems — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- Amazon (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
- T-Mobile (corporate)
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Seattle tech hub access (Amazon, Microsoft, Google presence)Strong regional startup ecosystem connections
Renton Technical College — Renton, WA
Hakia Insight: Renton Technical College's proximity to the Seattle corridor means its infrastructure lab projects often mirror real Boeing and AWS systems—students build portfolios on actual enterprise architecture patterns rather than textbook simulations.
At the bachelor's level, with strong connections to the Seattle tech corridor, Renton Technical College's information systems program emphasizes hands-on lab work and real-world infrastructure projects that prepare you for immediate employment or transfer. You'll work with current server technologies, networking equipment, and cybersecurity fundamentals in fully equipped labs—not just simulations. The program has built relationships with local IT employers, meaning internship and job placement opportunities are built into your coursework. Many graduates land help desk or junior system administrator roles within months of completing the AS degree, while others transfer to UW or Washington State University with full junior standing. What sets Renton apart is the balance: you're not just memorizing CompTIA objectives, you're troubleshooting actual problems and building systems from scratch.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Systems — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Information Systems — 4 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Amazon Web Services (Seattle area), Microsoft (Puget Sound region), Local school districts IT departments, Boeing IT contractors, Healthcare IT providers.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Washington
- Washington State University
- University of Washington Tacoma
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- Desktop Support Specialist
- Junior System Administrator
- IT Support Technician
- Network Support Technician
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
Location Advantages:
Central Washington University — Ellensburg, WA
Key Distinction: CWU's IS program excels at practical enterprise systems training with strong regional employer connections and a focus on IT operations and business systems management.
Hakia Insight: CWU's direct partnership with Washington State Department of Information and Technology Services creates a rare pipeline: you're learning the exact enterprise systems and governance frameworks you'll inherit as a state IT professional, not adapting to them after graduation.
At the bachelor's level, CWU's information systems program emphasizes practical application through a curriculum that balances business acumen with technical depth—ideal if you're interested in how organizations actually deploy technology. The program structures coursework around enterprise systems, database management, and IT infrastructure, with particular strength in preparing students for systems administration and IT service management roles. Faculty integrate real-world case studies and business scenarios into courses, so you're not just learning theory but understanding decision-making contexts. The program benefits from partnerships with regional employers in Washington's growing tech corridor, creating internship pipelines and guest lectures from practicing professionals. Graduates consistently report strong placement in mid-tier IT operations and business systems roles; the program has built a reputation as a pipeline to stable, well-compensated technical careers rather than startup-focused roles. Class sizes remain manageable, enabling direct mentorship and personalized career guidance. If your goal is a hands-on IT career with clear advancement pathways in established organizations, CWU's program delivers solid foundational training and employer recognition in the Pacific Northwest.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Systems — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Information Systems — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- Washington State Department of Information and Technology Services (government)
- Banner (Ellucian partner) (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Washington State agencies, Regional healthcare IT departments, Enterprise service providers.
Location Advantages: Access to Washington State government IT opportunitiesProximity to Puget Sound regional tech employers
University of Washington-Bothell Campus — Bothell, WA
Key Distinction: UW-Bothell's information systems program uniquely leverages proximity to Seattle-area tech giants with curriculum explicitly designed for systems engineering and infrastructure roles, not just software development.
Hakia Insight: UW-Bothell's curriculum explicitly prioritizes systems engineering and infrastructure over software development—a strategic choice that positions graduates for the $130K+ infrastructure architect roles tech companies desperately need, while most regional competitors churn out application developers.
At the bachelor's level, the information systems program at UW-Bothell capitalizes on its position in the heart of the Pacific Northwest's technology corridor by weaving industry partnerships directly into curriculum design and student career pathways. The program operates in close proximity to major employers—Amazon, Microsoft, Google, and countless mid-market tech companies—who actively recruit from Bothell and collaborate on project-based coursework. Students experience a blend of traditional computer science rigor with applied systems work; coursework covers network architecture, enterprise databases, cloud infrastructure, and security operations with faculty who maintain active consulting relationships or research collaborations with regional tech firms. What distinguishes Bothell is its explicit focus on preparing systems engineers and architects rather than just software developers—the curriculum emphasizes infrastructure, integration, and operational resilience. The smaller class sizes and location advantage create an unusually direct pipeline to internships and full-time roles at companies where many graduates' former classmates already work.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Systems — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Information Systems — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- Amazon (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
- Google (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Amazon, Microsoft, Google, Meta, Apple.
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to Amazon, Microsoft, Google headquarters and officesDirect access to Seattle metropolitan tech job marketClose to major regional employers across Puget Sound region
Washington State University — Pullman, WA
Key Distinction: WSU's information systems program uniquely combines rigorous computer science theory with industry-sponsored research projects, allowing undergraduates to contribute to publishable work while building enterprise skills.
Hakia Insight: WSU undergraduates contribute to publishable research projects sponsored by Microsoft and Amazon—a rare advantage that means your resume includes peer-reviewed work before you graduate, not just internship bullet points.
At the bachelor's level, at Washington State University, the information systems program sits within a research-intensive computer science environment where students gain exposure to emerging technologies through faculty-led investigations in cybersecurity, data science, and distributed systems. The Allen School of Computing Sciences maintains strong industry partnerships with major tech firms and government agencies, creating internship and research opportunities that often lead directly to post-graduation employment. The program's strength lies in its ability to blend rigorous theoretical foundations with applied project work—students don't just learn algorithms; they implement solutions for real-world challenges in collaboration with industry sponsors and government labs. WSU's location in Pullman also connects students to a thriving startup ecosystem and remote collaboration with tech companies across the Pacific Northwest. The curriculum offers flexibility to specialize in areas like systems security, cloud computing, or big data analytics while maintaining access to faculty whose research directly informs coursework.
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
- Allen School of Computing Sciences
Industry Partners
- Microsoft (corporate)
- Amazon (corporate)
- Google (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Microsoft, Amazon, Google, Boeing, Accenture.
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Pacific Northwest tech hub accessProximity to Seattle-area and Spokane regional employersRemote collaboration with major tech company research centers
Master's Information Systems Programs in Washington
University of Washington-Seattle Campus — Seattle, WA
Key Distinction: Two entry tracks: MSIS Direct (12 months, June start) for technically ready applicants and MSIS Accelerate (15 months, March start) with structured 3-month programming/databases/networks prep quarter. Evening and weekend class schedule designed for working professionals
Hakia Insight: The MSIS Accelerate track's 3-month prep quarter (starting March) isn't remedial window dressing; it's a structured onboarding that lets career-changers with non-CS backgrounds compete equally with CS majors, then both cohorts access the same Allen School research labs and tech company connections.
The Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS) at University of Washington Foster School of Business is a 12-month full-time program (or 15 months with the MSIS Accelerate preparatory track) designed for working professionals and career changers. The program offers evening and weekend classes to accommodate professional schedules. Two entry paths are available: MSIS Direct (June start, for those with programming/database experience) and MSIS Accelerate (March start, a structured 3-month prep quarter for those needing technical foundation building). The cohort-based model emphasizes hands-on, personalized learning in small classes. While specific salary advancement data and assistantship stipends are not detailed in admissions materials, the program targets mid-career professionals seeking to transition into or advance within information systems roles. The curriculum integrates business and technical competencies, with graduates entering roles in systems analysis, IT management, and digital transformation. Employer partnerships and career outcomes data should be confirmed with the admissions team.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Information Systems — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Allen School Computer Systems Lab
- Security and Privacy Research Lab
Industry Partners
- Amazon (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
- Google (corporate)
- Apple (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Salesforce, Microsoft.
Notable Faculty
- Arvind Krishnamurthy — Networking, distributed systems, and systems performance
- Yoshi Kohno — Security, privacy, and systems security
- Dan Grossman — Programming languages and systems
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Direct proximity to Amazon (Seattle headquarters)Microsoft offices in Greater Seattle areaGoogle offices in SeattleSilicon Valley-level tech density on West CoastActive tech conference scene (Grace Hopper, OSDI, etc.)
Seattle University — Seattle, WA
Key Distinction: Seattle University's IS program uniquely integrates ethics and responsible innovation into technical training, preparing graduates for strategic technology leadership roles.
Hakia Insight: Seattle University's master's program teaches you to articulate *why* your system architecture matters ethically—a rare skill that attracts roles in governance and strategy, not just implementation, particularly at mission-driven tech organizations.
At the master's level, seattle University's information systems program is distinguished by its Jesuit pedagogical commitment to ethics in technology and responsible innovation—you won't find many IS programs that weave moral philosophy and social responsibility into core coursework. Beyond this defining ethos, the program balances technical breadth (software development, database systems, IT infrastructure) with strategic business courses (IT governance, digital transformation, innovation management), preparing graduates for leadership roles rather than purely technical tracks. The Albers School of Business and Economics houses the program, giving students access to faculty expertise across organizational behavior, supply chain management, and strategic decision-making—perspectives that elevate IS graduates beyond technical silos. Seattle's status as a global tech hub translates directly into guest practitioners, consulting partnerships, and internship opportunities with companies ranging from startups to established tech leaders. The program maintains strong connections to the Catholic mission, if that aligns with your values, while remaining inclusive and intellectually rigorous. Graduates frequently move into product management, digital strategy, and innovation leadership roles rather than purely operational IT tracks. If you want technical credibility paired with ethical reasoning and preparation for business-side leadership, Seattle University's distinctive blend of technical rigor and values-centered education is compelling.
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
- Amazon (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
- T-Mobile (corporate)
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Seattle tech hub access (Amazon, Microsoft, Google presence)Strong regional startup ecosystem connections
University of Washington-Tacoma Campus — Tacoma, WA
Key Distinction: Three degree pathways: thesis (research-focused, preparation for doctorate), capstone project (real-world application with public colloquium), or electives-only (maximum scheduling flexibility). Thesis option graded credit/no credit (does not affect GPA); capstone graded standard (counts toward GPA)
Hakia Insight: UW Tacoma's thesis option grades credit/no-credit (bypassing GPA), making it the only pathway where you can pursue publishable research intensity without GPA penalties—a structural advantage for students balancing rigorous doctoral-prep research with full-time work.
The M.S. in Computer Science & Systems at UW Tacoma offers three flexible degree pathways designed for working professionals: thesis (10 credits, ideal for research-focused students and doctoral preparation), capstone project (10 credits, real-world application with public presentation), or electives-only (30 credits, maximum scheduling flexibility). All pathways require 40-45 quarter credits total with three core courses. Students benefit from close relationships with local high-tech industry partners, gaining real-world perspective in classroom experiences. Graduates work as software development engineers, program managers, cybersecurity experts, data scientists, and systems developers at global industry leaders. Six specialization options include Data Science, Cybersecurity, Distributed Systems, Cyber-Physical Systems, Bioinformatics, and GIS. The program emphasizes emerging applications and theoretical concepts guided by renowned faculty and industry fellows.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Computer Science & Systems — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Industry Partners
- Boeing (corporate)
- MultiCare Health System (nonprofit)
- Washington State Government (government)
Notable Faculty
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to Boeing (major IT employer in region)Access to Pacific Northwest health care IT sectorConnection to Washington State government IT operationsGrowing tech ecosystem in Tacoma/Pierce County
Central Washington University — Ellensburg, WA
Key Distinction: CWU's IS program excels at practical enterprise systems training with strong regional employer connections and a focus on IT operations and business systems management.
Hakia Insight: CWU's master's program ties directly to Washington State government IT hiring—you're learning systems that agencies actually operate, taught by faculty who work in those agencies, creating a direct-hire pipeline most universities can't offer.
At the master's level, CWU's information systems program emphasizes practical application through a curriculum that balances business acumen with technical depth—ideal if you're interested in how organizations actually deploy technology. The program structures coursework around enterprise systems, database management, and IT infrastructure, with particular strength in preparing students for systems administration and IT service management roles. Faculty integrate real-world case studies and business scenarios into courses, so you're not just learning theory but understanding decision-making contexts. The program benefits from partnerships with regional employers in Washington's growing tech corridor, creating internship pipelines and guest lectures from practicing professionals. Graduates consistently report strong placement in mid-tier IT operations and business systems roles; the program has built a reputation as a pipeline to stable, well-compensated technical careers rather than startup-focused roles. Class sizes remain manageable, enabling direct mentorship and personalized career guidance. If your goal is a hands-on IT career with clear advancement pathways in established organizations, CWU's program delivers solid foundational training and employer recognition in the Pacific Northwest.
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
- Washington State Department of Information and Technology Services (government)
- Banner (Ellucian partner) (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Washington State agencies, Regional healthcare IT departments, Enterprise service providers.
Location Advantages: Access to Washington State government IT opportunitiesProximity to Puget Sound regional tech employers
Doctoral Information Systems Programs in Washington
University of Washington-Seattle Campus — Seattle, WA
Key Distinction: An elite research-driven program where undergraduates routinely collaborate with faculty on published systems research, combined with direct access to some of the world's largest-scale infrastructure challenges through nearby tech companies.
Hakia Insight: Allen School doctoral students don't just study distributed systems theory—they debug Amazon's and Microsoft's real infrastructure challenges through faculty collaborations, turning academic research into systems that serve billions of users.
At the doctoral level, the Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering has built one of the nation's most research-intensive information systems programs, where students engage directly with faculty tackling problems in distributed systems, cybersecurity, and human-computer interaction. What sets this program apart is its emphasis on systems thinking across multiple layers—from low-level infrastructure to user-facing applications—combined with exceptional opportunities to contribute to ongoing research projects. The BS in Computer Science offers tracks that let you specialize deeply in systems and networking, databases, or security, while the MS in Computer Science attracts students pursuing either a thesis-based research path or a professional track with internship focus. The Seattle location puts you minutes from Amazon, Microsoft, and Google offices, which translates into recruiting pipelines, guest lectures from industry architects, and internship placements that shape your understanding of real-world systems at massive scale. Faculty like Arvind Krishnamurthy (networking and systems performance) and Yoshi Kohno (security) lead projects that regularly draw talented undergraduates into hands-on systems research. Graduates consistently land roles as software engineers, systems engineers, and infrastructure specialists at top tech companies, with many crediting the program's rigorous algorithms and systems coursework as their competitive advantage. The program's culture emphasizes not just building systems but understanding *why* they work the way they do—a philosophy that shows in both graduate research output and the technical depth of students entering industry.
Programs Offered
- Doctor of Philosophy in Information Systems — 4-6 years, on-campus
- Doctor of Science in Information Systems — 4-6 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Allen School Computer Systems Lab
- Security and Privacy Research Lab
Industry Partners
- Amazon (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
- Google (corporate)
- Apple (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Salesforce, Microsoft.
Notable Faculty
- Arvind Krishnamurthy — Networking, distributed systems, and systems performance
- Yoshi Kohno — Security, privacy, and systems security
- Dan Grossman — Programming languages and systems
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Direct proximity to Amazon (Seattle headquarters)Microsoft offices in Greater Seattle areaGoogle offices in SeattleSilicon Valley-level tech density on West CoastActive tech conference scene (Grace Hopper, OSDI, etc.)
Washington State University — Pullman, WA
Key Distinction: WSU's information systems program uniquely combines rigorous computer science theory with industry-sponsored research projects, allowing undergraduates to contribute to publishable work while building enterprise skills.
Hakia Insight: WSU's doctoral program occupies unusual territory: rigorous enough for academic publishing, but woven into industry-sponsored projects with Microsoft and Amazon—meaning your dissertation can be commercially deployed before you defend.
At the doctoral level, at Washington State University, the information systems program sits within a research-intensive computer science environment where students gain exposure to emerging technologies through faculty-led investigations in cybersecurity, data science, and distributed systems. The Allen School of Computing Sciences maintains strong industry partnerships with major tech firms and government agencies, creating internship and research opportunities that often lead directly to post-graduation employment. The program's strength lies in its ability to blend rigorous theoretical foundations with applied project work—students don't just learn algorithms; they implement solutions for real-world challenges in collaboration with industry sponsors and government labs. WSU's location in Pullman also connects students to a thriving startup ecosystem and remote collaboration with tech companies across the Pacific Northwest. The curriculum offers flexibility to specialize in areas like systems security, cloud computing, or big data analytics while maintaining access to faculty whose research directly informs coursework.
Programs Offered
- Doctor of Philosophy in Information Systems — 4-6 years, on-campus
- Doctor of Science in Information Systems — 4-6 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Allen School of Computing Sciences
Industry Partners
- Microsoft (corporate)
- Amazon (corporate)
- Google (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Microsoft, Amazon, Google, Boeing, Accenture.
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Pacific Northwest tech hub accessProximity to Seattle-area and Spokane regional employersRemote collaboration with major tech company research centers
