Online M.S. in Information Systems

Ranked #51 in best online master’s in information technology programs by U.S. News & World Report.

About

The online M.S. in Information Systems develops the technical and managerial skills needed to build and manage modern computer-based information systems. By providing a foundation in information systems, the program creates a path for those from diverse academic backgrounds to transition to an information systems career.

Students will explore topics such as:

  • Information system design
  • Human-computer interaction
  • Database systems design and management
  • Systems development
  • Computer networks
  • Information law and ethics
  • And more.

Students interested in combining business and technological skills to meet workplace demands may be interested in the Master of Business Administration (MBA) + M.S. in Information Systems Dual Degree Program.

Student Experiences

  • I appreciate the flexibility of the program. I can plan my assignments and online meetings around my schedule.
    Jane G.

Admissions

We have rolling admissions, so you can apply and be accepted at any time. However, the following priority deadlines are recommended:

  • Fall semester: August 1
  • Spring semester: January 1

We will still review applications after these dates, but we may defer acceptance to the next semester.

  • A bachelorโ€™s degree from an accredited college/university with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
    We will consider GPAs below 3.0 on a 4.0 scale on a case-by-case basis.
  • College-level algebra
  • Programming courses or experience
    Recommended but not required.

The admission evaluation process begins once weโ€™ve received all of your application materials. Before you apply, please review the application instructions. When youโ€™re ready to apply, please submit the following:

  • An online application
  • Current rรฉsumรฉ or CV
  • Official academic transcripts from all institutions attended
  • A 300-500 word essay based on the following prompt

Careers

All private and public enterprise areas rely on information systems to communicate, plan, provide services, control, and support decisions. 

computer and information systems manager

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for computer and information systems managers is projected to grow 15% from 2022-2032, faster than the average for all occupations. About 46,900 openings for computer and information systems managers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.

Median Salary: $169,510

Notable Companies Employing Alumni

  • Bureau of Land Management
  • U.S. Forest Service
  • Maine State Department of Transportation

Curriculum

Throughout the program, youโ€™ll work closely with your advisor to develop a program of study that reflects your personal and professional goals.

The following courses are required (15 credits):

  • SIE 507: Information Systems Programming (3 credits)
  • SIE 515: Human-Computer Interaction (3 credits)
  • SIE 525: Information Systems Law (3 credits)
  • SIE 550: Design of Information Systems (3 credits)
  • SIE 557: Database System Applications (3 credits)

Choose five courses from the following (15 credits):

Business Courses

  • BUA 601: Strategic Data Analysis (3 credits)
  • BUA 680: Foundations of Business Intelligence and Analytics (3 credits)
  • BUA 681: Data Management and Analytics (3 credits)
  • BUA 682: Data Pre-Processing for Business Analytics (3 credits)
  • BUA 683: Information Visualization (3 credits)
  • BUA 684: Business Data Mining and Knowledge Discovery (3 credits)
  • BUA 685: Problem Solving and Decision Analysis (3 credits)
  • BUA 686: Predictive and Business Forecasting (3 credits)

Computer Science Courses

Choose from any formally approved 400-level and above COS courses including, but not limited to:

  • COS 535: Information Privacy Engineering (3 credits)
  • COS 565: Data Visualization (3 credits) 
  • COS 570: Topics in Artificial Intelligence (3 credits)
  • COS 575: Computer Vision (3 credits)

Data Science and Engineering Courses

  • DSE 501: Statistical Foundations of Data Science and Engineering
  • DSE 503: Systems Foundations for Data Science and Engineering
  • DSE 510: Data Science and Engineering Practicum (3 credits)

Digital Curation Courses

  • DIG 500: Introduction to Digital Curation (3 credits)
  • DIG 510: Metadata (3 credits)
  • DIG 540: Digital Collections and Exhibitions (3 credits)
  • DIG 550: Digital Preservation (3 credits)

Education Courses

  • EDT 520: Digital Age Teaching and Learning Methods (3 credits)

Interdisciplinary Courses

  • INT 601: Responsible Conduct of Research (1 credit)

Spatial Information Science and Engineering Courses

  • SIE 505: Formal Foundations for Information Science (3 credits)
  • SIE 508: Object-Oriented Programming (3 credits)
  • SIE 509: Principles of Geographic Information Systems (3 credits)
  • SIE 510: Geographic Information Systems Applications (3 credits)
  • SIE 512: Spatial Analysis (3 credits)
  • SIE 516: Interactive Technologies for Solving Real-World Problems (3 credits)
  • SIE 555: Spatial Database Systems (3 credits)
  • SIE 558: Real-Time Sensor Data Streams (3 credits)
  • SIE 559: Geosensor Networks (3 credits)
  • SIE 580: Ontology Engineering Theory and Practice (3 credits)
  • SIE 590: Information Systems Internship (3-6 credits)
Person working on a computer

At a Glance

UMaineOnline

Maine College of Engineering & Computing


Degree Level

Master

Degree Earned

Master of Science in Information Systems

Recommended Application Deadlines

Fall Semester: August 1

Spring Semester: January 1

Mode of Study

Online

Number of Credits

30 Credits

UMaineOnline

Maine College of Engineering & Computing


Degree Level

Master

Degree Earned

Master of Science in Information Systems

Recommended Application Deadlines

Fall Semester: August 1

Spring Semester: January 1

Mode of Study

Online

Number of Credits

30 Credits

Cost Per Credit Hour

E-Rate

$651

Photo of Kimberly Lai

Contact

Kimberly Lai, M.A.

UMaineOnline Advisor

umaine.edu/online

P

207.581.8041