If you are looking to enter or advance your career in the growing technology field, a Master’s in Information Systems degree can help you build a solid foundation in technology principles and practices.

Study ways to use information technology to enhance decision making and organizational effectiveness. Explore the theory and practice of information security and data protection as you construct advanced information systems. Plan, manage, and implement relevant and appropriate technologies as part of your final capstone course.

Embedded in this Information Systems master’s degree is the Graduate Certificate in Information Systems, which you will automatically earn after completing the fifth course. This certificate helps demonstrate to current and potential employers the skills you have gained and the progress you are making in the degree program.

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  • $5,000 Grant

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    Associate Dean Ward Ulmer

    Associate Dean Ward Ulmer talks about the School of Information Systems and Technology.

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  • Overview of Graduate Technology Offerings

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Completion Requirements

  • 37 total semester credits
    • Foundation course (1 sem. cr.)
    • Information systems courses (12 sem. cr.)
    • Information technology core (21 sem. cr.)
    • Capstone (3 sem. cr.)

Estimated time to completion may vary by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. Students may transfer up to 18 credits into the M.S. in Information Systems program. For a personalized estimate of your time to completion, call an enrollment advisor at 1-866-492-5336.

Foundation Course

Information Systems Courses

Information Technology Core

Capstone

    • Course Code
    • Course Title
    • Sem. Credits

  • Foundations for Graduate Study in Information Systems and Technology

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    The purpose of this course is to introduce students to Walden University and the requirements for successful participation in an online curriculum as well as to provide a foundation for academic and professional success. They engage in course assignments that focus on the practical application of writing and critical-thinking skills, lending to the promotion of professional practice and academic excellence.

  • Fundamentals of Information Systems

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    The principles of computer hardware, software, and networks underlie the techniques and practices of information systems professionals. Students in this course survey the fundamental aspects of computing and prepare to use computers effectively for problem solving. Through a variety of application assignments, students delve into the types and construction of hardware, software, networks, and tools for data management. They learn ways to create an algorithm, represent data, and express their designs in a programming language. Through this course students are encouraged to become active and influential professionals by applying concepts and principles to real-world practice.

  • Core Web Technologies

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    Through this course, students learn key technologies and design principles for interactive Web applications as well the professional, individual, organizational, societal, and regulatory implications thereof. Students learn how pages are designed and how they interact with external servers to deliver information––important concepts underlying how computers enable communication among Internet users and allow enterprises to conduct business online. They develop and manage Web-based applications using a selection of fundamental tools and techniques, such as XHTML and cascading style sheets.

  • Principles of Programming

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    The discipline of software development demands a variety of skills. Students in this course assess the fundamental practices and principles of designing and constructing object-oriented programs. They engage in substantial hands-on practice, reinforcing algorithmic thinking, logical design, precise coding, and careful attention to quality.

  • Systems Analysis and Design

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    Like building a skyscraper, developing a large-scale software system may require the work of thousands of people over a period of several years. Analysts and designers coordinate technical plans so that individual efforts combine into a complete and effective system. This course surveys structured and object-oriented approaches to defining a system’s functional and quality requirements. It also examines how to convert these requirements into the structural and functional design elements of an effective organizational information system.

  • Information Technology in the Organization

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    Through a review of modern computer systems and the social and economic issues related to their use, this course introduces the conceptual foundations for designing, developing, and deploying large-scale management information systems. It investigates the role of information technology in an organization—particularly the collection, storage, and distribution of information for operations, planning, and decision making.

  • Operating System and Network Architecture

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    The infrastructures of operating systems and networks are the fundamental technologies that support enterprise information systems. Students in this course examine the components of computer systems, their underlying operating systems, and their data communications networks. They critically investigate the services these components provide and draw implications for the large-scale enterprise. Students sharpen communication and critical-thinking skills through weekly discussions on related topics, such as modularity, abstraction, threading, virtual memory, internet protocol, atomicity, and concurrency control.

  • Advanced Software Development

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    Contemporary software development principles continue to evolve. In this course, students explore contemporary software development concepts and tools. Through application assignments designed to contextualize theories presented in the course, students apply object-oriented techniques, usability principles, and design for reuse. Students have the opportunity to acquire knowledge requisite to the development of sound, maintainable, and extensible software.

  • Data Modeling and Database Design

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    Data is the lifeblood of nearly every business enterprise. Through careful planning and management, the organization can ensure that its critical data remains consistent, correct, secure, and available. This theoretical and practical introduction to relational database systems presents students with accepted practices for data modeling, database design, and implementation in a range of application contexts.

  • Principles of Software Engineering

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    The principles of software engineering and software design allow for the methodical construction and controlled development of complex software systems. This course surveys the evolution and current practices of software engineering through the entire software life cycle, with emphasis on the elements that significantly influence software system quality.

  • Enterprise Systems Architecture

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    Large-scale enterprise systems often rely on architectural frameworks that define their main components as well as the interactions among these components. This course surveys the principal design strategies and tools for constructing the modern information system. It identifies common vendor and open-source components, illustrating how they can create and integrate robust Web- and cloud-based services and applications.

  • Fundamentals of Information Assurance

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    The principles of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data while it is being stored, processed, or communicated guide the policies and practices of information assurance. In this course, students investigate the theory of information security and data protection, study common system risks and vulnerabilities, and follow best practices to protect computer and data assets. These practices address organizational policies, access controls, software and network design, and logging and auditing.

  • IT Capstone

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    This capstone course provides students the opportunity to synthesize concepts and skills in a reflective project. It builds a bridge from the academic experience to the workforce. In the context of a specific IT problem, students evaluate appropriate technologies and design a solution.

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Next State Date is July 1. Apply Now

2013-2014

Curriculum Component Requirements Cost
Courses 37 semester credit hours $750 per semester credit hour, which includes the cost of all required textbooks
Technology Fee per semester $150

Tuition and fees are subject to change.

Call 1-866-492-5336 for information about a full range of options for:

$5,000 Grant

Information technology is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the U.S. economy, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Through the M.S. in Information Systems program, you can help yourself prepare for potential job opportunities such as:

  • Computer systems analyst
  • Computer and information systems manager
  • Computer database manager
  • Information systems architect
  • Computer software programmer
  • Computer network and systems administrator
  • Applications designer and engineer
  • Software quality assurance analyst

Earn an M.S. in Information Systems through a curriculum that:

  • Focuses on network-based information systems that can help you enhance decision making and organizational effectiveness in your workplace.
  • Responds to employer needs for information systems professionals with strong communication and collaboration skills.
  • Uses tools employed in the construction of advanced information systems.
  • Takes advantage of the online environment and virtual laboratories to give you practical skills working with geographically dispersed, multidisciplinary teams.

As a student in Walden’s online Master’s in Information Systems program, you can choose when, where, and how you learn thanks to our online format and MobileLearn®. Through this education technology, you can listen to coursework on your MP3 player, access your classroom from your iPhone, download coursework to your laptop, and more.

Find out more about what defines Walden’s M.S. in Information Systems program:

Which Technology Program is Right for You?

When selecting from among Walden’s M.S. in Information Systems, M.S. in Information Technology, and Master of Information Systems Management, consider your experience and your career aspirations.

The M.S. in Information Systems may be your best choice if you want to:

  • Gain technical experience and develop skill with programming languages and in managing information systems.
  • Use computer-based information systems to enhance decision-making and organizational effectiveness.
  • Apply your new knowledge of current technology content in a position that will benefit your organization.

The M.S. in Information Technology may be your best choice if you want to:

  • Build on the skills acquired through your technology-related undergraduate degree or work experience in the information technology field.
  • Create and evaluate information systems needed to make meaningful contributions to your organization.
  • Move into a senior-level or management position in information technology.

The Master of Information Systems Management may be your best choice if you want to:

  • Build on your broad work experience and develop a stronger understanding of information systems.
  • Create and manage information systems, processes, and services to give your organization a competitive edge.
  • Move into a management position that oversees information systems and service supply chains.

Not sure which program meets you needs? Download a comparison chart of Walden’s technology programs. (PDF)

Transfer of Credits

You may be able to apply credit toward the M.S. in Information Systems program when you successfully complete one of the following bachelor’s degree programs:

You may be able to apply credit toward the M.S. in Information Systems program if you successfully complete Walden’s Graduate Certificate in Information Systems.

When you successfully complete the M.S. in Information Systems program, you may be eligible to apply credit toward Walden’s Ph.D. in Management program.

See an overview of graduate technology offerings. (PDF)

Graduates of this program will be prepared to:

  1. Apply core information technology principles and practices.
  2. Work in geographically dispersed teams to produce effective solutions to complex information technology problems.
  3. Recommend appropriate information technology solutions based on organizational needs and an evaluation of alternatives.
  4. Evaluate professional, individual, organizational, societal, and regulatory implications of information systems and technology.
  5. Apply software and system development techniques in the analysis and design of information systems.
  6. Demonstrate ethical, legal, and responsible behavior in the development and deployment of information systems to meet organizational needs.

Walden is committed to providing the information you need to make an informed decision about where you pursue your education. Please find below detailed information for the M.S. in Information Systems relating to the types of occupations this program may lead to, completion rate, program costs, and median loan debt of students who have graduated from this program.

Occupations
Program Completion Rate
Program Costs
Median Loan Debt

Occupations—This program generally prepares students to enter the types of occupations listed below. For more information on these specific occupations, visit www.onetonline.org.

In addition to this list, there are other career options that graduates of this program may choose to pursue. To enter certain professions, students may need to satisfy specific additional requirements established by state and/or professional organizations in addition to completing their program.

View examples of our student and alumni accomplishments in their chosen fields.

Occupation Name* Occupation Code*
Computer and Information Systems Managers 11-3021
Computer and Information Research Scientists 15-1111
Computer Systems Analysts 15-1121
Database Administrators 15-1141
Network and Computer Systems Administrators 15-1142
Computer Network Architects 15-1143
Computer Occupations, All Other 15-1199
Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1021

*The “occupation name” is a general job title. “Occupation code” refers to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Standard Occupation Classification.

Program Completion—This program had fewer than 10 graduates during July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012. As a result, Walden does not disclose this information in order to protect students’ privacy per U.S. Department of Education guidelines.

Program Costs—The total program costs are the estimated average costs over the duration of the program, excluding any scholarship or tuition reductions, for students completing the program on time. These costs can vary based on the number of credits. Typically, tuition and fees are subject to change annually.

Expense Cost
Tuition and Fees $27,725 
Books and Supplies $0
Room and Board Not applicable

View cost per credit in the Tuition and Fees section.

Median Loan Debt—This program had fewer than 10 graduates during July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012. As a result, Walden does not disclose this information in order to protect students’ privacy per U.S. Department of Education guidelines.

For assistance in deciding which online degree program fits your goals, request information or speak with an enrollment advisor by calling 1-866-492-5336. A list of international toll-free phone numbers is available for students outside the United States.