Innovative organizations place high value on cross-disciplinary leaders, and we've
positioned our curriculum to meet that demand.
When information technology expertise is blended with traditional business disciplines,
our graduates can 'pull it all together' to make timely, informed decisions for their
employers.
Employers around the world seek to recruit and retain top talent who can assume technology
leadership roles. The Master of Information Systems degree offered by the Walton College
is designed to groom these leaders through a continually updated curriculum that emphasizes
emerging technologies—especially artificial intelligence and advanced analytics—so
that graduates are prepared to lead in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
The job market for Walton MIS graduates continues to be strong, as the demand for
combined technological expertise and managerial skills increases. Close partnerships
with our corporate partners facilitate recruiting, networking and career opportunities.
How Much? How Long?
Who can enroll?
What makes Northwest
Arkansas special?
What coursework is required for this degree?
AI is infused throughout our graduate courses in Information Systems. From building businesses with AI and leading enterprise adoption to using AI for personal productivity and effectiveness, students gain hands-on experience with today’s most important tools and use cases. Students also examine topics such as AI ethics, fairness, AI agents, and vibe coding—preparing to use AI responsibly in ways that create both business and social value.
Develop the technical understanding and strategic insight to lead AI initiatives, guide responsible implementation, and drive digital innovation across the enterprise. Because AI should be guided by leadership, not drive leadership.
Build real-world AI and technology implementation skills in a faculty-guided environment designed for experimentation and growth.
Advance into high-demand digital and information systems roles without pausing your career.
Enterprise Systems at Walton College are comprised of five major hubs and support systems, along with access to large, real-world datasets.
Enterprise systems platforms integrate business processes and align IT to support business strategy.
Less than 2 Years
5 Semesters: Working Professional Path
3 Semesters: Ph.D. Prep Path
Fall*
*Cohorts begin each Fall semester for the Professional MIS program. The Ph.D. Prep Path has a custom program determined with advisor.
Do I Qualify to Enroll?
Complete your undergraduate degree and meet additional requirements. View Requirements
No Test Score Required
The GMAT or GRE is waived for applicants based on the strength and quality of their professional experience. Applicants pursuing a Ph.D. Prep Path will still need to complete a GMAT or GRE for future doctoral admission consideration.
July 1
Artificial intelligence is no longer just a technical capability—it’s a strategic imperative shaping how organizations compete, innovate, and grow. Here's how our Master of Information Systems degree prepares students to lead AI adoption responsibly and effectively at scale.
03/31/2026 | By Jenni Wiltz
Meet Poornima Malviya, a Walton College Master of Information Systems alumna with a concentration in Digital Innovation and now, a Program Manager at Walmart.
03/16/2026 | By Sydney Ford
Join a supportive and engaging community located in the vibrant business network of Northwest Arkansas, with over 300 Fortune 500 companies with a presence in the region.
Business leaders and Walton College alumni are closely connected to the college, not just during your studies, but throughout your career.
The curriculum is reviewed and updated frequently to reflect advances in the field, with emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence embedded throughout the coursework.
To support students at different stages of their careers, the Professional MIS program offers two professional pathways: a Professional MIS built for working professionals that is completed in five semesters, and a Ph.D. Prep option for students who want a faster pace and early exposure to research and doctoral study that is completed in three semesters. Each student will work with an advisor to customize their schedule.
Our curriculum is focused on delivering practical knowledge through hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies used in the world’s largest organizations.
Many courses in the MIS program are team-taught by faculty and industry experts, combining and comparing theory with practical application in real-world scenarios. Students will develop leadership, communication, problem-solving, and analytical skills that are sought after by leading employers.
The five semester Walton Professional MIS is designed for working professionals. Once proficiency is demonstrated in our Information Systems and Business Analytics Toolkit, the program can be completed by taking an additional 10 courses, for either 5 semesters or sooner, depending on student preferences and course availability. Courses are taught through a blended-delivery format with both face-to-face and online components, so students are in class only one Saturday per month. We work hard to simplify the logistics of returning to school so that you can focus on learning. A three-semester Professional MIS (Ph.D. Prep) option includes Professional MIS courses as well as Ph.D. Seminars in Information Systems.
| Spring 2026 |
Summer 2026 |
Fall 2026 |
Spring 2027 |
Summer 2027 |
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May 16 |
August 22 |
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| February 14 |
June 6 |
September 12 |
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June 27 |
October 3 |
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| April 4 | July 25 |
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| April 25 | December 5 |
May 1 |
* Students admitted to the professional programs in the Walton College are required to attend a multi-day orientation prior to the start of scheduled courses. Dates to be determined. Please contact gsb@walton.uark.edu for more information.
The 4+1 Master of Information Systems program option will allow well-prepared undergraduate students to begin graduate courses during the last year of their undergraduate studies.
WHO: Walton students with a 3.2 undergraduate GPA.
WHAT: Early consideration for a graduate program and possible dual credit between an undergraduate and graduate degree. 4+1 students who continue into the MIS graduate degree program will participate in the part-time professional program, which has a separate tuition and fee structure. Please consult the Graduate School of Business for more information.
WHEN: Apply by February 15 in Spring of your second-to-last undergraduate year.
WHY: Save time and potentially money!
Students interested in the 4+1 Master of Information Systems program will require additional guidance and advising.
Admission to Walton College masters programs is selective. Enrollment in each program is limited.
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