Online Graduate Degrees for Information Systems with Course Info

Online information systems graduate programs are geared toward professionals wishing to advance their careers or move into a new industry. Master's and doctoral programs are available online and offer a flexible learning environment. Many programs offer specialized tracks of learning within information systems, such as data management.

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Online Master of Science in Information Systems Degree Overview

An online Master of Science in Information Systems program is intended for working professionals and can take up to two years to complete. The online format provides students with access to all course materials and opportunities to interact with instructors and peers through discussion boards and chat rooms.

Students explore information systems foundations, such as security, databases, graphics and software engineering. They're often assigned technical projects, such as the development of a website, and learn about both client-side and server-side technologies from their home computers. Many master's-level information systems degree programs offer concentrations in areas of information security and database management.

Graduates completing one of these programs are prepared for managerial positions. They are able to communicate and apply information to real-world computer and networking issues. Typically, a bachelor's degree in computer science or its equivalent is required for entry into an online master's program in information systems.

Online Doctorate in Information Systems Degree Overview

Prospective students should hold a master's degree in computer science, information systems or an equivalent field. An online doctorate program in information systems can take a minimum of three years to complete. Graduates are prepared to teach in academia or conduct research in corporate, government or academic environments.

Online doctorate programs in information systems place heavy emphasis on research projects and completing a dissertation. These programs sometimes offer concentrations in areas such as information science or information security. Some online Ph.D. programs include multimedia presentations and live video streaming as a format for learning and interaction; faculty communication is particularly emphasized at the doctorate level.

To facilitate their research, online doctoral students also typically have remote access to the brick-and-mortar campus' library system, including subscriptions to specialized, scholarly information systems databases. It's common for online doctoral programs to require students to attend an occasional on-campus, weekend session.

Common Graduate Information Systems Courses

Individuals enrolled in information systems graduate programs encounter courses in database and project management, database security and programming languages. They might also be introduced to courses in business concepts as they relate to technology. Doctoral programs require students to take dissertation research courses. Online graduate degree programs in information systems might also include the following course topics: