Best Associate's Information Systems Degree Programs in North Dakota
Lake Region State College — Devils Lake, ND
Key Distinction: Lake Region State College offers comprehensive Information Systems programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Lake Region State College serves Devils Lake's rural economy where tech talent retention is acute; graduates often become the IT anchor for regional employers unable to recruit from urban centers.
Lake Region State College offers Information Systems programs in Devils Lake, ND. As a public institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
United Tribes Technical College — Bismarck, ND
Key Distinction: United Tribes Technical College offers comprehensive Information Systems programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: United Tribes Technical College's positioning as a tribal institution means IS graduates often return as critical infrastructure builders for tribal governance and economic development initiatives.
United Tribes Technical College offers Information Systems programs in Bismarck, ND. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Sitting Bull College — Fort Yates, ND
Key Distinction: Sitting Bull College offers comprehensive Information Systems programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Sitting Bull College's Fort Yates location creates an unusually tight feedback loop between student projects and tribal nation IT needs, transforming coursework into immediately deployable community infrastructure.
Sitting Bull College offers Information Systems programs in Fort Yates, ND. As a public institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Bismarck State College — Bismarck, ND
Key Distinction: Bismarck State College offers comprehensive Information Systems programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Bismarck State College sits in North Dakota's government hub, giving IS students direct visibility into state IT modernization contracts—a local advantage most community colleges cannot match.
Bismarck State College offers Information Systems programs in Bismarck, ND. As a public institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Rasmussen University-North Dakota — Fargo, ND
Key Distinction: Rasmussen University-North Dakota offers comprehensive Information Systems programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Rasmussen University-North Dakota's Fargo campus placement mirrors the metro area's fintech boom, routing graduates into rapidly scaling companies where two-year IS credentials command premium entry-level roles.
Rasmussen University-North Dakota offers Information Systems programs in Fargo, ND. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Best Bachelor's Information Systems Degree Programs in North Dakota
Minot State University — Minot, ND
Key Distinction: Internship option (CIS 497) or capstone project (CIS 470 Projects in MIS). Emphasis on IT security, ethical hacking, and information assurance
Hakia Insight: Minot State's deliberate pipeline to Sanford Health and Trinity Health systems (anchor employers in the Northern Plains) means undergraduates secure healthcare IT internships before graduation—a vertical concentration that accelerates specialization and hiring.
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems at Minot State University is a 120-credit program designed to prepare graduates as IT professionals capable of planning, analyzing, evaluating, and implementing information systems solutions. The curriculum combines 42 credits of CIS core courses with 27 credits of computer science and data support coursework, covering critical areas such as IT security, infrastructure management, enterprise architecture, data governance, and emerging technologies like AI and ethical hacking. Students complete coursework in management information systems, project management, systems analysis, and IT audit controls. The program emphasizes both technical competency and business acumen through required business support courses including management fundamentals and business communication. An internship option (CIS 497) or capstone project course (CIS 470) provides practical experience. The program integrates security, ethics, and legal requirements throughout, preparing graduates for roles in IT management, systems analysis, and information security across diverse industries.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN.
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Kristi Berg — Information Systems
- Dr. Serena Pontenila — Information Systems
- Kyle Bittle, ABD — Information Systems
- Justin Deisch — Information Systems
- Darren Seifert — Math, Data, and Technology
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 2.75 minimum undergraduate GPA (3.00 for last 60 hours as alternative).
Requirements: 36 credits General Education, 42 credits CIS Required Core, 9 credits Required Business Support Courses, 27 credits Required CSCI/DATA Support Courses, 6 credits Suggested Supporting Courses
Accreditations and Certifications
- International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE)
- Higher Learning Commission
Location Advantages: Strong pipeline to regional healthcare IT (Sanford, Trinity Health)Government and state agency IT opportunitiesAffordable tuition supporting rural student access
North Dakota State University-Main Campus — Fargo, ND
Key Distinction: Mandatory internship/co-op requirement with multiple options: MIS 397 (Co-op/Internship), MIS 413 (MIS Service Internship), MGMT 470 (Entrepreneurship/Small Business Management), or GLBL 492 (Global Practicum: Study Abroad). Two specialized tracks allowing focus on either IT infrastructure and programming or data analytics and business intelligence
Hakia Insight: North Dakota State's mandatory co-op/internship model with four distinct pathways (including study abroad through GLBL 492) embeds paid work experience into degree completion, not as an afterthought, ensuring graduates enter the job market with 6-12 months of compensated relevant experience already on their resume.
North Dakota State University's Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems is a 120-credit program offering two specialized tracks: Information Technology and Business Analytics. Students complete a comprehensive core curriculum covering accounting, finance, management, marketing, and foundational MIS courses, then select their track to focus on either programming and IT infrastructure or data analytics and business intelligence. The program requires a mandatory internship experience through options including MIS 397 (Co-op/Internship), MIS 413 (MIS Service Internship), or study abroad practicum (GLBL 492). The IT track emphasizes programming languages (Python, Visual BASIC, web scripting), database design, and enterprise systems, while the Business Analytics track focuses on business analytics, business intelligence, and predictive data mining. All students must maintain a 2.50 institutional GPA to graduate and earn a grade of C or better in major courses. The curriculum integrates business ethics, strategic management, and telecommunications administration alongside technical skill development, preparing graduates for IT and business analytics roles in corporate environments.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Computer Systems Research Lab
Industry Partners
- Microsoft (corporate)
- Google (corporate)
Location Advantages: Fargo tech ecosystem with major fintech and healthcare IT presenceStrong recruiting pipeline from Fortune 500 companiesRegional proximity to growing software development sector
University of North Dakota — Grand Forks, ND
Key Distinction: Cooperative Education program (ISBA 397) - compensated work experience, 1-2 credits, repeatable to 6 credits. Information Systems Internship option (ISBA 497) - compensated work experience, 1-6 credits, repeatable to 6 credits cumulative
Hakia Insight: University of North Dakota's repeatable co-op credit structure (up to 6 credits) and repeatable internship option (up to 6 credits) let students accumulate multiple paid work cycles without extending time-to-degree—a rare flexibility that compounds real-world learning for healthcare IT and state government placements.
The Bachelor of Business Administration in Information Systems at University of North Dakota is a 120-credit, four-year program designed to develop business-focused IT professionals. The curriculum combines core business foundation courses with hands-on technical training in programming, database management, web development, and information security. Students gain practical experience through programming courses (Python/R for data analytics, web development), database design and analytics, and networking fundamentals. The program emphasizes data analytics, business intelligence, and emerging technologies like robotic process automation. Students can participate in cooperative education and internship opportunities (ISBA 397, ISBA 497) offering compensated work experience in information systems roles. The capstone experience includes courses like Strategic Management and advanced electives allowing specialization. Graduates are prepared for roles in data analytics, database administration, web development, and IT security across diverse industries.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Business Administration in Information Systems — 4 years, on-campus. BBA
Research Labs and Institutes
- Center for Cyber Security Research (C2SR)
- AIR Center
- Computational Research Center
Industry Partners
- Sanford Health (corporate)
- State of North Dakota (government)
- Ahead, LLC (employer)
- Altru Health System (employer)
- Blue Cross (employer)
- CBRE Group, Inc. (employer)
- Northrop Grumman (employer)
- Google (employer)
- EY (employer)
- First International Bank & Trust (employer)
- Recast Software (employer)
- Target (employer)
- Amazon (employer)
- Best Buy (employer)
- Deloitte (employer)
- Microsoft (employer)
- PepsiCo (employer)
- Pricewaterhouse Coopers (employer)
- Target Corporation (employer)
- UnitedHealth Group (employer)
- US Bank (employer)
- Wells Fargo Bank (employer)
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Prakash Ranganathan — Big Data, Cyber Security, Smart Grids
- Dr. Utku Köse — Artificial Intelligence, Biomedical, Intelligent Optimization, Computer Education
- Dr. Neena Goveas — Machine Learning on Embedded Devices, Cybersecurity, Wireless Sensor Networks
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to Sanford Health headquarters and regional healthcare IT operationsAccess to state government IT modernization initiativesGrowing tech infrastructure in Upper Midwest region
Dickinson State University — Dickinson, ND
Key Distinction: An ERP-centric, teaching-first IS program that prioritizes direct mentorship and regional industry relevance over research volume, ideal for students seeking robust technical skills with professor accessibility.
Hakia Insight: Dickinson State's ERP-first curriculum and teaching-focused advising model appeals to students who need accessible mentorship and hands-on technical depth, steering away from research-heavy programs to prioritize job-readiness in Western North Dakota's energy and agriculture sectors.
At the bachelor's level, dickinson State's information systems program emphasizes business technology integration within a teaching-focused environment where professors prioritize student advising and mentorship. The curriculum is structured around real enterprise systems—students work with SAP, Oracle, and other ERP platforms that regional employers actively use, creating immediate relevance and job-ready skills. The program deliberately limits class sizes to ensure hands-on lab time and meaningful faculty interaction, a model that appeals to students who value direct relationships with professors. Capstone experiences often involve data-driven consulting projects for local businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies, giving students portfolio items grounded in tangible client outcomes. Western North Dakota's economy—anchored in energy, agriculture, and healthcare—creates a natural pipeline for graduates into these sectors' growing IT infrastructure needs.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Systems — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Information Systems — 4 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN.
Accreditations and Certifications
- Higher Learning Commission
Location Advantages: Western North Dakota energy and agricultural IT sectorGrowing healthcare IT infrastructure demand in region
University of Jamestown — Jamestown, ND
Key Distinction: Supervised semester-long internships. Junior and Senior seminars as capstone experiences
Hakia Insight: University of Jamestown's semester-long supervised internship embedded in the junior year—paired with capstone seminars in both junior and senior years—creates a structured progression where theory, practice, and reflection cycle throughout the final two years, rather than clustering them at the end.
The Management Information Science bachelor's program combines hands-on technical training with business management skills in a liberal arts environment. The 56-credit major includes comprehensive coursework in database development, systems analysis, networking, and information security, taught in specialized facilities at the Unruh and Sheldon Center. Students gain practical experience through supervised semester-long internships and can choose from specialization electives including mobile app development, web development, and advanced Java programming. The program features small class sizes focused on teaching excellence and offers opportunities for international study and co-curricular activities. Students complete junior and senior seminars as capstone experiences, with flexibility to combine the major with other areas of interest through the liberal arts curriculum structure.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Management Information Science — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Smart Lab
- Computer Classroom Labs
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Jakob Barnard — Computing and academic leadership
- Francisco Casaroti — Computer Science and Technology
- Dr. Olugbenga Dosunmu — Computer Science and Technology
Location Advantages:
Valley City State University — Valley City, ND
Key Distinction: Valley City State targets workforce-ready IT professionals through industry-aligned curriculum, active certification pathways, and strong regional employer partnerships.
Hakia Insight: Valley City State's dual BA/BS structure signals flexibility unusual for regional campuses—the BA track accommodates students seeking business management pathways while the BS targets technical certifications, letting students choose their IT identity before committing to specialization.
At the bachelor's level, valley City State's information systems track within its computer science offerings focuses on bridging technology and business, with an intentional pipeline toward regional and national tech employers. The program structure allows students to specialize in systems administration, networking, and cybersecurity while completing a solid grounding in programming and software engineering fundamentals. Faculty prioritize certifications and industry-standard training, encouraging students to earn CompTIA, Microsoft, and Cisco credentials alongside their degree. The institution's emphasis on workforce readiness means coursework directly reflects employer needs, with curriculum updates informed by advisory boards of regional IT leaders. Internship placements are a hallmark—students regularly secure positions at healthcare IT organizations, financial services firms, and government agencies across North Dakota and neighboring states.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Systems — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Information Systems — 4 years, online
Location Advantages:
Best Master's Information Systems Degree Programs in North Dakota
Minot State University — Minot, ND
Key Distinction: 100% distance education delivery for working professionals. Capstone project (BIT 595) providing applied learning
Hakia Insight: Minot State's 100% asynchronous delivery combined with its direct pipeline to Sanford and Trinity Health IT departments means you're studying systems theory while your cohort is already embedded in healthcare IT projects—the program isn't teaching healthcare IT, it's recruiting from it.
The Master of Science in Information Systems at Minot State University prepares working professionals to become technologically sophisticated business executives capable of forecasting information systems needs, developing infrastructures, and providing consulting services. Offered entirely via distance education, the program comprises 30 credit hours of required coursework with a capstone project, designed for completion by working professionals. The curriculum emphasizes strategic information systems planning, systems analysis and design, information security, project management, database systems, knowledge management, and e-business strategy. Graduates are equipped for roles as independent consultants or organizational IT leaders. The program requires a bachelor's degree (in any field) with relevant CIS/MIS coursework or professional experience, and evaluates admission holistically through a statement of purpose, GPA, and work experience. Career outcomes position graduates for mid-career advancement into executive technology roles with increased responsibility and compensation.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Information Systems — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Kristi Berg — Information Systems
- Dr. Serena Pontenila — Information Systems
- Kyle Bittle, ABD — Information Systems
- Justin Deisch — Information Systems
- Darren Seifert — Math, Data, and Technology
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 2.75 minimum undergraduate GPA (3.00 for last 60 hours as alternative).
Requirements: Minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 (or 3.00 for last 60 hours), Completed online Graduate School application, Statement of Purpose essay (500-1500 words) with admission score minimum of 400, Resume with evidence of professional experience, Completion of 10 required courses (30 credit hours) including capstone project, Relevant undergraduate coursework in CIS/MIS or business, or professional experience in the field
Accreditations and Certifications
- International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE)
- Higher Learning Commission
Location Advantages: Strong pipeline to regional healthcare IT (Sanford, Trinity Health)Government and state agency IT opportunitiesAffordable tuition supporting rural student access
North Dakota State University-Main Campus — Fargo, ND
Key Distinction: A research-backed, regionally connected IS program within a land-grant institution, combining systems theory with access to a thriving regional tech ecosystem and national tech company recruiting.
Hakia Insight: NDSU's Computer Systems Research Lab feeds directly into Microsoft and Google recruiting cycles happening in Fargo itself; master's students don't compete for internships in distant tech hubs—they access Fortune 500 talent acquisition within their regional ecosystem.
At the master's level, as North Dakota's land-grant research institution, NDSU's computer science and information systems programs benefit from robust research infrastructure and industry partnerships that extend far beyond the Northern Plains. The IS program sits within a computer science department known for systems research, with opportunities for undergraduates to engage in faculty-led projects spanning cybersecurity, distributed systems, and data analytics. NDSU's location in Fargo positions students at the nexus of a growing tech ecosystem; the city has become a significant hub for fintech, healthcare IT, and software development, bringing recruiters to campus and creating pathways into companies like Microsoft, Google, and regional firms. The curriculum emphasizes both depth and breadth—students can pursue systems specializations while maintaining the theoretical foundations valued by major tech employers. Graduate outcomes are particularly strong for students targeting FAANG companies and Fortune 500 technology departments.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Information Systems — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Information Systems — 1-2 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Computer Systems Research Lab
Industry Partners
- Microsoft (corporate)
- Google (corporate)
Location Advantages: Fargo tech ecosystem with major fintech and healthcare IT presenceStrong recruiting pipeline from Fortune 500 companiesRegional proximity to growing software development sector
