The George Washington University

Information Systems Technology

Graduate Programs > Information Systems Technology

The Master of Science in Information Systems Technology is...

Teaching technology for today and management skills for tomorrow. The Master of Science in Information Systems Technology (MSIST) degree is one of the longest running programs in Information Systems and one of a select few which is approved to award the CIO University Certificate to our graduates.

Since the program was first offered in 1980, it has earned the reputation of producing graduates who have a thorough understanding of information systems and technologies along with relevant management, communication, and decision-making skills. The MSIST program is designed for professionals currently working in information systems technology and those who are looking to make a career shift. Through dynamic, hands-on, laboratory and classroom-based courses, students learn how to integrate information systems technology expertise and management skills to effectively implement business solutions within.

The program offers four concentrations:

  • Management Information Systems (MIS)
  • Information Systems Development (ISD)
  • Information Systems Project Management (ISPM)
  • Executive Master of Science in Information Systems (EMIS)

Students may complete the degree through full-time or part-time study. Classes have daytime, evening, and weekend attendance options, with various class locations in the D.C.-metro area, including Foggy Bottom, Arlington, VA, and Ashburn, VA. A typical, part-time student will complete the degree requirements in 18-24 months.

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Executive Master of Science in Information Systems (EMIS)

The department also offers an Executive Master of Science in Information Systems (EMIS) program at GW’s Virginia Campus in Ashburn. This program is designed for rising and senior-level information systems professionals with multiple years of work experience who are looking to enhance their decision-making and corporate leadership skills. The participants in this 15-month, cohort-style program are hand-selected to ensure a diverse and talented mix of individuals from both the public and private sectors.

Both the MIS concentration and EMIS program are approved as meeting the CIO (Chief Information Officer) Council's Core Competencies for the GSA CIO University — a collaborative effort between the Federal government and educational institutions to develop executives for the top IT jobs in industry and government.