The MS in Information Systems & Technology (IS&T) offers a technically focused, design-centric curriculum that balances technology and management scholarship to achieve pragmatic solutions to challenges facing society.
The MS in IS&T’s experiential teaching practice teaches you the concepts, skills, and applications necessary to create software and systems that optimize human performance and produce positive societal change. Our programming is flexible to accommodate working professionals looking to augment their skill sets.
You will undertake collaborative, industry-oriented research with CGU faculty mentors, who are distinguished IS&T scholars and practitioners who contribute to leading journals, consult for industry-leading organizations, and hold prominent roles at global conferences and international councils. You will analyze, discuss, and contribute to the continuously expanding knowledge bank of information technology, thereby gaining the skills and connections that lead to leadership roles in business, government, education, and more.
Our MS IS&T features a wide range of concentrations so you can customize your own program.
Program Highlights
- Well-equipped research clinics and laboratories allow you to work directly on applied and academic research; these include the IDEA Lab, Intelligent Systems Lab, and more.
- You can pursue your MS in conjunction with another degree program at CGU, such as a PhD in History. You earn a diploma for each degree, double count some units from one program to the other, and decrease your required total units.
- Our GIS Club convenes students and professionals interested in geographic information systems (GIS) and informs the local community about the latest GIS workshops and conferences.
- This program is STEM designated, allowing international students who hold F-1 visas to apply for OPT work authorizations for a total of 36 months (an initial 1-year period and a 24-month OPT STEM extension) of paid work experience in the U.S. after graduation.
Program At-a-glance
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36 units
required units
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MS in Information Systems & Technology
degree awarded
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In Person, Online
modality
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Spring, Summer, Fall
program start
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1-1.5 years | full time*
estimated completion time
1.5-3 years | part time
estimated completion time
Areas of Concentration
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Data Science and Analytics
Explore how massive volumes of data can be used to solve business and societal problems through data mining, specialized programming, and other computational skills.
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Cybersecurity and Networking
Develop a fresh perspective on cyber threats, hacker motivations, modern attack patterns, and next-generation mitigation solutions.
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IT Strategy and Innovation
Study current IT innovations, key business strategies for Internet entrepreneurs, and how to create a successful Internet startup.
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Geographic Information Systems
Learn to develop transformative GIS solutions for organizations and companies through geographic data mapping, location-based services, and related technologies.
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Health Informatics
Study the relationship between information technology and health care services through a unique partnership with the School of Community and Global Health.
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AI-Driven Innovation
Build effective machine learning and deep learning models from concept to implementation and production.
Alumni Paths
Terry Shen
MS in Information Systems & Technology
Strategic Development Manager at Hewlett Packard Enterprise
"The MS in Information Systems & Technology program has been transformative for my growth, both personally and professionally. I’d recommend it to anyone looking to level up."
Where You Can Find Our Alumni
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Google
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Kaiser Permanente
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Microsoft
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Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems
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Wells Fargo
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UC Riverside
Faculty
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Samir Chatterjee
Fletcher Jones Chair of Technology Design & Management
Research Interests
Design science research, Health informatics, Electronics and telecommunication engineering
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Yan Li
Associate Professor of Information Systems & Technology
Research Interests
Data science, Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, Health Informatics, Mobile Health, Data Management, Data warehousing, Business intelligence, ICT4D
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Chinazunwa Uwaoma
Research Assistant Professor of Information Systems & Technology
Research Interests
Internet of Things, Mobile Computing, Computer Communications & Networks, Healthcare Systems, Artificial Intelligence, and Cyber Security
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Wallace Chipidza
Associate Professor of Information Systems and Technology
Research Interests
Dynamics of social networks, Quantum Computing and Applications, Internet Privacy, ICT4D
Curriculum
The MS IS&T curriculum integrates technology and management expertise with hands-on experience through collaborative, industry-focused research.
The program offers 6 concentrations:
- Data Science and Analytics
- AI-Driven Innovation
- Cybersecurity & Cloud Computing
- GIS
- Health Informatics
- Information Technology Strategy and Innovation
A mix of flexible programming and concentration-specific practicums accommodates working professionals, enabling you to balance your career and studies.
Degree Requirements
Coursework
- Core Courses: 12 units
- Concentration 1 Courses: 12 units
- Concentration 2 Courses or Electives: 12 units
- Total Required Units: 36
Practicum
Students engage in real-world projects through practicum courses that support skill development in areas like data science, cybersecurity, and GIS. Concentration-specific practicums, such as the Data Science Practicum and Cybersecurity Practicum, offer immersive experiences, allowing students to apply classroom knowledge in a practical setting.
Competencies & Outcomes
- Development of practical solutions to societal challenges through a balance of technology and management education.
- Acquisition of concepts, skills, and applications for creating software and systems that improve human performance and contribute to societal betterment.
- Enhancement of professional skill sets with flexible programming designed for working individuals.
- Engagement in collaborative, industry-focused research with leading IS&T scholars and practitioners, leading to contributions in the field of information technology.
- Expansion of professional networks and skills conducive to leadership positions in business, government, education, and beyond.
- Opportunity to customize the program with a wide range of concentrations to meet individual career goals.
Application Guidelines
| University Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | $80 (fee is non-refundable) |
| Official Transcripts | Undergraduate/graduate Applicants must submit a sealed, official transcript from every undergraduate and graduate institution that has granted the applicant a degree. Electronic transcripts sent to admissions@cgu.edu are also accepted. For undergraduate coursework, applicants are required to submit proof of a completed bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Unofficial copies of transcripts are accepted for review purposes, but official copies will be required upon admission. Applicants currently earning a degree that will be completed prior to attending CGU are required to submit a transcript showing work in progress for evaluation purposes. Once the degree has been granted, a final official transcript documenting the degree conferred must be submitted to CGU. International applicants are advised to review the International Transcript Guidelines for additional information on submitting international transcripts. |
| English Proficiency Exam | Required (international applicants only) A valid score on one of the following examinations TOEFL, IELTS, Pearson PTE, Duolingo English Test is required of all non-native English-speaking applicants. The examination is not required for the following applicants:
CGU’s school code for the TOEFL exam is 4053. International applicants are encouraged to visit our International Applicants page for more information, including score requirements. |
| Resume | Applicants must submit an up-to-date copy of their resume. |
| Program Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Statement of Purpose | Please submit a 2-3 page statement of purpose that details your academic and/or professional achievements, your specific areas of research interest within your desired field of study, why you are a strong candidate for graduate studies at CGU, and your career goals. |
| Letter of Recommendation | 2 letters required When filling out the online application, please enter references acquainted with your potential for success who will submit a written recommendation on your behalf. In most academic departments, references from faculty members who can speak to your academic ability are preferred; applicants with substantial work experience may request professional references. Please do not enter family members as references. You will be required to input information for your recommenders (whether they are submitting online or not) in the “Recommendations” section of the online application. Please follow the directions in this section carefully before clicking on “Recommendation Provider List” to input the names and contact information for each recommender. You will have an opportunity to indicate if the reference writer will be submitting online. These reference writers will receive an email from CGU with instructions on submitting an online recommendation. Recommenders who are indicated as offline will not receive an email from CGU with instructions to submit. These reference writers can submit via traditional mail and should use the supplemental New Student Recommendation Form. Recommenders can also email their letter of recommendation to the Office of Admissions at admissions@cgu.edu. |
| Standardized Test Scores | GRE (optional) Applicants who have taken the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) General Test are invited to submit scores but are not required to do so. Applicants who feel that their Grade Point Averages do not adequately represent their ability to succeed in a graduate program may find it helpful to submit GRE scores for consideration. CGU’s school code: |
Key Dates & Deadlines
CGU operates on a priority deadline cycle. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit complete applications by the priority dates in order to assure maximum consideration for both admission and fellowships.
Once the priority deadlines have passed, the University will continue to review applications for qualified candidates on a competitive, space-available basis. The final deadlines listed are the last date the University can accept an application in order to allow sufficient time to complete the admissions, financial aid, and other enrollment processes.
Spring 2026
Priority Deadline – November 1, 2025
Final Deadline (International) – November 15, 2025
Final Deadline (Domestic) – December 1, 2025
Classes begin – January 20, 2026
Summer 2026
Priority Deadline – February 1, 2026
Final Deadline (International) – March 1, 2026
Final Deadline (Domestic) – April 1, 2026
Classes begin – May 18, 2026
Fall 2026
Priority Deadline – February 1, 2026
Final Deadline (International) – July 5, 2026
Final Deadline (Domestic) – August 1, 2026
Classes begin – August 24, 2026
Cost & Aid
ESTIMATED TUITION (CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS, NON-RESIDENTS, INTERNATIONAL)
*Based on 2025-2026 tuition rates.
STUDENT FEES (PER SEMESTER)
| $245 Student Fee |
| $150 Technology Fee |
| International Student Services Fee**: $802 fall semester, $898 spring semester **Applies to all international students (F-1 visa only) who are registered in coursework, doctoral study, or continuous registration. The fee is assessed each fall and spring semester for annual ISO accident and sickness plans and administrative fees. Subject to changes. |
For estimates of room & board, books, etc., please download CGU’s Cost of Attendance 2025-2026.
| Program | 36 units |