Master of Science in Information Systems

At a glance

Credential: master's degree
Credits: 30 or 39
Next start: see program details

Analyze and synthesize information systems concepts and skills and apply management principles to the information technology industry with Athabasca University's online Master of Science in Information Systems.

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About Master of Science in Information Systems

Our Master of Science in Information Systems (MScIS) program is designed to equip you with both the technical and managerial skills needed for a fulfilling career in the ever-evolving IT and services sector. You'll dive into a range of topics, from database design and intelligent systems to ethical considerations in IT, all while having the freedom to specialize through various focus areas. Graduates can expect to find rewarding opportunities in academia, industry, government, and even entrepreneurial ventures, as you'll be prepared to take on roles in information systems management, IT project management, and software design, among others.

Admission requirements

Admission requirements include a baccalaureate degree in a related area or equivalent education and experience.

See full Master of Science in Information Systems admission requirements

Program details

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

Resources and links

Additional information that you need to know about AU and this program.

Program resources

Additional resources

Program contact

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