Academic programs
College of Engineering
Master of Science in Information Systems—Bridge
Master’s Degree
The Master of Science in Information Systems—Bridge program is designed to prepare students with non-STEM or nontechnical bachelor’s degrees, or those who want to strengthen their technical backgrounds, to enter the information systems field. Integrating business management, software engineering, and information technology, the program prepares you to design innovative software solutions that fit the complexities of the business world while solving the humanistic needs of the people who use them.
Location
Oakland, California
Commitment
Full-Time/Part-Time
Duration
2.5 years
Type
Classroom
Program overview
The Master of Science (MS) in Information Systems—Bridge program enables students with non-STEM or nontechnical bachelor’s degrees, and students who would like to strengthen their technical backgrounds, to launch a career in information systems and contribute to the ongoing digital revolution. The comprehensive curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning and provides a personalized learning experience tailored to your individual needs. Upon completion of the program, you’ll earn an MS in Information Systems and be well prepared to pursue a career as an information systems professional.
The MS in Information Systems—Bridge program aims to connect business users and technologists as industries increasingly digitize their operations. The program responds to the growing demand for professionals who possess a deep understanding of how technology can be harnessed to address significant societal challenges. Through a multidisciplinary approach that integrates business management, software engineering, and information technology, the program empowers you to tackle complex real-world issues in the realms of business and society.
The program also seeks to identify the needs of individuals or businesses and arm them with new skills and knowledge to address those needs. You’ll be equipped to meet industry demands and adapt to a rapidly changing job market.
Unique features
- Personalized curriculum caters to both nontechnical and technical students. No precalculus or other calculus or math courses are needed to be successful. No programming knowledge or background is required to be admitted.
- Specially selected required courses help you develop the skill sets needed to succeed in the program. At the same time, various electives allow you to tailor the degree to your individual career goals.
- An experiential learning approach prepares you with the skills and knowledge necessary for success in the competitive field of information systems.
- Faculty field expertise is integrated into classroom instruction, providing you with a practical and up-to-date education.
- The program provides an ecosystem of support comprising inclusive and diverse peers, the MSIS-Bridge Buddy program (PDF), and workshops.
- You’ll develop critical-thinking, problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills and a deep understanding of the business world, human behavior, psychology, and user experience design to create user-friendly and intuitive software solutions.
- You can gain up to eight months of professional experience with Northeastern’s top-ranked cooperative education program.
- This is a STEM-designated graduate degree.
Program objectives
- Offer students with nontechnical bachelor’s degrees a master’s degree program designed to enable them to become information systems professionals.
- Educate a generation of problem-solvers who design innovative software solutions to fit the complexities of the business world while solving the humanistic needs of those who use them.
- Allow you to gain a variety of skill sets that leading information systems professionals need by transitioning soft skills into technical skills.
- Equip you with the ability to solve complex problems creatively and gain the skills necessary to design state-of-the-art software solutions that blend seamlessly into the intricate environment of the business world.
- Emphasize the humanistic aspects of technology design, ensuring that solutions are developed with the end user’s needs and experiences in mind. As a result, program graduates can provide effective solutions to real-world challenges.
Career outlook
- Students who obtain a Master of Science in Information Systems can hold various jobs in analytical and data fields, as well as in engineering, design, and development.
- The MS in Information Systems program at Northeastern has successfully placed many graduates at industry leaders such as Google, Microsoft, Deloitte, Oracle, Amazon, and IBM.
- MS in Information Systems–Bridge students are hired for competitive co-ops and receive full-time offers across a range of industries and companies around the globe.
Curriculum
For 100+ years, we’ve designed our programs with one thing in mind—your success. Explore the current program requirements and course descriptions, all designed to meet today’s industry needs and must-have skills.
Experiential learning
Northeastern University combines rigorous academics with experiential learning and research to prepare you for real-world information systems challenges. The cooperative education program, also known as co-op, is one of the largest and most innovative in the world, and Northeastern is one of only a few universities that offer co-op for graduate students. Through co-op, you’ll gain up to eight months of professional experience employed in your field of interest as part of the academic curriculum, giving you a competitive edge upon graduation.
The College of Engineering has 2,000+ co-op employer partners globally. Our dedicated team of co-op coordinators prepares you for the co-op experience through resume building, developing interview skills, and guiding professional development. Recent co-op partners for the MSIS program include Google, Amazon, Playstation, Tesla, and Apple, as well as large corporations to startups globally.
Connect with a current student
Wondering if the MS in Information Systems—Bridge program is right for you? Get a glimpse of the graduate student perspective and life as a Husky.
Tuition and aid
Domestic
$55.9K
International
$74.5K
The domestic tuition price is inclusive of a scholarship of up to 25% for all domestic students beginning their graduate studies in the 2025 academic year. This scholarship is not transferable to alternative programs of study, terms or campuses outside of Oakland, CA.
This is an estimate based on the tuition rates for Academic Year 2024–2025 and does not include any fees or other expenses. Some courses and labs have tuition rates that may increase or decrease total tuition. Tuition and fees are subject to revision by the president and Board of Trustees at any time. Find detailed information on tuition and fees from Student Financial Services.
Finance your education
For students interested in pursuing financial assistance or educational loans, additional educational costs, known as Cost of Attendance (COA) components, can be included in the calculation of aid and loan eligibility. Components may include food, housing, books, course materials, supplies, equipment, transportation, personal expenses, and the cost of obtaining a first professional licensure. You can find comprehensive details on the Student Financial Services website. Please keep in mind that COA can vary significantly depending on academic program, enrollment intensity, and individual circumstances.
For information on funding opportunities including assistantships and scholarships, visit the College of Engineering’s graduate tuition and financial aid web page.
How to apply
Learn more about the College of Engineering’s admissions process and required materials, including deadlines.