What is MSIS?

Standing at the Intersection of Business and Technology

Looking to advance your business career? Considered a hidden gem among graduate business programs, the MSIS — or Master of Science in Information Systems — may not be well-known but may lead to leadership positions with six-figure salaries.

Bridging technology, people, and processes, MSIS programs give graduates the technical and management knowledge needed to help data-driven companies reach top-business goals — meaning you’ll be placed at the forefront of digital transformation. Read on to discover how you can equip yourself for a prosperous career in business technology by pursuing an online MSIS degree through the Carl H. Lindner College of Business, offered by the University of Cincinnati Online.

What is an Information System?

An information system (IS) combines software, hardware, and telecommunication networks to collect relevant data, complete and manage operations, interact with consumers, and stay ahead of the competition. IS professionals with advanced degrees use their education to distinguish themselves from others in the workforce, advancing their careers and business knowledge while benefiting their organizations by:

• building databases
• improving networks
• analyzing data
• designing business applications and more.

Learn more about information systems in our article “What is an Information Systems Degree?”

MSIS from the Carl H. Lindner College of Business

Combining core business knowledge and IS-focused technical courses with real-world experiences, the Master of Science in Information Systems program available through UC Online will prepare you to design solutions that help data-driven companies reach top-business goals. Renowned for its numerous strengths — including enterprise resource planning, business intelligence, database design and modeling, and project management — the MSIS is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business; is ranked as the #15 MSIS program in North America; and boasts a 100% employment rate within three months of graduation.

Why Pursue Your MSIS at UC Online?

The fully online MSIS at UC is designed for working professionals balancing personal and professional commitments. Before your first day of class, you’ll partake in an online boot camp — to gain valuable tech and non-tech skills — and meet your dedicated Student Success Coordinator, who will support you from the time you confirm your spot to when you graduate.

Hands-on Learning

Information systems are where the worlds of business and technology meet. And our program provides a blend of courses from both disciplines. But that’s not all you’ll learn. As part of our program you’ll engage in one of three hands-on, experiential components — an internship, in-depth independent information systems project, or information systems research — providing you in-depth, real-world experience before graduation.

Experienced Faculty

Perhaps most important is UC’s Lindner College of Business’s esteemed faculty, who possess the essential expertise required for your success. They conduct cutting-edge research, establish lasting academic connections with students, and have extensive industry and academic experience. Working alongside these IS professionals, you’ll learn as much by doing as listening, and even choose between three experience-based learning options to gain hands-on experience: a six-to-eight-month internship (co-op), an independent IS project, or IS research.

MSIS Career Outlook

When you enroll in the MSIS program at UC Online, you’ll join a network of peers willing to share their knowledge and experiences to help you grow professionally. In addition, you’ll gain access to a large network of alumni working at some of the top companies in the U.S.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for computer and information systems managers was $159,010 in May 2021, with employment projected to grow 16 percent from 2021 to 2031 — much faster than the average for all other occupations. Below is a selection of field leadership roles, typical responsibilities, and salaries.

Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)

• Oversees an organization’s information, cyber, and technology security.
• Makes a median salary of $171,884.

Chief information officer (CIO)

• Directs an organization’s information and computer technologies.
• Makes a median salary of $159,295.

Information systems manager

• Manages the IT department within an organization.
• Makes a median salary of $159,010.

Database Architects

• Designs and creates specialized databases for organizational clients.
• Makes a median salary of $134,870.

Computer Systems Analysts

• Updates an organization’s computer systems to improve efficiency.
• Makes a median salary of $99,270.

Management Analysts

• Uncovers ways to improve an organization’s efficiency and increase profits.
• Makes a median salary of $93,000.

Learn more about career opportunities in our article “MSIS Careers: What Can You Do With a Master’s in Information Systems?”

Prepare For Success

To succeed in today’s ever-changing business landscape, it’s crucial for organizational leaders to have access to employees that are specialized in gathering, organizing, and analyzing data. The Master of Science in Information Systems program at the Carl H. Lindner College of Business is designed to provide this access, preparing individuals for future information management roles rather than entry-level positions. Because here, your success is our success.

Ready to learn more? Explore our online program to discover how you can achieve your goals with an MSIS degree offered by the University of Cincinnati Online. Or take the first step in advancing your career by beginning your application today.

* Salary data sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.