Pivot to High Tech with MS in Information Systems-Bridge
There is no doubt that the world is in the midst of a digital revolution, spurred by the explosive growth of the internet and technology innovations previously unimaginable. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer and information technology occupations are projected to grow 15 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations.
To address the rising needs to digitize operations, in 2020 Northeastern University’s College of Engineering began offering an MS in Information Systems-Bridge program to give students with non-technical backgrounds, or those who want to strengthen their technical background, the necessary knowledge and skills to become information systems professionals.
IS professionals are problem-solvers who design innovative software solutions to fit the complexities of the business world while solving the humanistic needs of the people who use them. They close the gap between business users and technologists; therefore, the MSIS-Bridge program integrates business management, software engineering, and information technology.
Flexible and supportive program
A comprehensive curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning and provides a personalized learning experience tailored to individual needs. Focus areas, such as user experience design, full-stack software engineering, business intelligence and data analytics, machine learning and data sciences engineering, and project manager/product manager, allow students to map their studies to their career interests.
Classes are complemented with an ecosystem of support such as the MSIS-Bridge Buddy program, workshops, code labs, and a community of inclusive and diverse peers. Students also have the opportunity to participate in Northeastern’s leading cooperative education program, gaining up to eight months of professional experience as part of the academic curriculum.
Upon completion, students earn an MS in Information Systems.
Take the next step
Today 300 students (70% women) are currently enrolled in the MSIS-Bridge program full-time and part-time on three Northeastern University campuses—Boston, Seattle, and San Jose (Silicon Valley). Northeastern’s Oakland, California campus will have its first cohort of MSIS-Bridge students in Fall 2023. Other campuses are planned.
Students join the program from a wide variety of backgrounds, from nursing and law, to management, finance, the soft sciences, and the arts. No pre-Calculus or higher level math, or coding experience is needed to be considered for admission. Students also come from all over the world!
Here are just a few highlights of student experiences.
 Student: Qian Li, MS’23 Undergraduate Major: Management Campus Location: Seattle, Washington Next Step: Software Engineer at Amazon“Northeastern University provided me with valuable resources, including resume and interview preparation, which enhanced my candidacy [for co-op].” |  Student: Yang Jiang, MS’24 Undergraduate Major: Linguistics Prior Job Field: Technology Consultant and Program Manager Campus Location: San Jose, California (Silicon Valley) Career Goal: Software Engineer“I didn’t have any experience with programming before…but now I know basic code and applications in two languages.” |
 Student: Bhavin Bhatia, MS’23 Undergraduate Major: Science Prior Job Field: HR/admin Corporate Functions Campus Location: Boston, Massachusetts Career Goal: Software Testing and Quality Assurance“I landed a job at Siemens in software testing. It’s my first 8-month co-op, started in January 2023.” |  Student: Kaleigh Sieczkowski, MS’24 Undergraduate Major: International Relations Prior Job Field: Paralegal Campus Location: Boston, Massachusetts Career Goal: Business Intelligence Analyst“The MSIS-Bridge program can help you reach your goals and remind you that it is never too late to pursue your passions.” |