At the University of Utah, our courses combine the flexibility of online teaching with the advantages and direct engagement of traditional teaching. Enjoy the benefit of studying online at your own pace while still engaging with classmates and instructors. This flexible way of teaching improves your overall experience and your ability to retain what you learn.

Interactive learning comes in a variety of ways:

• Group assignments, where you collaborate via email or a discussion forum to answer a problem set.
• Contributions to a discussion forum, where you directly respond to previous posts.
• Peer reviews, where you review and comment on assignments from other students.

Our classes also offer multiple routes to stay connected and get help:

• Communicate directly with the instructor via email.
• Participate in and guide online discussions.
• Attend online office hours remotely (e.g., discussion threads, phone, online conferencing).
• Instructors are available in “real” office hours for students on or near campus; for some courses we offer Q&A sessions in a classroom.

Master of Science in Information Systems

All MSIS Online courses are taught by the same high-quality faculty members as on-campus courses. Your diploma will not designate your degree as an online program.

Students must have the equivalent of a four-year U.S. bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution upon entering the program. An academic or employment background specifically in business or information systems is not required; students from all majors and professional backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

 The MSIS Online program does not have any pre-requisites. 

 MSIS Online Degree Requirements

• Credit Requirement: 30 credit hours
  • Core: 18 credit hours
  • Electives: 12 credit hours
• Master of Science Requirement: MSIS Online students complete a capstone project to satisfy the Master of Science degree requirement. A master’s thesis is not required.

 See the full curriculum.

$1,000/ credit* for resident and non-resident

With effect from Spring 2024 (*Subject to change without notice)

This program qualifies for the U of U employee reduced tuition benefit.

MSIS Online students have a variety of career options in the information systems industry. Average salaries for IS professionals range from $66,000 - $90,000 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Students in the MSIS Online program complete a career development course and have access to one-on-one virtual meetings with an MSIS career coach throughout their time in the program.

 Some common job titles for MSIS graduates include:

• Database Administrator
• Business Intelligence Analyst
• Data Analyst
• Systems Analyst
• IT Security Specialist
• Network Administrator
• Project Manager
• Technical Consultant

Admissions Requirements

1. Online Application and fee
2. Bachelor Degree – MSIS Online applicants must have completed a four-year U.S. bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution or equivalent.
3. Transcripts – Applicants will be asked to upload unofficial transcripts from any and all undergraduate institutions attended. Official transcripts are not required at time of application.
   • GPA – A minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA is required for admission. Consideration will be made for applicants meeting this 3.0 GPA over the last 60 credits hours taken in their undergraduate coursework.
4. GRE/GMAT exam is optional.
5. Letters of Recommendation – Two letters of recommendation are required for the MSIS Online application. For applicants who have one or more years of professional, full-time work experience, we strongly recommend at least one recommendation come from a current or former employer.
6. Professional Resume - Applicants will be asked to upload a business resume that includes your employment history in reverse chronological order, with titles, dates, and whether you worked part-time or full-time. Please note that the MSIS Online program does not have a minimum work experience requirement for admission.
7. Essays – MSIS Online applicants will be asked to submit a required statement of purpose essay, describing their reasons for pursuing this degree, career goals and interest in technology. Applicants can also submit an optional essay to address any weaknesses in their application.
8. English Proficiency – International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency and the ability to contribute to classroom discussion and interact with faculty and peers. Visit the English language proficiency page for more info and to find a list of countries where English proficiency may not be required. The MSIS program minimum score requirements:
   • TOEFL: 90
   • IELTS: 7.0
   • Duolingo: 105
9. Video Introduction – Applicants are asked to submit a one-minute video recording of how you would introduce yourself to new peers and faculty members. You’re also encouraged to include any personal and professional aspects you believe are significant in your pursuit of admission.
   
   
   Please email your video essay to MSISinfo@Eccles.Utah.edu. Students are encouraged to email a .mov or .mp4 file or a non-password protected link such as to a Google Drive, Vimeo or YouTube file. If a personal situation through the Americans with Disabilities Act precludes an applicant from submitting a video, please contact MSISinfo@Eccles.Utah.edu for alternate submission options.

Application Deadlines

MSIS Online students can start the program in fall or spring semester. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the stated deadline for each semester. See current deadlines.