Master of Science in Information Systems Management MS-ISM
Program starts: August
Program length: 9 - 16 months
Ideal for working professionals
Be on the leading edge of where technology is headed. With the flexible Master of Science in Information Systems Management (MS-ISM) from the top-ranked W. P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University, you can earn an innovative master’s degree as a full-time student or while you work. Evening courses and a unique custom track create value for students with a variety of backgrounds and career aspirations.
Evening courses
Earn your degree in just two semesters
STEM-designated
Expanded career opportunities for international students
Extend your program
Custom third-semester track available for motivated students
163,000 new jobs in information security and information systems by 2031
– Bureau of Labor Statistics
As a STEM-designated master’s degree, the MS-ISM allows eligible graduates on student visas access to an Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension for up to 36 months, helping international students gain additional real-world skills and experience in the U.S.
Academics
Whether you’re looking to grow within your current organization or need new skills and expertise to take your career in a new direction, the MS-ISM program has been developed to align with your goals. In addition to a core curriculum taught by faculty with decades of industry experience, an optional custom track covering in-demand topics allow you to immediately apply what you’re learning in class to your work, and build expertise for emerging jobs in every industry.
Learn more about the innovative MS-ISM curriculumMS-ISM custom track
Take information systems management to the next level with four complementary courses of your choosing. Designed for motivated students, the MS-ISM custom track invites you to gain applied experience over the summer, while adding just one more semester to your degree. Talk to a recruiter to learn more about this valuable program add-on.
Experience
Your MS-ISM experience unfolds on the ASU Tempe campus — in the middle of a vibrant metropolis, with access to major hiring companies, year-round activities, and the beautiful desert southwest.
Flexibility for working professionals
With evening classes, an applied curriculum and the option to add a unique custom track, the MS-ISM program has been intentionally constructed to support the education and career development goals of busy working professionals. In addition to insights from faculty with years of relevant experience, students learn through exposure to peers and their companies, and benefit from immediate and ongoing opportunities to apply what they’re learning on the job.
Every day, you’re inspired. And it wasn’t just a binary process of taking a concept from class and applying it to a specific problem — I found that it ignited new ways of thinking or tackling projects.
Gregory Alcorn, MS-ISM graduate
What can I do with a master’s in information systems management?
Potential career paths for MS-ISM graduates include chief information officer (CIO), IT director, manager of business intelligence, senior consultant, cloud strategist, and project manager. The leadership skills acquired through this program will prepare students to lead in a wide range of industries, including financial services, health care, marketing, and technology.
Assess organizational needs, analyze data, and report industry trends to upper management to drive strategic decision-making. Manage data analysts and developers, ensuring their performance aligns with organizational goals.
Lead and optimize an organization's computer information systems. Ensure robust information security measures and a resilient infrastructure to empower organizational success.
Map and implement cloud computing infrastructure to solve business challenges. Drive cloud adoption by collaborating with management and vendors. Establish policy management for secure cloud computing.
Direct and oversee all IT operations and systems, leading teams to deliver seamless technology solutions. Facilitate communication between the IT department and the CTO.
Organize, plan, and execute projects within budget and timeline constraints. Guide teams, define project goals, and communicate with stakeholders throughout a project's lifecycle. Manage project resources, assess risks, and document progress.
Partner with management to deliver strategic solutions that enhance efficiency and profitability. Analyze data, manage projects, and maintain strong client relationships. Design strategic solutions to address business challenges for continuous improvement.
W. P. Carey Career Services Center
More than 650 organizations from over 35 industries partner with W. P. Carey to recruit talent. The W. P. Carey Career Services Center will support your professional development as a student and after you graduate. Engage with a career coach early in your program, so you can capitalize on as many connections and opportunities as possible.
- Career Blueprint helps you understand who you are, tell your story, and map what’s next
- Career Management Model offers a lifelong framework for setting and achieving goals
- On-demand career resources and tools connect the dots between research and reality
- W. P. Carey recruiting events provide access to employers and opportunities
- Career coaches act as credible partners to help navigate your journey
How to apply
The MS-ISM program at ASU’s Tempe campus starts in August. Take note of application deadlines, join us for an upcoming admissions event, and start your W. P. Carey journey. We look forward to meeting you!
Fall 2027
Round I (Early Decision)
Dec. 1, 2026
Round II (International priority)
Feb. 1, 2027
Round III (International final)
April 1, 2027
Round IV (Final)
July 1, 2027
All required application documents must be on file by the date of each deadline, or your application may be moved to the next round. Applications for Fall 2027 admission will be accepted on a rolling basis until July 15, 2027. Decision notifications will be made within three weeks of a completed application, and an enrollment deposit will be due following program admission.
To complete the ASU online application, you will need to provide the following information:
- Personal info: contact details, birth date, citizenship, Social Security number
- Resume: Current resume must include positions held and clearly indicate dates of employment in Month/Year format.
- Admission essay: The admission committee would like to learn more about you, your background, and your goals. Your responses to short essay questions help us evaluate your application beyond test scores and GPA requirements. Personal statements will not be accepted and will delay the review of the application. Essay prompts are available in the graduate application.
- Recommender(s) contact information: name, affiliation, and work email address of an individual who can answer questions about your personal qualities, professional success, career aspirations, and ability to perform in a graduate program
- Application fee: $70 domestic students; $115 international students
Note: Applications will not be processed until the fee is received and fees are non-refundable.
The following materials must be submitted to ASU Graduate Admissions after completing the online application.
Transcripts
If you attended ASU, you do not need to submit ASU transcripts. Otherwise, you must have one set of official transcripts from every college and university from which you earned a bachelor’s degree or higher sent to ASU Graduate College. ASU accepts official transcripts that are original academic credentials issued by the registrar of the institution attended, bearing the original raised or colored seal of the institution and the signature of your institution's registrar, academic official, or recognized international organization. We accept unofficial transcripts at the time of application. If admitted, official transcripts will be required.
You may either have the original institution send your transcripts, or you may wish to collect all of them and send them together. In either case, use the following mailing information:
U.S. Mail
Admission Services Applicant Processing
Arizona State University
PO Box 871004
Tempe, AZ 85287-1004
FedEx, DHL or UPS
Arizona State University
Admission Services Applicant Processing
1150 East University Drive Building C, Room 226
Tempe, AZ 85281
GMAT or GRE scores (optional)
Test scores are not required for admission. Depending on your academic or professional background, you may prefer to submit a test score to demonstrate your potential for success in our graduate programs.
If you choose to submit a score, these must be sent directly to the school by the assessment organizations that administer the tests. The GMAT institutional code for the W. P. Carey School is 0GZ-1R-80. The ASU Institution code for GRE is 4007 and, if needed, the department code is 000.
Note: ASU does not accept the GRE® General Test at-home exam.
The application process for international students is the same as for domestic students, with the exception of submitting proof of English proficiency (for students whose native language is not English). W. P. Carey graduate minimum score requirements may be higher than ASU requirements. Please note ASU does not accept TOEFL iBT® Home Edition (if taken prior to Jan. 21, 2026), TOEFL iBT® Paper Edition, or TOEFL Essentials Exams as proof of this requirement. After admission, you will also be required to obtain a U.S. visa, which includes submitting a graduate financial guarantee.
All international transcripts must be submitted in their original language accompanied by an official English translation. Translations must be literal, complete versions of the originals and must be translated by a university, government official or official translation service. You may not complete your own translation. Photocopies and notarized transcripts are not acceptable. Individuals who have completed a three-year undergraduate degree with no additional coursework may qualify, please submit your application and transcripts or contact [email protected] for further questions.
As a token of our appreciation, W. P. Carey will waive the application fee for all U.S. Military, Teach for America, Peace Corps or AmeriCorps members. Please email [email protected] prior to submitting your application to request a waiver.
Attend an event
>> Check out our complete calendar of events
Cost and aid
Paying for your degree is one of the most critical steps in your decision to go to business school. Work with us to find the right solution for you, whether it’s scholarships, graduate assistantships, or loans.
Minimum estimated total program cost
Many factors play a part in determining what your final cost looks like such as your start date, your campus, how many credits you take, and your residency status. The ASU tuition estimator shows you the minimum amount you can expect to pay each semester.
>> A one-time non-refundable enrollment deposit of $500 is also required before you register for classes.
MS-ISM
Estimated tuition and fees
Resident
$33,500
Nonresident
$57,500
International
$61,000
MS-ISM (custom track)
Estimated tuition and fees
Resident
$49,000
Nonresident
$85,000
International
$91,000
Note: All amounts shown in the Tuition and Fees Schedules or in other university publications or webpages represent tuition and fees as currently approved. However, Arizona State University reserves the right to increase or modify tuition and fees without prior notice, upon approval by the Arizona Board of Regents or as otherwise consistent with board policy, and to make such modifications applicable to students enrolled at ASU at that time as well as to incoming students. In addition, all tuition amounts and fees are subject to change at any time for correction of errors. Finally, please note that fee amounts billed for any period may be adjusted at a future date.
To apply for federal financial aid, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The application is available December 1 for the following academic year. ASU's school code is 001081. Learn more about tuition and financial aid at ASU, including eligibility requirements and answers to frequently asked questions.
The FAFSA can be completed at any point in your current academic year, but we recommend these deadlines for completing your applications and receiving funds in a timely manner.
ASU's Veteran Benefits and Certifications does not determine eligibility but will assist you by administering veteran's educational benefits and certifying your enrollment.
ASU’s Pat Tillman Veterans Center is a resource for active-duty, veteran, and veteran-dependent students, providing support with education benefits, community-building events, and individualized guidance for academic and personal success.
W. P. Carey awards a limited number of scholarships based on academic performance, leadership activities, community involvement and future goals. These scholarships are extremely competitive. A short application is required for consideration and must be completed after admission has been awarded. Domestic and U.S. permanent residents must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
If your employer doesn’t already have a graduate academic partnership with W. P. Carey, you can be the one to help bring impactful benefits to your workplace — including personalized admission assistance, waived application fees, and expanded scholarship opportunities (ranging from $2,000 to $25,000). These benefits can be combined with existing employer-paid tuition assistance programs or supplement your education if no such benefits are currently offered.
>> To get the process started at your company, connect the school with a representative from your human resources or benefits team. We look forward to hearing from you!
You may seek full or partial funding from your employer to assist with the costs of pursuing your W. P. Carey graduate program. Check with your human resources department regarding tuition reimbursement policies. Employer-paid benefits may take one of two forms:
- Third-party sponsor billing — ASU will bill your employer directly
- Corporate reimbursement — student pays account upfront and is reimbursed by employer upon meeting their guidelines
Federal unsubsidized loans
- Lending limit: $20,500 per academic year
- Interest rate: 8.08%
- Origination fee: 1.057%
Private education loans
- Obtained from a private lender
- Interest rates, loan fees, repayment options and eligibility requirements will vary
- Review additional information regarding private student loans
- Private student loans may be an option for international students who do not qualify for federal student loans