Master of Science in Information Systems
The intersection of business, IT management, and engineering
In Northeastern’s Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS) degree program, you will embark on an IT leadership pathway as a more evolved, dynamic software engineer. Through an innovative curriculum and a rigorous academic program that is both broad and deep, master’s information systems students will become problem-solvers who design groundbreaking software solutions that fit within the complexities of the business world and solve the humanistic needs of the people who use them.
This flexible degree program puts software at the forefront of the engineering paradigm to address the sociotechnical needs of contemporary society. You’ll be prepared to go beyond simple programming to become a leader in information technology, delivering systems that are safe, secure, and help solve the world’s grand challenges.
Your degree will involve a deep level of applied learning with project-based case studies in every course. We also encourage students to plan internships or co-ops as part of their time at Northeastern, and the course is structured to allow flexible scheduling to accommodate work placements.
Every student will customize their program to match their career goals with multiple concentration options. In addition, the Blockchain Technology Specialization track offers courses in the development and implementation of distributed ledger technology.
The MSIS program is intended for students with some foundational technical experience. Students with nontechnical bachelor’s degrees have the opportunity to earn an MS in IS through the MS in Information Systems – Bridge program.
Concentrations
● User Experience
● Big Data Systems and Analytics
● Smart Contracts
● Intelligent Systems
Silicon Valley is also the only Northeastern campus to offer a blockchain specialization for students interested in cryptocurrency, decentralized cloud storage, digital security, smart contracts, and other distributed ledger applications.
Innovative curriculum
In the IS program, you’ll create a strong technical foundation through diverse, high-level courses taught by renowned faculty in industry-wide, first-class engineering techniques. Meanwhile, you’ll also build the crucial skills you need to succeed in any industry, taking courses on business analysis project planning, agile development, and quality assurance.
The program offers a wide range of courses that reflect current and future industry trends:
● Cryptocurrency and Smart Contract Engineering
● Engineering of Big Data Systems
● Business Intelligence and Data Analytics
● Cybersecurity Engineering and Development
● Digital Business
● Full-Stack Software Engineering
● User Experience Design
● Data Science and Machine Learning Systems Engineering
Who should apply?
The MSIS program is appropriate either for students proceeding directly from a bachelor’s degree or for professionals returning to reach new levels of leadership in their careers. Students of all different technical backgrounds will be able to advance in their aptitudes and move to the forefront of new technologies.
Course format
MSIS is offered in person at our Silicon Valley campus. Students may study full time or part time. The program is 32 semester hours and may be completed in two years with a full-time schedule or longer to accommodate flexible scheduling.
The program is also offered at Northeastern’s campuses in Boston, Seattle, and Toronto, Canada. The blockchain specialization is available only at Silicon Valley.
Program goals
Northeastern’s MS in Information Systems program is dedicated to preparing you with the complex skills you need—programming, design, and architecture skills, as well as strong communication and leadership abilities—to succeed in the rapidly changing technological and business world of today and the future.
Career outcomes
Our graduates are hired by industry leaders and companies large and small in industries all over the globe.
Recent graduates are working in fields that include:
● Software design and development
● Business intelligence
● Product management
● Data architecture
● UI/UX design
● IT management
● Machine learning and AI
● Full-stack engineering
● Blockchain and smart contracts
The Bay Area metro region is one of the most well-compensated job markets for engineers, with a median income 119–122% higher than the national average.*
Scholarships
Domestic students entering for the 2025 academic year are eligible for a scholarship of up to 10%. This scholarship is not transferable to alternative programs of study, terms or campuses outside of San Jose, CA.
Get in Touch
