Best Information Systems Schools: The Top Colleges and Universities for Information Systems Programs

The 13th Arizona Territorial Legislature founded Arizona State University in 1885. With more than 130,000 students, ASU is one of the largest public universities in the United States. The school offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degrees, including online and in-person programs.

Arizona State University Overview

• School Type: Public
• Acceptance Rate: 88%
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, master’s, PhD
• US News Ranking: 177
• Times Higher Education Ranking: None

Best Arizona State University Information Systems Programs

• Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems. This program is available online or in person at the Tempe campus. Those who choose the in-person format can finish this program in three years using the fast-track option. The program consists of 120 credit hours, and students are required to maintain a minimum major and cumulative GPA of 2.0.

• Master of Science in Information Systems Management. This program teaches students the technical knowledge of information systems and enhances their leadership skills. Using the fast-track option, you can finish this program in 12 months. You can also choose a specialization such as data analytics, cloud computing, or tech consulting.

• MBA/Master of Science in Information Systems Management. This program is a concurrent degree that will allow you to earn an MBA and MS in Information Systems Management in a shorter time than earning them separately.

• MBA with Information Management Concentration. This degree option enables you to learn information management while pursuing an MBA degree. College students are required to complete three required courses and electives for the concentration.

• PhD in Business Administration with a Concentration in Information Systems. This full-time program consists of 84 semester hours of undergraduate courses. You will also write research papers on topics such as business analytics, healthcare IT, social media, and information economics.

Arizona State University Information Systems Key Takeaway

Arizona State University is a top-tier school in research and innovation worldwide.

Boston University is a private school in Boston, Massachusetts, that has more than 33,000 students worldwide. The school offers online and in-person academic programs in the fields of arts, engineering, technology, communication, health, law, and business.

Boston University Overview

• School Type: Private
• Acceptance Rate: 19%
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
• Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, master’s
• US News Ranking: 42
• Times Higher Education Ranking: 62

Best Boston University Information Systems Programs

• MS in Computer Information Systems. This graduate program consists of 40 credits that you can complete in 12 to 20 months. You can take courses online or in person in a blended format. You can also choose from concentrations such as Computer Networks, Health Informatics, and IT Project Management. 

• Information Security Graduate Certificate. The Information Security Graduate Certificate is a part-time program consisting of four courses equivalent to 16 credits that you can complete in eight to 12 months. Students can take the courses online or in-person in a blended format. Some of the courses are Biometrics, Network Security, Network Forensics, and Cryptography. 

• Database Management & Business Intelligence Graduate Certificate. This is a part-time program that you can complete in eight to 12 months. It consists of 16 credits that are offered online or in-person in a blended format. Some of the courses it includes are Data Mining, Database Management, and Advanced Database Management. 

• Health Informatics Graduate Certificate. This program consists of four courses equivalent to 16 credits that you can complete in eight to 12 months either online or in person. The courses it includes are Biomedical Sciences and Health IT, Health Informatics, Health Information Systems, and Advanced Health Informatics. 
• Advanced Information Technology Graduate Certificate. The Advanced Information Technology Graduate Certificate is a part-time study consisting of 16 credits that you can finish in 18 to 24 months. Its four courses are Web Application Development, Information Technology Project Management, Cyber Security, and Advanced Database Management.

Boston University Information Systems Key Takeaway

Boston University’s flexible and quick information systems program options are great for busy students and professionals.

Carnegie Mellon University is one of the best universities in the US, offering degrees in the fields of computer science, the humanities, the arts, entertainment, and technology. Established in 1900, the school has more than 14,000 students and is known worldwide for its research and innovation.

Carnegie Mellon University Overview

• School Type: Private
• Acceptance Rate: 14%
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
• Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, master’s, PhD
• US News Ranking: 25
• Times Higher Education Ranking: 28

Best Carnegie Mellon University Information Systems Programs

• PhD Studies in Information Systems & Management. This program will require you to finish a research process seminar series, a concentration area, information system seminars, coursework, and research papers. Its curriculum will enhance your research and methodological skills.

• Master of Information Systems Management. You can finish this in-person program in six months, equivalent to three semesters. The program includes a summer internship, capstone projects, and elective courses. Students can choose from electives such as Managing AI & Robotics, Digital Marketing & Commerce, IT Strategy & Management, Business Intelligence, and Software Development.

• Bachelor of Science in Information Systems. This undergraduate degree will require you to complete a total of 360 credit units. Heinz College and Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences offer this program that will teach you computer science, business management, and information technology. 

• Master of Science in Information Technology. This online program will require you to finish 60 credit units of core courses, which include Database Management, Object-Oriented Programming in Java, and IT Project Management. You will also complete 84 credit units of electives. 

• Master of Science in Information Security Policy & Management. This program provides information security skills through technical courses combined with management, policy, and strategy coursework. You can complete this program in two years, equivalent to four semesters. Some of its core courses include Cryptography, Managing Disruptive Technologies, and Economic Analysis. 

Carnegie Mellon University Information Systems Key Takeaway

Carnegie Mellon University is ranked number one in US News’ rankings of the Best Undergraduate Business Management Information Systems Programs.

Cornell University is a private Ivy League research university in Ithaca, New York, that was founded in 1865. The school has almost 26,000 students and offers more than 7,500 programs of study in the fields of agriculture, the sciences, the arts, technology, and engineering. 

Cornell University Overview

• School Type: Private
• Acceptance Rate: 9%
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
• Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, master’s, PhD
• US News Ranking: 17
• Times Higher Education Ranking: 22

Best Cornell University Information Systems Programs

• BS in Information Science, Systems, and Technology. To earn this degree, you need to complete seven core courses and math courses. The program focuses on information systems engineering and its applications. Its core courses include Engineering Probability and Statistics, Communication and Technology, Data Science and Machine Learning, and Networks.

• Master of Science in Information Systems. The Jacobs Technion-Cornell Institute offers the MS in Information Systems, a two-year graduate program that has three concentration areas: Connective Media, Health Tech, and Urban Tech. When you enroll in this program, you will participate in research-and-development projects and train in entrepreneurship and innovation. 

• Dual Master's Degree in Information Systems and Applied Information Science. This dual degree has two concentration areas: Connective Media and Health Tech. The Jacobs Technion-Cornell Institute offers this program that you can complete within two years, equivalent to four semesters. The Connective Media concentration will require you to finish 60 semester hours in total, while the Health Tech concentration will require you to complete 63 semester hours. 

• BA in Information Science. In this program, you will learn the application and methodological approach of information systems. You will need to complete five core courses, one concentration area, and three electives. Some of the available concentrations are Behavioral Science, Digital Culture and Production, Data Science, and Interactive Technologies. 

• Master of Professional Studies in Information Science. This one-year program will teach you essential skills that will prepare you for employment. To earn this degree, you need to complete the 30 credit-hour course requirement. Nine credit hours will be in information systems courses, nine in human and social systems courses, nine in elective courses, and three to six credits’ worth of MPS projects.

Cornell University Information Systems Key Takeaway

Cornell University’s information systems programs have a vast curriculum that will give you a deeper understanding of the field across different industries.

Florida State University is a research university in Tallahassee, Florida, founded in 1851. With more than 45,000 students, the school offers over 280 online and in-person bachelor's to master’s degree programs in the fields of technology, criminology, communications, and the arts.

Florida State University Overview

• School Type: Public
• Acceptance Rate: 37%
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
• Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, master’s, PhD
• US News Ranking: 55
• Times Higher Education Ranking: 251–300

Best Florida State University Information Systems Programs

• Master of Science in Management Information Systems. This online graduate program requires you to complete 11 courses, equivalent to 33 credit hours, in 24 months. Some of the courses you need to take are Systems Analysis & Design, Project Management, Corporate Information Security, Business Intelligence, and Knowledge Management. 

• Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems. This undergraduate program consists of 120 credit hours in business foundational courses, as well as courses that teach you the processes of information systems, databases, and programming.

• BS in Management Information Systems/MS in Management Information Systems. For this combined program, you can double count up to nine credit hours. You can do this by replacing three undergraduate courses for each of the following graduate courses: Systems Analysis and Design, Database Development and Management, and Project Management.

• BS in Management Information Systems/Master of Business Administration. This combined program will also allow you to double count up to nine credit hours, with the same courses as in the preceding degree: Systems Analysis and Design, Database Development and Management, and Project Management.

• Master of Science in Information. This 36-semester-hour graduate program needs to be completed within seven years. Its curriculum includes four required core courses, one technology skills course, and electives.

Florida State University Information Systems Key Takeaway

Florida State University’s information systems programs will enable you to get a dual degree in this field of study in a short period of time.

Hallmark University is a private school in San Antonio, Texas. With more than 900 students, the school offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in fields including aeronautics, nursing, business, and technology. 

Hallmark University Overview

• School Type: Private
• Acceptance Rate: 56%
• Accreditation: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges
• Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, master’s, PhD
• Ranking: 21 (Niche’s Best Colleges for Information Technology in America)
• Times Higher Education Ranking: N/A

Best Hallmark University Information Systems Programs

• Bachelor of Science in Information Systems. Hallmark University offers this undergrad information systems degree that you can complete in 29 months, with options for online courses. The program prepares students for valuable industry certifications, and even includes certifications such as CompTIA Security+, CompTIA Network+, and Cisco CCNA in its tuition. 

• Bachelor of Science in Information Systems Cyber Security. This program will enable you to learn both information systems and cyber security through its curriculum, which includes digital forensics and security using the latest tools and technologies. You can complete this program in 29 months online. Its curriculum will also help you gain certifications in information systems and cyber security.

• Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology. You can complete this associate degree in 15 months, with options for online and evening classes. The program will also help you get different industry certifications and features hands-on learning through the school’s Hardware and Software Lab. 

• Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security. This degree will teach you how to defend information systems using the latest technologies and anti-hacking tools. Students can take courses online and can finish the degree in 29 months. You can also qualify for certifications with this degree.

• Master of Science in Cyber Security. This program lets you earn a master’s degree in just 10 months. You can also become a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) with this graduate degree. 

Hallmark University Information Systems Key Takeaway

Earning a Hallmark University information systems degree will give you the essential education and skills to qualify for industry certifications.

Indiana University-Bloomington was founded in 1820 and is a flagship university of Indiana University. The school has over 43,000 students and offers degree programs in business, technology, the arts, and public service.

Indiana University-Bloomington Overview

• School Type: Public
• Acceptance Rate: 85%
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, master’s, PhD
• US News Ranking: 68
• Times Higher Education Ranking: 97

Best Indiana University-Bloomington Information Systems Programs

• Bachelor’s Degree in Information Systems. This 120-credit-hour program includes 21 credit hours of information systems required courses and electives. To earn this degree, you must earn at least a 2.0 cumulative program GPA and the same in the information systems major.

• Master’s Degree in Information Systems. This in-person program allows students to earn a Master’s Degree in Information Systems in 12 months. Electives in consulting, general management, and supply chain management are available.

• Master of Public Affairs with a Concentration in Information Systems. Students who pursue a Master of Public Affairs degree can choose information systems as a concentration. In this program, students will learn how to use cutting-edge technologies in creating environmental and societal solutions. 

• PhD in Information Systems. In this program, students will complete six courses in the major that are worth three hours each. These include a research seminar, topics-based seminars, and an elective.

Indiana University-Bloomington Information Systems Key Takeaway

Indiana University-Bloomington provides students in its information systems programs with hands-on learning and practical skills.

With close to 30,000 students, John Hopkins University offers online, in-person, and hybrid degree programs in the fields of the arts, medicine, engineering, technology, the sciences, and business. Founded in 1876, this school is considered the oldest research university in the United States. 

Johns Hopkins University Overview

• School Type: Private
• Acceptance Rate: 8%
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
• Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, master’s, PhD
• US News Ranking: 9
• Times Higher Education Ranking: 13

Best Johns Hopkins University Information Systems Programs

• Online Master's Degree in Information Systems Engineering. This online and part-time program is ranked number two in the nation for information technology by US News. It will require you to complete 10 courses within five years, with a focus area in options such as cyber security, data engineering, and information management. 

• Master of Science in Information Systems. You are required to complete 36 credits for this one-year program. You will need to take business foundation courses, core courses, and six elective courses, which include Database Management, Data Analytics, and Advanced Business Analytics.

• Graduate Certificate in Information Systems Engineering. This program requires students to finish four courses in three years. Three of these courses must be information systems engineering courses. You can also take one elective course. 

• Post-Master’s Certificate in Information Systems Engineering. Students must complete five courses within three years for this certificate. Four of these courses must come from the information systems engineering program. To earn this certificate, you must earn at least a B- in your courses.

• Master’s in Geographic Information Systems. This online program requires 40 credits obtained through a required course, customizable courses, and five electives. The required core course is the Capstone for Geographic Information Systems, which is equivalent to four credits. Even students without prior experience in geographic information systems can take the program.

Johns Hopkins University Information Systems Key Takeaway

John Hopkins University’s information systems programs are flexible and are suitable for working professionals who want to level up their education and career.

Southern New Hampshire University is a private school that offers several online and in-person programs. The school was founded in 1932 and now has over 3,000 in-person students and over 130,000 online school students.

Southern New Hampshire University Overview

• School Type: Private
• Acceptance Rate: 92%
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
• Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, master’s, PhD
• US News Ranking: 131-171
• Times Higher Education Ranking: N/A

Best Southern New Hampshire University Information Systems Programs

• Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems. This online undergraduate degree will require you to complete 120 credits that you can take full-time or part-time. The curriculum includes one concentration area, general education courses, tech courses, business core courses, and electives. You will also complete a capstone course to apply what you have learned.

• Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a Concentration in Management Information Systems. This program consists of 120 credits and offers 14 concentrations, including management information systems. You can complete this degree within four years. A concentration in management information systems includes tech courses such as Applied Data Structure and Database, Business Systems Applications, and Business Intelligence Applications. 

• Master of Science in Information Technology. This is an in-person graduate program with a concentration option in business analytics. It consists of 36 credit hours, including 27 credits of courses in the major and nine credits of electives. The concentration in business analytics will require you to complete nine credit courses. 

• Bachelor of Science in Information Technologies. This undergraduate program is available on campus and includes general education and degree-specific courses in its curriculum, with 120 credits required. 

• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a Concentration in Information Security. This online program consists of 120 total credits and offers four concentration options, including the information security concentration. It also includes tech courses such as Computer Systems Security, Computer Networking, and Cyber Security Foundations. 

Southern New Hampshire University Information Systems Key Takeaway

Southern New Hampshire University’s information systems degree programs offer flexible online and in-person options to help fit your schedule.

University of California-Berkeley is a public research university in Berkeley, California, founded in 1868. The school has more than 45,000 students and offers degrees in agriculture, technology, the arts, and the sciences.

University of California-Berkeley Overview

• School Type: Public
• Acceptance Rate: 14%
• Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
• Degrees Offered: Master’s, PhD
• US News Ranking: 22
• Times Higher Education Ranking: 8

Best University of California-Berkeley Information Systems Programs

• Master of Information Management and Systems. This program will require you to complete 48 units, which can be completed in two years full time. This includes participating in an internship to gain real-world experience. To earn this master’s degree, you also need to complete a final project.

• PhD in Information Management and Systems. This is a research-oriented program that enables students to learn research design and methodologies, advanced technologies, and economics. You can finish this program in about 12 semesters, wherein you are required to complete breadth courses, major and minor courses, a preliminary research paper, a preliminary exam, a qualifying exam, and a dissertation.

• Master of Information and Cybersecurity. Students can earn this master’s degree online. The program prepares students for leadership positions through hands-on practical experience and intensive discussions about cyber security. It consists of nine courses, equivalent to 27 units, that you can complete in 20 months.

• Master of Information and Data Science. If you want to pursue a career in data science and analytics, this highly ranked 27-unit online program is a great choice. The program length will depend on the program path you choose. The accelerated path allows you to finish in 12 months, the standard path in 20 months, and the decelerated path in 32 months. 

• Graduate Certificate in Information and Communication Technologies and Development. This program allows students to add a certificate program to their degree. To qualify, you must be a UC Berkeley graduate student with a minimum GPA of 3.0. This program requires nine units of coursework and six weeks of fieldwork.

University of California-Berkeley Information Systems Key Takeaway

UC Berkeley offers some of the best information systems programs in the world, with flexible schedules and hands-on learning experiences for its students.

Community colleges offer information systems certificate programs that aim to develop the essential skills of students to prepare them for entry-level employment. These are short-term programs that typically consist of 30 credit hours. 

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An information systems associate degree is an undergraduate program that teaches students the technical skills and foundational academic knowledge of information systems. This will train them to work in business environments. Typically, students can complete the information systems associate degree in two years. Types of degrees include Associate of Applied Science, Associate of Science, and Associate of Arts.

This degree equips students with the technical knowledge they need for immediate employment. They learn programming, design, data analysis, fundamentals of business, and database management.

An information systems bachelor’s degree is an undergraduate program that typically takes four years to complete. For this degree, students learn how to create technological solutions for business processes. It is available as a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree.

Students will gain academic knowledge and essential skills in information technology, logic, business, and math. Some of the common courses for this program include information management, programming, business, and information systems planning.

Information systems master’s degrees are advanced degrees that build on students’ technology and business skills through an intensive academic experience, enabling them to design, develop, and manage information systems across a wide range of industries. This degree program typically lasts for about two years, maybe less. Degree options include the Master of Science and Master of Arts.

Information systems master’s degree programs commonly require 30 credits or more. Some of the courses included are data mining, business for IT, and software design. Students may also be required to take elective courses, attend seminars, complete internships, and complete a master’s research project.

The information systems graduate certificate helps students gain specific knowledge in information systems. This program typically lasts for two or three semesters. It enables students to learn the latest technologies in information systems and enhances their business knowledge.

The information systems doctoral degree, or PhD, is a program that involves students in intensive research to provide them not only with extensive knowledge of information systems’ major concepts but also with strong research skills and the ability to investigate areas of interest. You can finish this program in three to six years.

In addition to advanced coursework and research requirements, students typically must attend research seminars, complete a teaching or research assistantship, and write and defend a dissertation to earn this degree.

Getting an associate degree from the best information systems schools can help you establish the essential skills for entry-level information systems jobs. These are computer programmer, computer support specialist, and information systems technician jobs. These jobs require fundamental computer skills that you can learn from an associate program in information systems.

Top Information Systems Careers With an Associate Degree

• Computer Programmer: $65,726
• Computer Support Specialist: $45,996
• Information System Technician: $44,850

The best information systems bachelor’s degree jobs are senior software engineer, computer network architect, and information security analyst. Many top tech companies hire for these positions, which come with competitive salaries. 

Employers require a bachelor’s degree for these positions because it proves that you have strong foundational knowledge plus a broader knowledge of core business concepts and technologies compared to those with a lower degree.

Top Information Systems Careers With a Bachelor’s Degree

• Senior Software Engineer: $121,138
• Computer Network Architect: $120,520
• Information Security Analyst: $102,600

The best information systems schools that offer a master’s degree in this field will train you in relevant skills through real-world experience and internships. Typically, a master’s project is required to earn this degree, which equips you with the essential knowledge needed for the best information systems master’s degree jobs. These include computer and information research scientist, economist, and information systems manager.

Top Information Systems Careers With a Master’s Degree

• Computer and Information Research Scientist: $131,490
• Economist: $105,630
• Information Systems Manager: $85,369

A PhD in Information Systems will help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary for the top jobs in the field. You will gain professional experience that will enhance your management skills, leadership skills, and problem-solving skills. Earning a doctoral degree will help you qualify for leadership roles such as chief information officer, chief technology officer, and chief security officer.

Top Information Systems Careers With a PhD

• Chief Information Officer (CIO): $168,712
• Chief Technology Officer (CTO): $165,889
• Chief Security Officer (CSO): $149,925

Many prestigious companies hire information systems students and graduates for internship opportunities. You can visit the company’s official website to look for these opportunities or search job sites such as LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor. Many of these internships are also available during the summer, which can be helpful for information systems students.

Top Information Systems Internships 

• Google Software Engineer Intern: $95,792
• HP Inc. IT Support Technician Intern: $55,497
• Tesla IT Operations Intern: $50,433