Master of Science in Information Systems online

Become a sought-after technology leader in today’s data-driven business world with elevated expertise in data warehousing, hardware and software development, information security and more.

Apply by: 1/8/25
Start Class: 1/14/25

Program Overview

Learn what our MS in Information Systems online offers you

$17,445* Total Tuition
As few as 12-18 months Program Duration
30 Credit Hours

Develop your ability to organize, manage and secure any organization’s information when you earn a Master of Science in Information Systems online from Murray State University. This career-advancing master’s degree empowers you to pursue in-demand leadership roles in growing data-oriented fields. You will gain both the theoretical background and practical experience necessary to thrive in the information systems field.

Our innovative coursework examines key ideas, practices and frameworks of project management, such as Agile, in the context of information systems. Enhance your understanding of extracting data from multiple sources, transforming the data and loading the data into data warehouse architectures through the ETL process. In our experiential curriculum, you will apply essential data analysis techniques such as prediction, clustering, associations and forecasting to creatively solve real-world problems.

In this AACSB-accredited program, you will learn from world-class faculty who are dedicated to your success. Our experienced instructors are well-versed in cutting-edge tools such as R, Python, IBM SPSS Modeler, SAP® Predictive Analytics, SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS), SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS) and more.

Whether you want to boost your technology credentials or begin a new career path, you can personalize this flexible MSIS to your interests. Choose from a broad range of electives — including topics such as data security, information management and telecommunications — to strengthen the industry-specific skillset that best aligns with your career goals. Plus, expand your professional network to include industry leaders when you join the Murray State University LinkedIn group for computer information systems (CIS) alumni.

AACSB Accredited

The Arthur J. Bauernfeind College of Business at Murray State University has been continuously accredited by AACSB International (AACSB) since 1981.

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Best Online Programs in the Computer Information Technology (CIT)

Murray State University’s online master’s degree program in Information Systems (MSIS) was recently recognized among the 2023 Best Online Programs in the Computer Information Technology (CIT) category by U.S. News and World Report.

As a graduate of this master’s in information systems online program, you will be able to:

  • Use information systems concepts to address business problems
  • Model, monitor and analyze data using various data analysis tools and methods
  • Develop written and verbal communication skills
  • Plan information systems projects
  • Address complex issues in the global information systems context
  • Use information systems concepts to address business problems
  • Model, monitor and analyze data using various data analysis tools and methods
  • Develop written and verbal communication skills
  • Plan information systems projects
  • Address complex issues in the global information systems context

This program will prepare you for careers such as:

  • Business Intelligence Engineer
  • Product Manager
  • IT Consultant
  • Software Engineer
  • Data Analyst
  • Technical Program Manager
  • Business Intelligence Engineer
  • Product Manager
  • IT Consultant
  • Software Engineer
  • Data Analyst
  • Technical Program Manager
Have questions or need more information about our online programs?

Also available

Murray State offers a variety of online master’s degrees. Check out all of our MBA, MPA and MS online degree programs.

Tuition

Our budget-friendly tuition is pay-by-the-course

The MS in Information Systems online program offers affordable, pay-by-the-course tuition. All fees are included.

Tuition breakdown:

$581.50 Per Credit Hour
$17,445* Total Tuition
Program Per Credit Hour Per Course Per Program
MSIS $581.50 $1,744.50 $17,445*

*The tuition rate is subject to annual changes based on approval by the Murray State University Board of Regents and the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education. Refer to Graduate Tuition Rates for more information on the cost of attendance for Murray State.

Calendar

Know when to apply and when classes start

Murray State University online programs are delivered in an accelerated format ideal for working professionals, conveniently featuring multiple start dates each year.

Now enrolling:

1/8/25 Next Application Deadline
1/14/25 Start Classes
TermStart DateApplication DeadlineDocument & Financial Aid DeadlinePriority Registration DeadlineTuition DeadlineLast Class DayTerm Length
Fall 210/15/2410/9/2410/10/2410/11/2410/14/2412/8/247 weeks
Spring 11/14/251/8/251/9/251/10/251/13/253/5/257 weeks
Spring 23/11/253/5/253/6/253/7/253/10/255/6/257 weeks
Summer 15/12/255/6/255/7/255/8/255/9/256/21/257 weeks
Ready to take the next step toward earning your degree online from Murray State?

Admissions

Check out the admission requirements for our online information systems degree

At Murray State University, we’ve streamlined the admission process to help you get started quickly and easily. Please read the requirements for the MS in Information Systems online, including where to send your transcripts.

The requirements include:

Online application accepted on a rolling basis
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
Transcripts from all colleges and universities previously attended
2.75 GPA ON UNDERGRADUATE COURSEWORK

You must meet the following requirements for admission to the MS in Information Systems online program:

  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
  • Undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or higher
  • Transcripts from all colleges and universities previously attended
  • At least one of the following:
    • A minimum GMAT score of 490 or higher, or a GRE score of 288 or higher
    • At least 3 years of relevant full-time work experience

Official transcripts, test scores and other documents should be sent from issuing institutions to:

Email address: [email protected]

Mail address:

Graduate Admissions
Murray State University
B2 Sparks Hall
Murray, KY 42071

Questions? Call 866-906-0541.

Courses

Take a look at what you’ll study in our MS in Information Systems online

For the MS in Information Systems online, you must complete 21 credit hours of core courses and nine credit hours of electives.

Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course is designed to provide an in-depth understanding of key ideas, practices, issues, concepts, artifacts, frameworks, and theories of project management in the context of IT, telecommunications, and cyber security. Special emphasis is put on understanding of how projects align with the overall strategy of an organization and how well-planned projects can help an organization achieve positive results in relation to operations, competitive advantage, and security.

Learning Outcomes

  1. Describe key concepts of Project Management in the IT context
  2. Work effectively as a part of a team working on a project using the Scrum Project Management framework
  3. Create a Project Management Plan
  4. Evaluate the main roles, processes, and artifacts of Agile and Data Science methodologies
  5. Communicate effectively in written form in the context of Project Management
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course provides the student with a comprehensive introduction to databases, the technical skills required to plan, implement and maintain a databases using appropriate software. A significant part of the course will be spent on development of Structured Query Language (SQL) queries and processes to extract (E) data from multiple sources, transform (T) data as needed and the loading (L) of the same into data warehouses (ETL).

Learning Outcomes

  1. Express database terminology accurately, and design relational databases
  2. Write SQL queries to manage data and query the database
  3. Use popular tools to create the structure for a data warehouse
  4. Extract (E) data from a variety of sources.
  5. Transform (T) extracted data by adding/removing data as needed
  6. Loading (L) the database with data after the extraction and transformation processes are completed
  7. Automate the ETL
  8. Describe common DWH architectures
  9. Identify and document the potential business value of an ETL project
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Study of the theories and techniques of computerized decision support and expert systems. The practical application of these systems to problems of business and industrial organizations is stressed. A major part of the course will be devoted to the use of appropriate decision support and expert system computer software.

Learning Outcomes

  1. Use statistical modeling for business analytics
  2. Develop visualization for business intelligence
  3. Employ Techniques such as prediction, clustering, associations, and forecasting
  4. Create and use Predictive modeling using artificial neural networks, and support vector machines
  5. Analyze textual data for sentiment analysis and social analysis
  6. Use Linear programming techniques and
  7. Describe Expert systems and chatbots
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course provides the knowledge required to appreciate the functions and benefits of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems. Students will learn the impact of an ERP system, how ERP software integrates business functions, and how to make current business functions compatible with and ERP system. The students will also develop an appreciation of live, interactive information from an ERP system and the value of its availability throughout the organization.

Learning Outcomes

  1. Describe the importance of enterprise-wide information systems.
  2. Distinguish between organizational data, master data and transaction data in different functional areas.
  3. Carry out common business process functions such as – Sales, Purchasing, Manufacturing, Accounting, Warehouse Management and Materials using SAP ERP application.
  4. Identify types of reports for managers to improve performance.
  5. Define key terms and concepts to prepare for SAP certification exam.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Explores methodologies and practices used in the contemporary software development projects from the managerial and technical perspectives. From the managerial perspective, it covers software life cycle models, object-oriented methodologies, rapid development methodologies, agile modeling, software design principles and methods, verification and testing methods, and software process maturity models. On the technical side, it explores solutions that are currently available that aid in implementing these models and methodologies.

Learning Outcomes

  1. Describe computers and programming
  2. Develop software using conditional and control statements
  3. Identify and employ appropriate data structures
  4. Create custom functions
  5. Manage and manipulate multi-dimensional data
  6. Read and process data files
  7. Design and develop object-oriented applications
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
A study of data communication, network infrastructure, transmission technologies, and hardware/software components that support modern business communications. Designed to provide students with the technical foundation to manage and secure contemporary data networks.
Duration: 16 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course consists of an independent, in-depth study of a topic or problem in computer information systems under the direct supervision of a faculty member. Periodic conferences will be arranged with the supervising faculty member on an individual basis.

Learning Outcomes

  1. Analyze the problem, understand the scope and complexity of the project
  2. Gather, organize, and document user requirements
  3. Identify alternate approaches to solving the problem
  4. Develop a solution that solves the organizational problem
  5. Demonstrate the implemented solution
  6. Communicate effectively in written and verbal forms
Select 3 of the following:
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Business analytics refers to the techniques and practices of statistical data analyses useful to business organizations. This course covers the fundamental concepts of data analysis, and intermediary concepts such as predictive analysis and prescriptive analysis. The analytical techniques covered include visualization, regression, forecasting, simulation, optimization and risk analysis. Students get to learn and use advanced spreadsheet functions and visualization tools to analyze business data.

Learning Outcomes

  1. Possess a strong Business Analytics vocabulary.
  2. Utilize spreadsheet and data visualization software to organize, screen, and preprocess the data.
  3. Use descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive data analytics tools.
  4. Understand how and why Business Analytics techniques could be applied to assist business decision making.
  5. Gain a fundamental understanding of how to construct spreadsheet models for the purposes of conducting quantitative analysis of business problems.
  6. Demonstrate the ability to interpret analysis results, evaluate alternatives, and to apply basic sensitivity analysis in the support of a managerial decision maker.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Course provides a conceptual overview of data mining techniques that are used to discover patterns, to predict trends, and to classify observations. In addition, the course includes hands-on practice using modern analytic software and analysis of contemporary business case studies.

Learning Outcomes

  1. Adapt logical reasoning to approach data-rich problems in a business context.
  2. Identify, analyze, and apply relevant data via information technology tools appropriately in the analysis of business problems.
  3. Use decision-making and problem-solving processes.
  4. Examine the data, problems, and analysis tools.
  5. Apply the most appropriate business analytic models for the given problems.
  6. Interpret and convey results to a business audience effectively.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Software applications development in analytics draws on requirements analysis skills, data management skills, data analysis skills, and programming skills. This course will focus on techniques and tools for developing analytics applications. Students will get to complete numerous analytics mini-projects.

Learning Outcomes

  1. Install and use an analytics platform
  2. Source, clean, visualize, analyze, and present data using an analytics platform
  3. Create data analytics products
  4. Communicate the results of a Data Science project in written form.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
A study of modern computer, network, and information system security. This course provides an overview of security challenges and mitigation controls in the information system environment. Topics include network intrusion prevention and detection, incident response, malicious software (malware), public key encryption, message authentication, and privacy issues.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Information security risk management is the application of risk management techniques to business information technology systems to reduce the risk, threats, and vulnerabilities. Using an industry standard risk management framework, conduct an information technology risk assessment using both qualitative and quantitative methodologies, develop risk management policies and reports, create risk management mitigation plan, and define risk management mitigation security measurements and baselining.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Law, policy and regulation as they affect telecommunications technologies and telecommunications business strategies. Emphasis will be placed on an examination of the FCC, the Telecommunications Act of 1996, and the telecommunications business environment, including licensing, privacy, security, divestiture and antitrust.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Incident response is an organization's response and management of a security incident such as breach, cyberattack effect. Learn intelligence collection, threat hunting, cybersecurity situational awareness, principles of forensic investigations, root cause analysis, and development and execution of policy in response to human and non-human incidents.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Information security program management focuses on the managerial aspects of information security. Functional areas covered are governance, risk, and compliance (GRC), personnel and external relationships, program assessment and metrics, enterprise-wide information security awareness and training programs, and the processes and procedures for information systems compliance audit.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Defines organizations and managers’ roles in those organizations, with special emphasis upon behavioral issues. Examines individual, group and organizational processes in light of the environment within which the organization functions. Special attention is given to managing in non-U.S. settings and the ethical problems faced in the managerial job.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course is a study of marketing as the firm’s strategic link with its customers in a global competitive environment. Major topics include (1) the development of marketing strategy, (2) the formulation of marketing plans, (3) the selection and implementation of marketing tactics, and (4) ethical considerations in marketing. **Suggested first course

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