25 Best Affordable Online Information Systems Technology Studies Degree Programs (Master’s) 2020

25. University of Denver

Denver, Colorado

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University of Denver (DU, est. 1864) is a private, nonprofit institution. It has had a mission of student diversity since its early years, with female students admitted in the early 1880s and African American students since near the end of the 19th century.

DU offers high-value bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one inexpensive online/ hybrid program in information systems technology or related studies: Master’s of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) with 10 concentrations: Cybersecurity Management; Database Design and Administration; Geographic Information Systems; Information Systems Security; Mobile Application Development; Project Management; Software Design and Programming; Technology Management; Telecommunications Technology; Web Design and Development.

This is a low-cost 48-credit, online degree program expected to take at least 18 months, with no GRE/ GMAT score requirement. Its curriculum is designed to “bridge the gap between business requirements and technical solutions.” The skills and knowledge gained is suitable for career roles in IT leadership and management. In addition to the concentration options, the curriculum also offers a choice of Capstone Project or Capstone Seminar. Sample online courses include: ICT Business Foundations; ICT Technical Foundations; Enterprise Architecture

Alternatives: Each of the concentrations has an associated graduate certificate program.

24. New York University

New York, New York

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New York University (NYU, est. 1831) is a private, nonprofit institution. One of the largest private universities in the country, it has research programs in over 25 countries. Amongst the awards faculty have earned are Nobel, Pulitzer, Lasker and Abel Prizes.

NYU offers top-value associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one of the cheapest online/ hybrid programs in information systems technology or related studies: MS in Management and Systems (MSMS) with four concentrations: Systems Management; Enterprise Risk Management; Strategy and Leadership; Database Technologies.

Delivered by the Department of Management and Technology, this is a high-value 42-credit, online degree program with a choice of Thesis, Applied Project or a Innovation and Entrepreneurship Capstone. Graduates build on both their IT and management skills and knowledge. Sample courses include: Managing in a Global Economy; Information Technology and Data Analytics; Project Management in the Information Age.

23. Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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Carnegie Mellon University (CMU, est. 1900) is a private, nonprofit institution. Founded by philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, it later merged with Mellon Institute. In addition to its considerable academic history, it has had numerous alumni become tech company founders (e.g. Adobe Systems, Red Hat, Xerox PARC, Sun Microsystems, etc.)

CMU offers high-value bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one low cost online/ hybrid program in information systems technology or related studies: Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT) with four tracks: Information Technology Management (ITM); Business Intelligence and Data Analytics (BIDA); Information Security and Assurance (ISA); Software Design and Management (SDM).

Delivered by Heinz College, this is an economical online degree program with a part-time study option. The ITM track is ranked #1 in its category by U.S. News & World Report — a position is has held since 2001. The MSIT attracts both software engineers and IT executives, amongst others. In addition to a choice of study track, students can choose from a significantly large list of elective courses that cover categories such as analytics, business, cloud computing, cryptography, databases, human-computer interaction, negotiation, penetration testing, systems architecture and more.

22. La Salle University

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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La Salle University (La Salle, est. 1863) is a private, nonprofit institution affiliated with the Lasallian/ Roman Catholic Church. Originally founded as a men’s college, it has been coed since 1970.

La Salle offers top-value associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one of the least expensive online/ hybrid programs in information systems technology or related studies: Master of Science in Information Technology Leadership (MS-ITL).

Delivered jointly by the School of Arts and Sciences and the School of Business, this is a low-cost 36 to 45-credit, online degree program expected to take two years. Students gain the skills and knowledge from a combination of concepts in information technology and leadership, whether they work for non-profit or for-profit organizations after graduation. Some skills gained: communication; financial management; human resources; project management; etc. Sample online courses include: Ethics, Issues and Government Regulations; Self Assessment for Leadership; Technology Architecture; Planning and Effective Management of IS/IT Resources.

21. Lawrence Technological University

Southfield, Michigan

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Lawrence Technological University (LTU, est. 1932) is a private, nonprofit institution. The creation of LTU owes something in part to contributions by automobile pioneer Henry Ford and his son Edsel Ford.

LTU offers economical associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has two cheap online/ hybrid programs in information systems technology or related studies:

• Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT) with two concentrations: Cybersecurity; Project Management
• Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in Information Technology (IT; other non-IT concentrations available)

Both high-value online degree programs are delivered by the AACSB-accredited College of Business and Information Technology and are expected to each take two years. The MSI is a low-cost 30-credit online degree program suitable to professionals looking to build leadership skills and IT knowledge in order to solve business problems with technology. The interdisciplinary curriculum covers topic areas such as engineering, finance, logistics, manufacturing and more. Sample online courses include: Information Technology Integration; Database Modeling and Administration.

The MBA is a best-value 36-credit online degree program that builds skills relevant to information systems and data operations career roles. This includes business, communication, leadership, management, strategy, etc. Sample online courses include: Project Management; Business Analytics and Intelligence; Systems Analysis and Design.

20. College of Saint Rose

Albany, New York

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College of Saint Rose (CSR, est. 1920) is a private, nonprofit institution affiliated with the Sisters of Saint Joseph/ Roman Catholic Church. It is named after Saint Rose of Lima, the first saint canonized in the Americas, and initially focused on teacher training programs.

CSR offers inexpensive bachelor’s and master’s level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one low-cost online/ hybrid program in information systems technology or related studies: Professional Science Master’s (PSM) in Information Technology (IT).

This is a high-value 36-credit, weekend hybrid program with online classes, full- or part-time study options, internship opportunities, a Master’s Project, and a Software Engineering Capstone. It is designed for professionals with some technology/ programming experience, and combines concepts from computer science, computer engineering and information systems, as well as communication and business. Sample online courses include: Data Structures/ Algorithm Analysis; Computer Organization; User Interface Design.

19. George Mason University

Fairfax, Virginia

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George Mason University (GMU, est. 1949) is a public institution. It serves students online, at three American campuses, and a Korean campus, and is one of the largest public research universities in the state, by enrollment.

GMU offers low-cost bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one affordable online/ hybrid program in information systems technology or related studies: MS Applied Information Technology (MS-AIT) with a concentration in Cyber Security.

This is an economical 30- to 36-credit, online degree program that has a top-25 ranking by U.S. News & World Report. Though it leans towards cyber security topics, the program is suitable for individuals seeking professional roles in information technology, including analyst, administration, consultant and project management. Sample online courses include: Database Management Systems; Fundamentals of Computing Platforms; Information: Representation, Processing and Visualization.

18. University of Massachusetts-Lowell

Lowell, Massachusetts

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University of Massachusetts-Lowell (UML, est. 1894) is a public institution and a member of the University of Massachusetts System. The university’s home base is also the home of noted Beat Generation poet/ writer Jack Kerouac, a contemporary of also notable writers William Burroughs and Allen Ginsberg.

UML offers high-value associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs – over 175 low-cost degree programs alone. It has two of the least expensive online/ hybrid programs in information systems technology or related studies: Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT); Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in Information Technology.

Both economical online degree programs are expected to take 18 months or longer. Delivered by the Department of Computer Science, the MSIT is a best-value 30-credit, online degree program with no GRE requirement, and is ranked by U.S. News & World Report as a top online graduate program in information technology. Graduates will have the skills and knowledge necessary for consulting and senior-level management roles in information technology, whether in the private sector or for government. Credits from UML’s grad certificates in Cybersecurity or in Information Technology can be applied to the MSIT. Sample courses include: Large Scale Application Deployment; Project Management.

Delivered by the AACSB-accredited Manning School of Business, the MBA is a cheap 42-credit, online degree program with GRE/ GMAT waiver options. Like a typical MBA program, it focuses primarily on business and management concepts, with the IT concentration covering IT leadership and infrastructure concepts. Sample online courses include: Enterprise System Management; Current Topics in Management Information Systems.

Alternatives: Online grad Cybersecurity certificate

17. Montclair State University

Montclair, New Jersey

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Montclair State University (MSU, est. 1908) is a public institution. Originally founded as a teacher training school, it currently serves students online and on a campus considered by Alarms.org as one of the safest in the country.

MSU offers inexpensive bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one of the lowest-cost online/ hybrid programs in information systems technology or related studies: Professional Science Master (PSM) in Information Technology (MSIT) with a concentration in Applied Information Technology (AIT).

This is a high-value 33-credit, online degree program that can be completed in two years or longer and has an Industry Internship requirement (in Information Technology Management). Students are trained in the “study, design, development, implementation, testing and support of applications of computing and communication technologies.” Students without the appropriate bachelor’s degree or work experience, but are otherwise qualified, may be admitted after completing 1-4 computer science fundamental courses. Sample online courses include: Human-Computer Interaction; Presentation Skills for Business; Information Technology Project Management

16. Endicott College

Beverly, Massachusetts

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Endicott College (EC, est. 1939) is a private, nonprofit institution. Originally founded as a women’s college, it has been coed since 1994, and currently serves students on campus and online.

EC offers low-cost associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs – over 80 programs in total. It has one cheap online/ hybrid program in information systems technology or related studies: Master of Science in Information Technology Program (MSIT).

This is a best-value 36-credit, hybrid program with an optional Internship/ Field Study Seminar. It is designed for individuals seeking leadership roles in IT, and builds the skills necessary for “successful collaboration with business managers, technology managers, software developers, and consultants.” The curriculum is broad-based, covering a range of IT topics, with no electives. Sample courses include: Systems Architecture and Analysis; Managing Virtual Systems; Project and Professional Management.

15. Thomas Edison State University

Trenton, New Jersey

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Thomas Edison State University (TESU, est. 1972) is a public institution. While it has a campus, nearly all undergrads and more than 95% of grad students take their courses via distance delivery, including online.

TESU offers economical associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one inexpensive online/ hybrid program in information systems technology or related studies: MS in Information Technology (MSIT) with six areas of study: Cybersecurity – Critical Infrastructure; Data Management and Analytics; Health Information Technology; Information Assurance; Network Management; Software Engineering.

Delivered by the School Of Applied Science And Technology, this is a cheap 36- to 39-credit, online degree program that can be completed in less than two years (part-time) and includes a Masters Project. It is broadly-based for individuals seeking an IT leadership role, and the study plan is customized for individual career interests by selecting a suitable study track. Sample online courses include: Telecommunications and Networking; Information Systems Analysis, Modeling and Design.

14. Florida State University

Tallahassee, Florida

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Florida State University (FSU, est. 1851) is a public institution and a member of the State University System of Florida. It serves students online and on multiple campuses, with high scores for the numbers of African American and Hispanic/ Latino American students in certain subjects/ categories for degrees granted.

FSU offers low-cost associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one of the cheapest online/ hybrid programs in information systems technology or related studies: Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT).

Delivered by the College of Communication and Information, this is a best-value 32-credit, online degree program. With only four required courses (see below), students have a wide range of elective courses to choose from, to customize their study plan based on their IT career interests. Online degree courses fall into the categories of large-scale data management, leadership and management, technology and networking, user-centered design and Web design. Potential career areas include: data management; information architecture; information quality assurance; information systems management; IT documentation; IT governance; IT project management; mobile information systems; usability; user experience design. Sample online courses include: Information Behavior; Usability Analysis; Management of Information Organizations.

13. Missouri University of Science and Technology

Rolla, Missouri

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Missouri University of Science and Technology (MST, est. 1870) is a public institution and a member of the University of Missouri System. It serves students online and on a campus that has reduced energy usage by over 50%, and houses both a Solar Village and an EcoVillage.

MST offers economical bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs – nearly 100 top-value degree programs alone. It has one of the least expensive online/ hybrid programs in information systems technology or related studies: MS Information Science and Technology (MS-IST) with seven specializations, some of which include grad certificates.

This is a cheap 30-credit, online degree program designed for professionals seeking roles in implementing and maintaining information systems technology in organizations/ corporations. Specialization options with grad certificates: enterprise resource planning (ERP); human-computer interaction (HCI); project management; psychology of leadership. Non-certificate specializations: communication systems; computer networks; e-commerce.

12. Florida International University

Miami, Florida

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Florida International University (FIU, est. 1965) is a public institution and a member of the State University System of Florida. One of the largest universities in the country, it started at an unused airfield and now serves students on multiple campuses and online.

FIU offers best-value associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one low cost online/ hybrid program in information systems technology or related studies: Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT) with three tracks: Software; Security; System Administration.

Delivered by the School of Computing and Information Sciences (SCIS), this is a budget-friendly 30-credit, online degree program. The core curriculum covers broad aspects of computer technology and systems, while each track focuses on a specific aspect of information systems technology. Within each track, students can further customize their study plan by choosing three courses from multiple options. Regardless of track, students finally choose four electives from any graduate courses offered by SCIS – although exceptions may be approved for non-SCIS courses. Sample online courses include: Software and Data Modeling; Fundamentals of Computer Security; Computer Systems Fundamentals.

11. Walsh College

Troy, Michigan

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Walsh College (Walsh, est. 1922) is a private, nonprofit institution. It serves students online and at four campuses and learning centers.

Walsh offers affordable bachelor’s and master’s level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has two cheap online/ hybrid programs in information systems technology or related studies:

• Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT) with two concentrations: Cybersecurity; Data Science
• Master of Science in Information Technology Leadership (MSITL) with two concentrations: Executive Leadership; Global Project and Program Management

Both are cost-effective hybrid degree programs that build on both IT skills and leadership skills. The economical MSIT program focuses more on IT concepts. Sample courses include: Governance, Risk and Compliance; Project Management Fundamentals. Completion of a capstone is required. The best-value MSITL degree program focuses more on the leadership and management aspects of information technology, as indicated by the available concentrations. Sample courses include: Leadership Communications; Information Technology Leadership and Strategy.

Alternatives: Dual-degree online MBA/ MSITL.

10. Concordia University-Wisconsin

Mequon, Wisconsin

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Concordia University-Wisconsin (CUW, est. 1881) is a private, nonprofit institution affiliated with the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod, and a member of the Concordia University System. It incorporates Lutheran Christian values into its high-value degree programs, serving students online and on what is considered the safest campus in the state.

CUW offers cost-effective associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one low-cost online/ hybrid program in information systems technology or related studies: Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT).

Delivered by the Department of Computer Science, this is a cheap 39-credit, online degree program. Students will build the skills necessary to evaluate technology solutions for businesses/ organizations for information processing and enterprise computing, then configure, manage and apply the systems — in essence, understand the relationship between computer systems and business problems. Sample online courses include: Foundations Information Tech; Vocation and Ethical Computing; Human Computer Interaction.

9. Coastal Carolina University

Conway, South Carolina

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Coastal Carolina University (CCU, est. 1954) is a public institution. It serves students on campus and online.

CCU offers economical bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs – over 110 best-value degree programs in total. It has one of the least expensive online/ hybrid programs in information systems technology or related studies: Master of Science in Information Systems Technology (MSIST) with a concentration in Security and Analytics.

Delivered by the College of Science, this is a cheap 33-credit, online degree program expected to take 24 months or longer. While it leans to computer security and data analytics issues, it is designed for individuals seeking a career in an information technology leadership role. Students build skills in four primary areas: Cybersecurity and Information Security; Data Science and Analytics; Machine Learning and Data Mining; Vulnerability and Risk Assessment. Sample online courses include: Data Mining and Knowledge Discovery; Business Intelligence and Analytics; Information Systems Technology in Context.

8. University of South Florida

Tampa, Florida

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University of South Florida (USF, est. 1956) is a public institution and a member of the University of South Florida and State University System of Florida. Amongst public American universities, USF is in the top five nationally for most U.S. patents granted. While it is not an HSI (Hispanic-Serving Institution), its Hispanic/ LatinX student population is the second-largest enrollment group at USF.

USF offers low-cost associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one affordable online/ hybrid program in information systems technology or related studies: Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT). This is a best-value 30-credit, hybrid, non-thesis program with a comprehensive exam and optional Internship/ Practicum. Students build their information technology skills, especially in terms of problem-solving for the attainment of organizational/ business goals. Sample courses include: Statistical Data Mining; Enterprise Information Systems Management; IT and Systems for E-Business.

7. Towson University

Towson, Maryland

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Towson University (Towson, est. 1866) is a public institution and a member of the University System of Maryland. Founded as a teacher training school, it currently serves students online and on two campuses.

Towson offers inexpensive bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs – over 110 best-value degree programs in total. It has one of the lowest-cost online/ hybrid programs in information systems technology or related studies: Master of Science in Applied Information Technology (MS-AIT) with eight focus areas: computer forensics; database management systems; health information technology; information security and assurance; information systems management; internet application development; networking technologies; software engineering.

This is a affordable 33-credit, online degree program requiring a bachelor’s degree in IT, computer science or other related topics, or students holding an unrelated bachelors degree but who have IT work experience. Graduates build skills in areas that include, but are not limited to: business analysis; Internet application development; IT project management; systems development; etc. Sample online courses include: Information Technology Infrastructure; Systems Development Process; Information Systems Vulnerability and Risk Analysis.

Alternatives: Eight online grad certificates (matching the MS-AIT’s focus areas), credits for which can be applied to the MS-AIT.

6. Purdue University

West Lafayette, Indiana

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Purdue University (Purdue, est. 1869) is a public institution and a member of the prestigious Purdue University System. The system serves students at this campus and three regional campuses, as well as the joint IUPUI campus (together with Indiana University), several learning centers, and through their original Online and new Global divisions (the latter the result of acquiring Kaplan University assets).

Purdue low-cost offers associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs – over 200 top-value online/ hybrid degree programs alone. It has one cheap online/ hybrid program in information systems technology or related studies: Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT) with three concentrations: Business Intelligence and Analytics: Information Security and assurance; Project Management.

This is an economical 60-credit, online degree program. Graduates learn the skills necessary to: manage IT teams and management information systems; develop secure systems; secure organizational assets and intellectual property; manage information systems projects; evaluate and satisfy legal and ethical considerations of the impact of information systems; etc. The choice of concentration allows students to further customize their degree plan. Sample online courses include: Managing Information Technology in a Business Environment; Information Systems Project Management; Writing and Critical Thinking for the IT Professional.

5. Liberty University

Lynchburg, Virginia

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Liberty University (Liberty, est. 1971) is a private, nonprofit, unaffiliated Evangelical Christian institution. It was founded by noted televangelist Dr. Jerry Falwell and is one of the largest private, Christian universities worldwide.

Liberty offers affordable associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one inexpensive online/ hybrid program in information systems technology or related studies: Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT) with two specializations: Network Design and Security; Software Design and Management.

Delivered by the School of Business, this is a cheap 36-credit, online degree program with a timeline of 1.5 years, on average. Typical career roles for graduates of this MSIT include: leading IT teams; solving IT problems in corporations or small businesses; designing advanced programs; database management; network management; etc. Sample online courses include: IT Infrastructure; Systems Analysis, Modeling and Design; Ethics and Legal Issues.

4. Western Governors University

Salt Lake City, Utah

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Western Governors University (WGU, est. 1997) is a private, nonprofit institution. Founded by the efforts nearly 20 U.S. governors, it offers entirely online programs.

WGU offers top-value bachelor’s and master’s level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has two of the cheapest online/ hybrid programs in information systems technology or related studies: Master of Science in Information Technology Management (MSITM); MBA in IT Management.

The MSITM is a low-cost 32-credit, online degree program with a 6-24 month typical timeline and a Capstone requirement. It is designed for individuals who seeking roles involving IT project management and problem-solving. Students will earn a CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management) professional certification (from the PMI) as part of the degree. Curriculum topic areas include: Information Technology Management; IT Management; Leadership; Current and Emerging Technology.

The MBA-ITM is a cost-effective 35-credit, online, ACBSP-accredited degree program with a Capstone requirement. It is designed for individuals with an IT background who are seeking roles in IT management. Students learn the skills needed to determine organizational technology needs, manage IT personnel, run operations, solve IT problems and emergencies, etc. Sample online courses include: Data-Driven Decision Making; IT Strategic Solutions.

3. Kennesaw State University

Kennesaw, Georgia

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Coming in third in our ranking of the best, most affordable online degrees in information systems technology, Kennesaw State University (KSU, est. 1963) is a public institution and a member of the University System of Georgia. It has earned accolades such as “Best for Veterans” (Military Times) and several diversity awards.

KSU offers economical bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one low cost online/ hybrid program in information systems technology or related studies: Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT).

Delivered by the College of Computing and Software Engineering, this is a high-value 30-credit, online degree program with a choice of Capstone or an information technology Thesis. It is designed for students from multiple backgrounds who are interested in career roles in the development, implementation, management, planning, performance and/or operation of information systems. Sample courses include: IT Policy and Law; IT Service Delivery; IT System Acquisition and Integration.

2. University of the Cumberlands

Williamsburg, Kentucky

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Placing second in our ranking of the affordable online degrees in information systems and technology, University of the Cumberlands (UC, est. 1888) is a private, nonprofit institution historically affiliated with the Kentucky Baptist Convention. It integrates a Baptist Christian worldview into its high-value degree programs, and serves students online and on two campuses.

UC offers low-cost associate’s through doctorate level degree programs. It has one of the least expensive online/ hybrid programs in information systems technology or related studies: Master of Science in Information Technology.

This is a cheap 32-credit, online degree program with an Applied Learning Practicum. Designed for bachelor’s degree holders who have work experience in information systems and technology, it covers concepts in analytics, computer science, data intelligence, security insight – providing a broad view for a variety of IST career roles. Sample online courses include: Analyzing and Visualizing Data; Business Intelligence; Cloud Computing.

1. Middle Georgia State University

Macon, Georgia

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Earning first place as having most affordable online degree in information systems and information technology, Middle Georgia State University (MGSU, est. 1884) is a public institution and a member of the University System of Georgia. It serves students at multiple campuses and online.

MGSU offers best-value associate’s through master’s level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one cheap online/ hybrid programs in information systems technology or related studies: Master of Science In Information Technology (MSIT) with six concentrations: Critical Infrastructure Management; Cybersecurity and Forensics; Data Science; Health Informatics; Social Media; Software Development.

Delivered by the School of Computing, this is a low-cost 30-credit, online degree program with a Capstone and is expected to take a year or longer. In addition to the technical concepts, students also learn/ build on skills such as communication, critical thinking, decision-making, leadership, problem solving, research, strategic planning, etc. Sample online courses include: IT Leadership and Strategic Planning; IT Project Management; Research Methods in Information Technology.