Frequently Asked Questions

FIU requires you to have a four-year bachelor degree from an accredited university.

The MSIS program takes 12 to 16 months to complete. It follows a lock‑step, cohort-based structure, meaning you move through the program in a set sequence with your cohort. Twelve months is the shortest possible completion time, depending on your specialization and course schedule.

You can choose from three tracks:

• Business Analytics - 16 months to complete
• Business Cybersecurity - 16 months to complete
• Artificial Intelligence - 12 months to complete

Business Analytics and Cybersecurity begin in Fall, while the Artificial Intelligence track begins in Spring.

The MSIS program at FIU has two start terms: Fall (August) and Spring (January). Your chosen specialization determines your entry term.

During the MSIS program you’ll work hands-on with SQL Server, MySQL, Python, R, Tableau, RapidMiner, and cloud platforms like AWS. You’ll also explore enterprise systems, cybersecurity frameworks, blockchain basics, and AI applications through lab-based projects.

No. Certain specializations start on different terms and because it’s a lock‑step structure, you must choose your specialization when applying and follow it through to completion.

At FIU Chapman Graduate School of Business students have access to personalized career services like resume coaching, interview prep, job fairs, and access to internships and recruiter connections in technology, finance, and healthcare sectors.

Yes. Classes are scheduled with working professionals in mind, and the hybrid format adds flexibility so many students continue working while earning their degree.

Yes, international students qualify for F‑1 visa sponsorship and OPT. Because the program is STEM‑designated, international students also qualify for a 24‑month OPT extension after graduation.

MSIS includes several project-based courses and capstone assignments where you work on real-world problems with businesses and classmates, often using live data sets or industry-grade tools. Students also receive networking and internships opportunities through FIU’s industry partnerships.

Both are STEM-designated, but they prepare you for different paths: FIU's MBA-BA is an MBA core (finance, marketing, org behavior, etc.) plus analytics for broader management/strategy roles; FIUs MSIS is a specialized master’s focused on IS/IT management and hands-on technical tools (e.g., Python, SQL, cloud) applied to business problems. Choose MBA-BA if you want general management with analytics; choose MSIS if you want deeper IS/tech leadership.

FIU MSIS Graduates move into roles such as CIO, CISO, IT Director, Information Security Administrator, Business Analyst, IT Project Manager, and Cybersecurity Systems Analyst, among others.

No. FIU's MSIS is a STEM designated business degree with technological depth. You’ll use tools like Python, SQL, and Power BI and learn to design/lead technology solutions in a business context, rather than pursue a pure CS curriculum.No. FIU's MSIS is a STEM designated business degree with technological depth. You’ll use tools like Python, SQL, and Power BI and learn to design/lead technology solutions in a business context, rather than pursue a pure CS curriculum.

Yes. In general, F-1 students become CPT-eligible after completing one academic year (two full-time semesters) in valid status; additional nuances apply for transfers/OPT returnees, confirm specifics with FIU ISSS.

FIU requires that official transcripts are sent in directly by the college(s) or university (ies) you attend(ed). You cannot send in copies of these transcripts yourself.

If you are an alumnus (ae) of FIU, there is no need to have transcripts sent. If you attended a university outside the U.S. and the transcripts are not in English, they must be translated by a certified translator. The translation and an official copy of the transcripts must be submitted.

Applicants whose native language is not English or who did not obtain a degree in the U.S. need to take the TOEFL test. They will need to score at least 550 on the paper-based, 213 on the computer-based, 80 on the internet-based test, or an equivalent score on a comparable examination. Please visit http://www.ets.org/toefl for more information. List of TOEFL exempt countries can be found on the following website: http://gradschool.fiu.edu/toefl-exempt-countries/. 

GMAT scores - 5 years
GRE scores - 5 years
TOEFL scores - 2 years
Institutional TOEFL scores (FIU) - 1 year

The average number of students per class is 40-45.

No, there is no required thesis.

Classes taken in another university program will not be waived since this is an accelerated, lock-step program. Courses from other programs also are not transferable.

No. Unfortunately, you cannot pursue two degrees at the same time at FIU. However, the MSIS program has options for joint-degree with several of the MBA programs.

No, you cannot prolong the MSIS for more than 16 months. Since it is a lock-step program, you must remain with your class throughout the entire sequence until the program is concluded.

Yes. You can apply for financial aid online at  https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa or pick up an application at any high school, college or university. For specific information regarding financial aid or to find out the status of your application please contact the Chapman Financial Aid Manager at 305-348-0148 or cobfa@fiu.edu. The FIU's Financial Aid Office web site is located at  https://onestop.fiu.edu/finances/. It is advisable that you begin the process as soon as possible.

Information about scholarships can be obtained from the following sources:

• College of Business - Master of Science in Information Systems Scholarships
• University Graduate School - http://gradschool.fiu.edu/students/funding/fellowships/

Yes. For more information on on-campus housing options please visit http://housing.fiu.edu/.

Yes, the MSIS is a STEM program which means that students are eligible for the OPT extension.