Master of Science in Information Systems

Build advanced in-demand skills with a program that fuses the latest information management expertise with business strategy.

The Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS) is a STEM-designated degree designed for professionals who aspire to senior management roles in career tracks that have a significant technological component. You will study in a dual AACSB-accredited program and will acquire the knowledge and skills needed to evaluate IS for a business organization and develop and implement the appropriate IS strategies, all while attending to the ethical and legal implications of data and technology-related issues. International students who graduate with an MSIS from Rider may be eligible for a STEM OPT Extension to extend their post-completion OPT (optional practical training) authorization.

The Information Technology (IT) job market continues its rapid growth as the lower cost of developing applications and expanding user platforms creates additional demands for qualified IT employees.

Dual degree options

Combine an M.S. in Information Systems with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) or a Master of Accountancy (MAcc) to build your credentials, skills, and knowledge base. Our dual-degree offerings allow students to earn both degrees with fewer total credits than earning the degrees separately.

Professional Accreditation

Rider University’s Norm Brodsky College of Business graduate and undergraduate programs are accredited by AACSB International – The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. The initial accreditation was achieved in 1993 and reaffirmed regularly thereafter. In addition, the accounting program was further recognized for excellence with AACSB International Accounting Accreditation in 2000 and also is reaffirmed on a regular basis.

The Rider MS in Information Systems curriculum includes prerequisite, core, and elective classes. Depending on the background of the individual student, completion of the degree may require between 30-36 credits. Rider's Norm Brodsky College of Business is accredited by the AACSB International (Association for the Advancement of Collegiate Schools of Business), a distinction held by fewer than 4% of business programs worldwide

Classes for the program are offered in the evening, Monday through Thursday, with some courses offered online. Students may enter the program in the fall, spring, or summer semesters and can elect to pursue the MS in Information Systems on a full or part-time basis. Students who would like to complete the program within a year must start in the fall or spring. Courses are taught in small sections, usually by full-time faculty holding doctoral degrees. Faculty are engaged in research in their fields and have business experience as well.

Master of Science in Information Systems Program (30 credits)

Required Business Core

• PMBA 8210 Information Technology Management
• PMBA 8250 Operations & Supply Chain Management

Required Information Systems Core

• PMBA 8311 Information Security for the Enterprise
• PMBA 8314 Project Management
• PMBA 8317 Applied Data Management for Business Users
• PMBA 8318 Business Analysis and Design
• PMBA 8352 Design Thinking and Innovation
• PMBA 8353 Digital Futures

Elective Courses

Select two of the following:

• PMBA 8260 Marketing Analysis & Decision Making
• PMBA 8270 Advanced Organizational Behavior
• PMBA 8290 Legal and Ethical Aspects of Management
• PMBA 8312 Business Intelligence Tech-Data Mining
• PMBA 8313 Electronic Commerce
• PMBA 8315 Globalization and Technology
• PMBA 8316 Application Development for the Web
• PMBA 8351 Business Analytics Fundamentals
• PMBA 8355 Visual Analytics
• PMBA 8358 Data-Driven Strategies for Business

Foundation Curriculum

6 credits (for students with a non-business undergraduate degree or outdated coursework that does not meet the waiver requirements).

Course List1

• PMBA 8010 Information Technology Proficiency
• PMBA 8051 Fundamentals of Statistical Analysis
• PMBA 8052 Models and Methods of Operations Management

1 Students must earn a minimum grade of B in each foundation course.

MS in Information Systems –Waiver of Foundation Courses

A waiver of a course from foundation requirements may be granted under the following conditions:

I) PMBA foundation class is waived based on previous undergraduate coursework if:

• Students have taken the equivalent course less than six years ago and received a grade of B or above.
• Students have taken the equivalent course more than six years ago and received a grade of B or above and utilize the knowledge in their professional position on a regular basis, as determined by the Dean's Office.

II) PMBA foundation class is waived upon the proficiency assessment or successful completion of a review short course if:

• Students have taken the equivalent course less than six years ago and received a grade of B- or C+.
• Students have taken the equivalent course more than six years ago and received a grade of B or better.
• Students have taken the equivalent course more than six years ago and received a grade of B- or C+ and utilize that specific knowledge in their professional position on a regular basis, as determined by the Dean's Office.

III) PMBA foundation class must be taken if:

• Students have never taken the undergraduate equivalent class.
• Students received below a C+ in the class, regardless of when it was taken.

In all cases, the comparable undergraduate courses must have been taken from an accredited school.

If a student is granted a waiver for any foundation requirements, the student is responsible for a satisfactory level of competency with the representative material. If necessary, the student should review and/or seek tutoring support for the waived material in preparation for advanced courses. Any appeal of a waiver decision based on previous coursework must be made to the Dean's Office within the first semester of the program.

With an anticipated 12% growth for qualified MSIS professionals by 2026, Rider’s program is preparing leaders in the thriving field of information technology (IT).

Common careers:

• Senior Business Analyst
• Systems Administrator
• Information Technology Director
• Chief Information Officer
• Information Security Manager
• Applications Analyst