MS in Information Systems (MIS) in the USA

Table of Contents

1. Overview of MIS in the US
2. Top universities in the US for MIS
3. Eligibility requirements to study MIS in the US
4. What are documents required to apply for an MIS in US?
5. How to apply for MS in Information Systems in US?
6. Cost of studying MS in Information Systems in US
7. Job opportunities for MIS graduates in US
8. Frequently asked questions

In the globalized world, students across the world choose a career in IT and technology for its growing opportunities across different industries. In the pursuit of better education, they choose courses like MS in Information Systems in top countries such as the US, Canada, the UK, etc. 

Studying for an MS in Information Systems in the US makes sense as the job opportunities in the computer and information technology field are rapidly growing in the country. Apart from that, what makes the US a better place for international students to study MS in Information Systems include the presence of the world’s leading universities, high employment opportunities, updated course curriculum, exposure to excellent faculty and students, and so on. 

Overview of MIS in the US

MS in Information Systems trains students with core concepts of computing and technology designed for the technical needs of a globalized world. In the US, the curriculum for MS in Information Systems is designed to transform students into problem solvers to design and execute software solutions for business and humanistic needs. 

• Having a Master’s in Information Systems opens doors to great career positions where technology, people, and business are linked. 
• You can either choose a job or a PhD once you have graduated. 
• The graduates of MS in Information Systems are hired by top companies, including Goldman Sachs, Apple, Accenture, Microsoft, IBM, Tetra Pak, Sony Mobile, etc. 

Syllabus & specializations of MS in Information Systems in the US

MS in Information Systems (or MIS) is typically a 1 – 2 years long course in the US. As part of the course, students can take up various electives and specialize in a topic of personal interest. 

The specializations and electives offered will not be the same at different US universities. So, you need to keep an eye on the specializations available before choosing your university of study in the US.

The syllabus  and specializations for MS in Information Systems (MIS) include but are not limited to the following:

Top universities in the US for MIS

While planning your studies in the US for an MS in Information Systems, you must prioritize the top universities since they are ranked the best in the world for the best academic environment, professional opportunities, research ecosystem, alumni network, and more compelling factors. 

According to the latest rankings, here are the top US universities for MS in Information Systems. Note that the specializations offered in the program vary for these universities. 

University Name	QS World University Rankings – 2023
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)	01
Carnegie Mellon University	02
Stanford University	03
University of California, Berkeley (UCB)	04
Harvard University	08
Princeton University	13
University of Washington	14
Cornell University	17
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)	18
Columbia University	23

Eligibility requirements to study MIS in the US

Anybody with a relevant undergraduate degree can apply for an MS in Information Systems. For international students, the specific eligibility criteria are set by each university, depending on the availability of seats and various other factors. 

• Have an undergraduate degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or any relevant field
• Have an outstanding GPA to stand out among other applicants. You must have at least a GPA of 2.0 to apply for US universities, though top US universities mandate a minimum GPA of 3.0. 
• Possess entrance scores as set by the university. The entrance tests concerned include language proficiency tests like IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo, etc., and subject-based tests like GRE, GMAT, etc.
• You need 2 – 3 Letters of Recommendation (LoR) and a well-crafted SOP to secure admission. Letters of Recommendation and SOP can be your game changers when it comes to US university admissions. Ensure your LoR and SOP are well made for MS in Information Systems, highlighting your passion, knowledge, future goals, etc.

What are the documents required to apply for an MS in Information Systems in the US?

If you are eligible to apply for an MS in Information Systems at a US university, the next step is to gather important documents proving your eligibility. Here are the documents you need to apply for an MS in Information Systems in the US:

• Duly filled out the application form
• Academic transcripts and mark sheets
• A CV or Resume
• Non-refundable fee receipt
• Form I-20
• DS-160
• Financial proof – proof of a fixed deposit, education loan sanction letter, etc. 

Refer to the website of your concerned university to get a complete list of documents required. 

How to apply for MS in Information Systems in the US?

You can study in the US for an MS in Information Systems if you follow the steps mentioned below: 

• Decide your university: As mentioned earlier, different US universities offer various specializations for MS in Information Systems. You need to figure out the best options suitable to your academic and career interests. Select the best university options based on academic excellence, career prospects, subject expertise, alumni network, etc. For that, take advantage of our expert guidance and get admission counseling for the US. 
• Know your deadlines: US university admissions are repeated cycles every year at fixed intervals. The Fall season (September – December) is the most popular intake session for international students. Refer to the websites of your desired universities and mark down the application deadlines to ensure on-time completion of the process from your end. 
• Get ready with documents: Before you start your application, make sure you possess all required documents. All documents can’t be gathered at the last minute, which is why it is crucial to gather them well before you start with the application. For instance, it takes at least 2 months to get your IELTS certificate after booking a test. 
• Start your application online: All US universities facilitate online applications for international students. Visit the university website and follow their guidelines for a successful application. Contact the university official for any confusion regarding the application instructions.
• Get your Form I-20: If your application is successful, your university will send you Form I-20; it is a confirmation of your admissions. It is crucial to provide a source of funds to get Form I-20. Your sources can be a fixed deposit, an education loan, etc., depending on your financial situation. For more information and guidance regarding education loans for your profile, get in touch with our experts. 
• Proceed with your US student visa application: Start your US student visa application and attend the visa interview. You need an F-1 visa to study MS in Information Systems in the US.

We help you with US university admissions, such as shortlisting the best options for your profile, student visa guidance, education loan assistance, SOP writing, and so on. Connect with us now and explore our services at zero cost to you. Check the link here. 

Cost of studying MS in Information Systems in the US

A major factor you need to consider before planning your study in the US is the total cost of study and living. 

• Generally, the tuition fees for MS in Information Systems vary from 27,000 USD – 85,000 USD
• The cost of living in the US for international students varies from 10,000 – 18,000 USD or more per year. Note that the living costs vary depending on your location, personal lifestyle, residence choice, and various other factors. 

The table below gives you data on the tuition fees for top US universities for MS in Information Systems:

University	Tuition fees
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)	82,000 USD
Carnegie Mellon University	27,870 USD
Stanford University	65,520 USD
University of California, Berkeley (UCB)	136,800  USD
Harvard University	57,418 USD
Princeton University	59,710 USD
University of Washington	48,770 USD
Cornell University	65,204 USD
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)	33,200 USD
Columbia University	34,000 USD

Job opportunities for MIS graduates in the US

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, the IT sector jobs are expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations from 2022 to 2032, benefitting the MS in Information Systems graduates. About 377,500 openings are projected each year on average in the US, with the median average wage for IT sector jobs as 100,530 USD, as per 2022 BLS data. 

• MS in Information Systems has job opportunities in various industries such as technology, healthcare, finance, etc. 
• Organizations rely on technology experts in the decision-making process and finding solutions for various issues. 
• The MS graduates of Information Systems work in software and tech companies, Fortune 500 corporations, start-ups, and government agencies, to name a few. 
• Apple, Credit Suisse, Deutsche Bank, Google, IBM, Microsoft, Procter & Gamble, and Salesforce are some of the top companies in the US recruiting MS graduates of Information Systems from top universities in the US.

See the table below for popular job opportunities for MS in Information Systems graduates:

Job Title	Average Salary
Computer and Information Research Scientists	136,620 USD
Computer Network Architects	126,900 USD
Computer Systems Analysts	102,240 USD
Database Administrators and Architects	112,120 USD
Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers	124,200 USD
Software Engineers	119,200 USD
Cybersecurity Engineers	115,000 USD
Database Analysts	77,720 USD
UX Designers	93,200 USD
IT Project Manager	120,000 USD
Software Developers	102,000 USD
Solutions Architects	193,500 USD
Business Process Engineer	110,000 USD
Product Managers	215,000 USD
IT Systems Analysts	93,000 USD
Business Technology Analysts	87,600 USD

Explore the career opportunities for MS in Information System graduates in detail and check whether they align with your personal interests. For example, if your plan is to study in the US and work in some other country, you need to research well and confirm that you will have better career opportunities. The key is, that you must have a well-planned career path before deciding to study MS in Information Systems in the US.

After weighing all your concerns, if your aptitude is for an MS in Information Systems, the US is a better choice of study for academic and professional reasons. Studying in the US will equip you with the skills and expertise required to succeed in your career. 

The most important factor is understanding the strengths and weaknesses of your profile in terms of your academic scores, entrance results, financial affordability, etc., and planning your application accordingly. We are here to help you – our dedicated counselors will evaluate your profile and suggest the best universities, and provide you with admission guidance, visa assistance, and assistance on education loan options. 

Kickstart your exciting study abroad experience – get in touch with a click!

Frequently asked questions

Is GRE required for MS in Information Systems in the US? 

Yes, GRE or GMAT scores are required to study MS in Information Systems in the US. The specific score requirements are set by the universities in the US, but, generally, 300 on GRE and 500 on GMAT are considered optimum scores. 

Does MS in Information Systems require coding skills? 

Yes. MS in Information Systems is all about databases, technology, and related areas, and coding is a very important skill in the course. 

Is MS in Information Systems suitable for international students? 

It is up to the student to decide the suitability of the course. From a general perspective, an MS in Information Systems is a wise choice for students with interests in IT and technology. You may refer to the course syllabus for more information regarding the suitability of the course for you.

Can I study in the US for an MS in Information Systems at a lower cost? 

To study MS in Information Systems in the US at a lower cost, you need to apply for public universities in the US. They charge less tuition fees compared to private universities. Consider exploring scholarships and education loan options to find finances for your studies. 

How to improve my chances of admission to the US for an MS in Information Systems? 

The following are some of the ways to improve your chances of admission in the US: 

• Write a winning SOP that highlights your study motivation, future goals, and reasons why you chose the US over your home country.
• Obtain good scores on your undergraduate and entrance tests
• Stick to the application timeline and deadlines

How good is the job market for MIS graduates in the US? 

The job market for MIS graduates is growing in the US as, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in the IT sector are expected to grow at a greater speed. MIS graduates will find opportunities in all industries where IT and Technology are required.