Master of Science in Management Information Systems (MS-MIS)

Prerequisites

All MS-MIS applicants must have either (a) 2 years of technology-related work experience OR (b) an undergraduate degree in information technology, computer science or related field.

Work experience is considered technology-related if an applicant uses specialized technologies (such as ERP systems, analytical systems, etc.) or manages technologies to achieve strategic goals. All applicants should have a basic understanding of programming languages, database concepts, and software analysis and design.

Sample Schedule

Fall Entry

MAR 5957 Global Business Seminar is available as a flex course option. It is available in spring semester only.

Spring Entry

MAR 5957 Global Business Seminar is available as a flex course option. It is available in spring semester only. 

Summer Entry

MAR 5957 Global Business Seminar is available as a flex course option. It is available in spring semester only.

All MS-MIS students take a core set of courses aimed at strengthening their technical skills and business knowledge. They may also round out their degrees with courses that either build specialized expertise in a specific business focus or choose from a slate of courses that will prepare them for their careers. 

Students have the option to customize their MS-MIS by choosing 9 credit hours (3 courses) of electives in one of the following specializations. To learn more about each course, please visit the “Course Descriptions” tab. 

Business Administration
The Business Administration specialization is great for students without an undergraduate degree in business or those wanting to refresh their business skills. This specialization allows you to customize your coursework by selecting from a group of business and management classes offered across multiple disciplines.

Choose three online courses from the following: 

• BUL 5810 The Legal & Ethical Environment of Business
• MAN 5245 Organizational Behavior
• MAN 5716 Business Conditions Analysis
• MAN 5721 Strategy and Business Policy

Healthcare Management
The college's newest specialization in Healthcare Management prepares students for business-related aspects of medical industries, including financing, insurance markets, talent acquisition and management, regulations, and legal and ethical principles.

Online courses include:

• BUL 5605 – Healthcare Law and Ethics
• MAN 5099 – Healthcare Staffing
• RMI 5745 – Healthcare Financing
• ISM 5580 – Healthcare Analytics
• RMI XXXX – Healthcare Risk Management

 
Marketing
The Marketing specialization builds the high-demand skill set companies seeking to successfully create value within an organization. Whether students plan to pursue a career in a service-focused organization or aspire to use big data to inform managerial decisions, the specialization offers a curriculum designed to help students land their dream job.

Choose three online courses from the following:

• MAR 5409 Business to Business Sales and Marketing 
• MAR 5625 Marketing Research 
• MAR 5849 Services Marketing 
• MAR 5861 Customer Relationship Management 
• MAR 5125 Marketing Strategy in the Global Environment

 
Real Estate
The Real Estate specialization prepares students for the substantial and growing demand for advanced training in real estate finance and investment. Institutional investors, investment banks, private equity firms, portfolio lenders and other service providers are expanding their opportunities in real estate investment, lending, asset management, valuation, brokerage and other services. These posts offer higher-than-average compensation in the high-growth area of business and financial operations. Recent real estate program graduates have accepted positions at companies such as CBRE, Cushman & Wakefield, JLL, J.P. Morgan Chase & Co., MetLife Investment Management, Prudential Real Estate Investment, Starwood Capital, USAA Real Estate, Voya Investment Management and Wells Fargo. 

Online courses include: 

• REE 5105 Real Estate Valuation
• REE 5205 Real Estate Finance 
• REE 5305 Real Estate Investment 

 
Risk Management and Insurance
The RMI specialization develops a student's ability to analyze difficult financial, ethical, legal and global from different perspectives. It fosters critical thinking and enhances the discipline needed in today's RMI market. This program equips professionals to shape an industry that evolves with the world around it. 

Choose three courses from the following:

• RMI 5257 Data Analytics in Risk Management & Insurance
• RMI 5136 Employee Benefit Plans
• RMI 5745 Health Care Financing
• RMI 5810 Personal Financial Planning
• RMI 5007 Insurance Fundamentals
• RMI 5257 Data Analytics in Risk Management and Insurance 
• RMI 5345 Risk Management in the Business Enterprise
• RMI 5710 Insurance Company Operations
• Or additional approved RMI course

*FSU's MS-MIS diplomas do not note specializations, but graduates are encouraged to share their earned expertise on their resumes and digital profiles for professional networking websites such as LinkedIn.

The following items should be submitted through the Florida State Graduate Application portal, available exclusively online at admissions.fsu.edu/gradapp:

• Applicant Statement 
• An up-to-date resume, clearly indicating work experience including dates and positions held, as well as noting full-time or part-time employment
• Two (2) letters of recommendation from employers or former college professors that speak specifically to the applicant’s ability to successfully complete the program (submitted by the recommenders in the online application)
• Florida Residency Declaration if applicable
• Nonrefundable application fee of $30.00 (see University Application or go to fees.fsu.edu)

The following items should be sent to the Graduate Admissions Office, 222 S. Copeland St./314 Westcott Building, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306-1410 or to graduateadmissions@fsu.edu:

• One (1) official transcript from all colleges and universities attended (FSU transcripts are not necessary for FSU alumni, students)
• Official test scores, if applicable:
  • GMAT or GRE scores are optional and should be submitted if they will enhance the application. Any submitted test scores become part of the application. The code to send GMAT scores to Florida State is PN8K567, and the code to send GRE scores is 5219.

International applicants

International applicants should visit gradschool.fsu.edu/admissions/international-admissions for information concerning financial responsibilities, degree equivalency, etc. International applicants are responsible for submitting the below documents in addition to the checklist items in the previous section.

English Language Proficiency Exam
International applicants whose native language is not English or who have not completed an undergraduate or graduate degree in an English-speaking country are required to take an English Language Proficiency exam and submit official test results in order to be admitted to Florida State University. The Wertheim College accepts all of the following examinations taken within the past two (2) years:

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): a minimum score of 600 on the paper-based test and 100 on the internet-based test if taken before January 21, 2026, or 4.0 if taken on or after January 21, 2026.  (FSU institution code 5219)
• International English Language Testing System (Academic IELTS): minimum score of 7
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): minimum score of 66
• Cambridge C1 Advanced Level: minimum score of 180
• Michigan Language Assessment: minimum score of 55
• Duolingo: minimum score of 125

Transcript Evaluation Requirement
The Office of Graduate Admissions requires all international students to submit an official course-by-course evaluation of all academic records from non-U.S. institutions prior to application review. This verifies degree equivalency and serves in place of additional official or unofficial transcripts. This evaluation must be done by a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES): www.naces.org. FSU offers a partnership with The Evaluation Company (formerly SpanTran), our preferred credential evaluation service, which allows a streamlined process at a discounted rate. More information about this process is available after you submit the first part of your graduate application.

Estimated program costs for the 2026-2027 academic year

The MS-MIS program requires 33 credit hours.

All students pay the same market rate of $750.00 per credit hour regardless of residence.  In addition, students will be responsible for applicable fees per credit hour as listed below:

• Florida Residents: $750 per credit hour (market rate); $30.18 per credit hour (fee). Total program cost is $780.18 per credit hour for 33 credit hours: $25,745.94.
• Non-Florida Residents: $750 per credit hour (market rate); $60.24 per credit hour (fee). Total program cost is $810.24 per credit hour for 33 credit hours: $26,737.92.

Note: Costs do not include required books and supplies for courses and are subject to change.

Core classes

ISM 5563 Introduction to Business Analytics
This course provides graduate students with foundational concepts, tools, and techniques of business analytics. The course emphasizes data-driven decision-making through statistical analysis, data visualization, and data modeling. Students will learn to use analytical tools and apply these techniques to solve real-world business problems

ISM 5123 Systems Analysis & Design
In this course, students learn about the particular MIS perspective on systems development and its life cycle, from the birth of a new information system to its death and replacement. In addition, students learn about the tools, techniques, and methodologies used by systems analysts to develop information systems in organizations.

ISM 5206 Database Development & Management
This course is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of the major issues underlying the organizational utilization of databases and database management systems. Theoretical, conceptual, and practical concerns in the design and implementation of database systems are discussed.

ISM 5315 Project Management
This course is to prepare graduate students with the fundamental concepts and applied techniques for effective management of projects, with a special focus on technology projects. Students will be introduced to project management principles and methodology on planning, controlling, and managing projects to successful completion. The curriculum follows the Project Management Institute’s (PMI) curriculum guidance.

ISM 5327 Corporate Information Security
This course examines corporate information security from several perspectives. Differences in security of physical versus digital assets are considered. Sources of security threats are identified. Solutions involving technology, people, and policy are examined, as well as proper responses to attacks on digital assets.

ISM 5404 Business Intelligence
This course provides a managerial overview of the state of art technologies and techniques that are used to discover rich and existing patterns for generating business value, i.e. “business intelligence” for organizations.

ISM 5419 Data Visualization
This course covers the tools and techniques needed to properly express the results of descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive analytical procedures. Students focus on identifying and applying the best methods and tools for a particular analytical question and dataset to produce a successful visualization.

MAN 5501 Operations Management
This course focuses on concepts and methods related to operational decision-making in manufacturing and service organizations. Students will apply various mathematical, statistical, and behavioral tools to operational problems.

Elective courses

All elective courses listed below are not offered every semester. MS‐MIS students receive a list of approved MBA and specialty master’s electives each semester from their academic advisor.

ACG 5026 Financial Reporting and Managerial Control
This course provides a basic understanding of accounting systems and the financial statements to lay a foundation for financial statement analysis. The course also provides a basic understanding of cost systems and controls to lay a foundation for organizational control. (Take before FIN 5425)

BUL 5605 Healthcare Law and Ethics
This course exposes students to the basic concepts of law as applied to health care. The focus is on the application and analysis of legal and ethical principles. 

BUL 5810 The Legal & Ethical Environment of Business
An introduction to the legal, political and social institutions which affect business activity, with an emphasis on public law and governmental regulation. Landmark legislation and judicial decisions will be examined.

FIN 5425 Problems in Financial Management
An advanced case course including an in-depth study into selected topics such as valuation theory and the investment, financing, and dividend decisions of the firm. (Prerequisite: ACG 5026)

FIN 5515 Investment Management & Analysis
Analysis of financial assets with emphasis on the securities market, the valuation of individual securities, and portfolio management. (Prerequisite: FIN 5425)

MAN 5099 Staffing in Healthcare Organizations
This course focuses on key issues associated with staffing healthcare organizations, including theoretical and practical issues in areas such as workforce planning, job analysis, clinical and non-clinical recruitment/assessment/selection, succession and career planning, and legal issues specific to healthcare organizations. Discussion of these areas will be framed in the context of an evidence-based approach to workforce planning and talent management.

MAN 5245 Organizational Behavior
A dynamic examination of managerial concepts of human behavior in work organizations. Topics include motivation, leadership, reward systems, training, recruiting, selection, and job design.

MAN 5716 Business Conditions Analysis
A combination of statistics and managerial economics designed to illustrate statistical methods and techniques by applying them to basic managerial issues using elementary calculus and basic statistical programs (Excel and SAS) for regressions, testing hypotheses, and applying other statistical methods to important issues in managerial economics. Also, problems of managing the firm in relation to the changing economic environment; analysis of major business fluctuations and development of forecasting techniques.

MAN 5721 Strategy and Business Policy
The relation between theories and practices of management, utilizing theories in policy decision making and including a methodology for policy decision making.

MAR 5125 Marketing Strategy in the Global Environment
This course examines the business- level marketing strategy in the context of global markets and uses the marketing-planning process as a framework for understanding how global environments, markets, and institutions affect the strategic marketing operations of the global business enterprise.

MAR 5409 Business-to-Business Sales and Marketing
This course focuses on building and managing relationships with business customers. It will cover business-to-business management issues, with an emphasis on topics at the mid-to-upper management level. Specific strategic marketing issues include problems and opportunities that leverage an understanding of the entire supply chain. Sales will deal primarily with complex, large/key account management and customer relations. Sales management issues will concentrate on managing a sales force focused on complex accounts.

MAR 5465 Purchasing and Supply Chain Management
The purpose of this course is to provide an understanding of the ideas and concepts of Purchasing and Supply Chain Management function in organizational settings. Focus is placed on the development and management of relationships with world class suppliers in an e-business environment. The course will cover the importance of developing sourcing strategies through a global supply base. Specific concepts covered include: supplier selection & development; management of a strategic supply base; electronic commerce applications; logistics and inventory issues.

MAR 5625 Marketing Research
This course focuses on the tools, techniques, and procedures involved in the marketing research process, as well as the critical thinking skills necessary to interpret marketing research findings. In addition, the course covers major analytical techniques that are used in a variety of research settings in both marketing and general business.

MAR 5849 Services Marketing
In this class, you will be exposed to a new way of thinking about marketing. No longer are manufacturing processes, defects per one‐thousand, or logistics paramount. Services are different. We will discuss how they are different, why they are different, and what strategies result from these distinctions. We will cover why people are essential to service success, why expectations are important to service consumers, how the physical environment influences service delivery, and how services firms should recover from failure. You will also learn how quality is evaluated in service firms, why value is an essential deliverable, and what role loyalty has on the bottom line.

MAR 5861 Customer Relationship Management
This course focuses on strategies to develop and maintain continuing customer relationships. Customers are arguably the single most important stakeholder of any modern corporation. Firms must employ strategies to create, promote and retain customers over the long term. Customer relationships also are key to any corporation’s overall reputation and must be managed in concert with other key stakeholder relationships.

MAR 5957 Global Business Seminar
This course consists of on-campus class meetings and an international trip to an overseas destination. On campus meetings help students understand the related international business theories as well as the inhibiting and opportunity-offering roles of local cultures in international business. The international trip is to gain access to the best business practices of world-class multinational firms in the destination city. May be repeated to a maximum of six semester hours. Duplicate registration allowed within the same term. Available in spring and summer only.

REE 5105 Real Estate Valuation
This course provides an advanced treatment of real estate valuation analysis. This includes a description of valuation procedures, identification of highest and best use, application of real property valuation methods, and emerging topics of special interest.

REE 5205 Real Estate Finance
This course provides advanced treatment of topics fundamental to real estate finance. The course topics are presented in units that range from pricing mortgages to the lending process to the secondary mortgage. Topics include a discussion of primary and secondary mortgage markets, mortgage market operations, mortgage instruments and mortgage-related securities. Emerging topics of special interest are also discussed.

REE 5305 Real Estate Investment
Focused on the topic of real estate investment analysis primarily from the private investor's (equity) perspective, this course introduces students to the analytical tools and procedures used to evaluate real estate investment opportunities.

RMI 5007 Insurance Fundamentals
Develops concepts such as time value of money, statistical analysis, information technology, and management of risk exposure.  Topics include the fundamentals of risk, management of risks, insurer operations, and the regulation of insurance.

RMI 5018 Alternative Risk Financing 
Evaluates how corporations and insurance companies finance risk. It covers the basic financial tools that are used in risk financing, the traditional and alternative risk financing techniques corporations use, and the unique risk financing techniques used by insurance companies.

RMI 5136 Employee Benefit Plans
Managerial approach to employee benefit plans such as group insurance and pensions with in-depth consideration given to funding instruments and variety among plans.

RMI 5257 Data Analytics in Risk Management and Insurance
This course focuses on the use of data and analytical tools in the insurance industry. A set of tools is developed for analyzing the types of data used by insurers across various functions including loss estimation, loss reserving, underwriting, and claims. Topics will include exploring traditional and new sources of data, legal and ethical considerations, and challenges associated with forecasting and making inferences in the context of risk and uncertainty

RMI 5345 Risk Management in the Business Enterprise
Application of the risk management process, including risk control and risk financing techniques, to business risk management problems.

RMI 5710 Insurance Company Operations
Covers the fundamentals of risk, the management of pure risk, insurance mechanisms, insurer operations and the evolution of risk management. Additional focus will be giving the market trends, regulation, and new trends in risk financing.

RMI 5720 Insurance Accounting & Finance
Prerequisite: RMI 5710. A survey of accounting and finance, financial statement analysis, and statutory requirements for insurance companies. The course also includes important elements of finance such as coverage of present value and incorporating coverage of expected values and expected rates of return for both individual securities and portfolios of securities.

RMI 5745 Healthcare Financing
An introduction to public and private health insurance and benefits plans. Students will learn about private insurance plans and federal and state financing programs (e.g., Medicare Medicaid/SCHIP, FEHBP). The course will cover forms of employer-sponsored coverage, including self-funded and fully insured, managed care plans, and understanding the implications of private vs. public forms of insurance coverage. Topics include payer and provider incentives for cost management, access to care, health plan strategies, regulatory and legal considerations pertaining to eligibility and coverage, the use of cost-containment mechanisms, case management, and quality and accountability.

RMI 5810 Personal Financial Planning
Analyzes loss exposures facing individuals and families, basic personal-lines property-liability insurance (auto and homeowners), individual life, health and disability insurance, and individual/family financial planning.

ISM 5580 Healthcare Analytics
This course equips students with essential skills to analyze and interpret population health data by applying healthcare analytics techniques. The course emphasizes the use of synthetic patient data, complemented by publicly available datasets, to help students develop a comprehensive understanding of population health dynamics. Students will learn to apply descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive analytics.

RMI XXXX Healthcare Risk Management
This course studies the management of risk in health care. We will identify the unique risks in health care markets and evaluate risk mitigation strategies available to health care agents, such as: (1) patients; (2) firms, including insurers, physicians, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, long-term care facilities, and pharmaceutical companies; and (3) governments, including domestic and foreign. We will also analyze the interaction of risk management with other important issues in health care, such as: (1) equity and access to health care across subpopulations; (2) health care outcomes and other system performance measures; and (3) the role of government in health care markets.