Online Master of Science in Information Systems & AI

Online Master of Science in Information Systems & AI

Why Earn an Online Master of Science in Information Systems & AI at the Smith School?

Become the Bridge Between Technical Expertise and Business Leadership

#8

MS in Information Systems, U.S.
U.S. News and World Report, 2026

Businesses increasingly rely on data, AI and information technology to solve complex challenges and create competitive advantages

In the Online Master of Science in Information Systems & AI program, you'll develop the technical expertise and business perspective needed to apply data analytics, AI and emerging technologies to real-world business problems. You'll graduate prepared to connect technical teams with business leadership and turn data-driven insights into strategic decisions.

Through experiential learning projects and guidance from award-winning faculty, the Robert H. Smith School of Business prepares you to communicate complex technical concepts clearly, lead technology initiatives and deliver solutions that create measurable business value.

Credits
30
Duration
As few as 18 months
Format
Online; Asynchronous
Cost
$25K
(Cost excluding program fees)

Why Smith?

  • Gain in-demand AI, information systems and information technology skills.
  • Bridge the gap between technical teams and business leadership
  • Lead digital transformation across industries.
  • Finish your degree in as few as 18 months at an affordable cost.

Who Is the Online Master of Science in Information Systems & AI For?

Designed for Working Professionals Ready to Make an Impact

The Online Master of Science in Information Systems & AI is designed for working professionals from diverse backgrounds who want to strengthen their understanding of AI, information systems and emerging technologies without putting their careers on hold. Whether you're looking to advance into a leadership role, transition into technology strategy or become the link between technical teams and business leadership, you'll develop the skills to manage data and AI responsibly, solve complex business challenges and lead technology initiatives with confidence.

Ideal candidates include early career professionals working as:

  • Database administrators 
  • Data visualization specialists
  • SEO experts
  • Software engineers
  • Systems analysts

What Will You Learn in the Online Master of Science in Information Systems & AI Program?

Use Data and Emerging Technologies to Your Advantage

The Online Master of Science in Information Systems & AI helps you build the skills to analyze information, implement technology solutions and make decisions that improve business performance. Through coursework and experiential learning, you’ll combine emerging technologies and business strategy to create measurable value.

Artificial Intelligence

Analyze large datasets more efficiently, identify patterns and trends and support business decisions with responsible AI.

Data-Driven Decision-Making

Use data to evaluate business challenges, assess opportunities and develop strategic recommendations.

Technical Strategy

Apply information systems and emerging technologies to solve complex business challenges.

Cross-Functional Communication

Learn to communicate technical concepts clearly and collaborate effectively across business and technology teams.

Project and Process Management

Plan, implement and improve technical systems and the business processes they support.

Systems Thinking

Understand how people, technology, data and business processes work together to achieve business goals.

Apply What You Learn

You’ll develop these skills through: 

  • Action learning projects where you'll design and implement an information system to solve a real business problem
  • Case study competitions and simulations
  • Data competitions through Datathon and the Smith Analytics Consortium

By graduation, you'll be prepared to bridge technical expertise and business strategy by applying data and information systems to organizational problems.

Explore the Curriculum

Career Outcomes

Lead at the Intersection of Business and Technology

Recent Master of Information Systems & AI graduates from Smith report an average salary of $95K, with 3 in 4 securing employment within 180 days of graduation. As information systems professionals advance into leadership roles, they can earn average annual salaries of $171K in the U.S.

Sources: UMD Smith Office of Career Services (2025); Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024)

Career Paths
  • Enterprise and systems architecture
  • Product and program leadership
  • Business analysis and consulting
  • Technical and engineering management
  • Technology strategy and leadership

View Employment Report

Industries
  • Cloud computing
  • Consulting
  • E-commerce
  • Financial services
  • Government
  • Hospitality
  • Logistics  
  • Retail
  • Technology

Refresh Your Business and Technology Skills

If you want to strengthen your foundational skills before starting the program, we can help you get up to speed quickly with skill-building courses and workshops. Before your first semester, you'll strengthen your foundation in:

Software, data and statistics

Business strategy and communication

Economics of technology

Learn From Faculty Shaping the Future of Information Systems & AI

Research That Translates Into Real-World Impact

At the Robert H. Smith School of Business, you’ll learn from faculty who are experts in their field. From systems engineering to optimization, their research influences organizations, informs public policy and brings the latest in information systems and AI.

Tej Anand is the academic director of the program.

Paul Shapiro

Paul Shapiro
Systems Engineering and Project Management
Systems engineering
Workforce modeling
Technology management

Jessica M. Clark

Jessica M. Clark
Business Analytics and Predictive Analytics
Business analytics
Predictive analytics
Data science applications

Sujin Kim

Sujin Kim
Operations and Simulation
Simulation methodology
Optimization modeling
Decision analytics

How Is AI Integrated Throughout the Curriculum?

Turn Information Systems and AI Into Strategic Business Tools

AI is transforming how businesses use data and generate insights. In the Online Master of Science in Information Systems & AI program, you’ll learn to use AI responsibly to make informed business decisions while developing the communication, judgment and strategic thinking skills that technology can’t replace.

AI-powered tools you'll use:
  • Agentic AI
  • Copilot
  • Generative AI
  • Graph RAG
  • Large Language Models (LLMs)
  • Vector databases
Apply AI through:
  • Action learning projects 
  • AI-based projects
  • Case study competitions and simulations
  • Data competitions

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. The Online Master of Science in Information Systems & AI prepares you to combine AI, information systems and business strategy to solve complex business challenges. You'll graduate with the technical expertise, strategic thinking and leadership skills employers need as organizations continue investing in AI and digital transformation.

Unlike programs that focus primarily on coding or computer science, the Online Master of Science in Information Systems & AI teaches you to apply AI, data and emerging technologies to solve business problems. You'll learn how to bridge technical expertise with business leadership through experiential learning and guidance from award-winning faculty.

No. The Online Master of Science in Information Systems & AI is designed for working professionals who want to build skills in data, systems, emerging technologies and business strategy. Transferable strengths such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving and adaptability can help you succeed.

Have More Questions?

The Smith School's Graduate Admissions Office is here to help. Whether you have questions about the curriculum, admissions requirements, application process or student experience, we’re happy to help you determine if the Online Master of Science in Information Systems & AI is the right fit for your goals.

Schedule a Consultation

Graduate Admissions
2303 Van Munching Hall
College Park, MD 20742-1815

Phone: 301-405-2559
Email: smithmasters@umd.edu
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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Questions? Contact the MBA & Business Master's Admissions Office at 301-405-2559 or SmithMasters@umd.edu.

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