U.S. News and World Report has recognized UMBC’s online master’s degree in information systems as #41 on their national list of 2023 Best Online Master’s in Information Technology Programs, as well as #20 for veterans.
The U.S. News rankings, released today, evaluate programs based on qualities such as strong faculty credentials, a good reputation among peer institutions, and the opportunity for students to use diverse online learning tools and engage with their instructors and classmates.
Michael Brown, graduate program director for UMBC’s online information system master’s program, says its wide range of electives, as well as free textbooks and course material, distinguish it from similar programs at other institutions.
The program offers a foundations course for people who do not have degrees or experience in technology fields, as well as four career-specific tracks that allow students to specialize in high-demand areas such as artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. The large number of available electives allows students to further customize their learning, Brown says.
Career opportunities
Graduates of UMBC’s online master’s program in information systems regularly land jobs as cybersecurity specialists, data analysts, systems administrators, and more.
Simbiat Odeshina, a master’s degree student in information systems, is currently enrolled in the program while also working as an associate software tester at Wabtec. “I really enjoy the flexibility with the program. Since I work full-time, I really like being able to attend class after work,” she says. Since beginning the program, she shares, “I am thinking about ways to improve how I approach certain things at my job.”
This ranking follows UMBC’s recognition as #9 in the nation for undergraduate teaching and #10 in the nation for innovation in the 2022–23 U.S. News and World Report Best Colleges undergraduate rankings released last September.
