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.

Learn the Latest Technology in Information Systems

Manage data using the latest analytics tools and explore how to help business leaders further adapt to a changing technological landscape.

Develop Business Strategy Skills

Your professors will challenge you to critically think about solutions to the complex business problems employers regularly face in the real world.

Participate in Real-World Business Scenarios

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
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
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
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
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
Average tuition money saved by pursuing a business master’s degree through the Plus 1 program compared with a traditional graduate program path.

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.

Learn More: Plus 1 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.

Learn More: Admissions

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.

Siva Viswanathan

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.

Sujin Kim

Conducts compelling research on investigating the implications of technology platforms in minority communities.

Expert in the economic and social implications of technology.

Lauren Rhue

Academic Director

Tejwansh (Tej) Singh Anand
Academic Director, MS in Information Systems Program
tejanand@umd.edu

Faculty

John Bono

Associate Clinical Professor of Information Systems
jbono@umd.edu

Guodong "Gordon" Gao

Dean’s Professor of AI in Healthcare
ggao@umd.edu

Sujin Kim

Associate Clinical Professor
kimsj22@umd.edu

Woei-jyh (Adam) Lee

Associate Clinical Professor
adamlee@umd.edu

Kislaya Prasad

Research Professor
kprasad@umd.edu

Ilya Ryzhov

Associate Professor of Management Science and Operations Management
iryzhov@umd.edu

Paul Shapiro

Senior Lecturer
pshapiro@umd.edu

Siva Viswanathan

Dean's Professor of Information Systems
sviswan1@umd.edu

Kunpeng Zhang

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

Analytics Data Scientist Consultant

Big Data Developer

Business Intelligence Analyst

Data Scientist

Risk Systems Developer

Systems Analyst

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.

Learn More: Office of Career Services

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.

Learn More: Smith Masters Student Association

MSIS Advisory Council

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.

MEET THE ADVISORY COUNCIL

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

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