Northwestern University's MS in Information Systems (MSIS) program prepares graduates to advance their careers in IT management or to move into an IT career and progress to management level. Distinct from traditional computer science programs, the MSIS curriculum puts an emphasis on the development and management of software projects existing in the workplace. It is designed for professionals who seek a hands-on, laboratory-based experience that will broaden and deepen their knowledge of new and emerging IT.  The MSIS degree requires 11 graduate units of credit. In addition to the general Information Systems track, there are seven specializations to focus on your area of interest and build the skills you need to advance your career: Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Database and Internet Technologies, Digital Transformation, Health Informatics, Information Systems Management, Information Systems Security, and Project Management.

Curriculum

Core Courses (4 units)

Electives (7 units)

About the Final Project

Students may pursue their capstone experience independently or as part of a team. As their final course, students take either the individual research project in an independent study format or the classroom final project class in which students integrate the knowledge they have gained in the core curriculum in a project presented by the instructor. In both cases, students are guided by faculty in exploring the body of knowledge on information systems while contributing research of practical value to the field. The capstone independent project and capstone class project count as one unit of credit.