#1

Best Online Masters in IT in Colorado for five years

U.S. News & World Report, 2024
18

Months to Complete

159K

Median annual wage for CIS managers in 2021

According to a 2021 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report

The 33-credit STEM-designated Master of IT program is designed for those interested in developing and managing the technology driving modern business. Offered online and on campus, this degree provides a balance of in-demand technical skills and business management essentials and can be completed in as few as 18 months or taken part-time over three to five years. The program provides a rigorous education for those with technical backgrounds while also bringing those new to the field up-to-speed. Students can customize their degree with additional specialized certificates, including cybersecurity, application development, IT project management, business intelligence and business information systems.

Masters of Computer Information Systems

 

Program benefits

  • Flexibility with you in mind: Whether you want to start in fall or spring, learn online or on campus or extend your degree with additional certificates, we offer you flexibility and choices to customize your experience.
  • In-demand skills to keep pace with progress: With the labor market for computer information systems managers and other IT roles expected to grow 10% by 2029, this degree provides you with the business savvy and systems-thinking and expertise needed to run today’s IT operations. You’ll learn Linux, Java, SAP and more to have a wide range of abilities to effectively lead large-scale web and IT systems operations to consulting on business intelligence issues, operations, product development, technology strategy and more. Our graduates find success industry-wide with domestic students consistently achieving over a 90% job placement rate.
  • Credentials that matter: As an AACSB-accredited college, a status achieved by less than 5% of business schools worldwide, you can have confidence that you’re learning from the best. Our faculty are immersed in leading edge research and the latest business and IT practices to provide you with the business and technical grounding needed to advance in this fast-paced field.
  • Ranked among the best: In 2024, U.S. News & World Report ranked our online IT program No. 1 in Colorado for five consecutive years, No. 10 among vets nationwide and No. 13 nationwide among public institutions. These rankings are externally surveyed and based on student engagement with faculty and their peers, faculty credentials and training, expert opinion and the quality of services and technology. 

Program at a Glance
Delivery: Face to face or online
Location: Fort Collins, Colorado, or anywhere
Length: Three semesters (full time) or up to five years (part time)
Start Dates: August and January
Schedule: On-Campus: Classes two to five days a week, Monday-Friday
Online: Self-paced lectures in step with class assignments
Credits: 33 (15 core, 18 elective)
Degree awarded:

On diploma: Master of Computer Information Systems
On transcript: Master of Computer Information Systems, major in Computer Information Systems

Cybersecurity Center and Graduate Certificates

The College of Business is responding to market demand for cutting-edge research and educational needs in cybersecurity and data privacy. In collaboration with other CSU colleges, the College of Business supports the Cybersecurity Center. The center provides education for both on- and off-campus students around cybersecurity and data encryption issues and helps prepare students to join a rapidly growing career field.

In addition to the core MCIS curriculum, the program offers an online graduate certificate in cybersecurity that teaches you to identify, assess and manage the IT-related risks and vulnerabilities that businesses face. CSU has earned the designation as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense by the National Security Agency (NSA). The online cybersecurity certificate is an NSA-validated program.


Business graduate students enter Rockwell Hall

Connect with current students about the MCIS program

Want to learn more about the student experience in the Master of Computer Information System program? When you use Unibuddy, you'll chat with current MCIS students and alumni and ask them everything you want to know. You’ll learn about the program courses, life as a College of Business student and how to get the most out of your program.

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Courses for the Real World

View Full Curriculum 
CIS600 Information Technology and Project Management

Strategic role in and management of information technology and software development projects

CIS601 Enterprise Computing and Systems Integration

Integrated extended enterprise planning and execution systems concepts including ERP, CRM, SCM, MRP II, business processes, front/back office systems

CIS655 Business Database Systems

Database analysis, design, administration; data modeling; data sublanguages, query facilities; distributed database systems

CIS570 Business Intelligence

Harnessing vast data stores to solve problems, enhance decision-making, discover new business opportunities, and to derive additional benefits

CIS670 Advanced IT Project Management

Advanced tools, techniques and skills for advanced risk management, change movement, and performance/control measures in cross-functional projects

CIS675 Agile Management and Product Development

Business model process optimization; managing rapid product development; incorporating constituent feedback throughout the product life cycle

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Landing a 'Dream Job' with the MCIS Degree

Sooraj Reddy Lankala
“The database systems course really helped me get through the on-site interviews ... I was able to explain the concepts much more clearly."

Sooraj Reddy Lankala, '19 graduate, Data Engineer, Amazon

Read more

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Prepare for the next step in your career with the College of Business and LinkedIn Learning

Demonstrate your skills and update your LinkedIn credentials with LinkedIn Learning. Valued between $240 to $360 annually, but free to College of Business graduate students, LinkedIn Learning offers more than 18,000 courses that expand on your coursework, connect you with industry experts and are available in formats that fit your lifestyle.

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