About the MS in Information Systems Program
Curriculum Requirements (2026-27)
View program requirements from previous years
Introductory Courses
Introductory courses provide a pathway into the master’s degree for students entering without an adequate technical background. They build the prerequisite foundations needed for the required courses, and are taken in addition to the 48 credit hours of the graduate degree program.
Students who already have this foundation do not take introductory courses. Each introductory course is waived individually under any of the following conditions:
- The student has completed appropriate coursework covering the introductory course content. The waiver determination happens after a student is admitted and submits the intent-to-enroll form.
- The student has appropriate and verified professional experience in the introductory course area.
- The student passes a Graduate Assessment Examination (GAE) in the introductory course area, where an exam is available.
An introductory course may not be substituted for any other graduate course.
- IS 411
- IT 403
Foundation Courses
- IS 421
- IS 430
- IS 435
- IS 451
- IS 460
- IS 468
Major Electives
Students must complete 16 credit hours of Major Elective courses. Students are encouraged, but not required, to select Major Elective courses from one of the following competency lists.
Project Management and Business Analysis
- IS 431
- IS 535
- IS 556
- IS 570
- IS 586
Analytics-Driven Decision Making
- DSC 423
- DSC 465
- IS 436
- IS 452
- IS 550
- IS 574
IT Governance and Legal Responsibilities
- CSEC 440
- IS 424
- IS 444
- IS 482
- IS 486
- IS 487
- IS 505
- IS 506
- IS 511
- IS 568
Data Management
- CSC 452
- CSC 454
- IS 453
- IS 549
- IS 550
Digital Transformation & Entrepreneurship
- IS 431
- IS 478
- IS 531
- IS 580
Open Elective
Students must complete four (4) credit hour of Open Electives. CSC, CSEC, DSC, ECT, GAM, GPH, HCI, HIT, IS, IT, NET, PM, or SE course in the 421-699 range qualifies.
Capstone Options
Four (4) credit hours are required for the capstone. Students have the option of completing either (a) IS 577 (Information Systems capstone course) or IS 531 (Digital Innovation Strategies, Processes and Tools ), (b) a Graduate Internship (4 credits), or (c) a Master’s Thesis.
Capstone Options
Graduate Internship
Master's Thesis
Degree Requirements
Students in this degree program must meet the following requirements:
- Complete a minimum of 48 graduate credit hours in addition to any required introductory courses of the designated degree program.
- Complete all graduate courses and requirements listed in the designated degree program.
- Earn a grade of C- or better in all courses of the designated degree program.
- Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.
- Students pursuing a second (or more) graduate degree may not double count or retake any course that applied toward the completion of a prior graduate degree. If a required course in the second degree was already completed and applied toward a previous degree, the student must meet with a faculty advisor to discuss a new course to be completed and substituted in the new degree. This rule also applies to cross-listed courses, which are considered to be the same course but offered under different subjects.
- Students pursuing a second master's degree must complete a minimum of 48 graduate credit hours beyond their first designated degree program in addition to any required introductory courses in their second designated degree program.
Students with a GPA of 3.9 or higher will graduate with distinction.
For DePaul's policy on repeat graduate courses and a complete list of academic policies see the DePaul Graduate Handbook in the Course Catalog.