2020 Graduate Outcomes

97% average salary increase
More than 93% employed within three months of graduation
1.4 years average time to pay back investment
$107,333 top quartile average starting salary
View the full employment report »

What does it cost?

Georgia residents: $41,100
Non-Georgia residents: $47,000
Nonrefundable seat deposit: $250

Costs may be offset with a graduate assistantship. Tuition is subject to change.

How long will it take?

Full-time format: 12 months (3 semesters). Offers a fast track into the workforce.
Part-time format: 24 months (6 semesters). Allows working professionals to advance their current careers.

Classes up to two evenings a week: Monday-Thursday, 5:30-9:45 p.m. Occasional weekend courses.

Where can I take classes?
Buckhead Center (200 Tower Place)

Application Deadlines View Admissions Requirements

The Robinson College of Business reviews applications on a rolling basis. The deadlines below are intended to serve as benchmarks. Due to our rolling admissions process, we encourage you to apply as early as possible.

Applicants can expect to receive a decision within six weeks of the Office of Graduate Admissions receiving all required materials.

Students can begin coursework in the fall or spring.

VIEW APPLICATION DEADLINES

Robinson College of Business

Information Systems, M.S.

Department of Computer Information Systems

rcbgradadmissions@gsu.edu
404-413-7167

Attend virtual office hours with one of our recruiters to get your questions answered.

Robinson’s M.S. in Information Systems is ranked 11th overall and 7th among public university programs by U.S. News & World Report. Through a STEM-designated curriculum as well as a concentration aligning with your goals, you will carve out a path within the diverse information systems field. You will build relevant skills through projects with real companies as well as boot camps, which are included at no additional cost.

Concentrations

Big Data Management and Analytics –Make informed, data-driven decisions and provide strategic analytics leadership. Apply cutting-edge techniques to examine large volumes of structured and unstructured data to detect hidden patterns and trends leading to insightful actions.
Digital Innovation –Transform an organization's strategic landscape. Apply emerging technologies and platforms to transform an organization's processes, business models, and culture to gain competitive advantage.
Cybersecurity – Make the digital world a safer place. Protect an organization's digital assets from malicious attacks throughout the cybersecurity lifecycle.
This program concentration earned Robinson a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Research and Education designation from the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security.

Cybersecurity Is a National Priority

Leading tech companies across the country are making billion-dollar investments in cybersecurity. A huge piece of this is hiring talent who are skilled in this critical space. President Biden even refers to cybersecurity infrastructure as a “core national security challenge.” Through the cybersecurity concentration, you’ll gain the knowledge and tools needed to land a job in an exciting, rapidly growing field.

Faculty
You’ll learn from faculty who are well-known for their contributions to both the corporate and academic spaces. Current industry-based instructors include the chief technology officer for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, former senior advisor for risk management for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and former chief information officer for the Fulton County Government. Program faculty are ranked first in the world for publications in the top six information systems journals. Plus, five of our faculty members have been recognized with LEO Awards for Lifetime Achievement from the Association for Information Systems. No other university in the world employs more than two LEO Award winners.

Required Internship
You’ll be required to complete an internship as part of the program. Past internship partners include Amazon, AT&T, The Coca-Cola Company, Deloitte, Delta Air Lines, GE, Georgia-Pacific, The Home Depot, IBM, Microsoft, NCR, Porsche, SAP, Turner Broadcasting System, UPS, and Walmart, to name a few. If you already work full-time, you’ll complete a project at the office and report on results.

"I started applying for internships during my first semester in the program and got an offer from Mohawk Industries as an infrastructure cybersecurity intern. I helped the systems engineer solve issues and built reports for an identity governance tool called SailPoint. I also was exposed to the SAP side of cybersecurity including governance risk and compliance. Through the internship, I grew to understand how cybersecurity is paramount in every organization."
- Sayali Joshi, Class of 2019

Program Highlights

Boot Camps At No Additional Cost

You’ll build skills in boot camps that are relevant to your concentration, at no additional cost. External boot camps cost hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars on average.

Check Out Your Options

AWS
Learn to optimize the use of the AWS Cloud by understanding AWS services and how these services fit into cloud-based solutions.

Azure
Learn to design, build, maintain, and monitor robust and scalable cloud solutions. Explore the architectural considerations and decisions necessary when building a highly available solution in the cloud.

Blockchain
Build a foundational overview of what blockchain is and how blockchain works. Gain a deeper understanding of cryptocurrency and hashing.

CEH
Through ethical hacking methodology, leverage more than 270 attack technologies and more than 140 guided labs simulating real-time attacks and scenarios.

CISA
Develop the skills necessary to develop, manage, and supervise programs that defend against unauthorized admittance to information.

CISSP
Explore concepts and topics related to all aspects of information systems security.

Data Visualization with R
Through a comprehensive overview of exploratory data analysis and plot customization using the R language, explore a diverse range of techniques and formulas to recognize underlying patterns and analyze the relationship between data points.

Design Thinking
Learn a straightforward process for defining problems, tackling ideation, teaming, testing solutions, and applying the process of solution building in your own organizational environment.

Docker
Build foundational concepts and streamline deployment of applications into isolated containers. Get hands-on experience with Docker labs.

Machine Learning with R
Through hands-on training with the R language, build practical problem-solving skills. Previous programming experience not required.

PMP
Learn the fundamental concepts, tools, and techniques needed to pass the PMP examination.

Python
Learn Python fundamentals through libraries, functions, and scripts. Leverage tools such as NumPy, Pandas, and Matplotlib to analyze and manipulate data.

Salesforce
Build the skills of an entry-level Salesforce system administrator.

SAP Cloud Platform
Receive an introduction to SAP® Cloud Platform Rapid Application Development by Mendix, which offers an easy-to-use, no code platform to rapidly create and continuously improve enterprise applications.

Scrum Master
Cover the principles and empirical process theory underpinning the Scrum framework, as well as the role of the Scrum Master.

Security+
Cover all six domains from the Comptia Security+ Certification program. Establish core knowledge for a cybersecurity position.

TOGAF
Prepare for the TOGAF® 9 Foundation (level 1) and Certified (level 2) examinations. Explore case studies that demonstrate how TOGAF is applied in real organizations.

TS 410
Explore the business functions designed into the S/4HANA system including managerial and financial accounting, human resources, procurement, manufacturing, sales and distribution, warehouse management, enterprise asset management, and project management, as well as basic concepts relating to SAP HANA and Fiori.

Featured Rankings

Ranked 11th overall and 7th among public university programs by U.S. News & World Report

Cybersecurity concentration earned a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Research and Education designation from the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security

Experiential Projects with Real Companies

Examples of past projects by concentration.

Big Data Management & Analytics

Used RNN+LSTM deep learning and Databricks clusters to identify cuisines based on ingredients as well as an appropriate name for dishes based on ingredients in each recipe

Used AWS Lex chatbot integrated with Facebook to recommend books based on author and interest

Used a COVID-19 data set, clustering techniques, and AWS to analyze articles and generate risk scores

Digital Innovation

Used Mendix and Neptune to develop an application to demystify STEM-related careers for girls and young women

Used Anaplan to automate the factory capacity planning process for Carter’s children apparel

Used SAP Cloud Platform and IBM Cloud Platform to provide a customer experience that embraces all stages of the customer lifecycle

Cybersecurity

Developed customized security awareness training for a dental practice

Built a post-cyberbreach remediation plan and strategy for a nonprofit organization

Evaluated a Privileged Access Management solution for a global consumer packaged goods firm

Program Details

We take a holistic approach to reviewing applications. High test scores and GPAs aren’t the only attributes we look for in candidates. For example, a relevant work history and strong character-building experiences will make a positive impression on the admissions committee.

Application Requirements

Online application and $50 application fee
Video interview
A GMAT or GRE score is not required.
College transcripts
Personal statement
Resume – Work experience preferred but not required.
Additional requirements apply for international applicants

Learn more about the application process and what you will need to apply.

Core Courses

CIS 8000 - Information Technology Project Management
CIS 8010 - Process Innovation
CIS 8040 - Fundamentals of Database Management Systems
CIS 8080 - Security and Privacy of Information and Information Systems

Students pursuing an M.S. in Information Systems concentration must complete the required core courses listed above in addition to the concentration core.

Big Data and Analytics Concentration

CIS 8005 - Data Programming for Analytics
CIS 8795 - IT Infrastructure for Big Data
CIS 8392 - Advanced Topics in Big Data Analytics – Machine Learning
CIS 8395 - The Big Data Analytics Experience
CIS 8391 - Field Study in Computer Information Systems
Directed elective

Cybersecurity Concentration
This program concentration earned Robinson a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Research and Education designation from the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security.

CIS 8088 - Network Security and Hacking
CIS 8085 - Information and Systems Risk Management
CIS 8086 - Protecting Information Assets
CIS 8087 - Cloud Computing and Security
CIS 8394 - Advanced Topics in Cybersecurity – Security Analytics
CIS 8397 - The Cybersecurity Experience
CIS 8391 - Field Study in Computer Information Systems
Directed elective

Digital Innovation Concentration

CIS 8672 - Integrated Process Platforms for Innovation
CIS 8695 - Managing Big Data for Analytics
CIS 8674 - Customizing Enterprise Platforms
CIS 8676 - Innovating with Emerging Technologies
CIS 8393 - Advanced Topics in Enterprise Systems - Analytics
CIS 8396 - The Digital Innovation Experience
CIS 8391 - Field Study in Computer Information Systems
Directed elective

VIEW CATALOG INFORMATION

Georgia residents: $41,100
Non-Georgia residents: $47,000
Nonrefundable seat deposit: $250

Tuition is subject to change.

Financial Aid

Contact Graduate Student Financial Services
We are here to help you understand the cost of your program, the payment schedule and financing opportunities.
rcbfinancialaid@gsu.edu
404-413-7086

Scholarships

Robinson Scholarships

Robinson offers several scholarships through the Office of the Dean as well as the individual academic departments.

Learn More and Apply

Search Georgia State’s Database

Georgia State offers a robust searchable database containing scholarships offered through the university as well as external websites.

Search the Database

Graduate Assistantships

Graduate assistantships are available to offset program costs. Below, see a table that breaks down the cost of tuition after a GA position is secured.

	In-State Students	Out-of-State Students
Program and Tuition Costs	$41,100	$47,000
GA Tuition Waiver	$16,462.50	$16,462.50
Program Cost with GA	$24,637.50	$30,537.50
GA Stipend Estimate	$5,000	$5,000
Remaining Program Cost with Stipend Applied	$19,637.50*	$25,537.50*

* Estimates are calculated for full-time enrollment in M.S. in Information Systems program.
* A full-time GA is typically eligible for a $2,000 stipend in the fall and spring semesters and a $1,000 stipend in the summer term. Please confirm with your hiring department, as your stipend may vary.
* Estimates do not include University System of Georgia health insurance.
* All fees are subject to Board of Regents changes.

You will be paired with a Graduate Student Experience professional who stays on top of the extracurricular programming that will enhance your academic journey and propel your career. Activities include boot camps on topics that are relevant to your field, professional workshops, networking events, recruiting fairs, and meet-and-greets intended to create camaraderie with your peers.

View a Sample Extracurricular Schedule for Big Data Management and Analytics
View a Sample Extracurricular Schedule for Digital Innovation
View a Sample Extracurricular Schedule for Cybersecurity

Learn More about the Graduate Student Experience Team

The Master of Science in Information Systems is designed to meet the needs of students who want to build a strong background in information systems and the application of information and communications technology in business.

Not Ready to Take the Plunge?
Dip in Now, Dive in Later.

Check out our Graduate Certificate in Artificial Intelligence Business Innovation. The program requires a fraction of the time and cost. Plus, you can apply your credits to an M.S. in Information Systems at Robinson later down the road.

Take Kennedy Crandell, a social worker who decided to make a dramatic career shift into data science. Despite having no previous programming experience, she has picked up a lot of skills in her Introduction to Programming and Predictive Analytics for Business class: Python, predictive models, linear regression, and the k-nearest neighbors algorithm.

“The instructor has done a great job of making sure no one gets left behind,” Crandell said. “The certificate is the perfect stepping stone for anyone thinking about data or A.I."

LEARN MORE

Kennedy Crandell

Careers & Certifications

Program graduates work for a variety of well-respected companies including Amazon, Anthem, AT&T, The Coca-Cola Company, Deloitte, Delta Air Lines, Equifax, Expedia, EY, General Motors, GoDaddy, Honeywell, LexisNexis, McKinsey & Company, Truist, Turner, and UPS.

Our 2020 graduates reported a 97% average salary increase, enabling them to pay back their investment in graduate school within 1.4 years. More than 93% of them secured employment within three months of completing the program. The top quartile average starting salary is $107,333.

VIEW SAMPLE JOB TITLES

analyst engineer
business technology analyst
data architect
design engineer
information security analyst
project manager
security analyst
senior consultant
systems analyst
systems engineer
technology risk consultant

VIEW SAMPLE CERTIFICATIONS

Amazon Web Services (AWS)
SAP TS410
Certified Scrum Master (CSM)
Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC)
Certified Information System Audit (CISA)
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
Certified Cloud Security Practitioner (CCSP)
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
Salesforce Developer

Featured Researchers

richard baskerville

Richard Baskerville

2016 LEO Award for Lifetime Exceptional
Achievement, Association for Information Systems

Simha Magal

Director, M.S. in Information Systems program;
2016 SAP Developer Hero Award

Ephraim Mclean

Ephraim R. McLean

Regents’ Professor

Balasubramaniam Ramesh

Distinguished University Professor;
Board of Advisors Professor

Veda Storey

Tull Professor of Computer Information Systems;
2018 Association for Information Systems Fellow Award

Upkar Varshney

Senior Editor, Decision Support Systems

Industry Professionals Who Teach in the Program

Vijaykumar Gandapodi

Head of IT Data Science and AI, Reynolds America

Michael Jordan

Managing Partner, INNODYN

Nicole Keaton-Hart

Former Chief Information Officer, Fulton County Government

Tom Maier

Senior Advisor, R.N. Katz and Associates

John Martin

Former Chief Information Officer, Georgia Department of Natural Resources

Robert Morella

Assistant Vice President and Senior IT Auditor, FHLBank Atlanta

headshot of Jaspal Sagoo

Jaspal Sagoo

Chief Technology Officer, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Barry West

Former Senior Advisor for Risk Management, U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Program Stories

Veda C. Storey Receives INFORMS Information Systems Society Distinguished Fellow Award

Veda C. Storey, Tull Professor of Computer Information Systems, has received a 2021 INFORMS Information Systems Society (ISS) Distinguished Fellow Award for Outstanding Intellectual Contributions to the Information Systems (IS) Discipline.

Lars Mathiassen Wins Association for Information Systems Fellow Award

Lars Mathiassen, Georgia Research Alliance Eminent Scholar and professor of computer information systems at Georgia State University’s J. Mack Robinson College of Business, has won the 2021 Association for Information Systems (AIS) Fellow Award.

Simha Magal Receives AIS Award for Outstanding Contributions to Information Systems Education

Simha Magal, clinical professor of computer information systems (CIS) at Georgia State University’s J. Mack Robinson College of Business, has received the 2021 Association for Information Systems (AIS) Award for Outstanding Contribution to Information Systems (IS) Education.