Application & Requirements

How to Apply

Admission to the Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS) program is quite competitive.  Our admissions team carefully screens each applicants’ credentials to select the best candidates. Applications are evaluated holistically, and admissions decisions are based on a variety of factors to ensure candidates are an optimal fit for the program demands and objectives.

To be considered by the admissions team, applicants must submit a completed application packet including the online application, all supporting credentials along with the non-refundable application fee of US $30.00.

Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission into the program.

Specialization Tracks

Students will be directed to indicate their chosen specialization track on the MSIS program application. The appropriate start terms for each track are outlined in the Application Deadlines section below. Once selected, students will not be able to transfer to another specialization track.

Application Requirements

  • Official Transcripts and Proof of Degree

    Applicants must hold a four-year, U.S. equivalent undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university, with a minimum upper division grade point average (GPA) of 3.0.

    Official Transcripts

    Official transcripts are required from all previously attended colleges and/or universities.

    • The transcript is considered an official record of a student’s work, showing courses taken and grades achieved. For transcripts to be considered official, they must be sent directly from the institution to FIU in a sealed envelope. Electronic transcripts are also accepted and must be sent directly from the institution to the school’s official email.
    • If the language of instruction was not English, an official translation from a recognized translation agency or a certified translator must also be provided. Some suggested agencies are found on the University Graduate School website.

    Official Proof of Degree

    Proof of degree is required from all previously attended colleges and/or universities.

    • For domestic students, a notarized copy of the diploma is required if the degree is not posted as awarded on official transcripts.
    • If you have not yet received the diploma, a letter from the program advisor or program leadership detailing your major and expected graduation date is required.
    • Applicants with foreign educational credentials must provide a copy of the original diploma. If not in English, it must be accompanied by a translation from a recognized translation agency or a certified translator.

    Send all documents to:

    MS, Information Systems Program
    Florida International University
    Chapman Graduate School of Business
    11200 SW 8th Street, CBC 200
    Miami, Florida 33199

    Please send electronic official transcripts to msis@fiu.edu.

  • Official Test Scores

    GMAT/GRE Scores

    Applicants must achieve a competitive score on the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Exam (GRE). Scores are considered official when sent by the testing center directly to our school.

    A GMAT/GRE waiver is at the discretion of the program director and may be granted for applicants with at least one of the below conditions:

    • Four (4) years professional work experience directly related to the program
    • A completed BBA in Information Systems, Business Analytics, or other related undergraduate degree at FIU, or similarly accredited institution, and with a minimum upper division GPA of 3.25
    • A completed graduate degree in a directly related field from an accredited university with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, or those entering a business master’s program under a special agreement for admissions with specific foreign universities

    English Proficiency Test Scores (If applicable)

    Applicants who hold an undergraduate or graduate degree from an institution where the language of instruction is not English, must demonstrate English proficiency by taking either:

    • TOEFL (minimum scores: 550 paper-based, 213 computer-based, and 80 internet-based)
    • IELTS (minimum score: 6.5)
    • Duolingo (minimum score: 110)

    TOEFL and IELTS scores are considered official when sent by the testing center directly to our school. Please refer to the Florida International University Institution code 5206.

  • Resume

    A detailed resume must reflect chronological professional experience, and dates of earned degrees. Include any IT experience, especially if you do not have a bachelor’s in information systems or technology. Internships and part-time employment may be included.

  • Personal Statement

    A brief personal statement that outlines your motivation pursue an advanced level education in information systems, and how the MSIS program specialization track aligns with your personal and career goals. Must be submitted as a one-page essay format, single-spaced, 12 pt. font.

  • Letters of Recommendation (Optional)

    Applicants may choose to submit letters of recommendation to strengthen their application.

    Recommendations should be from academic and/or professional references and must include contact information.

  • U.S. Citizenship/Residency Documentation

    U.S. Applicants are required to provide proof of legal U.S. status.

    • S. Citizens: submit a copy of your passport
    • S. Permanent Resident: submit a copy of permanent resident card

    Florida residents who wish to qualify for the in-state tuition rate, must provide at least two acceptable documents establishing 12 consecutive months of Florida residency. Documents must be dated one year prior to the term you are seeking admissions.

    • Florida residency classification is evaluated on an individual basis, and additional documentation may be requested by the admissions team to evidence sufficient proof of residency.
    • For a list of acceptable documents, please click here.
  • International Student Visa Documentation

    F-1 Student Visa and I-20

    International students are required to have a valid F-1 student visa for study in the United States. International applicants without a valid visa for study in the U.S. will need an F-1 student visa. FIU will create the I-20 document for you to request the F-1 visa at the U.S. Embassy/Consulate in your home country.

    Declaration of Finances (DCF) Form

    Submit a fully completed form, signed on all appropriate pages. The form must reflect, at a minimum, the total cost of study, including the program tuition, along with additional costs for books, medical insurance and living expenses.

    • Spring 2023 (Digital Transformation track): minimum of $72,880 USD
    • Fall 2023 (Business Analytics track): minimum of $72,880 USD
    • Fall 2023 (Business Cybersecurity Track): minimum of $72,880 USD

    To access the DCF form, please click here

    Official Bank letter

    Bank letters are accepted from the following types of accounts: savings, checking, current, or money market accounts. Any other account available would need to specify if the account is liquid, or if the funds are available for withdrawal at any time. To be marked as official, bank letters must show official signatures and seals from the bank official.  

    Applicants may also submit a current copy of the bank statement, or a letter printed on the official bank letterhead, containing:

    • name of the account holder (applicant or sponsor)
    • Signature and/or stamp by an authorized member of the bank
    • Sufficient funds

    All documents submitted must be no more than 30 days older than the issuance date.

    Sponsor Letter

    If the bank letter or account is not in the student’s name, the sponsor will need to sign the Affidavit of Support or submit a signed letter stating that they will be financially responsible for all student expenses.

    Copy of Passport

    Required for the applicant and all dependents (if applicable). This must be valid for 6 months after the start of the program.

    F1 Transfer Form (if applicable)

    A new I-20 is required for international applicants currently in the U.S. on a valid I-20, and who intend to transfer from another institution to FIU, or transfer from another program within FIU to the MSIS program. Applicants must submit all the above-mentioned documents, along with the F-1 Transfer Form, completed by your international student advisor and including an appropriate SEVIS release date.

    To access the F-1 Transfer Form, please click here

  • Entrance by FIU Graduate Certificate Option (If applicable)

    Admission may be granted for students of FIU’s Graduate Certificates in Business Analytics, or Cybersecurity Management, who have already completed the first 12 credits, and have a minimum GPA of 3.25. Upon admission to the program, these students may transfer credits from the graduate certificate program, with the approval of the MSIS academic director, and in accordance with FIU’s policy for graduate transfer credits.

Application Deadlines

Applications and supporting credentials should be submitted as early as possible to allow sufficient time for processing. Applications are processed on a rolling basis. Due to the competitiveness of, the volume of applications and the limited number of spaces in the program, applications some applications may be waitlisted. Please allow at least two to four weeks of processing time, assuming a full admission packet with all supporting credentials is received by the Chapman Admissions Office.

The appropriate term starts and application deadlines for each specialization track, are specified below.

Fall Term Start (August): Business Analytics or Business Cybersecurity tracks

U.S. ApplicantsInternational Applicants

July 17

July 1

Spring Term Start (January): Artificial Intelligence or *Digital Transformation Tracks

*The Digital Transformation track will not be offered until January 2026

U.S. ApplicantsInternational Applicants

December 5

November 15

For additional information, contact the MSIS program recruitment office at 305.348.5210 or ythompso@fiu.edu.