Master’s in Information Systems Engineering Program Overview
Become a technical leader that guides and manages the development of large and complex intelligent system-of-systems. Gain deep technical skills through courses designed and taught by senior executive engineers and extraordinary research faculty. As a graduate, you will be fully equipped to take on leadership positions in any organization, making strategic and well-informed technical decisions. These positions include Technology Manager, Chief Engineer, Lead Data Architect, Principal Intelligent Systems Designer, Internet of Things (IoT) Architect, and more.
You have the option to choose a focus area or collaborate with an advisor to customize your degree to meet your professional goals.
Technical Management Focus Area
Hone your talents to become a technical manager of complex system-of-systems programs, develop technical depth to grasp the complexities of intelligent and information systems and acquire skills to manage their development lifecycle, and learn methods for informed and data-driven decision support. Two general categories of courses under this focus area are:
- Program Management: Manage complex and dynamic systems engineering projects.
- Enterprise Engineering: Manage the engineering lifecycle of real-world intelligent system-of-systems.
Data Architect Focus Area
Develop your skills to become a lead data architect who ensures that insights produced by advanced information systems are accurate and defensible. Two general categories of courses under this focus area are:
- Data Analytics: Architect data analytics pipelines to provide maximal insight into information while maintaining the integrity of both the stored data and the results.
- Data Engineering: Engineer large data systems to enable sensemaking and decision support using modern AI techniques.
Intelligent Systems Focus Area
Develop your skills to become an intelligent systems designer of multi-faceted and agile intelligent systems that utilize innovative technologies and techniques. Two general categories of courses under this focus area are:
- Intelligent Systems Engineering:Assure the performance and accuracy of high-stakes and time-critical systems that are complicated by the unpredictability of intelligent components.
- Human-Centered Engineering: Develop collaborative human-machine teams to gain insights from information, to assist in high-level decision making based on synthesizing low-level data, and to achieve goals while maintaining safety and reliability even under adversarial conditions
Internet of Things (IoT) Focus Area
Develop your skills to become an architect that designs, builds, and secures modern IoT enterprise systems whose foundations are built upon cyber systems. Two general categories of courses under this focus area are:
- Smart Systems:Learn the principles of employing the internet of things to achieve “smart” enterprise capabilities.
- Cybersecurity: Master the art of securing your system-of-systems infrastructure in highly-connected and vulnerable cyber ecosystems.
Program Options
We offer various program options for Information Systems Engineering; you can earn a Master of Science in Information Systems Engineering, graduate certificate or a post-master’s certificate. These options can be completed online or with a mix of in-person courses.
Information Systems Engineering Courses
Get details about course requirements, prerequisites, focus areas, and electives offered within the program. All courses are taught by subject-matter experts who are executing the technologies and techniques they teach. For exact dates, times, locations, fees, and instructors, please refer to the course schedule published each term.
Proficiency Exams
A proficiency exam is available in Information Systems Engineering. If you have not completed the necessary prerequisite(s) in a formal college-level course but have extensive experience in these areas, may apply to take a proficiency exam provided by the Engineering for Professionals program. Successful completion of the exam(s) allows you to opt-out of certain prerequisites.
Program Advisors
Knowledgeable and supportive advisors are here to help guide you through the online Masters in Information Systems. Take a look at our specially designed advisor page to get answers to your questions about admissions, prerequisites, and so much more.
Program Contacts
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Zerotti Woods
Program Chair Information Systems Engineering, Program Co-chair Data Science
Email:zerotti.woods@jhuapl.edu
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Tony Johnson
Program Manager Artificial Intelligence, Program Manager Computer Science, Program Manager Cybersecurity, Program Manager Data Analytics Engineering, Program Manager Data Science, Program Manager Information Systems Engineering, Program Manager Robotics and Autonomous Systems
Email:ajohn260@jhu.edu
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Erhan Guven
Assistant Program Manager Artificial Intelligence, Assistant Program Manager Computer Science, Assistant Program Manager Cybersecurity, Assistant Program Manager Data Science, Assistant Program Manager Information Systems Engineering, Assistant Program Manager Robotics and Autonomous Systems
Email:eguven2@jhu.edu
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Ian McCulloh
Assistant Program Manager Artificial Intelligence, Assistant Program Manager Computer Science, Assistant Program Manager Cybersecurity, Assistant Program Manager Data Science, Assistant Program Manager Information Systems Engineering, Assistant Program Manager Robotics and Autonomous Systems
Email:imccull4@jhu.edu
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Email:inolan1@jhu.edu
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Email:Valeria.Alfaro@jhuapl.edu
Program Committee
David Silberberg, former Program Chair
Principal Professional Staff
JHU Applied Physics Laboratory
Anthony N. Johnson, Program Manager
Senior Professional Staff
JHU Applied Physics Laboratory
David Bader
Professor and Director of the Institute for Data Science
New Jersey Institute of Technology
John “Jack” Callahan
CTO of Veridium
Principal Professional Staff
JHU Applied Physics Laboratory
Jeff Chavis
Principal Professional Staff
JHU Applied Physics Laboratory
Laura Freeman
Director, Intelligent Systems Division—National Security Institute
Virginia Tech
James Hendler
Tetherless World Professor of Computer, Web and Cognitive Sciences at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Dennis Patrone
Principal Professional Staff
JHU Applied Physics Laboratory
Wende Peters
Senior Vice President & Technology Manager
Cyber Defender Platform Integration & Automation
Bank of America
Jane Pinelis
Supervisor, Tactical Intelligent Systems Group, Applied Physics Laboratory
Lynn Reggia
Principal Professional Staff
JHU Applied Physics Laboratory
Hava Siegelmann
Provost Professor, Manning College of Information & Computer Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst
Lanier Watkins, Chair Computer Science and Cybersecurity
Principal Professional Staff
JHU Applied Physics Laboratory
Tuition and Fees
Did you know that 78% of our enrolled students’ tuition is covered by employer contribution programs? Find out more about the cost of tuition for prerequisite and program courses and the Dean’s Fellowship.
“I liked the variety of courses offered through the different tracks of the ISE program. I took courses ranging from web security to big data processing to network engineering, which were all easily applicable to the work that I currently do. The number of courses offered online was exceptional as well. ”
Why Hopkins?
Apply yourself and you never know what can happen. Take the next step of your career with Johns Hopkins University.
Expert Faculty - Study with faculty who are practicing scientists and notable professionals with corporations and government entities, including the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab, NASA, Raytheon, and the U.S. Department of Defense. Exceptional one-on-one mentoring sets you on a course to be a confident, knowledgeable leader.
Beyond Rankings: We Help You Fulfill Your Vision - We are proud to be ranked among the top online graduate engineering schools by U.S. News & World Report. But we’re about more than just numbers and rankings—we’re focused on making sure you flourish as a learner and engineer.
Network and Connect - Your knowledge is stronger with a network. In the computer science program, you will make career-advancing connections with accomplished scientists and engineers who represent a variety of disciplines across many industries.
“As a working mom of 3 children married to a husband with a rigorous work/travel schedule, the thing I enjoyed most about the course was the ability to operate autonomously/asynchronously. This was challenging at times for team projects when we all needed to have availability at the same time for brainstorming/discussion, but I was still able to work through it. I also thought each of my courses did a great job academically pushing me, while also providing me with material that was entirely relevant to my field. All-in-all, I very much enjoyed every aspect of this program! ”
Information Systems Master's FAQs
Pursuing an online master’s degree in management information systems can be a great choice for someone looking to use their passion for technology to drive business success. With a Master’s in Information Systems, you’ll be able to receive jobs in IT project management, web development, analytics, and work all the way up to the executive level for positions like Chief Technology Officer or Chief Information Officer.
If you’re still on the fence, don’t worry. Throughout your experience in the program, you will have access and are encouraged to speak frequently with your advisor to help determine the best course of action and study plan to meet your career goals.
The average salary for a master’s degree in information systems is around $86,000, though many senior-level holders earn much more.
You can still apply for the online Information Systems Engineering program even if you don’t have a background in engineering. You may need to take a proficiency exam. You may also apply and be accepted under provisional student status.
The standard recommendation is to enroll in one course to get used to the rigor, and after you demonstrate mastery of doing that, you can discuss expanding your course load with your advisor.
Prerequisite course requirements must be completed at a regionally accredited university/college, and you must have received a B- grade or higher. You may also have the option to take a proficiency exam if you do not have the course requirements but feel you have equivalent work experience.
Information Systems Engineering Master’s Student Outcomes
Our master's program in information systems engineering equips you to design, manage, and optimize technology systems that align with organizational goals. Whether online or in-person, it prepares you to advance in your current role or transition to technical or leadership positions, expanding your career opportunities in the field.
Our master’s in information systems equips you with the essential technical, analytical, and managerial skills you need to align evolving technology with business needs. You’ll gain expertise in systems architecture, database management, and software development, allowing you to enhance efficiency and organizational performance.
The program also covers data analytics, project management, and systems integration, which are necessary for ensuring interconnected systems operate reliably. Much of our curriculum focuses on cybersecurity, risk management, and governance to reflect the increasing importance of data security. Additionally, you’ll develop strong communication and leadership skills to help bridge the gap between technical teams and business stakeholders, allowing you to translate organizational needs into effective technology solutions.
Graduates of our information systems master’s program go on to a variety of roles that focus on managing and optimizing technology within organizations.
Common job titles include:
- Systems analyst
- Information systems manager
- IT project manager
- Business analyst
- Database administrator
- Enterprise architect
- IT consultant
Many of these roles involve evaluating system requirements, overseeing implementation projects, and ensuring that technology solutions align with organizational goals. Some professionals design and maintain data systems, develop long-term technology strategies, and advise organizations on best practices for system optimization. With experience, you may even advance into leadership roles that oversee technology operations and strategic planning.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in computer and information systems management roles is projected to grow 15% by 2034, reflecting the increasing global reliance on technology to drive business outcomes. This demand also highlights the value of completing a master’s in information systems online, particularly for professionals seeking to move into higher-level management or specialized technical roles.
Information systems careers are in demand throughout various industries, as organizations increasingly rely on effective technology systems. Major employers include the technology and consulting sectors, where professionals are required to optimize systems for digital transformation and operational efficiency.
Financial services, such as banks and insurance companies, also need graduates to design secure systems for transactions and regulatory compliance. Healthcare organizations employ these professionals to manage electronic health records and improve data systems. Other industries like government, retail, and manufacturing utilize information systems to streamline operations and boost decision-making.
By completing our online information systems engineering master’s program, you gain not only technical expertise but also access to professional networks, faculty mentorship, and collaborative learning opportunities. These connections can enhance your career within your current organization or help you transition to new information systems roles.
Academic Calendar
Find out when registration opens, classes start, transcript deadlines and more. Applications are accepted year-round, so you can apply any time.
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A group chief scientist at APL, Woods sits at the intersection of advanced analytics, systems engineering, and real-world deployment.
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