MS in Information Systems admission requirements: What do top US universities expect?
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MS in Information Systems admission requirements: What do top US universities expect?
- Ananya
- May 3, 2023
- 5:53 pm
MS in Information Systems is a field of study that focuses on the use of information technology and systems to help organizations make better business decisions.
Such as the CEO of an insurance company might want to know New Policies per Agent and Retention Rate to plan his next marketing move.
It falls upon those who manage the information to come up with reports, dashboards, charts as required by top decision makers.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the average annual pay (5 YoE) for a manager of Information Systems is $159,000.
We bring you the admission requirements of the top MS in Information Systems programs in the US.
5 Best MS in Information Systems Program in the USA
A Master’s degree in Information Systems (MSIS) is a graduate-level program that focuses on the intersection of technology, and management.
Typically, an MSIS program takes 1-2 years to complete.
Core courses cover topics such as database management, systems analysis and design, data analytics.
1. Syracuse University

The MS in Information Systems at Syracuse University is a 42-credit program that can be completed in 21 months (full-time) or 36 months (part-time). Established in 1870 in New York state, the university is the alma mater of President Joe Biden.
Prerequisites
The prerequisites for the program are:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- A minimum GPA of 3.0
- A basic understanding of programming, databases, and statistics
GRE and GMAT Scores
The GRE and GMAT scores required for the MS in Information Systems are:
- GRE or GMAT scores are required for applicants to the MSIM program at Syracuse University.
- There is no specific score requirement, but competitive applicants typically have scores in the 80th percentile or above.
TOEFL and IELTS Scores
The TOEFL and IELTS scores required are:
- TOEFL: 100
- IELTS: 7.0
Application Deadlines and Documents
The application deadlines for the program are:
- Fall admission: July 1
- Spring admission: November 15
- Summer admission: April 1
The required documents for the application are:
- Official transcripts from all previous institutions attended
- Resume and personal statement
- Two letters of recommendation
- Video submission
- TOEFL or IELTS scores
Application Fee
$75.
2. University of California, Berkeley

The Master of Information Management and Systems (MIMS) program at the University of California, Berkeley is a 24-month, full-time program designed to prepare students for leadership positions in information management. Berkeley alumni consists of 107 Nobel Laureates, 25 Turing Award winners, 14 Field Medalists, 19 Academy Awards and 34 Pulitzer Prizes.
Prerequisites
The prerequisites for the program are:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- A minimum GPA of 3.0
- Knowledge of programming, computing systems, discrete mathematics and statistics
GRE and GMAT Scores
The GRE and GMAT scores required for the MS in Information Systems are:
- GRE or GMAT scores are not required for the MIMS program.
- But applicants are welcome to submit them if they believe their scores will enhance their application.
TOEFL and IELTS Scores
The TOEFL and IELTS scores required are:
- TOEFL: 90
- IELTS: 7
Application Deadlines and Documents
The application deadlines for the program are:
- Fall admission: January 15
- Spring admission: August 15
The required documents for the application are:
- Transcripts from all previous academic institutions attended
- Three letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
- Resume
- English language proficiency scores
Application Fee
$125.
3. Carnegie Mellon University

The MS in Information Systems at Carnegie Mellon University is a 16-month program that can be completed on campus in Pittsburgh. Located in Pennsylvania, the university was founded by Andrew Carnegie, a well known 19th century steel baron and philanthropist.
Prerequisites
The prerequisites for the program are:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- A minimum GPA of 3.0
- A strong background in programming, mathematics, and statistics
GRE and GMAT Scores
The GRE and GMAT scores required for the MS in Information Systems are:
- The GRE or GMAT scores are required for the program.
- The average scores of admitted students are around 160 for the quantitative section and 160 for the verbal section of the GRE
- The average GMAT score is 700.
TOEFL and IELTS Scores
The TOEFL and IELTS scores required are:
- TOEFL: 100
- IELTS: 7.5
Application Deadlines and Documents
The application deadlines for the program are:
- Fall admission: December 1
- Spring admission: October 1
The required documents for the application are:
- Official transcripts from all previous institutions attended
- Resume and statement of purpose
- Two letters of recommendation
- Video interview
- TOEFL or IELTS scores
Application Fee
$125
4. New York University

The MS in Information Systems program at New York University is a 36-credit program that can be completed on campus in 12 months (full-time) or 24 months (part-time). The program is designed to prepare students for a career in IT by providing them with adequate technical and analytical skills.
Prerequisites
The prerequisites for the program are:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- A minimum GPA of 3.0
- A background in programming, mathematics, and statistics
GRE and GMAT Scores
The GRE and GMAT scores required for the MS in Information Systems are:
- The GRE and GMAT scores are optional for the program.
- However, if a student chooses to submit scores, a minimum score of 310 in GRE or 600 in GMAT is recommended.
TOEFL and IELTS Scores
The TOEFL and IELTS scores required are:
- TOEFL: 100
- IELTS: 7
Application Deadlines and Documents
The application deadlines for the program are:
- Fall admission: February 15
- Spring admission: October 15
The required documents for the application are:
- Official transcripts from all previous institutions attended
- Resume and personal statement
- Two letters of recommendation
- GMAT or GRE scores (optional)
- TOEFL or IELTS scores
Application Fee
$110.
5. University of Maryland, College Park

The MS in Information Systems at University of Maryland, College Park is a 30-credit program which lasts 24 months. Founded in 1856, UMCP is the largest university near Washington with 41,000 students from across the US and 123 nations. UMCP is known as a Public Ivy institution i.e. its quality of education is considered as good as the private Ivy League colleges and universities.
Prerequisites
The prerequisites for the program are:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- A minimum GPA of 3.0
- A strong background in programming, mathematics, and statistics
GRE and GMAT Scores
The GRE and GMAT scores required for the MS in Information Systems are:
- GRE and GMAT scores are not required for the program.
TOEFL and IELTS Scores
The TOEFL and IELTS scores required are:
- TOEFL: 100
- IELTS: 7
Application Deadlines and Documents
The application deadlines for the program are:
- Fall admission: January 15
- Spring admission: October 1
The required documents for the application are:
- Official transcripts from all previous institutions attended
- Resume and statement of purpose
- Two letters of recommendation
- TOEFL or IELTS scores
Application Fee
$75
Wrapping Up
Pursuing an MSIS degree in the United States offers a wealth of opportunities and benefits for Indian students. With a strong job market and excellent career prospects, graduates of MSIS programs are well-equipped to succeed.
Additionally, studying in the US provides students with the chance to experience American culture and to live in a country with a diverse population. By pursuing an MSIS degree in the US, you can gain a valuable education and get prepared for a rewarding career and a fulfilling life.
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