Master of Science in Information Systems Technology (older page version) | GW School of Business

The Master of Science in Information Systems Technology (MSIST) academic program offers an innovative mix of information and technology management courses and specialized electives. Throughout the program, our faculty challenge students to think critically, analyze problems, and effectively acquire and integrate knowledge, strategies and key technologies to solve the business problems faced by IT management.

MSIST is a STEM-designated degree program. International graduates are eligible to participate in the Optional Practical Training (OPT) initial 12-month and 24-month extension programs offered by the Department of Homeland Security.

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MSIST Curriculum

The Master of Science in Information Systems Technology program is 33 credit hours long. Three-credit courses are a full semester long (14 weeks). Students must successfully complete the following course and program requirements to be eligible for the MS in Information Systems Technology degree.

Learn About Each MSIST Course

Degree Requirements

The following requirements must be fulfilled: 33 credits, including 21 credits in core courses and 12 credits in elective courses.

In addition, students must complete up to 6 credits in prescribed foundation courses in the areas of computer programming language and database design and applications. If a foundation courses was not completed with a minimum grade of B at an accredited institution within five years of matriculation, it must be completed before beginning the program, or within the first year of study in the program.*

Code	Title	Credits
Foundation courses ^*
ISTM 3119 & ISTM 4121	Introduction to Programming and Database Principles and Applications
or
ISTM 6200	Programming in Python and R
Program requirements
Core courses
ISTM 6201	Information Systems Development and Applications
ISTM 6202	Relational Databases
ISTM 6204	Information Technology Project Management
ISTM 6205	Web Application Development
ISTM 6206	Information Systems Security
ISTM 6209	Web and Social Analytics
ISTM 6210	Integrated Information Systems Capstone
6 credits in courses selected from the following:
ISTM 6213	Cloud Applications
ISTM 6214	Foundations of Artificial Intelligence
ISTM 6218	Business Applications of Artificial Intelligence
ISTM 6222	IS/IT Strategy and Implementation
ISTM 6224	Management of Technology and Innovation
ISTM 6225	Cloud Foundations
Electives
6 credits in ISTM courses at the 6000 level or above, excluding ISTM 6200 and ISTM 6500

Additional Requirements for Specific Degree Programs

Combined Bachelor's/Master's Degrees

This degree may be combined with a bachelor's degree through GWSB's new 4+1 Program, which enables students to complete both a bachelor's and a master's degree in five years. 4+1 Program options, eligibility and degree paths are outlined on the 4+1 Program page.

MBA/Master of Science in Information Systems Technology

For students pursuing an MBA and a Master of Science in Information Systems Technology dual degree program, all requirements for both degrees must be fulfilled. In the dual MBA/MSIST program, up to 21 credits may be double-counted toward degree requirements for the MBA/MSIST as follows:

12 credits of required ISTM core courses may be counted as electives toward the MBA
9 credits in information systems technology-designated electives in the MBA curriculum can be counted toward the MSIST degree

Students may pursue a dual degree in any MBA program. Part-time students take courses for both programs simultaneously. Global MBA students take courses for that program in their first year and then complete the remainder of the degree requirements simultaneously. In both cases, the degrees may be conferred sequentially.

Learn More About Joint and Dual Degree MBA Programs

Admissions

Admission to the MSIST program is highly competitive and enrollment is limited. Students operate in two cohorts throughout the academic year.

Due to the rolling admissions policy, it is highly recommended that candidates submit applications early. The candidate’s major and trend in grades, personal achievements, and letters of recommendation also affect the admission decision. This program seeks social, ethnic, cultural and geographical diversity in its student body.

Prerequisites

Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university
Strong academic performance
Demonstrated professional interest in information systems technology

Admissions Process

Applying to a program at the GW School of Business may seem like a complicated process, but the GWSB admissions team is here to help. The application process for this program can be found on our How to Apply page. All application materials should be sent to the GWSB Graduate Admissions Office. The GRE or GMAT test is not required — however, if you feel that submitting your scores will strengthen your application, you are welcome to submit them. We also offer a wealth of resources to help you finance your degree, from scholarships and fellowships to loans and work-study arrangements.

Application Requirements

To be considered complete, the following must be included in the application:

Completed online application form
Application fee (non-refundable)
Current résumé uploaded through the online application system
One letter of recommendation from a professional and/or academic reference
Statement of Purpose: In no more than 500 words, describe how this program fits into your professional life and your career objectives.

Additional Application Requirements

Upload copies of your transcripts from all colleges/universities attended, whether or not the program was completed or the credit appears as a transfer credit on another transcript. Note that admitted students will be required to submit official, sealed transcripts with proof of bachelor’s degree. There is no need to submit them at the time when you first apply.
The GRE or GMAT test is not required for this program — however, if you feel that submitting your scores will strengthen your application, you are welcome to submit them. Learn more about our test-optional policy on the How to Apply page. GW School of Business applicants interested in taking the exam can benefit from 10% off any Kaplan GMAT or GRE preparation course. Use discount code GWUSB10.

International Applicants

Applicants who require a visa to study in the United States must also fulfill additional requirements in order to be considered for admission to a graduate program at the School of Business. Please visit our How to Apply page for further details.

Qualifications

Admission to this program is competitive. Applicants must present a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university and meet the entrance requirements of the School of Business.

The review process considers each of the following areas on its own merit and candidates should show significant achievement in each area to be considered a strong prospect for admission.

The ability to excel academically in an environment that will demand strong technical, analytical, and communication skills.
Evidence of maturity to integrate educational opportunities into personal and professional goals.
Management and leadership potential and strong communication skills.

We strongly encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible for the strongest consideration.

Admissions Process

Admitted Student Profile

While we do not have minimum requirements for test scores, GPA or work experience, our program does attract top academic and professional talent. Statistics from the most recent admission period are as follows:

Average GMAT Score: 590*
Average GPA: 3.2
Percentage Military or Veteran: 5.7%
Percentage Female: 43%
Percentage International: 72%
Average Age: 27

*Please note, this program is test optional. If you choose to submit a test score, you may submit either a GMAT or GRE score. However, neither test score is required for admission.

Application Deadlines

Candidates seeking financial assistance and international students requiring visas are encouraged to apply early. Only completed applications, with all required materials, will be considered for admission.

Spring 2025 - Rolling. Upon seat availability.
Summer 2025 - January 15, 2025
Fall 2025 - January 15, 2025

Please note that admission to the following programs is only offered for the Fall semester: Global MBA, Accelerated MBA, Master of Accountancy in Accounting Analytics, M.S. in Business Analytics, and the Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics. Summer admissions deadlines apply only to the Online MBA and Healthcare MBA programs; admission to all other programs is only offered for the Fall and Spring semesters. The MS in Finance and MS in Applied Finance programs, as well as our doctoral and executive education programs, each have different admissions deadlines.

Tuition and Other Costs

Explore tuition rates and fees, view health insurance and housing costs, and more.

Tuition and Fees

Please visit the Student Accounts Office for a complete list of tuition rates and fees.

Other Expenses

Student Health Insurance
GW offers voluntary comprehensive health insurance through Aetna Student Health. All F-1 and J-1 international students are automatically enrolled. See the Student Health Insurance page for rates and other important information.

Housing
View information about on-campus and off-campus housing for full-time GW graduate students.

Financial Resources

From scholarships and fellowships to loans and work-study arrangements, we offer a wealth of resources to help you finance your degree.

GWSB Fellowships and Financial Support

The GW School of Business offers merit-based fellowships to incoming students at the time of admission. While applying to graduate degree programs at GWSB, prospective students may opt in to be automatically considered for all fellowship award opportunities funded by the School of Business as well as various university-funded tuition awards administered by the Office of Graduate Student Assistantships and Fellowships (OGSAF). Unless otherwise stated, no separate application is required.

In limited circumstances, current students may also be eligible for merit-based tuition fellowship awards.

Office of Graduate Student Assistantships and Fellowships

The Office of Graduate Student Assistantships and Fellowships (OGSAF) maintains a comprehensive database of GW and external fellowships to support graduate-level study and/or research. Incoming and current students are encouraged to browse the OGSAF website for information about additional merit-based funding opportunities.

Federal Financial Aid

U.S. Citizens and eligible non-citizens may qualify for:

Federally sponsored education loans through the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan and Federal Graduate PLUS Loan Programs
Need-based financial assistance through the Federal Work Study Program, which allows students to earn income while working part-time at pre-approved organizations during their program

To apply for federal financial aid, submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the appropriate deadline using GW’s FAFSA school code: 001444. Please note that students must apply for federal financial aid each academic year.

Visit the Office of Student Financial Assistance for details about eligibility criteria, application steps, and deadlines. Information about alternate private and federal loans is also available.

Tuition Discounts

Employer Discounts

The GW School of Business offers a tuition discount to current employees of the following companies:

Leidos
Lockheed Martin
Organization of American States (GS/OAS)
SAIC

Please note that eligible programs vary by employer. View details about eligibility, conditions, and the application process.

Veterans and Military

Nationally recognized as a top military- and veteran-friendly university, GW offers a wealth of services and benefits to student veterans, military personnel, and dependents of the United States Armed Forces. As a proud participant in the Yellow Ribbon Program, GW funds tuition expenses exceeding the maximum base pay amount covered through the GI Bill^®, and its contributions are matched by the Department of Veteran Affairs.

For more information about the Yellow Ribbon Program and other education benefits, visit GW Veteran & Military Services (VMS).

GI Bill^® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website.

Student Employment and Internships

The F. David Fowler Career Center supports GWSB student and alumni professional development by providing career management resources, career fairs and expos, and employer information sessions. GWSB students also have access to employment services and resources provided through GW’s Center for Career Services.

Handshake is the official online recruiting platform and event calendar for the F. David Fowler Career Center and the Center for Career Services. To search for jobs and internships, find and register for events, and connect with career coaches, log in to Handshake.

Federal Work Study

The Federal Work Study Program is a federally-funded and need-based work program that allows GW students to earn income through part-time employment during the academic year at GW and other pre-approved organizations. Graduate students interested in the program must submit the FAFSA and apply through the Office of Student Financial Assistance.

The Center for Career Services provides awarded students assistance with finding positions. Visit the Center for Career Services for information about the Federal Work Study Program at GW.

International Students

Students studying at GW on F-1 or J-1 visas may have additional restrictions on their employment due to visa regulations. F-1 Students are required to obtain Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorization from the International Services Office for all paid, off-campus internships and employment. GW-sponsored J-1 Exchange Visitors are required to obtain employment authorization for all employment, whether on-campus or off-campus.

For more information about the CPT application process, see GWSB Global & Experiential Education’s Curricular Practical Training page.

For information about how your visa status may affect your employment options, please visit the International Services Office.

Billing and Payment Processing

The Student Accounts Office manages all student accounts and processes student bills, refunds, disbursements, payment plan enrollment, employer reimbursements, third party billing, and financial holds. For inquiries regarding your Student eBill, tuition and fees, or payment options and due dates, visit the Student Accounts Office.

Applications are submitted through the GW Student Portal. You can sign up for an account if you don't have one.