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admissions@nau.eduManagement Information Systems, Master of Science
Department of Management, Marketing, and Information Systems
Management Information Systems (MIS) plays a critical role in organizations by bridging the gap between management principles and the application of information technology. It leverages technology to facilitate efficient management processes, informed decision-making, and strategic planning, ensuring that organizations can thrive in today’s data-driven business environment. The Master of Science in Management Information Systems program aims to equip graduates with the ability to successfully navigate the new realities of flattened and distributed IT knowledge in future organizations. This program not only provides additional technical IT knowledge but also enables students from all business disciplines to better understand the realities of identifying, managing, and customizing computing solutions specific to their future organizational areas.
Students who may consider attending this program include professionals already working in the IT industry and seeking career advancement into leadership and management positions. Additionally, it is suitable for graduates with a bachelor’s degree in business, who aim to pursue advanced education for a deeper understanding of both technical and managerial aspects of information systems. The program is also designed for individuals with undergraduate degrees in STEM disciplines who desire to enhance or build their understanding of information systems management, enabling them to transition into this field.
Students in the MS MIS program (STEM-designated) will complete a set of required courses including project management, e-commerce management, management of enterprise systems, management of information assurance and security, and a capstone experience. These courses are being built to increase the skills required to manage information systems for students entering from different undergraduate programs. Electives included in the MS MIS program will allow students to investigate a wide range of current and future computing solutions such as blockchain, web technology, cloud solutions, and applied analytics.
To receive a master’s degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete a planned group of courses from one or more subject areas, consisting of at least 30 units of graduate-level courses. Many master’s degree programs require more than 30 units.
You must additionally complete:- All requirements for your specific academic plan(s). This may include a thesis.
- All graduate work with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0.
- All work toward the master’s degree must be completed within six consecutive years. The six years begins with the semester and year of admission to the program.
Read the full policy here.
In addition to University Requirements:
- Complete individual plan requirements.
| Minimum Units for Completion | 30 |
| Major GPA | 3.0 |
| Additional Admission Requirements | Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required. |
| Progression Plan Link | View Program of Study |
Purpose Statement
The Master of Science in Management Information Systems program (STEM-designated) aims to provide graduates with the ability to successfully navigate the new realities of flattened and distributed IT knowledge in future organizations. This program not only provides additional technical IT knowledge but also enables students from all business disciplines to better understand the realities of identifying, managing, and customizing computing solutions specific to their future organizational areas.
Students in the MS MIS program will complete a set of required courses including project management, e-commerce management, management of enterprise systems, management of information assurance and security, and a capstone experience. These courses are being built to increase the skills required to manage information systems for students entering from different undergraduate programs. Electives included in the MS MIS program will allow students to investigate a wide range of current and future computing solutions such as blockchain, web technology, cloud solutions, and applied analytics.
Armed with managerial skills and an enhanced knowledge of several computing solutions, graduates of the MS MIS program will become more valuable in their managerial roles within non-IT organizational areas. In addition to increased potential in traditional managerial roles, graduates will also find they will fit well in the following careers/roles:
- Business Process Analyst
- Chief Information Officer
- Information Security Analyst
- Information Technology Director
- IT Manager
- IT Project Manager
- Search Marketing Strategist
- Systems Administrator
- Systems Integration Specialist
- Technical Consultant
Student Learning Outcomes
- Manage the process of researching, selecting, and developing information systems.
- Analyze the organizational situation to derive information system requirements.
- Research and evaluate potential information system product solutions.
- Develop, configure, customize, and manage software-based business solutions.
- Develop and manage information systems projects.
- Determine an information systems project scope and project deliverables as they pertain to customer or user requirements.
- Develop information systems tasks, schedules, and plans using project management software.
- Plan and lead project planning meetings effectively by establishing objectives, creating agendas, and generating documentation.
- Develop strategies to align projects with organizational cultural and social norms.
- Develop and manage organizational data security policies.
- Assess potential security risks of accessing, obtaining, and storing data.
- Compile security frameworks aligned with organizational standards and ethics, laws and regulations, and applicable standards bodies.
- Develop and manage an information security program.
Graduate Admission Information
The NAU graduate online application is required for all programs. Admission to many graduate programs is on a competitive basis, and programs may have higher standards than those established by the Office of Graduate and Professional Studies.
Admission requirements include the following:- Transcripts.
- Undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution with a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale (“A” = 4.0), or the equivalent.
Visit the NAU Graduate Admissions website for additional information about graduate school application deadlines, eligibility for study, and admissions policies.
Ready to apply? Begin your application now.International applicants have additional admission requirements. Please see the International Graduate Admissions Policy.
Additional Admission Requirements
Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.
- Personal statement outlining the prospective student’s background that prepares them for this program (including educational and/or work experience), reasons that they are interested in this program and how this program will help prepare them for their future professional goals.
- Priority will be given to students with Bachelor’s degrees in Business or Information Systems-related fields. Students who have not completed a business degree will be required to complete a Business Foundations course in their first term of the program.
Master’s Requirements
This Master’s degree requires 30 units distributed as follows:
- Management Information Systems Coursework: 15 units
- Elective Coursework: 15 units
Take the following 30 units:
Management Information Systems Coursework (15 units)
Elective Coursework (15 units)
Additional Information
Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.