Overview
You will develop innovative strategies to address issues in systems integration, project and change management, digitalization, and new areas in computing such as:
- information technology management
- information systems development
- data analytics
- information security
- intelligent systems
- cloud computing
- health informatics
- learning technology
- bioinformatics
- environmental data analytics
Our curriculum emphasizes the tie between information systems (IS) and other disciplines, such as computer science and software engineering. Core courses cover both technical and managerial topics, including:
- enterprise information management
- enterprise modeling
- artificial intelligence
- data mining
- ethical, legal and social issues in IT
The program also includes an integrating capstone component and a required course in research methodology. Current and emerging concepts and technologies are studied through focus areas.
Application deadlines and start dates
| Application deadline | Start date |
| March 1 | Fall |
| Oct. 1 | Winter |
The Master of Science in Information Systems is a 39-credit online graduate program. There are 2 intakes each year: in Sept. and Jan. Most courses are online grouped study, with defined start and end dates.
Routes and options
There are 3 options for the career track component:
Learn more about career track options Completion times
Finish this program in as little as 2.5 to 3.5 years of full-time study, depending on your academic and employment background. You can take up to 5 years to complete all requirements.
Tuition and fees
Understanding how higher education fees and tuition are calculated is important to ensure you stay within your budget and make informed decisions.
Financial aid and awards
We're dedicated to supporting your academic goals and committed to helping you overcome financial barriers by providing many funding and award options.
Explore financial aid and awards Fees
The following fees are effective Jan. 1, 2024, to Aug. 31, 2024. All fees are quoted in Canadian dollars and are subject to change. Academic-related fees are exempt from the Federal Goods and Services Tax (GST). GST is added to all other goods and services; for example, workshops, some publications, self-help seminars, and Athabasca University promotional sales items.
program application and admission fees | Program application fee (non-refundable) required each time a person applies: | $184 |
| Program admission fee (payable upon acceptance into the program and non-refundable) | $255 |
| Non-program application fee (non-refundable) required only once: | $116 |
fees for in canada or out | Students living in Canada | $1,986 1 |
| Students living outside Canada | $2,232 1 |
1Master of Science in Information Systems (MScIS) course tuition fees now include a Course Administration and Technology Fee of $167 and Course Materials Fee of $35 per course, plus the Athabasca University Graduate Students Association (AUGSA) fee of $14 per credit.
Estimated program tuition cost (2023 - 2024)
The total tuition cost (project or thesis route) for a student living in Canada who takes all courses from Athabasca University would be $25,818 ($1,986 x 13 three-credit course equivalents). AUGSA fees, the Course Administration and Technology Fee, and the Course Materials Fee are included in the above calculations. Application and admission fees are not included.
Other fees
other fees | Transfer credit evaluation fee | $325/course |
| Supplemental examination fee | $116 |
| Course extension fee | $312 |
| Program extension fee. Same as course tuition fees (see above): |
| Letter of Permission fee | $93 |
| Western Deans' Agreement Administration fee (non-AU visiting students) | $250/course |
| Course withdrawal processing fee 1 | $423 |
| AU Graduate Student Association fee (per credit) | $14 |
1 The course withdrawal processing fee is a mandatory administrative fee charged when a student withdraws from a course. For early withdrawal only, the student will be refunded the full course tuition fees (see above) less the course withdrawal processing fee. Refer to the information about course withdrawal under Course regulations and procedures. |
Fee information effective Jan. 1, 2024, to Aug. 31, 2024.
Courses
In the Master of Science in Information Systems program, you'll engage with a structured curriculum that includes foundational courses to build essential knowledge in information systems, core courses to deepen your expertise, and elective options that allow you to specialize based on your interests. Depending on your academic background and professional experience, the program can be customized to require as few as 30 credits or up to 39, offering routes for essays, projects, or theses to best suit your career goals.
To complete the program you will need to fulfill all the general requirements of the Master of Science in Information Systems, plus those specific to your focus area.
Our program regulations plans can give you an idea of what courses you need to finish this program. If you’re feeling stuck, our academic advisors can help.
Program regulations
Focus area courses
Courses to explore
Below are some of the courses that our students take in this program. Please consult an advisor to confirm any course planning, as some of these courses may not apply to you.
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Career options
After earning your Master of Science in Information Systems, you'll be well-positioned for a variety of key roles in the expanding IT and services sector, including information systems management, IT project management, and software design. Whether you aim to contribute to academia, industry, or government, the program also equips you with the applied skills necessary for research implementation and development, as well as the entrepreneurial know-how to create your own opportunities in the field.
Careers you could pursue may include:
- information systems manager
- IT project manager
- software developer
- data analyst
- business intelligence analyst
- systems architect
- research scientist
- database administrator
- educational technologist
- bioinformatics specialist
- environmental data analyst
- learning management system coordinator
- software quality assurance manager
- security analyst
- network administrator
- IT consultant
- systems analyst
- enterprise information manager
- user experience designer
- data scientist