Information Systems (MS)

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Information Systems program is intended for students who have an interest in computer systems strictly from the user/application perspective and whose career paths are focused on computer hardware and software systems operations and maintenance.

There is increasing demand for professionals skilled in data mining, data analysis, and in creating and configuring systems to process vast quantities of information. The Information Systems program emphasizes this.

This program focuses on developing skills to:

  • Configure and integrate various IS components such as networking and software systems, databases, data analytics and web-based systems and software packages.
  • Develop programming and scripting skills, including software testing skills - starting from basic programming principles to the use of packages and utilities for larger applications.

This differs from computer science (CS) programs, which tend to emphasize software and hardware theoretical foundations, design and formal analysis techniques for assessment of performance, cost, and functional tradeoffs.

The MSIS program has an applied data science track, which provides an option to students who are interested in a data science/analytics career.

Degrees Offered

  • MS in Information Systems
  • MS in Information Systems: Applied Data Science
  • MS in Information Systems: Cybersecurity
  • MS in Information Systems: Web-based Information Systems

Internships, Research Opportunities and More

During their course of study, many students pursue internships both on campus, in local areas such as New York City or even out of state. Watson Career and Alumni Connections offers professional advice and services such as interview guidance, cover letter critiques and networking opportunities.

After You Graduate

CS alumni have gained positions in academia and careers in industry, including major universities and companies around the globe.

Admissions Requirements

To be eligible for graduate study, you must:

  • Provide a complete set of your undergraduate (and, if applicable, graduate) transcripts showing one of the following:
    • You have earned a bachelor's degree (or its equivalent) from a nationally or regionally accredited college or university
    • You are within one academic year of earning a bachelor’s degree (or its equivalent) from a nationally or regionally accredited college or university
    • You are eligible to apply as part of a memorandum of understanding between your current institution and Binghamton University
  • Have earned, at minimum, one of the following:
    • A 3.0 GPA over your entire undergraduate career
    • A 3.0 GPA during your last 60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits of your undergraduate degree, with most courses graded regularly (not as "pass/fail")
    • A 3.0 GPA in a graduate degree, with most courses graded regularly (not as "pass/fail")
    • In consideration of the different grading scales used around the world, each academic department evaluates international transcripts to determine on a case-by-case basis whether they demonstrate one of the above requirements.

To apply, you must submit the following materials. For general guidelines for these materials, see the Admission Requirements website.

  • Online graduate degree application with graduate degree application fee
  • Transcripts from each college or university that you have attended
  • Personal statement of 2 to 3 pages describing your reasons for pursuing graduate study, your career aspirations, your special interests within your field, and any unusual features of your background that might need explanation or be of interest to the graduate admissions committee
  • Résumé or curriculum vitae
  • 2 Letters of recommendation
  • Official GRE scores (waived for fall 2023)

International students must also submit the following materials. For more information about these materials, see the International Students section of the Admission Requirements website.

  • International Student Financial Statement (ISFS) form
  • Supporting financial documentation (such as bank statements, scholarship or sponsor letters, etc.)
  • Proof of English proficiency (such as official TOEFL/IELTS/PTE Academic/Duolingo* scores)
    • *In response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, the Graduate School at Binghamton University has temporarily approved the use of the Duolingo English Test as proof of English proficiency through the 2023 application cycle.

This information is subject to change. While we make every effort to update these program pages, we recommend that you contact the department with questions about program-specific requirements.


For more information, visit the Information Systems website.

Deadlines

Degree Fall Spring
Information Systems (MS)RollingN/A