Online MS in Information Systems Technology

The Online Master of Science in Information Systems Technology (OMSIST) program teaches technology for today and management skills for tomorrow. Established in 1980, our MSIST program is one of the longest-running programs in Information Systems. Since it was first offered, the program has earned a reputation for producing graduates with a thorough understanding of information systems and the relevant management, communication, and decision-making skills. The Online MSIST degree was introduced in 2013, continuing this tradition of academic excellence and reaching students across the U.S. and around the world.

Through our suite of dynamic, hands-on, laboratory online classes, students learn how to integrate information systems technology expertise and management skills to effectively implement business solutions. This combination of advanced technical knowledge and management skills with proven business strategy put OMSIST graduates in a position to succeed.

Flexibility That Works

Proven Online Program: Students who complete the degree via our distance learning program experience the same quality of material as our on-campus students. In fact, the majority of OMSIST coursework has been offered and available to our students online for over a decade, giving busy professionals the freedom to choose the right mix of on-campus and online coursework for their schedules.

Campus Visits: Students may attend an optional orientation on campus at the beginning of the program. All students are required to attend the capstone residency at the end of the program.

Full-Time and Part-Time Options: Students may complete the degree through full-time or part-time study. Typically, students complete degree requirements in the following time frames:

  • Part-Time: 24-30 months
  • Full-Time: 18-24 months
Mission & Learning Goals

The mission of the OMSIST program is to prepare future leaders in the area of information systems and technology management. Graduates of our program will help companies manage their information systems and technology resources efficiently to attain organizational goals and objectives.

Learning Goals

  • Oral & Written Communication
    Communicate clearly and effectively in both writing and oral presentations. This involves clarity of purpose and an understanding of the audience.
  • Ethics & Social Responsibility
    Weigh the ethics and the impact on society as a whole when making a decision.
  • Critical & Analytical Thinking
    Think critically, analyze the facts, and make intelligent choices regarding the efficient use of information technology and decision models.
  • Body of Knowledge
    Use knowledge of information systems to support a successful analysis, design, and implementation project.
  • Team Management & Effectiveness
    Work effectively as a team leader as well as a member, by actively participating in the team, completing assigned tasks on schedule, and working toward a common goal to successfully complete the project.
  • Project Management
    Use knowledge of project management to support a successful analysis, design, and implementation of an IT project.

Degree Requirements

The Online Master of Science in Information Systems Technology (OMSIST) program curriculum offers an innovative mix of information and technology management courses and specialized electives. Throughout the program, 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.

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 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.*

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

 

Admissions

Admission to the OMSIST 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 interdisciplinary business studies
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.

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.

 

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 - November 15, 2024
  • Summer 2025 - December 1, 2024
  • Fall 2025 - December 1, 2024

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.