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Mississippi State University's accredited Master's in Information Systems (MSIS) offers students an affordable and flexible opportunity to participate in useful, well-designed courses information technology, systems analysis, database design, business telecommunication, and much more.

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The MSIS program delivers online classes that parallel on-campus classes, leading to the same degree and major in Information Systems. Taught by MSU faculty, who have won awards for their innovative teaching, the Online MSIS program is accredited by AACSB, the most elite accreditation for business schools.

This program is not STEM-CERTIFIED.

Tuition & Fees

Tuition per credit hour $602.50
Instructional Support Fee per credit hour $25.00

Tuition and fees listed are subject to change and do not include all possible charges. Additional fees may apply. Please refer to the master class schedule for individual course charges.

Careers include but are not limited to:

  • Computer and Information System Manager
  • Computer Programmer
  • Database Administrator
  • Information Security Analyst
  • IT Consultant
  • Software Developer

GMAT/GRE is not required.

Program Structure

All students are required to take a set of basic business courses, or prerequisites, prior to taking their core courses. Students must complete the set of basic business courses listed below, or submit transcripts from other schools that carry equivalent courses with a grade of "B" or better. We offer survey courses online in place of many undergraduate prerequisites, designed for non-business undergraduates.

If you would like a pre-application evaluation of your transcript and prerequisites, you can e-mail or fax (662-325-1891) your transcript to Angelia Knight. Please note that a pre-application evaluation does not imply acceptance into the program.

Electives can be selected from other Graduate level courses.

Prerequisites:

Course Code Title
ACC 2013 or ACC 2023 Financial Accounting or Managerial Accounting
or ACC 2203 Survey of Accounting
BQA 2113/3123 Business Statistical Methods I & II
or BQA 8443 Stat. Analysis for Business Decision Making
MGT 3113 Principles of Management (CLEP)
EC 2113 or EC 2123 Macroeconomics or Microeconomics
FIN 3123 Financial Management
MKT 3013 Principles of Marketing
Programming I Computer Programming
Programming II See Electives section

Note: MBAMath can be used as a substitute for the ACC, BQA, EC, and FIN course requirements. MBAMath is a self-guided 40-hour online lab that covers Accounting, Finance, Business Statistics, and Economics.

Curriculum

  • 15 credit hours of required courses
  • 12 to 15 hours of electives
  • Students who already have six (6) or more hours of programming may take 15 hours of electives. Students with only 3 hours of programming are required to take an additional 3 hours of graduate level programming and 12 hours of electives.

Required Courses

BIS 8113 Management Information Technology & Systems
Offered Fall
Three hours lecture. Course includes the description, development and use of systems from an analytical perspective. Technology-enabled concepts are used for student assignments.

BIS 8213 Secure Systems Analysis & Design
Offered Fall
(Prerequisite or co-requisite: BIS 8113 or any 3 hours of computer-related coursework). Three hours lecture. Analysis/design of secure computer-based information systems using structured methodologies. Emphasis on functional and security requirements analysis, business data analysis, logical system design, quality assurance, and comprehensive information security management.

BIS 8313 Advanced Database Design Administration
Offered Fall
(Prerequisite: Three hours of computer programming with a grade of B or better). Three hours lecture. Design and management of local and distributed data resources, database design, definition, creation, maintenance, acquisition and analytical use. Role of Database Administrator.

BIS 8413 Data Analytics
Offered Fall
(Prerequisite: BQA 8443 or equivalent). Three hours lecture. Enterprise approach to improving business processes and managerial decision-making through quantitatively sophisticated analysis of organizational data. Hands-on experience in analytical techniques, modeling, and software.

BIS 8753 Information Systems Collaborative Project
Offered Fall
(Prerequisites: 9 hours of graduate BIS coursework beyond 8113). Three hours lecture. Capstone experience incorporating knowledge gained in prerequisite courses. Requires team participation using appropriate tools and methodologies in assisting organizations with real-world information systems related requirements through business and data analysis.

Admissions Process

New Admissions

Mississippi State University has an application deadline that allows students maximum flexibility in their decision to return to school. Students should note, however, that certain processes do require information to be submitted within a reasonable amount of time. The earlier you apply, the better your selection of courses.

Deadline for Fall Semester: August 1
Deadline for Spring Semester: December 1
Deadline for Summer Semester: May 15

The Office of Graduate Admissions will not accept classified (degree-seeking) applications submitted after the deadline. You will be allowed to submit test scores and other documents after the deadline in order to complete your application. Please contact Angelia Knight at aknight@business.msstate.edu about other options if you miss the classified (degree-seeking) deadline.

The following is a checklist designed to ensure that you complete all paperwork necessary for taking courses in the MSIS program at Mississippi State University as a classified student. Please note specific instructions for International Students in item 5. Detailed instructions regarding the statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and payment of the application fee are found within the online application. Questions regarding your application can be addressed to the Office of Graduate Admissions grad@grad.msstate.edu or 662.325.7400.

 

  1. Application - Complete the online Application for Admission which includes:

    Statement of Purpose - Provide two to three paragraphs on who you are, why you want an MSIS, and why you selected Mississippi State University’s Online MSIS program. You may even discuss your past academic performance, and what that says about your ability to succeed in a graduate level program.

    Three (3) Letters of Recommendation - When completing your online application you will be asked for three names and the email addresses of individuals you are using as references. Once you hit "submit" on the application and pay your application fee, your references will receive an email from MSU which will provide a link to an online form for completing their recommendations.

    Application fee $60 or $80 for international applications - If you did not submit your $60 payment online during the application process please contact the Office of the Graduate School at 662.325.7400 to make your payment.

  2. Resume - Please send electronically to Holly Jackson.
  3. Transcript - Request one official transcript from EVERY university or school you have previously attended. Your university should send them directly to MSU, not to you. Electronic transcripts should be sent to: gradapps@grad.msstate.edu Mississippi State University, Graduate School. Only one copy of an electronic transcript is required.
    • Paper transcripts should be mailed to: Mississippi State University
      The Office of the Graduate School
      P.O. Box G
      Mississippi State, MS 39762
    • Physical Street Address (for DHL, Fed Ex, UPS, DHS, etc.):
      Mississippi State University
      Office of the Graduate School
      255 Lee Blvd
      Mississippi State, MS 39762
  4. International Students - The College of Business requires a TOEFL/ IELTS score
  5. Technology - For successful completion of the MSState Online MSIS program please follow the instructions on our Technical Assistance page for recommended technology.
  6. Orientation - After you are admitted, please sign up for the Online Orientation.

Additional Required Application Step

Complete Identity Verification: Applicants must complete identity verification through Stripe Identity as part of the required application process. This step helps confirm the applicant’s identity before the application can be completed.

Forms

Registration Assistance - The Registration Assistance Form should be completed by students who have tried to register in Banner and were unsuccessful. This work should be completed and email to Holly Jackson.

Minor Request - This form should be completed by students wanting to pursue a minor. Please be sure to discuss your desire to pursue a minor by Ms. Angelia Knight prior to completing and submitting this form.

Campus/Concentration Change - This form should be completed by students who are wanting to change their concentration.

Course Retake Form - This should be completed by those students who would like to retake a course.

Intent to Graduate - Prior to registering for your last semester, review your program of study with the Online MSIS academic advisor Elissa Landers to make sure that you have completed all your prerequisites and core requirements. Start this process by sending her the Notification of Intent to Apply for Graduation.

Other Grad Forms


Contact Information

Photo of Samantha Clardy

Samantha Clardy

Enrollment & Onboarding Coach

  • General Program Questions
  • Assistance with Admissions Process & Requirements
662-325-9092
Headshot of Mark Jimerson

Mark Jimerson

Retention & Engagement Coach

  • Current Student Inquires
  • Academic & Support Services Assistance
662-325-2655
Angelia Knight Headshot

Angelia Knight, PHR, SHRM-CP

College of Business

  • Director, MBA Program
662-325-1891
Elissa Landers Headshot

Elissa Landers

College of Business

  • Admissions & Advising Specialist
662-325-1891
Filler image for conacting the department or college

College of Business

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Mississippi State Online accredited?

Mississippi State Online programs are offered by Mississippi State University, which is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award bachelor's, master's, specialist, and doctoral degrees. Individual programs may also hold specialized accreditation. Learn more on the Mississippi State University accreditation page.

Will my Mississippi State University diploma say "online"?

No. When you earn a degree through Mississippi State Online, your diploma identifies Mississippi State University and does not indicate that you studied online. Online programs meet the same university standards for academic quality and rigor as on-campus programs.

How much does Mississippi State cost?

Mississippi State helps make your education more affordable by offering the applicable in-state tuition rate to online students regardless of where they live. Tuition and required fees are charged per credit hour, and your total cost depends on your program, credit hours, and applicable fees. Textbooks and course materials are additional expenses, and rates are subject to change.

Do out-of-state students pay in-state tuition at Mississippi State Online?

Yes. Mississippi State Online students pay the applicable in-state tuition rate whether they live in Mississippi or elsewhere. You do not need to be a Mississippi resident to receive this rate for your online program. Required fees and other course expenses still apply.

Can Mississippi State Online students receive financial aid or scholarships?

Eligible online students may receive financial aid, and scholarship opportunities are available. Eligibility and award amounts vary; funding is not guaranteed for every student or program. Complete the FAFSA to be considered for federal student aid, and review scholarship requirements and deadlines.

How do I apply to Mississippi State Online?

Start with the Apply Now page and choose the application that matches your undergraduate or graduate program and applicant status. Select "Online Education" as your campus. Review your program's admission requirements and deadlines, then submit the application, required documents, and any applicable application fee. Requirements vary by program and may differ for new, transfer, returning, and international students.

Do Mississippi State Online programs require campus visits or in-person experiences?

Requirements depend on the program and concentration. Some programs can be completed entirely online, while others include internships, field experiences, or coursework that requires in-person participation. Review your program's curriculum and contact its program representative before applying to confirm attendance requirements. Explore programs and their requirements in the Academic Programs directory.

Can I transfer previous college credits to a Mississippi State Online program?

Transfer-credit policies vary by degree level and program. Some programs consider eligible coursework from other institutions, while others do not accept prior credit toward program requirements. Review your program's transfer-credit policy and contact its academic advisor or program coordinator before planning your coursework.

What support is available to Mississippi State Online students?

Mississippi State Online students have access to academic advising, library resources, writing support, technical assistance, and career services. Program coordinators and advisors can help you navigate your studies and connect with university resources.