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Dec 05, 2025
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2025-2026 Graduate Catalog
Master of Science in Management Information Systems
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Department of Operations Management and Information Systems
Check departmental information for any additional requirements.
The Master of Science program in Management Information Systems (MIS) prepares students for leadership roles in the area of business information systems. The program focuses on the use of computer technologies and data analytics to improve business processes. Graduates will gain knowledge in current information systems, business analytics, and the application of modern information management theories.
The program consists of two phases. Phase One (8 semester hours) is designed to address deficiencies in undergraduate course work considered to be prerequisite for the Phase Two (30 semester hours) graduate course work. Students with significant undergraduate course work in business may be waived from some, or all, of the Phase One requirements. Exemption exams are also available to waive Phase One requirements. There is no charge for the exam, however, a student may only attempt each exam once.
Phase Two consists of 10 courses, seven from the core curriculum and three from a specialization. Whereas the core curriculum aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of fundamental concepts in management information systems, the courses comprising a specialization focus on a specific career area within the information systems discipline. Completion of a specialization is mandatory. Students select from one of the following: a specialization in business analysis and IT management or a specialization in business analytics.
Students are required to complete a minimum of 30 semester hours of approved graduate work beyond Phase One and the baccalaureate degree. Of these 30 semester hours, 21 must be in classes reserved exclusively for admitted graduate students. Students-at-large are prohibited from registering for graduate business courses without departmental approval. The total credit from courses taken for graduate credit at other accredited institutions which are accepted in transfer plus credit earned at NIU as a student-at-large may not exceed 9 semester hours.
Each MIS student will not be allowed to take more than 12 credit hours per semester.
Master of Science in Management Information Systems Program Learning Competencies
Graduates of the Master of Science in Management Information Systems will be able to:
- Align information systems solutions with business strategy
- Develop business solutions using a programming language
- Analyze and model organizational processes and business rules
- Design and create databases to manage business data
- Analyze business data using statistical methods
- Demonstrate professionalism in the discipline of information technology
Requirements for Admission
In addition to the general requirements for admission to the Graduate School at NIU, the M.S. program in Management Information Systems also requires that applicants must have a minimum 3.00 overall grade point average (GPA), based on a 4.00 system, in their undergraduate program. Applicants whose GPA is below the required level may be recommended for admission if they satisfy one of the following criteria:
- Applicant earned an undergraduate or graduate degree from NIU College of Business or a closely related NIU program
- Exceptional performance on a required graduate-level admission test (GRE or GMAT)
Application for Admission
Admission to the Master of Science in Management Information Systems (MIS) program is competitive and limited to candidates who demonstrate high promise of success in this graduate program. Applicants must submit the following materials:
- A resume
- A statement of purpose (500-words outline of your goals for the MIS program and beyond)
- One of the following official test scores: GRE or GMAT. The testing requirement is waived if the applicant meets one of the following criteria:
- Applicant earned an undergraduate or graduate degree from a NIU College of Business program
- Applicant earned an undergraduate degree from an AACSB-accredited business school with a GPA of 3.00 or higher
- Applicant earned a graduate degree from an AACSB-accredited business school
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Phase One
The Phase One foundations consist of four 2-semester-hour courses. Phase One foundation courses will be required in the student’s program of study unless the student has met the requirements by completing course equivalents at a university, community college, or select approved online provider, or has passed the first and only attempt of the Phase One exemption examination. The department MIS program advisor will determine which Phase One courses will be included in each student’s program of courses. Phase One courses cannot be used as Phase Two electives; credits earned in Phase One will not count toward the Phase Two requirements. Phase Two Core Curriculum
Requirements (12) Phase Two-Specialization Requirement
A specialization is required to complete the MIS program. Students must choose one or more of the following specializations in the program. Specialization in Business Analytics (9)
The Specialization in Business Analytics prepares students to solve complex decision problems in a business environment with a combination of quantitative skills, modeling techniques, and hands-on expertise using current software applications for data driven decision making. Students with these skills are in high demand in a variety of industries and sectors including accounting, management, marketing, finance, information systems, operations, health care, engineering, and energy. Equipped with a solid technical foundation in data analysis and model-driven management decision making, this specialization prepares students for successful careers in this growing field. Specialization in Business Analysis and IT Management (9)
The Specialization in Business Analysis and IT Management equips students with the skills to identify business opportunities that can be addressed through information systems, design technology solutions to capitalize these opportunities, and execute IT projects to implement these solutions effectively. The specialization emphasizes management techniques and methodologies employed to ensure the successful deployment and continuous operation of information technology capabilities that generate value for the organization. Students will be exposed to various strategies for formulating IT strategies, assessing emerging technologies, managing technology projects, and establishing frameworks for the ongoing management and maintenance of application and information technology portfolios. This specialization is ideal for individuals pursuing careers as IT project managers, business/systems analysts, or consultants. |
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