You must submit the following materials:
- Resume
- Statement of purpose (500 words outlining your goals for the program and beyond)
The Master of Science program in Artificial Intelligence for Business (MSAIB) prepares you for leadership roles at the intersection of business and AI technologies. The program focuses on the use of artificial intelligence, computer technologies and data analytics to improve business processes. Graduates will gain knowledge in current AI applications, information systems, business analytics, and the application of modern information management theories with intelligent automation.
Please note that the Master of Science program in Artificial Intelligence for Business (MSAIB) program is called Master of Science in Management Information Systems in the current (2025-26) catalog and grad application. The MSAIB name will not be reflected on those materials until the 2026-27 versions become available.
Through this innovative program, our MSAIB graduates will be able to:
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[1]This program is not suitable for students seeking a student visa (F1/J1) or currently holding a student visa (F1/J1). The program will not allow for maintenance of status from within the U.S.

I was pleasantly surprised by the vibrant, collaborative community here. I initially thought that making connections would be difficult, but the support I’ve received from both faculty and peers has been incredible.
Based on data for operations management and information systems (OMIS) graduates.
Average mid-career salary:
Top employers for alumni:
Source: Steppingblocks, {{steppingBlocksSourceYear}}
Admission is competitive and limited to candidates who demonstrate high promise of success in the program.
You must have a minimum 2.75 overall GPA (based on a 4.00 system) in your undergraduate program. If your GPA is below the required level, you may be recommended for admission if you meet one of the following criteria:
You’ll apply through the Graduate School. Please note the application deadlines on applying to NIU page.
You must submit the following materials:
Learn more about tuition and fees. For a personalized overview of costs, use the NIU Planning and Cost Estimator.
We award a number of graduate assistantships that involve various academic duties for the department or a faculty member. The assistantship covers part of your tuition and provides a stipend. These awards are competitive, and selection is based on factors such as test scores, experience, academic achievement and departmental needs.
Complete and submit an assistantship application directly to the OM&IS department following admission to the program.
You're also encouraged to apply to the many assistantship opportunities available campuswide at NIU.
The MSAIB is an online program with online recorded classes (asynchronous). You can take classes full time (at least nine credit hours per semester) or part time and adjust as needed.
The Phase One foundations consist of four two-semester-hour courses, designed to ensure students are successful in the MSAIB curriculum. These courses will be required in the student’s program of study unless the student has met the requirements with previous college-level coursework. The department MSAIB program advisor will determine which Phase One courses will be included in each student’s program of courses.
One of the following:
Required Courses (18)
Electives (12)
We are a member of the SAP University Alliance and SAS Global Academic Program. Our MIS program has incorporated SAP, the market leader in ERP and business analytics application software, into numerous courses. SAS is the leader in data analytics application software. The MIS program has also incorporated SAS and other software to prepare you to work in a data-rich environment for business analytics.
Our faculty bring diverse experiences, backgrounds, scholarship and expertise from various areas in business. They’re committed to facilitating engaging learning experiences in and outside the classroom.
Our faculty possess extensive teaching and research expertise in these areas:
Time to complete the degree is dependent upon your individual goals, pace, etc. A full-time student entering with all Phase One courses completed can reasonably complete the program in three semesters (excluding summer). A part-time student or one who has a greater number of Phase One requirements to complete will obviously have a lengthier path. The time limit to complete the degree is six years.
No, our students come from varied academic backgrounds. Typically, a student without an undergraduate business degree will need to complete a greater number of the Phase One courses than a student with a business-oriented degree.
The GMAT/GRE is not required. If test scores are submitted, they will be considered if the applicant’s GPA is below the required level.
Phase One courses are only waived based on successful completion of equivalent courses at an undergraduate or graduate institution.
Once you have confirmed your intention to enroll in the MIS program, an evaluation will be completed and provided to you. If an evaluation prior to applying or accepting an offer of admission is sought, simply forward a copy of your transcript(s) (unofficial is fine) to the program advisor for an evaluation.
You're encouraged to secure internships to supplement your degree, gain valuable experience in the field and potentially earn course credit (OMIS 695). Students typically secure internships through NIU Career Services, NIU campus career fairs, OM&IS Meet the Firm Night, OM&IS department position postings and personal job searches. Students wishing to gain academic credit for an internship experience must secure approval through the OM&IS department advisor.
This program is not suitable for students seeking a student visa (F1/J1) or currently holding a student visa (F1/J1). The program will not allow for maintenance of status from within the U.S.


