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Computer Information Systems

1.5
Years to Earn Your Masters
95%
CSU Online Grad Students have Plans Related to their Career
93%
Grad Students would choose CSU Online Again
$498M
In research expenditures in FY23
Degree Overview Open Accordion
Online CIS Master's at CSU

Online master’s in computer information systems from CSU

Gain the tools to build or advance your career in computer information systems and keep up with the technology as it changes. This CIS degree program uses a cutting-edge curriculum in information technology, project management, and business systems to help you meet the demands of the fast-paced and challenging field of CIS.

Offered through the College of Business Department of Computer Information Systems, this program trains you in the methods needed to keep information flowing through organizations, improving efficiency, effectiveness, and profitability. You will be on the front lines of technology, keeping business operations running smoothly by managing databases, networks, and websites, or even training employees on how to utilize the most recent innovations.

The computer information systems master’s offers:

  • Excellent job placement: Nearly 100% of the graduates of this master's program are placed in the IT field.
  • High salary potential: CIS graduates have some of the highest starting salaries among majors at Colorado State University.
  • Flexibility: Study full- or part-time, with degree completion in as little as three semesters or with the flexibility to take up to 5 years.
  • Opportunity: Move into a new career or strengthen your position in your current career as the program is designed for both non-IT and IT professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions Open Accordion
What kind of advice and support can I expect as I move through the degree program?

We want to make sure you have the support you need to succeed in achieving your graduate degree and offer numerous services in the College and in the Graduate School to ensure this.

Students have access to the CIS Advisor and CIS faculty throughout their program. The CIS Advisor is available for approval of programs of study and for assistance with program planning as well as many other areas of student academic life.

Additional resources:

What should my resume include?

A complete resume should include a description for each full-time professional position you've held in addition to the length of time you were at each position. List the month and year you began and ended each position. Include a reference from each place of employment, so that your length of employment, position, and responsibilities can be verified if required.

What should my cover letter include?

A cover letter or statement of purpose must accompany your application. This letter should address your reasons for pursuing a graduate degree as well as those points from your background and experiences that bring value to the program. These letters are usually about one page in length. The cover letter may be included with your online graduate application or sent under separate cover to the College of Business.

Who should I approach to write a letter of recommendation for me?

Ask for recommendations from those who can comment objectively on your performance in an academic or professional setting. Usually these recommendations are from a supervisor or manager, co-workers or peers, former professors, or other individuals who are able to judge your strengths and on-the-job or academic performance. Friends and relatives are not suitable for recommendations.

Why Choose CSU? Open Accordion

Students from the CSU MCIS Program have been hired by some of these recognized businesses:

  • Accenture
  • Amazon
  • Amazon Web Services
  • Arrow Electronics
  • Candium
  • Deloitte
  • Hewlett-Packard Company
  • JBS USA
  • Kimberly-Clark
  • Lonza
  • MedPace
  • Lumen Technologies
  • Lockheed Martin
  • And many, many more...

Students who graduate with an MCIS Degree can consider these job roles:

  • Administrator: Web, Systems, IT
  • Analyst: Application Development, Business Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Data, Privacy, Quality Assurance, Research, Systems, IT
  • Consultant: BI, Operations, Product Solutions, Strategy, Technology
  • Designer/Developer: Applications, Full-Stack, Software, Web
  • Director: Data & Analytics, IT, Web Development
  • Engineer: Cloud, Cybersecurity, Data, Data Visualization, DevOps, Infrastructure, Software, Systems, Test
  • Manager: Client Services, Cloud & Network Operations, Data Platform, Information Security, IT, Product, Program, Project, Release & Configuration
  • As well as Chief Information Officer & Chief Technology Officer

Increase your long-term earning potential

According to the Institute for Business and Information Technology 2022 Report, students graduating with a Master’s in the Information Field, receive job offers that are “19% higher than the average offer to all business school Master’s graduates” with an average salary of $94,839 in 2022. Source: IBIT.

CSU ranks high within this field

CSU ranked #8 for Best Online Master's in Computer Information Technology Programs for Veterans and #14 for Best Online Master's in Computer Information Technology Programs

Source: US News & World Report

Curriculum Open Accordion

Requirements

  • A minimum of 33 credits (11 classes) must be completed to earn a degree.
  • Students may take up to 12 credits of coursework prior to admission and, if a grade of B or better is awarded in those courses, the credits will count towards the master's degree.
  • The Graduate School requires that 21 credits be completed after admission to the program.
  • The program can be completed in as few as three semesters or flexed up to 5 years.

Curriculum

Although each course may have prerequisites, they can be modified, depending on prior coursework or work experience, to fit within your program of study and intended semester of admission.

Core courses

Select at least one course from the following:

Select a minimum of six courses from the following (not previously taken):

How to Apply Open Accordion

Application Deadlines

Students can be admitted in the Fall, Spring, and Summer. The program has 2 entry points to provide students an opportunity to begin when they are ready.

Fall July 1 (May 1 for international students)
Spring December 1 (October 1 for international students)

Please be aware that financial aid deadlines may occur before the application for admission deadlines.

Start your application online and upload materials directly into the online system. You can save your progress and return any time.

Apply Now

1Review Admission Requirements

Master of Computer Information Systems applicants generally must meet or exceed the following criteria:1

  • An undergraduate degree from an accredited four-year institution in any field with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • Satisfactory GMAT/GRE scores or waiver2
  • International applicants: Internet-based3 TOEFL score of 86 or higher, or an IELTS score of 6.5 or higher, or a PTE score of 58 or higher
  1. While we encourage our students to meet the minimum criteria, failure to meet one may be offset by strengths in other areas, as determined by the Graduate Program Committee.
  2. The GMAT is preferred. You may request a waiver to the GMAT or GRE if you have 5+ years full-time professional work experience that show a progression in responsibility (or military experience at an officer's rank) and at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA in accredited undergraduate work (3.0 GPA in the last 60 credits is acceptable), or have completed a graduate degree. Please contact us to learn if you might qualify for a waiver.
  3. Other testing formats may be accepted. Please contact us for information.

2 Prepare Application Materials

Three professional recommendations
Recommendations provide insight into your skills and expertise in the professional environment and areas where a graduate degree can help you improve. Three professional recommendations are required. You will provide your recommenders' information on the online application. CSU will contact them and give them a link to a secure form they will submit on your behalf.

Statement of purpose
The statement of purpose is a one-page letter addressing 1) why you chose our program, 2) what you hope to do with the knowledge and skills you would learn, and 3) what value you and your background would bring to the program. You will upload this document to your online application.

Current resume
Describe the responsibilities of your professional experience and what you accomplished while in those positions; show the length of time for each position (including the month and year). International applicants, please provide the city, state, and country for your employment and academic history. You will upload this document to your online application.

Academic Performance Explanation (if GPA is below 3.0)
If your most recent degree (undergraduate or graduate) cumulative GPA is below 3.0, explain the circumstances relating to your past academic performance on your online application.

English language proficiency test (if needed)
International applicants must complete the TOEFL or IELTS or PTE if the official language of your country is not English or if you did not earn your undergraduate or graduate degree from a U.S.-accredited institution. Test scores must be submitted directly to Colorado State University (school code 4075) from the testing centers.

3 Complete Online Application

Complete the online graduate application and pay the nonrefundable application processing fee (payable online). As soon as you have completed the required information, please submit your application. Your application will not be reviewed until it is complete and all required materials have been received.

  • Select "Computer Information Systems (M.C.I.S) or Computer Information Systems (M.C.I.S.) – Distance" for the program of study.

4Submit Online Applicant Data Sheet

Use your CSU ID number to complete and submit the College of Business applicant data sheet. After you submit your application online, you will receive a CSU ID number in approximately two to three days, unless you already have one (alumni and current students).

5Submit Test Scores

GMAT or GRE or waiver petition form
Take the GMAT or GRE and have scores sent electronically to Colorado State University directly from the testing service (school code 4075). Or, if you qualify and want to petition for a GMAT or GRE waiver, complete the waiver form, which will be available after you submit your online application.

6Request Transcripts

Original and official transcripts must be received from each institution you attended, including the institution from which you received your degree. Transcripts must be received directly from the originating institution to be considered official.

Please Note: Students may be unconditionally admitted and registered in their first semester of courses with an unofficial transcript. Official transcripts must be submitted, prior to or during your first semester, before you can register for your second semester of graduate work. Failure to meet this condition will result in your dismissal from the Graduate School.

Electronic (preferred):
Digital Transcripts must be submitted by the originating institution using a secure service such as parchment, eScrip-Safe, the National Student Clearinghouse, or e-Quals. Transcripts received via emails are considered unofficial.

Use institution code 4075 for Colorado State University or gradadmissions@colostate.edu if the secure service requires an email address.

Mail (if necessary)
Graduate Admissions
Colorado State University – Office of Admissions
1062 Campus Delivery
Fort Collins, CO 80523-1062

International applicants: You must submit one set of official transcripts and a degree statement with a certified translation into English from each college or university attended, or notarized/certified copies if you can't get originals. Documents must show courses and final examinations taken, marks received for each year, and degree or diploma received. These must be mailed to us.

Check Your Application Status

View your application status at any time to ensure your application checklist is complete or to check on updates.

Once your complete application, including supporting materials, is received, the department admission committee will review your application and promptly notify you of their decision.

For International Applicants

Proof of English language proficiency is required for applicants from countries or United States territories where there are official languages other than (or in addition to) English. This includes the U.S. territories of American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and Puerto Rico.

Learn more about English language proficiency requirements.

Questions?

We love learning about your goals and answering any questions you have.

cobgradinfo@colostate.edu

Program Details

Courses
Credits
33
Tuition
$867 per credit
Same in-state tuition for all.
Learn more about financial aid and scholarships Tuition/fees are just part of the cost to attend CSU. Learn more about the full Cost of Attendance
Degree Awarded
Master of Computer Information Systems
Time Frame
Can be completed in 1.5 years
Admission Reqs.
  • 3.0 GPA on all undergraduate coursework
  • Satisfactory GMAT/GRE scores or waiver
  • Math Entrance Exam scores recommended for applicants who have not taken the required prerequisites within the past 10 years

Application Dates

Fall semester
July 1 (May 1 for international students)
Spring semester
December 1 (October 1 for international students)

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