Today’s digital environment requires extensive levels of IT infrastructure and connections. The field of information systems has some of the world’s most skilled professionals, and professional IT groups and governments give scholarship opportunities and grants to eligible students. Local foundations and private companies also provide scholarships.
Students can get full or partial funding and participate in various programs. If you want to land a master’s degree scholarship in this field, this article will provide you with information to help you secure the funds you need to get a Master’s Degree in Information Systems. Read this guide to Master’s in Information Systems scholarships to learn more.
What Is a Master’s in Information Systems?
A Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS) is a special master’s degree program. It is designed to provide graduate students with the technical expertise required to analyze, maintain, and manage information systems in different settings. You must be a full-time student and go through an application process to start this degree.
There are many core courses included in an information systems curriculum, such as information systems analysis and design, applied information systems, and software development. There are dozens of technical fields you can specialize in when you apply for a graduate program.
How Much Does a Master’s in Information Systems Cost?
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average annual tuition for graduate degrees was $18,947 in 2018. The cost of undergoing a Master’s Degree in Information Systems can vary considering multiple factors like your discipline, university, the city of your proposed university, and length of study.
Along with federal loans and private loans, legal residents of the United States can also access scholarships and grants. Although these degrees are expensive, you can access admissions scholarships and graduate information technology scholarships for all computer science students. There are also tuition reimbursement plans and other resources out there.
Information Systems Salary: How Much Can You Earn?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for information systems managers is $151,150. This is considerably higher than most other occupations, which means a master’s degree is worth the effort. With a higher degree, you can earn more and pursue better positions in the field, such as managerial positions.
There is a high average salary increase between an undergraduate degree and a master’s degree. There are different application requirements and eligibility requirements, and master’s degrees are generally more exclusive. This means that employers can see you met additional requirements and are a dedicated professional.
Is a Master’s Degree in Information Systems Worth It?
Yes, earning a Master’s Degree in Information Systems is worth it. It can prepare you for many roles in the field, such as data analyst, programmer, sales consultant, professor, and web designer. Technology students, including prospective students and non-resident students, access a wide variety of careers.
Although a master’s degree can be expensive, it is worth the investment. You can double or even triple your salary and start landing better positions in the field. If you’re worried about the cost, information systems scholarships and grants can help, and there are many options for students to help them achieve their career aspirations.
How to Pay for Your Information Systems Graduate Degree with Master’s in Information Systems Scholarships
Getting a scholarship for your master’s degree study doesn’t have to be difficult. The first step toward landing a scholarship is to identify the ones that can cover study expenses. A full scholarship will provide you with more benefits than a partial one. It’s also important to pinpoint any scholarships that are specific to your school or preferred specialization.
You can call relevant organizations’ financial departments to inquire about ongoing scholarships. This will provide you with more information about whether a particular scholarship is need-based or merit-based. Scholarship awards can also be available for international students and people with student loans.
Merit scholarships are awarded to exceptional students who have an excellent academic record. Need-based scholarships, on the other hand, are awarded to eligible students who have a financial burden and are in need of educational funding. You can find scholarships that are also a combination of the two.
Best Master’s in Information Systems Scholarships: Overview
| Organization | Scholarship Name | How Much It Covers |
|---|---|---|
| British American Foundation of Texas | Women in STEM Scholarship | $5,000 |
| Center for Cyber Safety and Education | KnowBe4 Scholarship for Black Americans in Cybersecurity | Up to $13,000 |
| CompTIA | CompTIA Rising Star Scholarship | $10,000 |
| Google Student Veterans of America Scholarship | $10,000 | |
| Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities | HACU Coca-Cola Scholarship | $2,500 |
| MasterCard | MasterCard Foundation Scholarship Program | Full funding |
| Stanford University | Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program | Full funding for up to three years |
| University of New Haven | Dean’s Scholarship Program | 50 percent of tuition |
Best Master’s in Information Systems Scholarships: In Detail
Women in STEM Scholarship | British American Foundation of Texas
As the tech industry continues to grow, many companies and organizations are recognizing the importance of supporting women in tech. The British American Foundation of Texas offers this scholarship to women who want to study STEM topics in Texas. This scholarship is available both to undergraduate and graduate students and awards $5,000 to winners.
KnowBe4 Scholarship for Black Americans in Cybersecurity | Center for Cyber Safety and Education
If you’re a Black American and want to specialize your information systems degree in a cyber security topic, this scholarship is a great choice. This scholarship offers $10,000 with an additional $3,000 for housing. The funding is awarded based on a combination of merit, financial need, and a passion for the cyber security industry.
CompTIA Rising Star Scholarship | CompTIA
CompTIA is one of the most important certifying bodies in the information security industry. It offers this scholarship to 10 students per year, and each award is worth $2,000. Winners are students who care about contributing to the world of IT in their education and careers. Keep in mind that to apply, you need to be a CompTIA student member.
Google Student Veterans of America Scholarship | Google
This unique scholarship was established by a partnership between Google and Students Veterans of America. The scholarship allows US students to study for a Master’s in Information Systems and any other course in the field of computer science in the USA. Successful students will be awarded the sum of $10,000 for the school year.
HACU Coca-Cola Scholarship | Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities
This scholarship is funded by the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) in partnership with Coca-Cola. The partnership provides scholarship opportunities for students interested in a Master’s Degree study in Information Systems and other programs of interest. The scholarship provides $2,500 for successful graduate students for each academic year.
MasterCard Foundation Scholarship Program | MasterCard
You can also apply for the MasterCard scholarship, which is a fully-funded award scholarship for Master’s Degree study in Information Systems and other courses. You can take your study in some enlisted universities in the US or other countries. It covers tuition fees, accommodation, educational materials, and other basic expenses.
Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program | Stanford University
This scholarship funds outstanding students and cultivates a diverse community of emerging leaders. This scholarship waives your tuition and covers accommodation, a monthly stipend, and medical insurance. To be considered, you must separately apply for the program at Stanford before you fill the online application form on the scholarship page.
Dean’s Scholarship Program | University of New Haven
This scholarship provides US students with 50 percent tuition assistance upon their enrollment at the University of New Haven. It offers partial funding on the basis of academic excellence. You can also pursue a graduate assistantship. To be eligible for this opportunity, you must have completed your undergraduate study in a related course.
How to Pay for Your Information Systems Graduate Degree Without Scholarships: Alternative Financial Aid Options
Sometimes, scholarship applications may not be successful for various reasons, including your inability to meet the requirements. However, there are alternative ways to fund your Master’s in Information Systems. Below are some of the ways you can pay for your degree.
Apply for Fellowships and Grants
While some universities may not be able to award you scholarships, most of them offer specialized fellowships, grants, and programs. Some are offered on state levels and others on national levels. You can contact the financial aid department of your university of choice to find out about such opportunities.
Work at a University
Some universities offer you the opportunity to work while at school with work-study programs. Taking advantage of this opportunity will keep you close to your school’s community, which will keep you motivated. You can also have a flexible education plan to prevent burnout due to work stress.
Apply for Graduate Assistantship
Lecturers and professors usually seek assistants for teaching undergraduates, helping with research papers, or grading papers. You can contact professors in your prospective schools and seek graduate assistant positions. Beyond your classroom experience, you will also network with lecturers and graduate students ahead of you in your department.
Should You Apply for Master’s in Information Systems Scholarships?
Yes, you should apply for scholarships to help you pay for your Master’s Degree in Information Systems. Regardless of your financial need, these programs can help you have a smoother educational experience and thrive in the field. Take note of which scholarships you want to apply for so you don’t miss any deadlines.
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Master’s in Information Systems Scholarships FAQ
Yes, it is. You need to fulfill the requirements necessary for the scholarship of your choice and work toward a successful application. Scholarship recipients can get full funding, especially if they are meritorious students.
Most scholarships have application periods a few months before the academic year begins. However, it is advisable to apply early to avoid rushing when the application window is almost closed.
Your official transcript, letters of recommendation, proof of financial need, essay questions, and a personal statement are some of the essential documents for scholarship applications. You should include any relevant academic achievement from an accredited college. You can also include certifications from professional associations.
No, an undergraduate degree is a prerequisite for a Master’s Degree in Information Systems. You can pursue an undergraduate degree in management and information systems with another resource for scholarships.
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