Academic Programs
College of Engineering
Information Systems – Bridge
Master’s Degree
The Master of Science in Information Systems–Bridge program is designed for those with non-STEM or nontechnical bachelor’s degrees, or those who want to strengthen their technical backgrounds, to enter the information systems field. Integrating business management, software engineering, and information technology, MS in Information Systems–Bridge students are prepared to design innovative software solutions that fit the complexities of the business world while solving the humanistic needs of the people who use them.
Location
Arlington, VA in the National Capital Region
Commitment
Full-Time/Part-Time
Duration
2.5 Years
f-1 visa ELIGIBLE
Yes
Type
Hybrid/Classroom
Program Overview
The Master of Science in Information Systems–Bridge program is designed to equip students who hold non-STEM, nontechnical bachelor’s degrees, or those who would like to strengthen their technical background, with the necessary skills and knowledge to enter the field of information systems and contribute to the ongoing digital revolution. The comprehensive curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning and provides a personalized learning experience tailored to individual needs. Upon completion of the program, students earn an MS in Information Systems and are prepared to pursue careers as information systems professionals.
The MS in Information Systems–Bridge program aims to connect business users and technologists as industries increasingly digitize their operations. The program responds to the growing demand for professionals who possess a deep understanding of how technology can be harnessed to address significant societal challenges. Through a multidisciplinary approach that integrates business management, software engineering, and information technology, MS in Information Systems–Bridge students are empowered to tackle complex real-world issues in the realms of business and society.
The program also seeks to upskill and re-skill individuals or businesses by identifying needs in their organizational skills and providing a tailored training plan to address them with new skills and knowledge. Students are prepared to meet the needs of the industry and can adapt to a rapidly changing job market.
Unique Features
- Personalized curriculum caters to both nontechnical and technical students. No pre-calculus or other calculus and math courses are needed to be successful. No programming knowledge or background is required to be admitted.
- Specially selected required courses develop the skill sets required for students to succeed in the program. At the same time, various electives allow students to tailor the degree to individual career goals.
- Offered full or part-time.
- Hands-on learning approach prepares students with the skills and knowledge necessary for success in the competitive field of information systems.
- Faculty field expertise is integrated into classroom instruction, providing a practical and up-to-date education.
- The program provides an ecosystem of support comprising inclusive and diverse peers, the IS-Bridge Buddy program, and workshops.
- Students develop critical-thinking, problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills and a deep understanding of the business world, human behavior, psychology, and user experience design to create user-friendly and intuitive software solutions.
- Students can gain up to eight months of professional experience with Northeastern’s top-ranked cooperative education program.
Program Objectives
- Offers students with nontechnical bachelor’s degrees a master’s degree program designed to enable them to become information systems professionals.
- Educates a generation of problem-solvers who design innovative software solutions to fit the complexities of the business world while solving the humanistic needs of those who use them.
- Allows students to gain a variety of skill sets by seamlessly transitioning their soft skills into technical skills to become leading information systems professionals.
- Equips students with the ability to solve complex problems creatively and gain the skills necessary to design state-of-the-art software solutions that blend seamlessly into the intricate environment of the business world.
- Emphasizes the humanistic aspects of technology design, ensuring that solutions are developed with the end user’s needs and experiences in mind. As a result, program graduates can provide effective solutions to real-world challenges.
Career Outlook
- Students who obtain a Master of Science in Information Systems can hold various jobs in analytical and data fields, as well as in engineering, design, and development.
- The Master of Science in Information Systems program at Northeastern has successfully placed many graduates at industry leaders, such as Google, Microsoft, Deloitte, Oracle, Amazon, and IBM.
- MS in Information Systems–Bridge students are hired for competitive co-ops and receive full-time offers across a range of industries and companies across the globe. View a sampling of co-op employers.
- According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in computer and information technology occupations is projected to grow 15% from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations because of society’s increasing reliance on technology in all fields. This increase is expected to result in about 682,800 new jobs over the decade.
Tuition and Aid
Domestic
$55.9K
International
$74.5K
The domestic tuition price is inclusive of a scholarship of up to 25% for all domestic students beginning their graduate studies in the 2025 academic year. This scholarship is not transferable to alternative programs of study, terms or campuses outside of Arlington, VA.
This is an estimate based on the tuition rates for Academic Year 2024–2025 and does not include any fees or other expenses. Some courses and labs have tuition rates that may increase or decrease total tuition. Tuition and fees are subject to revision by the president and Board of Trustees at any time. Find detailed information on tuition and fees from Student Financial Services.
Finance Your Education
We offer a variety of resources, including scholarships and assistantships. Learn more from the College of Engineering’s Graduate Tuition & Financial Aid.
Curriculum
For 100+ years, we’ve designed our programs with one thing in mind—your success. Explore the current program requirements and course descriptions, all designed to meet today’s industry needs and must-have skills.
Experiential Learning
Northeastern combines rigorous academics with experiential learning and research to prepare students for real-world engineering challenges. The cooperative education program, also known as co-op, is one of the largest and most innovative in the world, and Northeastern is one of only a few that offers a co-op program for graduate students. Through this program, students gain up to eight months of professional experience employed in their field of interest as part of the academic curriculum, giving them a competitive edge upon graduation.
The College of Engineering has more than 2,000 co-op employer partners globally. Our dedicated team of co-op coordinators prepare students for the co-op experience through resumé building, developing interview skills, and guiding professional development.
Admission Dates
Applicants must submit the online application and all required admission materials no later than the stated deadlines to be considered for admission. Admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis.
Fall
| Early Action | January 15 |
| Final Deadline: International Students outside the US | June 1 |
| Final Deadline: International Students Inside the US | July 1 |
| Domestic Applicants | August 1 |
Spring
| International Students Outside the US | September 15 |
| International Students Inside the US | November 1 |
| Domestic Applicants | December 1 |
Additional information for international applicants can be found at the Office of Global Services (OGS). OGS is an active resource to over 20,000 international students and scholars from 147 different nations across the world. They provide the professional expertise and support you need to maintain compliance through immigration, academic, and your employment experiences—helping you remain a valuable member of the Northeastern community.
How to Apply
Learn more about the College of Engineering’s admissions process and required materials.
Request Information
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