Technology

Master of Science in Information System Management

The Master of Science in Information System Management is a postgraduate programme that trains graduates in information systems, IT management, enterprise systems, and digital transformation. The programme prepares graduates for advanced careers in IT management, systems analysis, enterprise architecture, and digital strategy.

Core areas include information systems management, enterprise systems, database management, IT project management, systems analysis and design, IT governance, digital transformation, business intelligence, cybersecurity management, and research methods. Students engage with theoretical foundations and practical information systems management applications.

The programme is offered by Moi University, Chuka University, and Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, with KCA University as a college. KCA offers MSc Information Systems Management in Nairobi CBD. JKUAT also offers related MSc in Information Systems Management through its School of Computing and Information Technology.

Students develop competencies in information systems management, enterprise systems, database design, IT project management, IT governance, business intelligence, and research. The programme includes coursework, systems design projects, examinations, supervised research, and thesis.

The programme is delivered over two years with full-time and part-time study modes. JKUAT requires Second Class Upper or Lower with 3 years experience. KCA requires Bachelor's degree with work experience. JKUAT application fee is KES 1,500 for postgraduate courses.

Graduates pursue careers as IT managers, systems analysts, enterprise architects, IT project managers, business intelligence analysts, and lecturers in IT departments, consulting firms, banks, telecommunications companies, and universities.

Skills Required

Information Systems Management and Strategy
Enterprise Systems and ERP Management
Database Management and Administration
IT Project Management and Delivery
Systems Analysis and Design
IT Governance and Compliance
Digital Transformation and Innovation
Business Intelligence and Analytics
Cybersecurity Management and Risk Assessment
Information Systems Research Methods

Key Subjects

Information Systems Management
Enterprise Systems
Database Management
IT Project Management
Systems Analysis and Design
IT Governance
Digital Transformation
Business Intelligence
Cybersecurity Management
Information Systems Research Methods

Certifications

ISACA CISA Certification
ITIL Foundation Certification

Specializations

Enterprise Systems Management

Focuses on enterprise systems, ERP, enterprise architecture, system integration, and managing and optimising enterprise information systems.

IT Project Management

Examines IT project management, project planning, project execution, agile methods, project control, and managing and delivering IT projects.

Database Management

Covers database management, database design, database administration, data warehousing, big data, and managing and administering database systems.

IT Governance and Compliance

Focuses on IT governance, IT compliance, COBIT, ITIL, risk management, and ensuring effective IT governance and compliance in organisations.

Digital Transformation

Examines digital transformation, digital strategy, digital innovation, digital business models, and leading and managing digital transformation in organisations.

Business Intelligence

Covers business intelligence, data analytics, data visualisation, reporting, dashboards, and applying business intelligence for decision support.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 187,200
Private, up to: Ksh 312,190
Job market: High

The programme

What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time, Part-time
Attachment: 0 months
Average class: 25 students
Award: Masters

What you study

10 subjects

Information Systems Management
Enterprise Systems
Database Management
IT Project Management
Systems Analysis and Design
IT Governance
Digital Transformation
Business Intelligence
Cybersecurity Management
Information Systems Research Methods

Modules

12 in the programme

Information Systems Management and Strategy
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines IS management principles, IT strategy, strategic alignment, IT investment, IT value, and managing information systems in organisations.
Enterprise Systems and ERP
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers enterprise systems, ERP, enterprise architecture, system integration, CRM, SCM, and managing and optimising enterprise information systems.
Database Management and Administration
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines database management, database design, database administration, SQL, data warehousing, big data, and managing and administering database systems.
IT Project Management
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers IT project management, project planning, project execution, agile methods, waterfall, project control, risk management, and managing and delivering IT projects.
Systems Analysis and Design
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines systems analysis, systems design, requirements engineering, UML, business process modelling, and analysing and designing information systems.
IT Governance and Compliance
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers IT governance, COBIT, ITIL, IT compliance, risk management, IT audit, and ensuring effective IT governance and compliance in organisations.
Digital Transformation and Innovation
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines digital transformation, digital strategy, digital innovation, digital business models, digital platforms, and leading and managing digital transformation.
Business Intelligence and Analytics
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers business intelligence, data analytics, data visualisation, dashboards, reporting, data mining, and applying business intelligence for decision support.
Cybersecurity Management
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines cybersecurity management, security governance, risk assessment, security policies, incident response, and managing cybersecurity in organisations.
Information Systems Research Methods
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers research methods for IS, design science research, quantitative methods, qualitative methods, data analysis, and conducting IS research, preparing students for their thesis.
Cloud Computing and IT Infrastructure
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines cloud computing, IT infrastructure, virtualisation, SaaS, PaaS, IaaS, cloud strategy, and managing and implementing cloud computing and IT infrastructure.
Research Thesis
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
Original research thesis on an information systems management topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and IS management knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

Enterprise Systems Management
Focuses on enterprise systems, ERP, enterprise architecture, system integration, and managing and optimising enterprise information systems.
IT Project Management
Examines IT project management, project planning, project execution, agile methods, project control, and managing and delivering IT projects.
Database Management
Covers database management, database design, database administration, data warehousing, big data, and managing and administering database systems.
IT Governance and Compliance
Focuses on IT governance, IT compliance, COBIT, ITIL, risk management, and ensuring effective IT governance and compliance in organisations.
Digital Transformation
Examines digital transformation, digital strategy, digital innovation, digital business models, and leading and managing digital transformation in organisations.
Business Intelligence
Covers business intelligence, data analytics, data visualisation, reporting, dashboards, and applying business intelligence for decision support.

A day as a student

A typical day during the MSc Information System Management programme begins with morning lectures on information systems management, enterprise systems, or IT project management. Students engage in theoretical discussions on IT strategy, systems design, and digital transformation. Information systems management sessions cover IS management principles, IT strategy, IT alignment, IT investment, and managing information systems in organisations. Enterprise systems sessions examine ERP systems, enterprise architecture, system integration, CRM, SCM, and managing and optimising enterprise systems. Database management sessions cover database design, database administration, SQL, data warehousing, big data, and managing and administering database systems. IT project management sessions examine project planning, project execution, agile methods, waterfall, project control, risk management, and managing and delivering IT projects. Systems analysis sessions cover systems analysis, systems design, requirements engineering, UML, business process modelling, and analysing and designing information systems. IT governance sessions examine IT governance, COBIT, ITIL, IT compliance, risk management, audit, and ensuring effective IT governance. Digital transformation sessions cover digital strategy, digital innovation, digital business models, digital platforms, and leading and managing digital transformation. Business intelligence sessions examine BI, data analytics, data visualisation, dashboards, reporting, and applying business intelligence for decision support. Cybersecurity management sessions cover cybersecurity, security governance, risk assessment, security policies, incident response, and managing cybersecurity in organisations. Systems design projects provide hands-on experience in designing information systems, implementing enterprise systems, and managing IT projects. Research methodology sessions prepare students for their thesis, covering IS research methods, design science research, and data analysis. Guest lectures from ICTA officials, CA regulators, ISACA professionals, CIOs, and IT industry leaders provide real-world insights. The two-year programme culminates in a research thesis.

The trade offs

In its favour

Kenya's digital transformation, growing IT sector, banking technology, e-government, and enterprise IT needs create high demand for qualified IS management professionals.
Programme combines technical IT skills with management and business skills, providing versatile career paths in both technical and management roles.
KCA, JKUAT, Moi, Chuka, and JOOUST offer the programme with full-time and part-time modes, providing flexibility for working professionals.
Career opportunities with IT departments, consulting firms, banks, telecommunications companies, ICTA, CA, and international organisations.

Against it

Programme requires IT, computer science, or related background, which may exclude some graduates.
JKUAT requires Lower Division applicants to have 3 years of relevant experience, which may exclude recent graduates.
IS management is a rapidly evolving field, requiring continuous learning and updating of knowledge beyond the programme.
Specific fee structures could not be independently verified from all official websites.

What it costs

Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.

What it costs, and where

Against 191 technology courses

Public130k to 187k

130k at Chuka University187k at Moi University

Private312k to 312k

312k at KCA University312k at KCA University

Annual tuition in Kenyan shillings, rounded. The upright tick is the median for this field, so a bar sitting entirely to its right is an expensive programme by the standards of its own subject.

The fine print

Chuka 130,000/yr (chuka.ac.ke). Moi ~187,200/yr (worldscholarshipforum.com). KCA 312,190/yr (kcau.ac.ke).

HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. ISACA supports IT governance professional development. AIS supports information systems research. CSK supports IT professionalism in Kenya. The programme's IS management focus attracts industry and professional body funding.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
ISACA Professional Development Funding
AIS Research Grants

Scholarships

3 recorded

HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate information systems management studies at recognised universities.
ISACA Professional Development Funding
GrantKsh 300,000
ISACA supports IT governance, audit, risk, and cybersecurity professional development, providing funding for training and certifications.
AIS Research Grants
GrantKsh 400,000
Association for Information Systems supports IS research, providing funding for research and capacity building in information systems globally.

Getting in

The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.

What you need

KCSE mean grade: N/A (Postgraduate)
Alternative entry: The programme accepts graduates from IT, computer science, business information technology, computer engineering, commerce, and related fields. Two-year programme with full-time and part-time modes. JKUAT requires Second Class Upper or Lower with 3 years experience. KCA requires Bachelor's degree with work experience. JKUAT application fee KES 1,500 for postgraduate.

How you are assessed

4 components

Coursework and Assignments
Coursework30% of the mark
Continuous assessment through coursework assignments, case studies, systems analysis projects, IT management analysis, and class participation.
Written Examinations
Examination30% of the mark
Written examinations covering IS management, enterprise systems, IT governance, and project management, conducted at end of each semester.
Systems Design Projects and Presentations
Practical40% of the mark
Assessment of systems design projects, IT project plans, enterprise architecture designs, BI dashboards, and project presentations.
Research Thesis
Research100% of the mark
Original research thesis on an information systems management topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and IS management knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). KCA offers MSc Information Systems Management at Nairobi CBD. JKUAT offers related MSc in Information Systems Management through its School of Computing and Information Technology. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate information systems management training. ICTA oversees ICT policy and CA regulates communications in Kenya.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Programme accredited by CUE. KCA offers MSc Information Systems Management. JKUAT offers related MSc in Information Systems Management through SCIT. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate information systems management training.
Computer Society of Kenya (CSK)
Professional accreditation
CSK supports IT professionals in Kenya. Graduates may benefit from CSK professional membership and certifications for career advancement.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

IT Manager
High demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 550,000
Manages IT departments, overseeing IT operations, systems, staff, and ensuring effective IT service delivery and alignment with business objectives.
Systems Analyst
High demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Analyses and designs information systems, overseeing requirements analysis, system design, and ensuring systems meet business needs.
Enterprise Architect
Moderate demandKsh 140,000 to Ksh 600,000
Designs enterprise architecture, overseeing IT architecture, system integration, standards, and ensuring coherent enterprise IT strategy.
IT Project Manager
High demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 550,000
Manages IT projects, overseeing project planning, execution, delivery, and ensuring IT projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to specification.
Business Intelligence Analyst
High demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Develops and manages business intelligence solutions, overseeing data analytics, dashboards, reporting, and supporting data-driven decision-making.
University Lecturer
High demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 500,000
Teaches information systems management in universities, conducting research and training future IS management professionals.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue careers as IT managers, systems analysts, and enterprise architects in IT departments, consulting firms, banks, and telecommunications companies.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Microsoft Project
SoftwarePrimary
Project management software for IT project planning, scheduling, resource management, project tracking, and managing IT projects.
Tableau
SoftwarePrimary
Business intelligence and data visualisation software for creating dashboards, reports, data analytics, and supporting data-driven decision-making.
SQL Server
Software
Database management system for database design, database administration, data management, and managing enterprise database systems.
SPSS
Software
Statistical software for IS research data analysis, survey analysis, and statistical modelling in information systems research.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Information system management is just about fixing computers.
The programme involves IT strategy, enterprise systems, governance, project management, digital transformation, and research, covering strategic IT management, not just technical support.
This programme is only for IT graduates.
The programme accepts graduates from IT, computer science, business, commerce, and related fields, making it accessible to both technical and business graduates.
There is limited demand for IS management professionals in Kenya.
Kenya's digital transformation, growing IT sector, banking technology, e-government, and enterprise IT needs create high demand for qualified IS management professionals.
IS management is the same as computer science.
While related, IS management focuses on managing information systems, IT strategy, and business-IT alignment, while computer science focuses on algorithms, programming, and software development.
A master's in IS management is redundant after a bachelor's in IT.
The master's provides specialised IS management skills, strategic perspective, research capability, and career progression to senior IT management and CIO positions.
IS management has no career prospects outside IT departments.
Graduates work in consulting firms, banks, telecommunications, government, NGOs, and as independent consultants, not just traditional IT departments.