Accelerated Master's in Information Systems
Northwestern University's one-year Master's in Information Systems (MSIS) program prepares graduates to advance their careers in IT management or to move into an IT career and progress to management level. Distinct from traditional computer science programs, the MSIS curriculum — which requires 11 units of graduate credit — puts emphasis on the development and management of software projects existing in the workplace. It is designed for professionals who seek a hands-on, laboratory-based experience that will broaden and deepen their knowledge of new and emerging IT. Choose from two specializations to focus on your area of interest and build the skills you need to advance your career.
You'll be immersed in the course material and earn your master's in information systems in one year by taking two on-campus courses at our downtown Chicago location and one online course over the fall, winter and spring quarters, with the final two courses over the summer term. Benefit from strong relationships built in a cohort and from learning with diverse groups of professionals — many who are highly-placed in their fields. International and domestic students are encouraged to apply for the accelerated option. Admitted international students are eligible to apply for and receive a student visa.
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I was really interested in an online program because of my work responsibilities. I checked out USC which is right down the street from me and a few other schools, but I kept coming back to Northwestern. I did a deep dive into the curriculum and found I really liked the hands-on approach.”
Nancy Dandridge, MS in Information Systems ('18); Information Systems Manager at rocket and spacecraft manufacturer SpaceX
I'm a huge fan of AI and data science, which are important for the healthcare industry. What I liked about the program was that I could specialize not just in AI, but also access many other courses related to different specializations.”
Swetha Popuri, MS in Information Systems ('22)
The School of Professional also offers the MS in Information Systems in a format that allows students to complete the program at their own pace. The curriculum can be completed entirely online or through a blend of online and on-campus courses. Find out more about the part-time program.
An interdisciplinary professional program, graduates of the accelerated one-year MSIS program will possess the knowledge, skills and aptitude to:
This program offers two areas of specialization, which must be declared at the time of application:
For detailed information on each specialization, please visit the Information Systems Specializations page.
Explore Accelerated MS Information Systems Courses. You can narrow your course search by day, location or instructor.
Applicants must hold a U.S. bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution or foreign equivalent. A variety of factors are considered when your application is reviewed. Background and experience vary from student to student. For a complete list of requirements, see the Admission page for SPS graduate programs.
Tuition for the Accelerated Master's in Information Systems program at Northwestern is comparable to similar US programs. Financial aid opportunities exist for students at Northwestern. Complete details can be found on the Accelerated Information Systems Tuition and Financial Aid page.
Already accepted into the Accelerated Master's in Information Systems program? Get ahead and register for your classes as soon as possible to ensure maximum efficiency in your trajectory.
Information systems impacts virtually every industry, field, and activity in today's society. Those with appropriately rigorous education in the field will likely find significant professional opportunity. For details visit the Information Systems Career Options page.
The ultimate goal of the MSIS program for me was to become an independent consultant. Northwestern's name recognition and network helped me land my first contracts... and I created my own LLC.”
Instructors in the one-year Master's in Information Systems program at Northwestern are leaders in the field. They bring practical real-world experiences to the online classroom and engage with students on an interpersonal level. Get to know the instructors on our Information Systems Program Faculty page.
If you want to complete your degree in 12 to 18 months and have the time to take a full-time course load, but you can’t come to Chicago for the Accelerated MSIS program, the part-time online MS in Information Systems program offers a course path that will allow you to earn your MSIS degree in 12 to 18 months.
