MS in Information Systems Course in USA 2025: Top MIS Programs, Fee & Scope

Before we move towards understanding every detail related to MIS in the USA, let’s first view the top four points of why should you make this investment:

• Multiple Specialization Options - Students can choose several specialisations while pursuing a master’s in MIS. For example, the University of Berkeley offers a specialisation in human and computer interactions under the master’s in MIS degree. Similarly, the University of Arizona offers courses such as Data Mining, Strategic Communications, Business Consulting and others, assuring the holistic academic development of the students.
  
• Higher Scope in the USA - With the ability to drive innovation and generate a multi-billion dollar revenue, the USA is highly lauded as a land of technological innovation. Pursuing a degree in MIS is beneficial in the USA, as top companies like EY, Apple, Nvidia and others hire graduates in this field.
  
• Better Learning Experience - Subjects offered under MIS in the USA have been designed to help students develop holistic theoretical and practical knowledge. Several universities, such as ASU, offer internships in the first year so that students can learn from the best experts in the MIS industry.

Master in Information Science is a two-year program that includes subjects like data management, information retrieval, information architecture, etc. Out of the 5000+ universities and colleges in the USA around 130 universities offer a master's in Information Systems. 

Here is a list of the top universities for MIS in USA that might just be the perfect fit for you: 

Now let’s have a detailed overview of these institutes:

1. University of Pennsylvania 

The University of Pennsylvania has specifically programmed MCIT for students with no prior academic experience in computer science. Here you get a core curriculum of six courses including software development, data structures, algorithms, mathematical foundations, etc. 

2. University of California Berkeley

At the University of California Berkeley, you will have a two-year full-time program of MIS comprising 48 units. During your coursework, you will be required to present a project at the end summarising your course and also participate in paid internships in both years. 

3. John Hopkins

John Hopkins offers a 1 year full-time MS in information systems program. The Program will comprise 36 credits divided into 24 credits for core subjects and 12 for elective subjects. Your core subjects will include subjects like cloud computing, machine learning, and generative AI. 

4. New York University

The New York University MSIS program offers the academic equivalent of an abbreviated combined MS computer science and MBA. The institute will require you to complete 13 courses and have a minimum of 3.0 GPA each semester. 

5. Carnegie Mellon University

Carnegie Mellon University offers MIS courses in the USA at its Heinz College. This course offers a dual city opportunity where students can study the same in Adelaide or Australia. Paid internship opportunities in the USA are also available so students here can use their knowledge in the practical field.

6. University of Washington, Seattle

The University of Washington, Seattle offers the MSIS program and provides them with cutting-edge technological skills in AI, machine learning, cyber security, and cloud computing. The institute also provides career assistance through career coaching, on-campus recruitment drives, professional networking events, etc. 

7. Texas A & M University

The Texas A&M University MSIS program is a 36-credit-hour program. The institute only accepts applications for the MS MIS program for fall admission and even provides financial aid to students. 

8. Arizona State University

Arizona State University offers the MIS in USA course in its W. P Carey School of Business. The MS ISM program at Arizona State University is a full-time, offline program with a total of 30 credit hours. 

9. University of Maryland, College Park

The University of Maryland, College Park commonly referred to as UMCP, is a public university established in 1856, and is the largest university in both Maryland and Washington. The Masters in Information Systems (MS-IS) program at the University of Maryland, College Park, provides an opportunity to pursue a path toward IT leadership, empowering individuals to evolve into dynamic and persuasive software engineers.

10. The University of Arizona

The University of Arizona (Arizona) is a public research institution and is also a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU). UArizona offers a rigorous academic program with problem-solving abilities and cutting-edge software solutions tailored to the dynamic demands of the contemporary business landscape.

The overall cost for studying MIS in the USA ranges from INR 40 to INR 70 lakhs per year. The MIS course in USA Universities lasts from 1-2 years as a full-time course. 

Here is a breakdown of the cost of studying MIS in the USA:

Tuition Fee

The average tuition fee costs for MS MIS in the USA range from INR 30 lakh to INR 60 lakh per year. IVY League universities have a higher tuition fee because of the very low acceptance rate and high demand. However, universities like CMU and Maryland are equally good for a master’s in information sciences. Consider these universities for an MIS in USA depending on your budget and requirements: 

Cost of Living

The cost of living in the USA may go up to 1 lakh per month. Top universities that offer MIS in USA are located at prime locations, like Seattle in Washingon, but also in more affordable cities like Pennsylvania and Pittsburgh. The latter have lower living expenses. So make sure you thoroughly research about the costs of living while pursuing your MIS in USA.

Here’s a breakdown of living costs while pursuing your MIS might be as follows:

Good universities for MIS in the US like the University of Arizona, NYU, and Johns Hopkins University offer specialisation programs for Information Systems. These specializations help you learn the program in more depth. 

Some of the top specialisations in MIS are:

• Business Intelligence and Analysis: Here you learn how to gather, clean, and analyse data from different sectors like sales, customer engagement metrics, etc.  
• Data Management:  This teaches you about organising and creating new data as per task requirements. 
• IT Project Management: Teaches you how to manage different software developments, networking upgrades, and cloud computing, and execute such projects. 
• Healthcare Information Systems: Here you will manage different patient records, hospital operations, and different health policies. 
• Data Analyst: Here you will collect, clean, and present data to solve problems like removing duplicate data, and analysing corrupted files.

The basic eligibility for studying MIS in the USA includes having a related bachelor’s degree, a good GPA and knowledge about programming. Besides these, each university will have a different list of requirements. 

Eligibility Criteria 

• A bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related field. 
• A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. 
• Pre-requisite courses for MIS like programming, database management, business data communication, etc.
• English Proficiency Test scores, at least 90 on TOEFL or 7.0 in IELTS.
• GRE or GMAT scores for some specific universities like the University of Texas, Austin, Pace University, etc. 
• Work experience in information systems-related fields like IT management, data analysis, etc. 
• Documents Required to Pursue MIS in the US 

Top universities for MIS in the USA need different documents depending on their admission requirements. Make sure that you submit all the required documents before submitting your application form. 

List of Documents Required for Studying MIS in USA

• Transcripts and Bachelors degree: All your official transcripts and your bachelor’s degree certificate.
• LOR and SOP: At least 2 LORs and one SOP.
• Test scores: GMAT and GRE test scores when required and English Proficiency test scores.
• CV: An updated CV with relevant coursework and work experience.
• Identification proof and financial documents: A copy of your Passport and a document providing proof of funds.
• Essays: Essays required by the respective universities.

The tuition fee alone for MIS in the USA ranges from INR 30 lakh to INR 60 lakh per year. Let’s be honest - that’s pretty expensive. However, universities like Johns Hopkins, and the University of Arizona offer financial aid to students. There are also government-funded scholarships for international students that pay 100% of your tuition fee and also help you with living expenses.

Here are some of the top scholarships to study MIS in the USA:

After you complete your MIS degree on your student visa, you will need to apply for a work permit. This work permit will allow you to stay in the USA temporarily for one year to work. You can do this on your F1 visa, but to extend the stay, you have to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT).

Here is a step-by-step breakdown of how to get a work permit in USA after your Masters in MIS:

• Submit an Optional Practical Training(OPT) request through your (DSO) Designated School Official. 
• Now complete the I-20 form provided by your DSO. 
• After your I-20 form, submit the I-756 form of application for employment to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.  

After you graduate from an MIS, you can apply for further studies or go for various jobs like technical risk consultant, technology analyst, and application developer. According to the Bureau of Labour Statistics, employment in computer and information system fields will grow by 15% between 2020 to 2030. This is a good opportunity for you to consider an MIS in USA.

Here are the top career opportunities that you will come across after completing your MIS in USA:

An MIS in the USA can be your ticket to an excellent and sustainable career. Due to the high job demands, a significant number of people apply to MIS, and this gives rise to tough competition. It might be possible that you won’t be able to stand out despite your qualities. Don’t worry, this is where Yocket comes in. We at Yocket will provide you with guidance and knowledge so that you can complete your application completely stress-free. So, what are you waiting for? Connect with Yocket today and start your journey.