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Alumni Spotlight: Poornima Malviya
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
Master of Information Systems
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.
Just the Facts
How Much? How Long?
Who can enroll?
NWA Community
What makes Northwest
Arkansas special?
Courses and Schedule
What coursework is required for this degree?
The Walton Advantage
text for MIS Walton Advantage
AI-Driven Leadership
AI is not an add-on in the MIS program — it is embedded throughout the curriculum. Students learn emerging AI technologies as they evolve, exploring both technical implementation and strategic application so they can confidently lead digital innovation inside their organizations.
Applied AI Experience
Build real-world AI and technology implementation skills in a faculty-guided environment designed for experimentation and growth.
Career-Ready Technology
Advance into high-demand digital and information systems roles without pausing your career.
Enterprise Systems
Enterprise Systems at Walton College are comprised of five major hubs and support systems, along with access to large, real-world datasets.
- IBM z15 Mainframe Server
- Microsoft SQL Server
- Teradata Intelliflex Database Server
- SAP Enterprise Resource Planning Software
- Statistical Software – SAS VIYA, SAS Enterprise Guide & SAS Enterprise Miner
Enterprise systems platforms integrate business processes and align IT to support business strategy.
Master of Information Systems Video Playlist
Frequently Asked Questions
Just the Facts: Master of Information Systems
Program Length
Less than 2 Years
5 Semesters: Working Professional Path
3 Semesters: Ph.D. Prep Path
Start Date
Fall
Cohorts begin each Fall semester for the Professional MIS program.
Admissions Info
Do I Qualify to Enroll?
Complete your undergraduate degree and meet additional requirements. View Requirements
Entrance Test
GMAT or GRE
Students may be eligible for a GMAT/GRE test waiver with a 3.2 undergraduate GPA or 3 years of professional work experience. Please review our master's admissions policies.
Application Deadline
July 1
Estimated Program Cost
5 Semester: Working Professional Path
View Cost Breakdown
3 Semester: Ph.D. Prep Path
View Funding Opportunities
News and Notes: Master of Information Systems
Alumni Spotlight: Soujanya Hegde
Meet Soujanya Hegde, a Bentonville-based Walton College alumna who earned her Master’s in Applied Business Analytics.
10/30/2025 | By Hannah Dryden
The Northwest Arkansas Community
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.
Courses and Program Schedule
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.
Professional Course Schedule (5 Semesters)
Fall - Year One
Data Analytics Fundamentals
Fundamental knowledge and skills in several major areas of business data analytics. Emphasis on the management and use of data in modern organizations, intermediate & advanced spreadsheet topics; relational databases & SQL; and programming (such as Python). (ISYS 51003)Decision Support and Analytics
Analysis of the highest level of information support for the manager-user. A study of systems providing analytics-based information derived from databases within and/or external to the organization and used to support management in the decision making. Application of tools in business analytics, problem solving, and decision making. (ISYS 55003)Spring – Year One
Data Management Systems
Investigation and application of advanced database concepts include database administration, database technology, and selection and acquisition of database management systems. Data modeling and system development in a database environment. (ISYS 58303)Seminar in Business Intelligence and Knowledge Management
Business intelligence focuses on assessing and creating information and knowledge from internal and external sources to support business decision making process. In this seminar, data mining and information retrieval techniques will be used to extract useful knowledge from data, which could be used for business intelligence, and knowledge management. Pre- or Corequisite: ISYS 5833 or equivalent. (ISYS 58403)Summer – Year One
ERP Fundamentals
An introduction to enterprise resource planning systems. Students should gain an understanding of the scope of these integrated systems that reach across organizational boundaries and can change how a company does business. Implementation issues are covered, including the importance of change management. (ISYS 52103)Concentration Course
Data and Cybersecurity, Enterprise Resource Planning, or Emerging TechnologyFall – Year Two
Seminar in Systems Development
Advanced study of structured systems development. Emphasis on strategies and techniques of structured analysis and structured design for producing logical systems specifications and for deriving physical systems designs. Coverage of methodologies for dealing with complexity in the development of information systems. (ISYS 54203)Concentration Course
Data and Cybersecurity, Enterprise Resource Planning, or Emerging TechnologySpring – Year Two
Management of Information Technology Seminar
Presented in a way that allows you to play an active role in the design, use, and management of information technology. Using IT to transform the organization, as competitive strategy, and creating new relationship with other firms is included. (ISYS 59403)Concentration Course
Data and Cybersecurity, Enterprise Resource Planning, or Emerging TechnologyPh.D. Prep Course Schedule (3 Semesters)
Fall
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Course descriptionProgram Courses
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.
Degree
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.
Saturday Class Dates
| Spring 2026 |
Summer 2026 |
Fall 2026 |
Spring 2027 |
Summer 2027 |
| January 17 |
May 16 |
August 22 |
January 23 |
May 22 |
| February 14 |
June 6 |
September 12 |
February 13 |
June 12 |
| March 14 |
June 27 |
October 3 |
March 13 |
June 26 |
| April 4 | July 25 |
November 7 |
April 10 |
July 24 |
| 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.
4+1 Degree Option
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!
How can I apply for the 4+1 degree option?
Students interested in the 4+1 Master of Information Systems program will require additional guidance and advising.
How Do I Enroll?
Admission to Walton College masters programs is selective. Enrollment in each program is limited.