Careers in technology are growing and are in high demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median wage for computer and information technology occupations is $104,420 and about 356,700 new openings are projected each year over the next decade.  

Some of the professional paths for this degree include IT manager, project manager, senior systems analyst, senior systems developer, business analyst, database administrator, data architect, big data specialist, business intelligence analyst, and artificial intelligence and machine learning developer.

The Cal State Fullerton College of Business and Economics M.S. in Information Systems is a 30-unit STEM-designated program designed to elevate student careers through a thorough and holistic introduction to the rapidly-evolving world of information systems.  

“Graduates from this program are equipped to perform a wide variety of job functions, including managing and capitalizing on new and existing technologies, aligning organizational strategies with technology, and using quantitative methods, data analysis, and data visualization to inform and improve organizational decision making,” explains Gang Peng, information systems professor.

“Information systems are the backbone of modern businesses. Both management and functional areas such as marketing, accounting and finance will increasingly rely on information systems for competitive advantage. Business analytics facilitate developing organizational processes, products, and marketing strategies through database design, data processing, data analysis, problem solving and interface. There is a high demand for graduates from both concentrations and this demand is projected to continue for the foreseeable future.”

Students choose between a generalist or business analytics concentration, providing the specialization needed to assist organizations with their computer- and AI-based systems. But recognizing the importance of traditional education, M.S. in Information Systems grads come away with enhanced written and oral communication skills as well.  

The information systems management concentration focuses on designing, building and implementing information systems and strategically managing information technology assets. The business analytics concentration focuses on data modeling and statistical analysis as foundations for fact-based management and decision making.

Among the many alumni of the M.S. in Information Systems who can speak to the program’s impact is Joseph Cheadle ’19, an alumnus of the Business Analytics concentration. Currently, he is senior business intelligence analyst at American Honda Motor Company Inc. in Torrance, California.

“Business analytics was useful because it was general enough to show the various lanes of data science career paths,” he says. “I learned some machine learning, forecasting, optimization, database management, and visualization. From there, I honed in on the path I liked most – a mix of data engineering and machine learning. The classes and professors’ teaching are structured so you can immediately apply the skills to the workplace, with so many real-world case studies. The concept of business problem solving was always at the core!”

Oftentimes, students in the M.S. in Information Systems obtain high-end work experience while still students. For Cheadle, this meant a data analyst internship with Long Beach Transit in his second semester.

More than a half decade after completing the program, Cheadle offers this advice to young professionals considering Cal State Fullerton for graduate studies in the I.T. side of business: “The demand for data background and knowledge is very high and most jobs nowadays require some competence in this area. Getting a master’s degree here will surely make you more competitive and valuable to the workplace. The field is evolving and having understanding of how machine learning and AI works is extremely important – it will only become more and more relevant as it develops around the world. CSUF has a uniquely business oriented mindset with the freedom and flexibility for you to pursue any path within the data realm.”

The STEM-designated program from the only dual accounting and business accredited school in Orange County is in high demand. Graduates from STEM programs are eligible to apply for a 24-month optional practical training extension (OPT), which enables international students to participate.

For more on our M.S. in Information Systems, visit the Business Graduate Programs website. Or apply today for fall 2026 admission.