Master of Science in Management Information Systems (MS MIS)
Overview
Our graduate program focuses on applying technology to help achieve organizational goals and solve business problems. MIS students earn competency in IT within a business context, providing them with well-rounded preparation for occupations in high demand.
Five Reasons to Get a Master's Degree in Management Information Systems at UNLV
- Expertise and Career Growth: Gain specialized IT knowledge for advanced roles. A master's degree is crucial for leadership positions like IT manager or CTO.
- Networking and Research: Connect with industry professionals and engage in research projects. Build a strong network for job opportunities and mentorship.
- Innovation and Adaptability: Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Stay ahead in the dynamic IT landscape with the ability to adapt to new technologies.
- Dual Proficiency and Business Tech Knowledge: Master both technical and managerial skills. Acquire knowledge for analyzing business problems and implementing technological solutions.
- Pioneering With Technology: Learn cutting-edge information management strategies. Network with research experts for collaboration and career advancement.
If you are a UNLV undergraduate student, you may be eligible for our MIS Bridge Program.
Information is Power — Learn How to Use It
Information is more than data points and statistics — it is power. Information can support better decisions and create more inclusive environments that drive society forward and empower individuals to make a meaningful difference.
The Master of Science in Management Information Systems (MIS) degree focuses on the application of technology to help achieve organizational goals and solve business problems. MIS students earn competency in IT within a business context, which provides them with well-rounded preparation for occupations in high demand.
The Master of Science in MIS degree has been certified as a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Designated Degree Program by the Department of Education and maintained by the Department of Homeland Security. Under the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, international students who graduate from colleges and universities in the United States are able to remain in the country and receive training through work experience for up to 12 months. Students who graduate from a designated STEM degree program can remain for an additional 17 months on an OPT STEM extension.
Become a Tech-Savvy Leader
There is a high demand for technology-savvy experts who will lead our digital economy. Through this program, you'll gain the skills and knowledge you need to:
- Shape technology policies and design information systems.
- Leverage project management to drive innovation and growth.
- Explore topics from project management, to big data, machine learning, business intelligence, human-computer interaction, and artificial intelligence.
Receive Mentorship from Industry Experts
The Management Information System faculty are world-recognized experts in numerous business and technology sectors, publish in top-tier internationally recognized academic journals, and are engaged in their respective communities.
“An MS MIS degree is a powerful bridge between the technical and business worlds. It equips you with the expertise to understand complex IT systems and strategize how they can best drive organizational success. This versatile skill set opens doors to leadership positions, salary increases, and a future-proof career in the ever-evolving tech landscape.”Han-fen Hu, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Graduate Coordinator for IS Programs
Career Options
The rapid advances of industry continue to drive new jobs in cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and other areas. These advances open up a wide range of opportunities for information systems (IS) professionals. With your Master of Science in MIS degree, you'll have the knowledge and skills to succeed in a variety of roles, including:
- Information technology consultant
- Business intelligence/data analyst
- Information security analyst
- Application developer
- Project manager
- Strategic technology initiatives specialist
- Network and computer systems administrator
- Database administration and architects
- Systems analyst
- Computer support specialists
“ Technology has become the driving force of innovation and change in the business environment. The MIS program at UNLV teaches us how to utilize technology effectively to solve complex business problems and prepares us to be strong industry leaders.”Raheem Soomro
MS MIS Candidate, Spring ‘23
Admission Requirements
The program accepts graduates from all undergraduate disciplines (students do not need a technical background to apply). To be considered, applicants must have the following:
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year institution in the United States or an approved equivalent.
- Minimum GPA of 2.75 for the bachelor’s degree or 3.00 for the last 60 credit hours.
- Proof of English proficiency (International Students).
- Two letters of recommendation.
- Statement of purpose that describes why you want to join the program and your professional goals, relevant to this program.
- Updated resume, which includes academic, professional, and other relevant experience.
- A GMAT or GRE is not required. However, submitting a GMAT or GRE score in the top 50% of test takers significantly boosts your chances of admission and/or securing a graduate assistantship.
- Individuals with deficiencies in their undergraduate background may be required to enroll in selected additional undergraduate courses to satisfy the degree requirements.
Program Structure
Our program is structured to equip graduates for successful professional journeys in IT management. The MS MIS program concentrates on the strategic application of technology to facilitate organizational objectives and address business challenges.
- Requires 36 credit hours (12 courses), allowing students to customize electives based on their interests or career choice. The student's program will be selected in consultation with and approved by the student's advisor and the department chair. It may include up to two courses (four courses if the non-thesis option is selected) from supporting areas other than MIS, such as accounting, law, computer science, economics, social sciences, and management.
- Can be completed in as little as 1.5 years.
- Offers most evening classes, convenient for working and full-time students.
The core MIS curriculum includes courses in:
- Software concepts
- Advanced software concepts
- Technology and innovation management
- Data management
- Research seminar in information systems
- Information systems strategy
- Information systems project management
- Data communications and systems
- Systems analysis, modeling and design
In addition to the coursework, the master’s in information systems management requires completion of a culminating experience (thesis or non-thesis (client project). The culminating experience entails the following:
- Thesis: A substantial work demonstrating the use of research methods and presentation of research results. Students must complete twelve required credit hours before registering for this course. This course is a six-credit hour thesis and is expected to take two semesters to complete. Completion of the thesis requires a successful defense.
- Non-Thesis (Client Project): Requires the practical application of concepts learned in the program. Reinforcement of client and expectation management, proposal writing, and professional communication.
Students in the bridge program track are expected to select one of the following culminating experience paths.
The Bridge Program (Subplans 3 and 4) is designed to provide high-achieving undergraduate students from any program at UNLV with the opportunity to be exposed to graduate courses in the graduate MIS program. This will encourage them to continue with a graduate degree by reducing the time needed for degree completion. Up to twelve credits of approved graduate-level coursework can be taken as an undergraduate student, which, with the approval of your home department, may or may not count towards your undergraduate degree. The following conditions are needed to enroll in the Bridge program:
- Junior or senior level undergraduate student
- Overall GPA of 3.25 or higher
For more information, interested UNLV undergraduate students should inquire at han-fen.hu@unlv.edu
Application Deadlines
Fall Term:
May 1 – International applicants
Aug. 1 – Domestic or permanent resident applicants.
Spring Term:
Oct. 1 – International applicants
Nov. 15 – Domestic or permanent resident applicants.
Summer Term:
This program does not admit students for the summer term.
Program Advisors Contact
Lee Business School
Department of Management, Entrepreneurship, and Technology
Han-fen Hu, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Graduate Coordinator
702-895-3796
han-fen.hu@unlv.edu
Prospective Student Contact
Lee Business School
Graduate Student Services
702-895-3655
LEEogss@unlv.edu
Catalog Information
Visit our Degrees Directory to view our catalog information.