You’re an analytical thinker with a strong desire to explore leadership opportunities. As a tech-driven professional, you also want to build cutting-edge solutions into your work while helping to shape the most exciting tech initiatives of tomorrow.
These big plans are well within reach, but first, you may need to address a few gaps in knowledge. Perhaps you have a strong technical background but lack management experience, or maybe you’re well-versed in some technical areas but lack an in-depth understanding of database design and system architecture. Either way, you can benefit from pursuing your Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS).
Best suited to tech professionals seeking technical upskilling alongside management competencies, the MSIS has much to offer in today’s data-driven workforce. This degree requires a strong academic commitment, so it is essential to verify its relevance and professional return on investment (ROI) early on. To help, we’ve outlined the most compelling information systems careers available with a master’s in IS.
What Is a Master of Science in Information Systems?
The Master of Science in Information Systems is a tech-focused graduate degree program that integrates technical concepts with business strategy. This program brings an integrative approach to exploring information systems — the hardware, software, and other components tasked with storing and processing data. MSIS coursework helps future tech-driven leaders understand how these components and systems work and how they can drive innovation.
This program draws heavily on information systems theory, which provides a reliable framework for understanding how information systems are developed and implemented, as well as their impact on organizations. Beyond this, however, the MSIS prioritizes practical application to help future leaders utilize advanced systems and technologies to enhance business decision-making and ultimately deliver value.
Why Pursue an MSIS?
The MSIS offers a comprehensive overview of IS theory, along with a purpose-driven approach to applying these technical concepts. With each course, students uncover new ways to link data collection and processing systems to strategic initiatives, all while gaining the opportunity to think critically about how they might design or implement systems that support future technology initiatives.
Reasons for pursuing an MSIS can vary considerably among students, but many share a desire for career advancement, particularly in management opportunities. The MSIS is uniquely equipped to prepare future leaders for the challenges of information systems management, functioning as the critical link between IT and executive leadership.
Professional Benefits of the Master’s in IS
The MSIS commands respect, especially among top employers in the vast information technology space. As businesses continue to explore the strategic side of information technology, there is an increasing need for multi-talented professionals who can leverage both technical knowledge and management skills to lead innovative digital initiatives. It takes years to develop these competencies through experience alone, but an MSIS can streamline this journey.
- Preparation for management roles. A tech-focused bachelor’s degree can help IS professionals get a foot in the door, but after years of working in IT support or as systems analysts, some ambitious individuals may crave new opportunities and expanded influence. This transition can be difficult to make without a master’s, however, and some management-focused master’s programs do not sufficiently cover technical essentials such as system analysis or data integrity. The MSIS helps integrate diverse technical and management knowledge through capstone projects and other applied learning experiences.
- Confidence to drive digital transformation. Innovative concepts can only go so far if they lack actionable strategies for development and implementation. All too often, promising ideas fail to take off simply due to issues with execution. The MSIS can help overcome these deficits, revealing exactly what it takes to unleash exciting digital opportunities without compromising security or compliance.
- Opportunities to teach college-level IS courses. Graduates with an MSIS may also be qualified to teach information systems courses at the associate and bachelor’s degree levels. Community colleges and universities often look for instructors with both advanced degrees and real-world experience—making MSIS holders strong candidates for part-time or adjunct teaching roles. This can be a rewarding way to share industry expertise, stay connected to emerging trends, and contribute to the development of the next generation of IT professionals.
Emerging Fields and Tech-Driven Opportunities
Emphasizing foundational computing concepts while promoting adaptability, the MSIS provides the practical tools and knowledge necessary to support innovation in a fast-paced and demanding business landscape. Because IS theories are highly relevant across numerous fields, this degree can facilitate career progression in many of today’s most promising niches. Examples of innovation-oriented master’s of systems careers include:
Cloud Computing & Virtual Infrastructure
Today’s digital world relies on the cloud, which can deliver diverse computing services over the internet. This, in turn, provides on-demand access to a range of digital resources that can be easily adapted to meet evolving needs or demands. This promises greater scalability and data integrity via robust backups, but with a few caveats: cloud computing can introduce significant security vulnerabilities and compliance concerns.
IS managers can play a crucial role in navigating these issues, determining the best cloud models and vendors, while also identifying or even enforcing security protocols. They may oversee cloud integration or shape major decisions regarding cloud architecture. Potential job titles include cloud solutions architect, cloud security manager, or enterprise cloud manager.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning (ML)
Artificial intelligence and machine learning play a significant role in the modern information systems (IS) space, but strategically designed IS solutions are also necessary to maximize the benefits of AI and ML across diverse industries. IS provides the reliable infrastructure to support accelerating data collection and analysis, all while ensuring data security and integrity. IS frameworks also provide a pathway for integrating AI and ML solutions into existing workflows.
Tomorrow’s IS leaders should understand the powerful potential of AI and ML while seeking new ways to integrate these technologies into business operations and strategic initiatives. They are also expected to introduce IS improvements that enable systems to handle an ever-increasing volume of data.
Given the increased demand for AI and ML solutions, these technologies are now integrated into a wide range of IS roles. Many IS managers specialize in these areas, however, and may hold job titles such as Machine Learning Operations Manager or Director of AI Strategy.
Digital Transformation & Automation
Supported by AI and ML, as well as incorporating solutions such as edge computing, blockchain, and robotic process automation (RPA), modern IS management leverages cutting-edge solutions to foster innovation at scale. Increasingly, IS leaders are expected to implement agile systems that not only respond to business challenges, but also are capable of anticipating them.
Functioning as strategic enablers, IS leaders strive to achieve organizational goals through technological innovation. Moving beyond day-to-day tech operations, IS managers can help clarify and drive progress towards a vision of digital excellence, in which cutting-edge technologies drive value. Possible roles or job titles include IT strategy manager, digital adoption director, or automation program manager.
Health Informatics
Great potential lies in the intersection between healthcare management and information systems. IS leaders, in particular, are well-positioned to bring data-driven advantages to the healthcare sector. This is a great way to draw on healthcare experience while also pursuing a high-level career in information systems.
Health informatics combines medical knowledge with data science and IT to ensure the optimal use and management of health information. In the context of IS management, this involves strict oversight for health information systems, such as electronic medical records (EMRs) and clinical decision support systems (CDSS). MSIS graduates can make a positive difference as clinical informatics project managers or as clinical data analytics managers.
Career Advancement & Long-Term Growth
Addressing common management skill gaps among tech-focused professionals, the MSIS provides a viable pathway towards tech leadership. MSIS graduates with technical and management experience can move into the C-suite and lead the adoption of future technologies.
Chief Information Officer (CIO)
Holding broad oversight for the many computing systems that help organizations meet their strategic goals, CIOs guide the creation of strategies and solutions that keep businesses competitive in a quickly changing tech landscape.
This comprehensive role may involve budget management, oversight of IT staff, and establishing governance frameworks. Collaborating extensively with IT leadership, CIOs report to CEOs but, as CIO Magazine clarifies, have recently garnered significant attention from boards of directors.
Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
Not to be confused with the CIO, the CTO maintains more of a technical focus, leading the charge with innovations that can positively impact customers or clients. The CIO is primarily concerned with the strategic direction of IT systems, whereas the CTO focuses on the technical components of consumer-facing products or services. The CTO’s ultimate goal is to align technological developments with consumer needs and expectations.
Director of IT Strategy
Focusing on aligning information technology with overarching strategic objectives, directors of IT strategy ensure that technological investments support long-term organizational goals. These leaders may be responsible for researching and evaluating new technologies and using these insights to identify viable opportunities for digital transformation.
Directors of IT strategy collaborate closely with executives and various department heads to ensure that tech initiatives remain efficient, compliant, and strategically aligned with organizational priorities. Over time, they track progress to determine whether these cutting-edge technologies make a discernible impact on business performance.
Learn More About Baker’s Master of Science in Information Systems
Information systems are undergoing a period of rapid change. As new opportunities emerge, there is a stronger need for forward-thinking leaders who possess deep technical understanding but also know what it takes to lead effectively. Don’t miss this opportunity to drive change and experience the excitement of digital transformation. As you earn your Master of Information Systems, you’ll uncover the secrets behind today’s most powerful tech initiatives.Accredited by the PSM National Office, Baker’s online MSIS degree program offers advanced technical training while fostering leadership development. This could be a key step on the path to scoring your dream information systems career. Get started today; reach out to learn more about our MSIS program.