Master of Science in Information Systems
Master of Science in Information Systems
Maryland Smith’s Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS) program gives you the cutting-edge data science, IT and analytical skills you will need to become an effective liaison between data analysts and company leadership. You’ll build upon your current statistical, computer science and mathematical strengths to help companies analyze, organize and manage valuable business information, preserve privacy and lead complex projects.
New for 2023-24: Flexible Start Dates
We are now accepting applicants to start the MSIS program in August or January, making it easier for you to obtain your degree on your schedule. Apply by September 29 to start in January 2024, and by March 10 to start in August 2024. Ask your admissions advisor for more details.
Why Get a Smith MS Information Systems Degree?
Maryland Smith’s MSIS program positions you to be an effective liaison between more technical teams and leadership - a valuable skill to possess in today’s business world. By the end of the program, you’ll know how to leverage your business-technology skills in the workplace and influence leadership to make data-informed decisions.
Manage data using the latest analytics tools and explore how to help business leaders further adapt to a changing technological landscape.
Your professors will challenge you to critically think about solutions to the complex business problems employers regularly face in the real world.
Through case competitions and simulated exercises, you’ll refine your skills with experiences that mirror the challenges you’ll face in the workplace.
Explore Our Focus Areas
Interested in landing a more specialized job role within information systems? You can take MSIS courses closely aligning with your specific interests in these four focus areas:
Artificial Intelligence
Gain a comprehensive understanding of the tools, methods and algorithms used to create intelligent systems. You’ll also explore the ethical impacts of AI on our society.
Potential Job Titles:
Knowledge Engineer, Knowledge Manager, Machine Learning Engineer
Cloud Computing
Design and manage cloud-based platforms and tech infrastructures. You’ll learn the economics of cloud deployments, manage the complexities involved in migration initiatives and get hands-on experience using cloud-based technology stacks.
Potential Job Titles:
Solution Engineer, Cloud Architect, Cloud Engineer
Data Science
Aid leadership with solving complex business challenges using data. You’ll gain experience crafting data strategies, building pipelines, visualizing data and using predictive analytics in real-life business situations.
Potential Job Titles:
Data Scientist, Business Intelligence Developer, Data Analyst, Data Engineer
Emerging Technologies
Find out how to understand, evaluate and apply key information systems technologies. You’ll learn the ins and outs of how to apply Web3, Blockchain, IoT and other technologies to your everyday work.
Potential Job Titles:
Solution Architect, Technology Consultant, Solution Engineer
Alumni Profiles
Our MSIS students pursue competitive and exciting opportunities in their fields after graduating. Their experiences at Maryland Smith help them to expand their network, solidify their career goals and prepare them to perform their job responsibilities a step above the rest.
“Professor Viswanathan tied in my work experience with how physical and digital markets work in the real world. Now those concepts are deeply rooted in me. His teaching helped me develop a pragmatic view of how I approach this field.”
Manasvi Prasad
MS Information Systems ’20
BE Electronics and Telecommunications Engineering
“I learned how to use cutting-edge tools like Tableau, R, Python, Hadoop and Amazon Web Services. The program helped me work efficiently and understand the importance of learning new technologies in this fast-changing industry.”
Asmita Netekar
MS Information Systems ’19
Data Analyst, Capgemini
“I leveraged the resources from the Office of Career Services to help refine my resume, prepare for interviews and help with job applications. Connecting with my peers and being aware of the various recruiting events on campus was extremely helpful.”
Ankita Darda, MSIS ’14
Bachelor of Engineering
Senior Product Manager, Salesforce
“Smith allowed me to have the perfect business school journey with a technical lens added to it. It was a great blend, where I got to dip my toe into complex mathematical/computer engineering-focused tasks while also thinking through strategy and execution.”
Shweta Kamble, MSIS ’15
Bachelor of Engineering
Lead Data Scientist, Zoom
“I was able to build a deep connection with some of the faculty who mentored me. These relationships helped me secure funding for startups I co-founded, helped me hire students to assist with research projects and provided recommendations for career opportunities.”
Keyur Shah, MSIS ’15
Bachelor of Engineering and Information Technology
Principal Product Manager, Opendoor
MS Information Systems at a Glance
2, 3 or 4
Semesters
30
Credits
3.5
Average GPA
Available as a Plus 1 Program
If you’re a current University of Maryland freshman, sophomore or junior, you can pursue your MSIS degree through the Plus 1 program. You’ll save time and thousands of dollars on graduate tuition though this accelerated business master's program.
Apply and Receive Admissions Benefits
Maryland Advantage can make it easier for applicants who have completed their undergraduate and/or graduate degree in the United States to transition into the business master’s program by helping them save money on tuition, skip graduate entrance exams and get personalized career counseling before starting their program.
Acquire Valuable Skills
When you decide to pursue a Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS) degree at Maryland Smith, you’ll advance your skills by participating in exciting, interactive learning experiences that mirror the types of challenges you’ll face working for a real business.
Key Topics Explored:
- Artificial intelligence
- Big data
- Data processing and analysis
- Data warehousing
- Database management
- Digital business markets
- Healthcare information systems
- Project management
- Optimization modeling
- Simulation modeling
Analytics Tools You’ll Use:
- Amazon Web Services
- Google Colab
- Python
- R
- SQL
- Lucidchart
- Jira
- Confluence
- Precision Tree, @RISK, ARENA
- Hadoop, Pig, Hive, Spark
- Tableau
- Google Analytics
Learn from Expert Faculty
Your professors are savvy, well-connected leaders whose research has changed the world of information systems. They will push you to take your skills to the next level and offer valuable guidance as you navigate your coursework and career.
Distinguished Teaching Award and Graduate Faculty Mentor Award recipient.
Expert in platform design, social media and network analytics, information economics and the sharing economy.
More than a decade of experience researching and teaching on industrial and technological information systems at major universities.
Expert in simulation methodology and stochastic simulation-based optimization used in electric power and health service systems.
Conducts compelling research on investigating the implications of technology platforms in minority communities.
Expert in the economic and social implications of technology.
Academic Director
Tejwansh (Tej) Singh Anand
Academic Director, MS in Information Systems Program
tejanand@umd.edu
Faculty
Associate Clinical Professor of Information Systems
jbono@umd.edu
Dean’s Professor of AI in Healthcare
ggao@umd.edu
Associate Clinical Professor
kimsj22@umd.edu
Associate Clinical Professor
adamlee@umd.edu
Research Professor
kprasad@umd.edu
Associate Professor of Management Science and Operations Management
iryzhov@umd.edu
Senior Lecturer
pshapiro@umd.edu
Dean's Professor of Information Systems
sviswan1@umd.edu
Assistant Professor
kpzhang@umd.edu
Where Your Degree Can Take You
Maryland Smith’s MSIS program allows students with any academic background to translate their technology and data skills into an exciting career in business-technology leadership. You’ll also have the opportunity to engage in digital projects, which can further improve your marketability when interviewing for jobs.
On average, many MSIS graduates throughout the U.S. enjoy high salaries in their careers. Smith MSIS grads also tend to have consistently high rates of post-grad job placement.
Top Industry Salaries for MSIS Graduates in the U.S.
$102K
Information Technology
$97K
Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical, Healthcare and Medical Services
$91K
Financial Services, Banking and Accounting
$86K
Business Services and Consulting
Picture Yourself in These Job Roles
Information Systems Students After Graduation
16%
Much faster than average job growth for computer and information systems managers
82%
Percentage of MSIS grads in the U.S. who are enthusiastic about their job offer
$77K
Average starting salary for our MS Information Systems graduates 6 months after graduation*
Sources: Maryland Smith’s Office of Career Services, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Temple University Institute for Business and Information Technology
*Data for 2021 graduates who reported their salaries to Maryland Smith's Office of Career Services. Please note these figures do not reach the 75 percent MBACSEA reporting threshold.
93% of our MS in Information Systems grads have secured employment within six months of graduation.
"I had professors and experts in almost every aspect of the business world. They don’t just understand technical skills - they are also very good on the business side. This program gives us the chance to be the bridge between the business side and technical side.”
Zhexi "Jesse" Liao
MS Information Systems ’15
Business Analyst, Google
Businesses who have hired our MS Information Systems Grads
Boost Your Professional Skills
Maryland Smith’s Office of Career Services (OCS) can help you bridge the gap between being a student and an employed professional. You’ll have one-on-one access to a career coach who will provide you with personalized tips on how to articulate your strengths when interacting with your future employer.
Connect With Your Classmates
You’ll have plenty of opportunities to make connections at Smith and engage in exciting social activities through the Smith Masters Student Association. You can join an information systems-related club or others that provide you with general connections and skills.
MSIS Advisory Council
Advisory Councils keep us actively engaged with industry leaders and experts, who bring their real-world experience to help shape what students learn, match classroom lessons to real-world needs, and widen the pipeline for internship and job opportunities.
Contact Us
Business Master's Office
2303 Van Munching Hall
College Park, Maryland 20742-1815
Phone: 301-405-2559
E-mail: SmithMasters@umd.edu
Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday
At the Center of Business
The Washington, D.C. - Baltimore region is a hub of opportunity for networking, experiential learning, internships and jobs.
Home to federal agencies, corporate headquarters, world-class think tanks, and national and international nonprofits, it's an engine of innovation and explosive growth in digital technology and biosciences.
With 30,000 of our 60,000+ alumni living in the metroplex that includes Baltimore, Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C., our location gives you easy access to the region's largest alumni network of business leaders.
