Masters in Information Systems

The CU Denver MS in Information Systems program attracts students from diverse backgrounds, particularly those with IT-related experience, who enhance classroom discussions with their expertise. With flexible options including in-person evening courses and an online format, this program allows you to balance your studies with professional or personal commitments. Combining applied technical training with managerial and project management coursework, the program equips you to harness technology for business success and lead technology strategies in any organization.

By the time you graduate, you’ll have developed advanced technical skills and the ability to drive innovation and change. Topics covered include:

• Networking
• Database management
• Security
• Governance
• Business strategy
• Project management

International students can benefit from an additional 24 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT), allowing you to gain work experience in the U.S. within fields such as information systems, business intelligence, and cybersecurity.

Additionally, you’ll have lifelong access to the CU Denver Business Career Center, which offers over a decade of experience in recruiting and career advising. With connections to over 300 business partners, you’ll gain exclusive opportunities to network with industry leaders. Services include:

Career workshops: Optimize your resume, LinkedIn profile, and job search strategies.
Individual appointments: Receive personalized guidance, resume feedback, or participate in mock interviews.
Career events: Enhance your networking skills and meet hiring managers from top companies.
Job announcements: Access tailored monthly updates on job and internship opportunities in areas like information systems and business analytics.

The Information Systems degree is designed to be completed in two years. Much of your coursework will be hands-on software projects that’ll give you applied experience. 

Core (15 hours)

Core courses serve as the foundation for understanding the complex issues that occur when designing, implementing and managing information systems within an organization. Courses cover topics such as:

Elective courses (15 credits)

You can customize your degree to your interests by choosing 5 courses (15 credits) of Information Systems courses (ISMG) at the 6000 level or higher. Up to six credit hours of Business School or Computer Science (CSCI) courses may be used as electives.

If you choose to add a specialization, you may use your elective hours to satisfy those requirements.

We offer this degree entirely online. 

Tuition

The cost of tuition for the Masters in Information Systems degree is different for in-state and out-of-state students.

Residents of western states may qualify for in-state tuition. The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) requires that students maintain current residency of WRGP state until degree completion.

Scholarships

Scholarships are available for students. As a current student, you can apply for scholarships every semester. Some awards are based on program and course enrollment.

Specialized Dual Degree Option

Many students pursue the dual degree option of pairing a Masters in Business Analytics with a Masters in Information Systems (Business Intelligence Specialization). These two degree options offer complementary courses and can be completed together efficiently. Speak with a graduate advisor for more details. 

Additional Dual Degree Options

Application Process

Applicants are required to submit all application materials. Interviews are not a part of the admission process. To receive priority admission, we must have received your online application and all other required materials including transcripts and GMAT/GRE (if required by program) by the deadline.

You can check your admission status online through the account you created for the online application. You will receive a final decision by email within two to three weeks from the submission of all materials.

Admission Requirements

• Applicants must have completed an undergraduate program at an accredited United States college or its equivalent in another country.
• No work experience or formal business education is required for admission, however, you may have to provide a GMAT or GRE score if you do not have enough work experience, see below.

The GMAT/GRE is not required for this program

The MS Information Systems program does not require GMAT or GRE scores for their degree program as part of the graduate admissions requirements. The requirements are a cumulative GPA of 3.30 or better from a US accredited four-year undergraduate institution or the successful completion of a graduate degree, and three or more years of full-time professional work experience.

However, if you received your bachelor’s degree with a grade point average of less than 3.30 or have less than 3 years of professional work experience, you will be asked to submit a statement that outlines other indicators of exceptional motivation, such as solid upper-division performance, GMAT or GRE scores, and other relevant professional experience. The MS Information Systems admissions committee may require a minimum GMAT or GRE score for students that do not automatically qualify by GPA and prior work.

How Decisions Are Made

The admissions committee considers each candidate’s entire record of achievement. This is demonstrated through:

No work experience or formal business education is required for admission. However, professional experience strengthens your application. Candidates with less work experience can show potential through academic and experiential success.

For any questions, please contact our admissions team at bschool.admissions@ucdenver.edu or call 303-315-8200.