Master of Science in Information Systems

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.

MSIS Online Core Courses – 18 Credit Hours

1. IS 6410 Systems Analysis & Design (3)
2. IS 6420 Database Theory & Design (3)
3. IS 6490 AI for Business Processes (3)
4. IS 6496 Python Programming (3)
5. IS 6570 Cybersecurity Management (3)
6. IS 6640 Networking & Servers (3)
7. IS 6596 Capstone Project (3 credits, taken over 2 consecutive semesters — split into 1.5 credit hours each semester)

Note:

Students who are new to information systems will benefit from gaining an introductory background to IS before starting the program. There are many free and inexpensive courses that will meet this need. This Free online CLEP Information Systems course offered by Modern States Education Allianceis one option.

MSIS Online Electives by Area of Focus – 9 Credits

Students choose 9 credit hours from the lists below. Students are not required to choose an area of focus and have the option to choose courses from any concentration to meet the elective requirements.

Business Intelligence & Analytics

1. IS 6480 Data Warehousing (3)
2. IS 6481 Business Intelligence & Analytics (3)
3. IS 6482 Introduction to Business Machine Learning (3)
4. IS 6489 Statistics & Predictive Analytics (3)
5. IS 6491 Data Visualization (1.5)
6. IS 6493 Data Science & Big Data (3)
7. IS 6850 Advanced SQL (1.5)
8. MKTG 6487 Introduction to Business Analytics (1.5)

Software and Systems Architecture

1. IS 6465 Web-Based Applications (3)
2. IS 6491 Data Visualization (1.5)
3. IS 6641 Cloud Computing (3)

Product and Process Management

1. OSC 6610 Analytical Decision Models I (1.5)
2. OSC 6611 Analytical Decision Models II (1.5)
3. OSC 6660 Project Management (3)
4. OSC 6680 Product Management (3)

IT Security (Cybersecurity)

1. IS 6572 Secure Network Operations (3)
2. IS 6573 Vulnerability Management (3)
3. IS 6574 Cybersecurity Risk and Compliance (3)

Notes:

1. MSIS Online program students are also eligible to take online courses offered through other departments in the Eccles School. Students can work with their academic advisor to determine registration availability.
2. New MSIS Online program elective courses are added each year.

$1,300/ credit* for resident and non-resident

*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. Letter of Recommendation – One letter of recommendation is required for the MSIS Online application. For applicants who have one or more years of professional, full-time work experience, we strongly recommend the 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: 115
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. Applicants can submit their video essay directly in the application portal.
   
   
   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

Spring Application Deadlines:

Priority Deadline: September 3
Final Deadline: December 23

Fall Application Deadlines:

Priority Deadline: May 1
Final Deadline: August 9