Hybrid Online
Part time
Evenings

Master of Science (MS) — Information Systems

February 1, 2023

May 1, 2023

Program overview

Use information-systems expertise to address business problems

This flexible Master of Science in Information Systems program shows you how to utilize information to create a competitive advantage. Develop the management, technology, and problem-solving skills to handle today’s complex, globally integrated systems. Lead as an IT security professional, data analyst, project manager, information manager, or CIO.

Bridge the gap between business and technology through this AACSB-accredited program.

Grad students work together on a project, gathered around a table

Program Overview

Shape the future. Change the world.

You have big ideas and the technical expertise to apply them in novel ways. The Master of Science — Information Systems is a rigorous graduate program that hones your knowledge of how organizations use technology to address business problems.

With its forward-facing location, Seattle Pacific gives you access to major hubs of business and technology, positioning you to pursue a variety of information systems career options in a destination thriving with innovation and entrepreneurial activity.

THE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS, GOVERNMENT, AND ECONOMICS DIFFERENCE

For the modern business enterprise, utilizing information effectively is key to creating a competitive advantage. A Master of Science degree in Information Systems from Seattle Pacific bridges the gap between business and technology, preparing students for leadership at the intersection of technology and business. With the STEM designated Master of Science-Information Systems program, leaders are developed with the management, technology, and problem-solving skills they need to handle complex, globally integrated systems.

Through the applied, experiential, and collaborative-based curriculum at SPU’s School of Business, Government, and Economics, you will gain purpose-driven leadership skills and discover how IT, business principles and ethical practice untie to lay a foundation to complex, globally integrated systems and service to others as an IT security professional, data analyst, project manager, information manager, or CIO.

Why Seattle Pacific? 

From its inception in 1977, SPU’s School of Business, Government, and Economics has upheld an unwavering dedication to excellence ― quality faculty and curricula, values and ethics, and readying students to impact their professional and personal worlds. 

  1. AACSB Accreditation

    Seattle Pacific was the first school of the nearly 100-member Council for Christian Colleges and Universities to achieve the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) distinction. AACSB International represents the highest standard of achievement for business schools worldwide - 5% of schools globally. As a member, we are part of a united movement to improve the quality of business education around the world, helping to develop the next generation of great leaders. Four out of five alumni from AACSB-accredited schools say their graduate management education contributes to improvements in their competitiveness, proactiveness, innovation, and creativity. Also, SPU is listed as a Best Business School in the West by The Princeton Review. 

  2. Deep Ethics Emphasis

    Built on an ethical foundation, the Master of Science-Information Systems program at SPU offers first-class information systems education through the lens of Christian faith and values. Students take two ethics classes, and ethical issues are integrated throughout the curriculum. The School of Business, Government, and Economics also operates the Center for Faithful Business and is one of five PRME Champion schools in the U.S.

  3. Flexible Format

    Classes are smaller, allowing students to get involved with professors and fellow students in a cooperative and reciprocal learning environment. Responsive and caring faculty encourage students to reach their goals. Our evening courses are designed to accommodate students’ work schedules so they can pace their studies to fit their lives. 

  4. Mentor Program Advantage

    At SPU, students are encouraged to follow their inspiration and imagination while benefiting from a top-rated mentor program that connects them with professionals in their chosen fields of study. To enhance the Master of Science-Information Systems experience, we offer a mentor program that gives students access to more than 2,000 business people and professionals from a variety of companies, industries, roles, and levels of experience. Meet one-on-one with a mentor or multiple mentors for a richer learning experience and network of contacts. 

  5. Valuable Connections

    When you graduate with a Master of Science-Information Systems from Seattle Pacific University, you join a community of alumni and partnering stakeholders who stay connected and you’ll find experienced and engaged, top-level business professionals eager to lend their support.

  6. Robust Suite of Career Services

    Shaping a definitive course of action upon graduation is vital. That’s why we offer a robust suite of career and professional development opportunities including career counseling, job-search coaching, résumé development, workshops and seminars, networking events, and mentoring through SBGE Career Services.

Back to top

Curriculum

Curriculum (45 CREDITS*)

The Master of Science-Information Systems program develops readiness to act as a purpose-driven information technology leader.

Responsible Management courses (12 credits)

BUS 6201     Christian Values, Ethics, and the Marketplace (2)
BUS 6202     Business Ethics: Current Issues and Moral Leadership (2)
BUS 6260     Managerial Communication (2)
BUS 6266     Purpose-Driven Leadership (2)
BUS 6305     Leading in Diverse Contexts (2)
BUS 6937     Responsible Leadership Consulting Practicum (2)

Specialized courses (18 credits)

ISM 6211     Information Systems Management and Strategies (3)
ISM 6212     Database Management and Warehousing (3)
ISM 6213     Enterprise Analysis and Integration (3)
ISM 6231     Information Systems Project Management (3)
ISM 6245     IT Infrastructure (3)
ISM 6331     Information Systems Security (3)

Elective courses (15 credits)

Data Analytics Emphasis

This area of emphasis offers a focus on managing the mountains of data that organizations use and enabling management to make sense of that data. You’ll gain further expertise in the areas of data management, visualization, and analytics, as well as business intelligence.

BUS 6171    Statistics for Business Decisions (3)
and 4 of these:
ISM 6253     Statistical Analysis for Data Analytics I (3)
ISM 6254     Statistical Analysis for Data Analytics II (3)
ISM 6255     Knowledge Management and Business Intelligence (3)
ISM 6359     Data Mining (3)
ISM 6361     Data Visualization (3)
ISM 6362     Big Data & Cloud-based Tools (3)
ISM 6358     Decision-making with Business Intelligence and Analytics (3)
ISM 6930     IS Consulting Practicum (3) (Data Analytics relevant practicum)

Cybersecurity Emphasis

This area of emphasis offers a focus on managing an organization’s cybersecurity policies and processes. You’ll gain further expertise in the areas of risk management, disaster recovery, security tools, and policy development.

ISM 6332     Information Security Risk Management
ISM 6333     Cybersecurity and Disaster Response
ISM 6334     Cyber Crime Investigation and Digital Forensics
ISM 6336     Cybersecurity, Business, and Public Policy

Program Management Emphasis

This area of emphasis offers a focus on ensuring the successful development and implementation of an organization’s information systems. You’ll gain further expertise in the areas of project management, organizational structures and behavior, as well as strategy and system development standards.

ISM 6335     IT Engineering Management (3)
BUS 6360     Innovation & Change Management (3)
BUS 6365     The High Technology Enterprise (3)
BUS 6367     Project Management (3)

*Foundations courses (4 credits)

Business foundations prerequisite coursework may be satisfied by prior undergraduate coursework or may be completed at SPU.

BUS 5130/6130     Financial Accounting (2)
BUS 5164/6164     Operations Management (2)

Possession of the MOS Certificate in Excel is also a pre-requisite.

To view the official curriculum requirements and course descriptions for the MBA degree, visit the online Graduate Catalog.

Transfer credit

Transfer credit from other institutions will be given only for graduate-level courses from AACSB-accredited schools covering the same body of knowledge. Students may transfer a maximum of three courses (9 credits). Acceptance of transfer credit is determined by the associate dean for graduate programs. Elective course offerings vary each year based on student interest and relevance of subject matter to the business community. Consult the graduate director to select a customized and appropriate sequence of courses.

Curricular Practical Training

Students attending the Master of Science-Information Systems program on an F-1 Visa are strongly encouraged to include ISM 6939 as one of their five electives. Completing a project in cooperation with an enterprise under the sponsorship of a faculty member is similar to doing an internship. Students have an opportunity to apply the knowledge gained from a significant amount of their prior coursework to a meaningful project for a business. This constitutes a very valuable opportunity for international students to become more familiar with U.S. business practices and meets the criteria for Curricular Practical Training.

Back to top

Career Opportunities

What careers can open up for you with a Master of Science in Information Systems from Seattle Pacific University? Just some positions include:

  • Computer and information research scientist
  • Data analyst
  • Software or Web developer
  • Information security analyst
  • Business analyst
  • Computer systems analyst

Career Services

Supporting the careers of our graduate business students and alumni is a high priority for the School of Business, Government, and Economics. These career resources are available:

Graduate students may use the Center for Career & Calling Resources for Current Graduate Students which include online vocational resources and résumé tips, workshops, and events. 

Job leads

Job leads are posted in SPU's job posting board, Handshake, as well as in the SBGE LinkedIn group.

Career counseling, job-search coaching, and résumé assistance

Where do you plan to work once you graduate? How do you plan to land your next job? If you just started your graduate business program, you might not know what is on the other side of your degree. A list of qualified, vetted career counselors and coaches is available to students who desire one-on-one assistance (i.e. résumé writing, career exploration counseling or job search coaching, career assessments, or other related activities). This is on a fee-for-service basis.

Professional and career development workshops

Managing your career is critical for success in today’s turbulent environment. To accelerate your development, each quarter we host one career related workshop on topics such as job searching, networking, résumé writing, interviewing, etc.

Alumni/student networking events

Connecting alumni and current students together is a win-win for everyone. Networking events are held to connect and help current students and SBGE alumni navigate life in the workplace. Alumni work the tech sector's many angles at Amazon, Tableau, Boeing, Nordstrom, and more. 

Mentoring

A mentor can be a pivotal influence in your career. Our Center for Applied Learning offers a world-class, individually customized mentoring experience that pairs you with a mentor based on your career goals and aspirations. Find out more about the Mentor Program.

Response magazine reports that “Alumni work the tech sector’s many angles at Amazon.” Read the story.

If it weren't for SPU, I would not have gotten this job. The practical test I took was based off so many aspects of my study at SPU (SQL, Business Process Re-engineering, business modeling and analytics). Greatly appreciated! 

—Antoinette Clark

Back to top

Costs

Tuition and Fees for 2022–23

money icon

$899

per credit

$899/credit
$2,697/3-credit course
$40,455 for 45 credits

dollar icon

$50

application fee

See additional fee details.

textbook icon

45 credits

to complete

(if prerequisites satisfied.)

Finance your learning

Before applying for aid, you must first be admitted to a graduate program. Make sure you:

  • Enroll in at least 3 credits (or half-time) toward a degree or eligible certificate each quarter.
  • Complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year.

Just like undergraduates, you may take advantage of scholarships and loans. SPU does not have a deadline for graduate financial aid, though earlier is always better than later! Learn more

Fees

Learn more about administrative, certification, and other program fees.

Back to top

Application Info

Admission Requirements

Generally, you must have at least a 3.0 GPA in your undergraduate studies, at least a 295 GRE total score or at least a 500 GMAT score (25V, 30Q, and 4.4AW) and evidence of at least one year of continuous, full-time, substantive work experience after receipt of the bachelor's degree on your résumé.

Applicants must submit the following:

  • Online application and $50 application processing fee.
  • Current résumé as evidence of a substantive work experience. You will need at least one full year, continuous full-time, post-bachelor’s degree experience at the time of application. More is preferred. This is a significant factor in the admission decision process. Applicants with less than one year of post-baccalaureate professional work experience, but who are otherwise strong candidates and are currently employed in a meaningful professional role may be considered.
  • Official transcript from colleges or universities attended. Include the transcript from the institution that granted your bachelor’s degree with the posted degree appearing on the transcript. Also, send official transcripts for all institutions attended following your undergraduate degree, as well as any other schools where you earned credits that may be used to request waivers of foundations courses.
  • GRE/GMAT test scores are optional for admission for applicants with a 3.0 GPA or higher in their bachelor’s degree.
  • Personal statement (3–4 pages), responding to the essay questions listed in the online application.
  • Two professional letters of recommendation (optional); find the forms in the online application.

APPLICATION DEADLINES

The application for admission, application fee, and personal statement must be received by the dates listed below. Recommendation letters, official transcripts and test scores must arrive before an admission decision can be made.

Quarter/Starting Month

Application Deadline

Autumn/September

August 1

Winter/January

November 1

Spring/March

February 1

Summer/June

May 1

International applicants attending on an F-1 visa 
(International applicants who do not need an F-1 visa may adhere to the above deadlines.)

Quarter/Starting Month

Application Deadline

Autumn/September

June 1

Winter/January

September 1

Spring/March

December 1

Summer/June

Admission not available for F-1 visa students

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT APPLICANTS

Pre-Qualified Students

Qualified individuals may take up to five courses if they have an undergraduate degree (as evidenced by an Official transcript(s) from an accredited institution); a minimum cumulative undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.0; and a minimum of one year full-time post-baccalaureate work experience (as evidenced by a current résumé).

Prequalified students must apply for admission to take additional courses. Prequalified status does not guarantee full admission at a later date.

Conditional Admission

You may request conditional admittance into the School of Business, Government, and Economics under these conditions:

  • You are a student who needs an F-1 visa to study in the United States.
  • You have graduated from an accredited four-year institution. Your transcript must show completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
  • You have achieved at least a 3.0 GPA on the US 4.0 scale.
  • You have a minimum of at least one year, continuous full-time, post-bachelor’s degree experience at the time of application. You will be required to submit a résumé with job titles, duties, start date and end date (month and year), Internships and job training are not accepted as full-time employment.

If approved, you will receive a Conditional Letter of Admission from SPU. Conditional admission assures that you will be considered for admission, if you satisfy all admission requirements at the time of your intended enrollment.

Please complete this form to request conditional admission to a graduate program in the SPU School of Business, Government, and Economics.

Visiting Graduate Students

If you have been admitted to a graduate degree program in another accredited institution, you may enroll for up to 9 credits at Seattle Pacific University ― with the approval of the School of Business, Government, and Economics.

To gain admission as a visiting graduate student, you must submit:

  • Online application and $50 application processing fee.
  • Letter from the dean’s office at your home institution stating that you are good standing at that institution.
  • Current résumé.

Questions?

For other questions, please check out our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page.

Back to top

International Applicants

International students are an important part of Seattle Pacific University. A vibrant and active international population, SPU’s international graduate students represent 32 different countries.

International Student Applicants

In addition to general admission requirements, international students must also submit:

  • TOEFL score of at least 86 on the iBT, or an IELTS official score report of at least 6.5 if English is not your first language. Otherwise strong applicants with a TOEFL score of 68-85 (IELTS 6.0) may be probationally or conditionally admitted with the requirement to successfully complete SPU approved ESL coursework prior to or at the outset of enrollment and continuing as needed.
  • Official financial statement reflecting financial support equivalent to the cost of the first year of graduate study. Complete the Declaration of International Student Finances form and send it to the address listed on the form, along with an original bank statement and copy of your passport (front and back).
  • For non US transcripts, provide a transcript evaluation by World Education Services (WES) or Foundation for International Services Inc. (FIS). (A page-by-page evaluation is sufficient, but a course-by-course evaluation is needed to determine if any pre-requisite foundations have been satisfied.)

All official transcripts must be submitted in English. International applicants are responsible for all costs associated with this service, including transcript(s) order and/or delivery fees (official transcripts must be sent directly from the school or translation evaluation service in a sealed envelope).

Questions?

For other questions, please check out our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page.

Members of the Juhudi group from Matemwe, a coastal village in northeastern Tanzania, perform

Alumnus Kedmon Mapana leads music festival in Tanzania.

Back to top

Request more info

Loading...

3307 3rd Ave West, Seattle WA 98119-1997

206-281-2000

Connect with Us

Publications

Resources

Schools

Centers

Policy

© 2022 Seattle Pacific University