The 19 Best Online Masters in Computer Information Systems Degree Programs

information_systems_masters-01According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Computer and Information Technology employment is expected to grow 12 percent through 2024, or about a half-million jobs, much faster than the national average. Predictably enough, there’s also big money in the IT field: the median annual wage was $81,430 in May 2015, which is nearly $50,000 higher than average. For Information Systems Managers, the news is even better, with 15% employment growth through 2024 and a median pay of $131,600 per year. Why such large numbers? Mostly thanks to the rise of cloud computing, mobile computing, big data storage, and the “Internet of things” – in other words, the increasingly realized world wide web, which offers ease-of-use, convenience, efficiency, and affordability. Nor is the world of IT cordoned off into its own corner any more, touching everything from healthcare, finance, commerce, government, and more.

Still, this all creates a rather complex networking problem, and in turn the need for highly qualified, up-to-date IT managers and administrators. In such a competitive work force, professionals need to make their resumes stand out through more than portfolio work, and a master’s degree in Information Systems is one good method. Better yet, many schools now offer online MS degrees in the field, allowing working professionals to continue at their current employers while they prepare to advance their careers. For your convenience, below we’ve ranked our top online MS tracks in Informations Systems.

Methodology:

  • Affordability (1/4): the average estimated out-of-state (if applicable) tuition per credit hour.
  • Number of Specializations (1/4): the number of focus points, specializations, or ways in which students may customize their degree.
  • Time Until Degree (1/4): the time until degree for students who elect to accelerate their coursework.
  • Academic Prestige (1/4): the academic prestige of the program and parent institution, as noted in other rankings of note.

1. Boston University

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Founded in 1839, Boston University has a total enrollment of about 32,000, evenly divided between undergraduate and graduate students, making it one of the largest non-profit private schools in the country. It is also one the top-ranked universities in the U.S., according to US News, Forbes, Newsweek, Times Higher Education, Washington Monthly, and other publications. Perhaps most important, US News ranks it among the best values: 36% of full-time students receive some form of financial aid, and the average percent of need met is 88%. For those interested, BU also offers more than 90 international programs.

Boston’s MS in Information Systems consists of 40 credits with seven available concentrations in some of the most in-demand segments of the IT field: Computer Networks, Data Analytics, Database Management & Business Intelligence, Health Informatics, IT Project Management, Security, and Web Application Development. Ranked as one of the top programs by US News, it is accredited by Project Management Institute Global Accreditation Center and certified by the Committee on National Security Systems. Further, BU is recognized by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security as a Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education and Research. All courses benefit from small class sizes – Boston has a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio – and students gain real-world exposure through case studies and projects.

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  • Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit: $771
  • Number of Specializations: 7
  • Program Length: 18 months

2. Dakota State University

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Dakota State, founded in 1881, is a public university in Madison, South Dakota, with a total enrollment of just over 3,000 (graduate students total about 300). One of the top public schools in the region, DSU specializes in computer management, computer information systems, and similar IT disciplines, including 35 undergraduate tracks and a number of graduate degrees and certifications. An 18:1 student-to-faculty ratio promotes an engaging, intimate learning environment, and more than 50% of classes have fewer than 20 students. DSU also offers excellent financial aid opportunities: 68% of full-time students receive some form of financial aid, and the average percent need met is 75%. Admission is rolling.

Dakota State’s online MS in Information Systems with concentrations offered in Data Management, Application Development, Network Administration and Security, and Healthcare Information Systems, in addition to the general track which includes one course from each. All students complete the core curriculum of Systems Analysis & Design Using, Project and Change Management, Web Application Development, IT Infrastructure, IT Strategy & Policy, and Enterprise Modeling and Data Management. (Note that students should have already completed courses in Information Systems and Information Systems Programming). Students also have the opportunity to customize the degree through either a masters project, which entails designing, planning, and implementing a real-world information system, or by completing taking a 700-level class and passing a comprehensive exam.

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  • Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit: $442
  • Number of Specializations: 5
  • Program Length: 30 credits

3 (tied). Missouri University of Science and Technology

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The Missouri University of Science and Technology, founded in 1870, has just under 9,000 students. Ranked highly by both US News and USA Today, MUST has a robust online program, offering 16 masters degrees and one doctoral track in Systems Engineering. Other degrees include an MBA, Master of Engineering concentrations (in Geotechnics, Manufacturing Engineering, Mining Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, and more), Industrial-Organizational Psychology, and Technical Communication. The university’s student-to-faculty ratio is 19:1, and over 30% of classes have less than 20 students. By utilizing he Canvas learning platform, MUST encourages engaging, dynamic peer-to-peer education.

MUST’s online MS in Information Science and Technology consists of 30 credits with 10 concentration options in human-computer interaction, enterprise resource planning (with SAP Certificate), psychology of leadership, project management, computer networks, communication systems, and e-commerce, among others. In addition, the program offers graduate certificates in a wide range of fields which can be applied toward a masters. The core curriculum consists of just four classes, allowing students to tailor the degree to areas of professional need and interest. All courses are 100% online for maximum flexibility to working professionals and adult learners, and most classes deliver asynchronously. There are three entry dates throughout the year.

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  • Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit: $1,230
  • Number of Specializations: 10
  • Program Length: 30 credits

3 (tied). Auburn University

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Founded in 1856, Auburn University is a public research university with an enrollment of over 27,000 students, the majority of which are undergraduate. AU has been ranked among the top 50 public universities for more than two decades, and has received high marks from Forbes, Washington Monthly, Peterson’s Guide, and US News, among other publications. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 19:1, classes are highly collaborative and intimate; over 50% have less than 50 students, and 32% consist of less than 20 students. Further, Auburn offers financial aid opportunities: 36% of full-time students receive some form of aid, and the average percent met is nearly 50%.

Designed for IT professionals looking to secure leadership positions, Auburn’s online MS in Information Systems consists of 10 courses (30 credits). As an open degree, the only required courses are in Database Management and Information Systems Analysis and Design, plus a capstone project. From there, students have the opportunity to customize the curriculum to their interests and professional needs in areas like Oracle database, risk and information assurance, security, big data, and predictive modeling. All courses are designed for maximum flexibility (students may take up to 3 years to complete the degree), and each student works with a program advisor to plan coursework in line with career goals.

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  • Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit: $850
  • Number of Specializations: 1
  • Program Length: 24 months

5. Northwestern University

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Northwestern University, founded in 1851 in Evanston, Illinois, has a total enrollment of about 21,000, divided between undergraduate and graduate students. Among the top schools in the country, Northwestern has received high marks from US News, Forbes, Washington Monthly, Times Higher Education, and more. It also among the top twenty schools in the country for value; 44% of students receive some form on financial aid, which is covered in full. Further, with a 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio, Northwestern promotes a highly collaborative, intimate learning environment. Nearly 80% of classes consist of fewer than 20 students.

Northwestern’s School of Professional Studies offers a part-time online MS in Information Systems that consists of 11 units (33 credits) and includes 8 specialization options in Database and Internet Technologies, Information Systems Management, Project Management, Information Systems Security, Health Informatics, Medical Informatics, Analytics and Business Intelligence, and a general track. All students must also complete either an independent capstone project or thesis. In order to allow for a tailored curriculum, there are just four core courses: Telecommunications and Computer Networks (not required for the Analytics and Business Intelligence specialization), Object-Oriented Programming, Database Systems Design and Implementation, and Foundations of Leadership.

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  • Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit: $1,498
  • Number of Specializations: 8
  • Program Length: 33 credits

6. Drexel University

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Drexel University is a private research university in Philadelphia, with a satellite campus in Sacramento. Founded in 1891, the school has a total enrollment over 26,000, split between undergraduate and graduate students. The school’s unique co-op program is one of the oldest in the country; in exchange for traditional classroom credits, students complete an 18-month, full-time paid internship in a field relevant to their academic focus. The school’s online education program launched in 1996, and Drexel has since become a leader in distance education, founding National Distance Learning Week in 2007, which recognizes schools for excellence and innovation in online education. Drexel enrolls approximately 10,000 students are enrolled in online classes today.

Drexel’s online MS in Information Systems consists of 30 total credits (or 45 quarter credits). Core courses include: Software Development, Perspectives on Information Systems, Introduction to Database Management, Human-Computer Interaction, Information Systems Analysis and Design, Requirements Engineering and Management, Software Project Management, Information Systems Management, and Web Systems & Architecture. From there, students have the opportunity to tailor the degree through four free electives in classes like XML and Databases, Cognition and Information Retrieval, Concepts in Artificial Intelligence, Information Visualization, Data Mining, and more. Courses deliver in accelerated 10-week blocks for maximum flexibility, and students receive a range of services and resources.

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  • Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit: $1,192
  • Number of Specializations: 1
  • Program Length: 30 credits

7. Liberty University

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Liberty University is a private Christian school in Lynchburg, Virginia. Founded in 1971, the school has been a leader in distance education since 1985, with 100,000 students enrolled in online classes today. All online course work is designed for maximum flexibility, with working professionals and adult learners in mind, and many programs offer intensive, on-campus summer sessions that can accelerate degree completion time. Further, Liberty’s generous transfer policy allows students with previous academic credit or work/life experience to waive select course work. (Pending individual approval, students may also transfer credits in through military service, MOOC work, examinations, and portfolios.) Note that, as a Christian university, Liberty incorporates religious concepts and values into all degrees.

Liberty’s online MS in Information Systems consists of 10 courses (30 credits) with specialization opportunities in Information Assurance and Technology Management. Core courses are required in Executive Leadership & Management, Enterprise Models, IT Infrastructure, Ethics & Legal Issues, Human Computer Interaction & Emerging Tech, Operations Management, and Systems Analysis, Modeling & Design. All students must also complete an integrated capstone in order to gain real-world experience. Liberty’s track is particularly suited for professionals in the field looking to earn a leadership position in areas like systems management, consulting, systems integration, data networking/administration, and software development.

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  • Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit: $565
  • Number of Specializations: 2
  • Program Length: 30 credits

8. New Jersey Institute of Technology

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New Jersey Institute of Technology, founded in 1881, has a total enrollment of about 11,300, with a graduate population of 3,000. NJIT is part of the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities, a Sea Grant College, and a member of the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture, ranked highly by Princeton Review, US News, Washington Monthly, and Business Insider, which was listed among America’s most underrated colleges. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 17:1, courses are engaging, collaborative, and intimate, and 70% of full-time students receive some form of financial aid, with an average need met of 53%.

NJIT offers an online MS in Business and Information Systems consisting of 32 credits. Sample classes include Enterprise Database Management, Information Retrieval, User Experience Design, Data Analytics for IS, Requirements Engineering, Information Systems Auditing, Web Systems Web Development, Web Mining, Quantitative Methods in Information Systems Research, and more. In addition, students have the opportunity to specialize in 8 areas: Business Decision Making, Data Management, Emergency Management, Security & Network Management, Systems Analysis & Design, User Experience Design, and Web Systems. For maximum flexibility, most courses are asynchronous, students can enroll on a full- or part-time basis, and the degree is particularly designed for working professionals in the field. For those interested, the university also offers a hybrid MS in Information Systems and fully online MS in Emergency Management and Business Continuity.

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  • Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit: $1,202
  • Number of Specializations: 8
  • Program Length: 32 credits

9. Colorado State University – Global Campus

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Founded in 2007, CSU-Global is a public online university part of the Colorado State University System. The school initially developed from a $12 million grant from the CSU Board of Governors, and has grown from an inaugural class of 200 to a student enrollment of over 12,000, with more than 5,000 graduates. All courses are specifically aimed at working professionals and adult learners, and curricula emphasize developing practical skill sets to carry into employment. Further, CSU offers a unique affiliate program with a number of government agencies and private organizations – including Farmers Insurance Group, AT&T, Otterbox, State of Colorado, State of Utah, and the State of Nevada – which offer discount incentives to employees wishing to continue their education.

Colorado State’s online MS in Computer Information Systems consists of 11 courses (33 credits). Core courses include Information Technology and Project Management , Enterprise Computing and Systems Integration, Business Visual Application Development, Application Software Infrastructure, Software Development Methodology, Object-Oriented Systems, IT Communications Infrastructure, Business Database Systems, and E-Business Application Technologies. From there, students have the opportunity to tailor the degree to their interests through a variety of electives. For maximum flexibility, students can complete the degree on a self-paced basis, with three-, four-, and six-semester plans available. Students with relevant course work may also transfer up to 9 credits into the program, accelerating degree completion time.

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  • Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit: $793
  • Number of Specializations: 1
  • Program Length: 18 months

10. University of Colorado Denver

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The University of Colorado – Denver, founded in 1912, has a total enrollment of about 23,700, split between undergraduate and graduate students. UC Denver has received high rankings from publications like Forbes, the Princeton Review, and US News, with its graduate school particularly well-regarded. Further, the Faculty Scholarly Productivity Index ranks Denver in the top 10 for biomedical sciences, developmental biology, human and medical genetics, oncology and cancer biology, structural biology and toxicology. The school’s online programs have rapidly expanded in recent years, and there are now more than 450 offered. There are nearly 100,000 alumni worldwide.

UC Denver’s online MS in Information Systems that consists of 36 credits with a core developed by a joint committee of the Association for Information Systems (AIS) and the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM). From there, students can customize the degree according to their professional interests through a wide variety of electives like Business Intelligence in Healthcare, Emerging Technologies, IT Governance and Service Management
, International corporate Governance, Financial Modeling, IT Project Management, and more. For those interested, UC Denver also offers a 12-credit Business specialization, which includes Enterprise Technology Management (ETM), Business Intelligence Systems (BI), Health Information Technology (HIT), and Web & Mobile Computing (WMC). All courses are designed for maximum flexibility, and Denver’ 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio keeps classes small and collaborative.

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  • Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit: $675
  • Number of Specializations: 2
  • Program Length: 36 credits

11. Aspen University

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Founded in 1987, Aspen University specializes in distance education, offering associates, bachelors, masters, doctorates, and certificates in nursing, education, computer science, technology, information systems, business, project management, counseling, and criminal justice, nationally accredited by the Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). For maximum flexibility, and to accommodate working professionals and adult learners, Aspen offers up to 18 transfer credits for masters programs and up to 25% of total masters credits for prior work/life experience.

Aspen’s online MS in Information Systems consists of 36 credits and two specialization opportunities in either Enterprise Application Development or Web Development. Core classes include Management of Information Systems, Object Oriented Analysis & Design with UML, C++ Programming for C Programmers, Relational Database Design, Java Programming, ASP.Net Programming, eBusiness, and Website Development with HTML/JavaScript. The degree is primarily designed for professionals in the IT looking to advance their careers, and graduates will be prepared for work in database design, system planning, application development, web development, and information system management, among others.

  • Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit: $325
  • Number of Specializations: 2
  • Program Length: 36 credits

12. Bellevue University

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Founded in 1966, Bellevue University’s student enrollment is approximately 10,000. Its extensive online program is designed for maximum flexibility, and students have the option to complete course work on their own time, with delivery methods including options like accelerated cohort, flex path, MOOCs, certificates of completion, and course clusters. Course material is available 24/7, and students can live chat with peers and instructors and study from multimedia platforms. Further, thanks to the school’s generous transfer policy, course work may be accelerated for students with previous academic credits. As a Christian university, religious concepts may be incorporated throughout the degree.

Bellevue’s online MS in Management of Information Systems consists of 36 credits and 5 possible concentrations: Business Administration, Business Analytics, Cybersecurity, Information Security Management, and Information Technology Project Management (which is accredited by the GAC). Core courses include IT Strategy and Policy, IT Infrastructure, Survey of System Development, Information Security Management, Managing Enterprise Data, Managing Emerging Technologies, Information Technology Project Management, an integrated capstone to provide for valuable real-world experience, and one of either Introduction to Cyber Ethics, Project Communications Management and Leadership, or Project Management in Global and Virtual Workplaces. All course work is modeled after the Association for Computing Machinery for IS Management and Technology standards.

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  • Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit: $545
  • Number of Specializations: 5
  • Program Length: 36 credits

13 (tied). Mississippi State University

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Mississippi State University, founded in 1878, has a total enrollment of about 20,000. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 19:1, MSU has small class sizes and an intimate, engaging learning environment for a public school of its size; nearly half of all classes are under 50 students, and 40% have fewer than 20. Mississippi State also sponsors an excellent lecture series with distinguished speakers like Neil deGrasse Tyson, former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Spike Lee, John Grisham (an MSU alumnus), and several Nobel Prize-winning speakers. The university has received high rankings from US News, Washington Monthly, Kiplinger’s, and Forbes, which listed on its “America’s Best College Buys.”

MSU’s online MS in Information Systems includes courses in Information Technology, Systems Analysis, Database Design, Business Telecommunication, and more. (All prerequisites are available online, as well.) In addition to the core and free electives, students must also select 6 credits from either Microcomputers/Networks, Advanced languages II, BIS Security Management, and Decision Support Systems. For maximum flexibility, and to accommodate working professionals and adult learners, up to 6 credits may be transferred into the program, accelerating degree completion time and giving credit to students for what they already know. Note also that all course work is 100% online.

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  • Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit: $451
  • Number of Specializations: 1
  • Program Length: 24 months

13 (tied). University of Maine

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The University of Maine, founded in 1865, has a total enrollment of about 11,000, most of which are undergraduates, making it the largest university in the state. Among the top public schools in the region, UM has been highly ranked by US News, Washington Monthly, and Forbes. The school’s 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio promotes an intimate, collaborative learning environment, and 41% of classes consist of fewer than 20 students. Maine also has excellent financial aid opportunities: 70% of full-time students receive some form of aid, and the average percentage of need met is 80%.

Maine’s online MS in Information Systems consists of 30 credits. Core courses include Formal Foundations for Information Science, Information Systems Programming, Human Computer Interaction, Information Systems Law, and Design of Information Systems. From there, students have the ability to customize the curriculum through electives in a range of fields, such as business, computer science, electrical and computer engineering, spatial information science, and more. For students with previous relevant coursework, up to 6 credits may be transferred into the program, accelerating graduation time. Maine’s program is designed specifically to accommodate students from any undergraduate background looking to enter the in-demand IT workforce. Admissions are rolling.

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  • Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit: $1,361
  • Number of Specializations: 1
  • Program Length: 30 credits

13 (tied). George Washington University

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George Washington University in D.C. was founded in 1821. There are 26,000 students currently enrolled at the university, representing all 50 states and 130 countries. One of the most prestigious in the country, GW has been highly ranked by the Princeton Review, Forbes, U.S. News, Washington Monthly, and many other top publications. It is also ranked as an R1 for highest research activity by the Carnegie Foundation, and is considered one of the best value schools; 45% of full-time students receive some form of financial aid, and the average percentage of need met is 85%. GW’s 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio promotes an engaging, intimate educational atmosphere, and over 50% of classes consist of fewer than 20 students.

George Washington’s online MS in Information Systems Technology consists of 11 courses (33 credits), 7 core and 4 electives. (Depending on the student’s undergraduate background, an additional 3-6 credits of foundational prerequisites may be necessary.) Core courses include Info Systems Development, Relational Databases, Information Technology Project Management, Internet Computing, Information Systems Security, and Web and Social Analysis. From there, students can tailor the curriculum through a combination of technical and managerial electives, plus an integrated capstone. For maximum flexibility, GWU offers both full- and part-time enrollment, following 18-24 and 30-48 month time frames, respectively. Graduates of the MSIST program have gone on to work at Amazon Web Services, Booz Allen Hamilton, Deloitte, The CIA, IBM, Microsoft, Gallup Organization, Verizon, and The White House.

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  • Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit: $1,600
  • Number of Specializations: 1
  • Program Length: 18 months

16. Marist College

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Founded in 1929, Marist College is a private Catholic liberal arts school in Poughkeepsie, New York, with an additional campus in Florence, Italy, and study abroad opportunities in nearly 30 countries across the world, including Egypt, Morocco, Senegal, France, Greece, Ireland, Argentina, Cuba, and Jordan. Among the top ranked schools in the region, Marist has been recognized by the Princeton Review, Forbes, and Kiplinger’s, which ranked the college on its list of best values in private colleges for eight consecutive years. With a 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio, courses are intimate and collaborative, and nearly half of all classes have less than twenty students. Marist also offers a number of financial aid advantages: 56% of students receive some form of aid, and the average need met is 64%.

Designed both for experienced IT professionals and relative novices, Marist’s MS in Information Systems consists of 36 credits and 3 possible concentrations in Information Systems Management, Business Analytics, and Computer Networks and Security. Core requirements include Systems & Information Concepts in Organizations, Data Management, Data Communications, Information Analysis & Systems Design, Accounting, and Information Systems Policy. All students must also complete a capstone project to gain practical real-world experience. For maximum flexibility, students with previous relevant coursework can transfer up to 6 credits into the degree, accelerating degree completion time. Alternatively, part-time students may take up to 7 years to finish the degree. For those interested, Marist also offers two graduate certificates in Business Analytics and Information Systems.

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  • Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit: $780
  • Number of Specializations: 3
  • Program Length: 36 credits

17. University of Maryland – Baltimore County

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The University of Maryland – Baltimore County, founded in 1963, has a total enrollment of about 13,900, the majority of whom are undergraduate students, coming from over 100 countries. Designed as a combination the liberal arts, research, and public university traditions, UMBC has been named the #1 “school to watch” among national colleges and #1 in innovation for six straight years, according to US News. The university has also received high marks from Forbes, Times Higher Education, Washington Monthly, and Princeton Review, which listed it in the top 50 on its “Best Value College” rankings. With a 19:1 student-to-faculty ratio, UMBC’s students experience a highly collaborative, intimate education environment, and 40% percent of classes consist of fewer than 20 students. Financial aid is another strength: half of full-time students receive some form of aid, and the average need met is 54%.

Maryland’s online MS in Information Systems consists of 30 credits, include four core courses: Management Information Systems, Networks, Database Management Systems, and Structured Systems Analysis and Design. From there, students have the opportunity to customize the degree through selecting among a wide variety of electives like Enterprise-Wide Computing, Information Integration, Electronic Commerce, Data Mining, Data Analytics in Cybersecurity, and Social Media Application and Design, among others. For those who are interested, UMBC offers a master’s thesis option, which must be pre-approved by an advisor and thesis committee. For maximum flexibility, eligible students may transfer up to 6 credits into the degree, and there are three available entry dates. Students have the option to take up to 5 years to complete the track.

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  • Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit: $860
  • Number of Specializations: 1
  • Program Length: 33 credits

18. Robert Morris University

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Founded in 1913, Robert Morris University has an enrollment of 3,000, most of which are undergraduate. Offering 49 undergraduate, 35 graduate, and 3 doctoral programs, RMU is among the top ranked schools in the Midwest region. With a special emphasis on student engagement, experiential learning, and flexibility, Robert Morris offers a wide variety of delivery options for full- and part-time students, including traditional, online, and hybrid degrees. Further, admissions are rolling. More than half of classes consist of less than 20 students, encouraging an intimate, collaborative educational environment in which students receive individualized instruction and peer-to-peer learning opportunities. For those needing aid, 85% of RMU students receive some form of financial aid, and the average need met is 50%.

Robert Morris’s online MS in Internet Information Systems is designed for IT professionals looking to advance their careers. Core courses include Hardware and Operating Systems, Object-Oriented Systems Analysis and Design, Network Technology and Management (N+), Database Management Systems, Computer Network Security, and two of either HTML Programming, Visual Basic Programming, Advanced Visual Basic Programming, or Java Programming. From there students, students can tailor the degree through 9 free electives in communications and information systems. All online RMU students receive 24/7 tech support, study abroad options, corporate discounts, and Blackboard access, which includes live chat rooms, group discussion boards, and multimedia materials.

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  • Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit: $870
  • Number of Specializations: 1
  • Program Length: 30 months

19. Strayer University

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Strayer University, founded in 1892 as Strayer’s Business College, is among the largest online universities in the world, with over 40,000 students enrolled in undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs, Society for Human Resource Management, National Security Agency’s Committee on National Security Systems, and Teacher Education Accreditation Council. Aimed at working professionals and adult learners, all course work is designed for maximum flexibility and students complete the degree according to their own schedule demands.

Strayer’s online MS in Information Systems which includes 6 specialization opportunities in Computer Security Management, Enterprise Network Management, IT Project Management, Computer Forensic Management, Information Systems Management, and Software Engineering Management. Core courses include Information Systems for Decision Making, Theories of Security Management, Communication Technologies, Advanced Systems Analysis and Design, Advanced Computer Architecture, Strategic Planning for Database Systems, Project Management, Computer Interaction and Design, and a capstone project to provide real-world experience. In particular, Strayer’s program prepares students to take and pass the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) exam. Admissions are rolling, and students can transfer credits into the program through previous academic work or prior learning experience.

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  • Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit: $870
  • Number of Specializations: 6
  • Program Length: Unknown