BA/BS/BAB/BSB+MSIS: Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Arts in Business/Bachelor of Science in Business+Master of Science in Information Systems

0 Years On Campus Accelerated-bachelors Program

Murray State University

Program Overview

The Information Systems (4+1) Accelerated Program at Murray State University combines a bachelor's degree in Arts or Science with a Master of Science in Information Systems, giving students a streamlined route into advanced technology and business careers. It suits students who want to connect business knowledge with areas such as business analytics, data science, data warehousing, web development, project management and information security while progressing efficiently toward a graduate qualification.

Curriculum Structure

Years 1–2: Students establish their undergraduate foundation while developing knowledge that connects business, computing and data analytics. Murray State highlights areas such as business analytics, data science, data warehousing and web development as part of the broader Information Systems curriculum, giving students an increasingly practical understanding of how technology supports organizations.

Year 3: Students continue strengthening their technical and business knowledge while preparing for the accelerated graduate pathway. The program's emphasis on project management, information security, business analytics and data-oriented technologies allows students to develop the combination of analytical and business skills expected from information systems professionals.

Year 4: Students progress toward the master's component and begin moving into advanced Information Systems study. Graduate subjects include Data Communication and Networking, Project Management, Data Management, Decision Support and Expert Systems, Enterprise Resource Planning and Software Development, giving students experience across infrastructure, management, data and enterprise technology.

Graduate Stage: The MSIS component develops advanced capabilities through subjects such as Information System Security, Graduate Internship in Information Systems or Comprehensive Project in Computer Information Systems, alongside options in information security, telecommunications and information-security management. Murray State describes the MSIS as a pragmatic, problem-solving program that combines modern information technology practices with business practices, with the master's component potentially completed in as little as 15 to 18 months when taking three courses per semester.

Focus Areas

Business analytics, data science, data warehousing, web development, project management, information security, data management, software development, enterprise resource planning, information systems architecture, systems analysis, information technology management

Learning Outcomes

Students develop core Information Systems knowledge, learn to integrate IS and business knowledge, strengthen analytical and critical-thinking abilities, and build communication and teamwork skills for technology-driven business environments.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The Information Systems and MSIS programs are accredited by AACSB International through Murray State University's Arthur J. Bauernfeind College of Business. Murray State states that its business programs hold AACSB accreditation, while the university itself is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Murray State does not publish a program-specific QS or Guardian employability ranking for the Information Systems (4+1) program. The university's Computer Science and Information Systems department reports that graduates have moved into managerial and technical positions with organizations including Deloitte and Touche, Caterpillar, State Farm Insurance, Tennessee Valley Authority, LexisNexis, International Paper, Intergraph and Teledyne.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students in Murray State's Information Systems pathway can develop practical skills through internships, technology-focused student organizations, industry interaction and graduate-level applied work. The department specifically encourages students to participate in organizations such as the Association of Computing Machinery and the Association of Information Technology Professionals, while the MSIS curriculum can include a Graduate Internship in Information Systems or a comprehensive project.

Students also have access to technology-oriented learning through areas such as data analytics, data warehousing, web development, information security and software development, while the MSIS program provides exposure to practical cloud skills through the AWS Academy curriculum. The program is supported by Murray State's wider career infrastructure, including Handshake, career fairs, internships, employer events and professional development services.

Students can gain practical experience through:

AWS Academy: The MSIS program incorporates AWS Academy curriculum to help students develop practical cloud-computing skills relevant to modern technology careers.
Information Systems Internship: The graduate curriculum includes CIS 688 – Graduate Internship in Information Systems as an option, allowing students to connect academic knowledge with professional experience.
Comprehensive Project: Students can choose CIS 695 – Comprehensive Project in Computer Information Systems, providing an applied alternative to the graduate internship.
Technology Organizations: Students can participate in the Association of Computing Machinery and Association of Information Technology Professionals, with opportunities to meet peers, participate in trips, tour area IT facilities and attend regional and national conferences.
Industry Visits and Conferences: The Information Systems area specifically highlights trips, tours of area IT facilities and participation in regional and national conferences as opportunities for students to broaden their professional exposure.
Internships and Micro-Internships: Murray State Career Services provides access to traditional internships as well as paid micro-internships, which typically involve short professional projects of 5 to 40 hours and may be completed remotely.
Handshake: Students can search for internships, co-op positions, part-time and full-time jobs, connect with employers, register for career events and manage their professional profiles through Handshake.
Career Fairs: Murray State Career Services hosts 5–6 career fairs each semester, with more than 200 unique employers seeking full-time employees and interns.
Career Development: Students can receive resume and cover-letter reviews, career counselling, internship counselling, job-search assistance, interview coaching and professional headshots through Career Services.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Information Systems (4+1) pathway prepares graduates for technology and business roles where organizations need professionals who can connect information technology with strategic decision-making. Murray State identifies career possibilities across information systems management, business analysis, software development, information security, systems architecture, project management and consulting.

Typical career directions include:

Information Systems Manager
Business Analyst
Systems Analyst
Software Developer

Career development and professional opportunities:

Career Services: Murray State provides career assessments, major and career counselling, resume and cover-letter support, mock interviews, job-search strategies and networking assistance to students and alumni.
Handshake: Students can access full-time jobs, internships, co-op opportunities, career events and employer information through the university's Handshake platform.
Employer Connections: Murray State's Career Services provides opportunities for students to connect with industry professionals through career fairs, employer events, on-campus interviews and information sessions.
Industry Exposure: The Computer Science and Information Systems department identifies employers of its graduates including Deloitte and Touche, Caterpillar, State Farm Insurance, Tennessee Valley Authority, LexisNexis, International Paper, Intergraph and Teledyne.
Career Fair Reach: The university reports that its Career Services hosts 5–6 career fairs each semester with more than 200 unique employers seeking full-time employees and interns.
Employment and Salary Figures: Murray State does not publish a specific employment rate or average salary for graduates of the Information Systems (4+1) program on its official program pages. Therefore, no program-specific salary figure is inserted here.
Professional Accreditation: AACSB accreditation of the Information Systems and MSIS programs provides an internationally recognized quality framework for business education and strengthens the professional value of the qualification.
Graduate-Level Preparation: The accelerated structure provides a direct progression from undergraduate study into advanced Information Systems education, with the MSIS offering pathways connected to business analytics, information security, project management and other technology areas.
Graduation Outcomes: Graduates can pursue technical and managerial positions across information systems, IT management, e-business, systems analysis and project management in businesses and nonprofit organizations.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the combined bachelor's and MSIS pathway, graduates can continue into additional postgraduate study or specialized professional development in areas such as information systems, business analytics, data science, cybersecurity, information security, project management or related computing disciplines. The MSIS also provides a foundation for students interested in advanced academic or research-oriented study beyond the master's level.