MBA: Information Systems and Digital Transformation Specialization
Prepare for a Tech-Focused Business Career with an MBA in Information Systems
An MBA with a specialization in information systems and digital transformation provides Part-Time and Full-Time students with the ability to lead in the digital age.
With this MBA specialization, you'll gain the necessary skills to leverage IT to create efficient organizations characterized by standardized business processes and integrated data. Graduate prepared for increasingly compliance- and security-intensive environments due to heavy integration of IT with key financial and accounting processes. We help you learn how to innovate and create top-line growth and differentiation opportunities based on data-driven business intelligence, harnessing social media to develop customer intimacy, and by optimally leveraging a global sourcing of IT and IT-enabled business processes.

Full-Time: On-campus
Part-Time: In-person, Online, HyFlex

Full-Time: 2 years
Part-Time: Average 3.5 years

Full-Time: Average 5 years
Part-Time: Average 6 years

Full-Time: Fall (September)
Part-Time: Fall (September); Spring (January); Summer (June)
Curriculum: Information Systems and Digital Transformation
Our well-rounded coursework ensures that you'll have a firm foundation in business and gain the information systems knowledge you need to further your career. You will build the skills necessary to participate in the digital transformation of firms including changes to business models, business processes and interorganizational relationships, as well as recognize the value of developments such as the gig economy, crowdsourcing platforms, artificial intelligence and machine learning. Students will be able to use conceptual models and frameworks to evaluate and spot opportunities arising from data-driven business intelligence, AI, Machine Learning, automation and the monetization of a firm’s data and knowledge base.
It is recommended that 12 credits of information systems MBA courses are completed. Additionally, you should consider incorporating interdisciplinary courses to obtain a well-rounded business foundation. Please note, not all courses listed are offered every semester. Use the One Stop Class Schedule to verify each semester's course offerings and the assigned professor.
Students need to complete 12 credits from the following list:
- IDSc 6003: Accounting and Information Systems - 2 Credits
- IDSc 6423: Enterprise Systems - 2 Credits
- IDSc 6444: Business Analytics for Managers I - 2 Credits
- IDSc 6446: Business Analytics for Managers II - 2 Credits
- IDSc 6465: Emerging Technologies and Digital Transformation - 4 Credits
- IDSc 6490: Advanced Topics in Information Systems - Credits vary
- MABA 6251: AI for Competitive Advantage - 2 Credits
- MABA 6341: Data Visualization - 2 Credits
- MABA 6141: Ethics, Data Privacy, and Governance - 1 Credit
The following courses require a programming background:
- MABA 6311: Programming for Business Analytics - 2 Credits
- MABA 6321: Data Management & Big Data - 2 Credits
Students can consider the following courses that are complementary to an emphasis in information systems to build a well-rounded business foundation:
- MGMT 6055: Management of Innovation and Change - 2 Credits
- MGMT 6041: Competing Globally - 2 Credits
- SCO 6051: Service Management - 2 Credits
- ENTR 6041: New Product Design and Business Development - 4 Credits
- MSF 6424: Introduction to Machine Learning for Finance - 2 Credits
Grow Your Information Systems Career with an MBA
No matter your career aspirations, the Carlson School is here to support you. You can work with the Carlson Business Career Center (CBCC) to search for jobs, polish your resume, and practice your interview skills. It's a one-stop shop to help you on every step of your career journey.
This specialization prepares you for careers in the following and more:
- Global sourcing management
- E-procurement
- ERP consulting
- Strategic and technology consulting
- Vendor relationship management
job openings are projected each year in the field1
median salary per year for computer and information technology occupations in 20221
Customize Your MBA with Unique Specializations
Information systems not for you? Explore our other specialization options:
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore some of our frequently asked MBA specialization questions below.
Apply to the MBA program using our online application. You will not apply to the specialization. Request information for the Full-Time or Part-Time MBA program and we're happy to answer any outstanding questions.
Generally, specializations require students to complete a track of 12-13 credits of courses within a specified subject area. Course recommendations for each specialization are outlined on the documents posted on the specialization webpage.
Yes. Choosing a specialization is not required, and you can change your pathway during your program to pursue another.
A specialization indicates your mastery of and demonstrated interest in a specific area of business, as well as your commitment to that area. Being able to tailor your degree to your goals makes you uniquely qualified for the roles you're planning to pursue after graduation.
Our graduates pursue a wide range of careers, including strategic and technology consulting, global sourcing management, e-procurement, ERP consulting, and vendor relationship management.
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