Technology

Master of Sciences in Information Systems Management

The Master of Sciences in Information Systems 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 technology leadership.

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

The programme is offered by Moi University, Chuka University, and Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, with JKUAT as a college. JKUAT offers MSc Information Systems Management through its School of Computing and Information Technology with full-time and part-time modes.

Students develop competencies in systems analysis, IT management, enterprise architecture, data management, project management, and research. The programme includes coursework, laboratory practicals, industry projects, examinations, supervised research, and thesis.

The programme is delivered over two years. JKUAT computing masters total fees are approximately KES 505,000 (~KES 252,500/year). Chuka University science-based masters fees are KES 75,000/semester (~KES 150,000/year). Entry requires Bachelor's degree in relevant field with Upper Second, or Lower with experience.

Graduates pursue careers as IT managers, systems analysts, enterprise architects, IT project managers, and business analysts in technology companies, banks, government, consulting firms, and international organisations.

Skills Required

Information Systems Management and Strategy
Enterprise Systems and ERP Management
Database Management and Administration
IT Governance and Risk Management
Business Analytics and Data-Driven Decision Making
IT Project Management and Delivery
Cybersecurity Management and Compliance
Digital Transformation and Innovation
Cloud Computing and IT Infrastructure Management
Information Systems Research Methods

Key Subjects

Information Systems Management
Enterprise Systems and ERP
Database Management
IT Governance and Risk Management
Business Analytics
IT Project Management
Cybersecurity Management
Digital Transformation
Cloud Computing
Information Systems Research Methods

Certifications

ISACA CISA/CISM Certification
PMI PMP Certification

Specializations

Enterprise Systems

Focuses on enterprise systems, ERP, SAP, Oracle, Salesforce, enterprise architecture, integration, and managing enterprise systems and applications.

IT Governance

Examines IT governance, COBIT, ITIL, ISO 27001, risk management, compliance, audit, and governing and managing IT organisations.

Business Analytics

Covers business analytics, data analytics, BI, data visualisation, predictive analytics, big data, and using analytics for business decisions.

Digital Transformation

Focuses on digital transformation, digital strategy, innovation, disruptive technology, change management, and leading digital transformation in organisations.

Cloud Computing

Examines cloud computing, AWS, Azure, GCP, cloud architecture, migration, DevOps, and managing cloud infrastructure and services.

Cybersecurity Management

Covers cybersecurity management, security governance, risk assessment, incident response, compliance, ISO 27001, and managing cybersecurity in organisations.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 254,100
Private, up to: Ksh 254,518
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: 20 students
Award: Masters

What you study

10 subjects

Information Systems Management
Enterprise Systems and ERP
Database Management
IT Governance and Risk Management
Business Analytics
IT Project Management
Cybersecurity Management
Digital Transformation
Cloud Computing
Information Systems Research Methods

Modules

12 in the programme

Information Systems Management and Strategy
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines IS strategy, IS management, IT-business alignment, IT organisation, IS planning, digital strategy, and managing information systems in organisations.
Enterprise Systems and ERP
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers ERP, SAP, Oracle, Salesforce, enterprise architecture, integration, SOA, ERP implementation, and managing enterprise systems and applications.
Database Management and Administration
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines database design, SQL, NoSQL, data modelling, data warehousing, DBA, data quality, big data, and managing databases and data.
IT Governance and Risk Management
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers COBIT, ITIL, ISO 27001, risk management, compliance, audit, IT investment, IT service management, and governing and managing IT organisations.
Business Analytics and Intelligence
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines data analytics, BI, data visualisation, predictive analytics, big data, Python, R, Tableau, Power BI, and using analytics for business decisions.
IT Project Management
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers project management, Agile, Scrum, PMP, PRINCE2, project planning, risk, stakeholder management, and managing IT projects and delivery.
Cybersecurity Management
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines security governance, risk assessment, incident response, compliance, ISO 27001, security policy, awareness, and managing cybersecurity in organisations.
Digital Transformation and Innovation
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers digital strategy, innovation, disruptive technology, change management, digital business models, fintech, and leading digital transformation.
Cloud Computing and IT Infrastructure
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines AWS, Azure, GCP, cloud architecture, migration, DevOps, containers, microservices, IT infrastructure, and managing cloud and IT infrastructure.
Information Systems Research Methods
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers research methods for IS, survey design, case study, design science, quantitative and qualitative methods, and conducting IS research, preparing students for their thesis.
Emerging Technologies and IS Strategy
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines AI, blockchain, IoT, 5G, edge computing, digital twins, and developing IS strategy for emerging technologies in organisations.
Research Thesis
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
Original research thesis on an information systems management topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

Enterprise Systems
Focuses on enterprise systems, ERP, SAP, Oracle, Salesforce, enterprise architecture, integration, and managing enterprise systems and applications.
IT Governance
Examines IT governance, COBIT, ITIL, ISO 27001, risk management, compliance, audit, and governing and managing IT organisations.
Business Analytics
Covers business analytics, data analytics, BI, data visualisation, predictive analytics, big data, and using analytics for business decisions.
Digital Transformation
Focuses on digital transformation, digital strategy, innovation, disruptive technology, change management, and leading digital transformation in organisations.
Cloud Computing
Examines cloud computing, AWS, Azure, GCP, cloud architecture, migration, DevOps, and managing cloud infrastructure and services.
Cybersecurity Management
Covers cybersecurity management, security governance, risk assessment, incident response, compliance, ISO 27001, and managing cybersecurity in organisations.

A day as a student

A typical day during the MSc Information Systems Management programme begins with morning lectures on information systems management, enterprise systems, or IT governance. Students engage with theoretical foundations and practical information systems applications. Information systems management sessions cover IS strategy, IS management, IT-business alignment, IT organisation, IS planning, and managing information systems. Enterprise systems sessions examine ERP, SAP, Oracle, Salesforce, enterprise architecture, integration, SOA, and managing enterprise systems. Database management sessions cover database design, SQL, NoSQL, data modelling, data warehousing, DBA, and managing databases. IT governance sessions examine COBIT, ITIL, ISO 27001, risk management, compliance, audit, IT investment, and governing and managing IT. Business analytics sessions cover data analytics, BI, data visualisation, predictive analytics, big data, Python, R, Tableau, Power BI, and using analytics for business decisions. IT project management sessions examine project management, Agile, Scrum, PMP, PRINCE2, project planning, risk, and managing IT projects. Cybersecurity management sessions cover security governance, risk assessment, incident response, compliance, ISO 27001, security policy, and managing cybersecurity. Digital transformation sessions examine digital strategy, innovation, disruptive technology, change management, digital business models, and leading digital transformation. Cloud computing sessions cover AWS, Azure, GCP, cloud architecture, migration, DevOps, containers, and managing cloud infrastructure. Laboratory sessions provide hands-on experience with ERP systems, databases, analytics tools, cloud platforms, and project management tools. Industry projects provide hands-on experience with real-world IS management challenges, system implementation, and consulting. Research methodology sessions prepare students for their thesis, covering IS research methods, survey design, case study, and data analysis. Guest lectures from JKUAT faculty, ICTA officials, ISACA experts, industry CIOs, and international IS experts provide real-world insights. The two-year programme culminates in a research thesis.

The trade offs

In its favour

Kenya's digital transformation, fintech growth, e-government, cybersecurity needs, and enterprise IT create high demand for qualified IS management professionals.
JKUAT offers MSc Information Systems Management through its School of Computing and Information Technology with established computing programmes.
Career opportunities with technology companies, banks, government, consulting firms, telecoms, and international organisations like ISACA, PMI, and AIS.
Programme combines technical and management skills, addressing Kenya's need for IT leaders who can bridge technology and business.

Against it

Programme requires IT, computer science, or related background, which may exclude some graduates.
JKUAT total fees of KES 505,000 are relatively expensive compared to other public university postgraduate programmes.
Rapidly evolving technology requires continuous learning and updating of skills beyond the programme.
Programme involves both technical and business content, which may be challenging for students lacking either background.

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

Public254k to 254k

254k at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology254k at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology

Private255k to 255k

255k at KCA University255k 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

JKUAT MSc ISM 254.1K/yr (jkuat.ac.ke). KCA MSc ISM ~254.5K/yr (kcau.ac.ke).

HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. ICTA supports digital skills development. ISACA supports IT governance and audit education. PMI supports project management education. The programme's information systems management focus attracts IT, digital, and international funding.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
ICTA Digital Skills Funding
ISACA Education Funding

Scholarships

3 recorded

HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate information systems management studies at recognised universities.
ICTA Digital Skills Funding
GrantKsh 200,000Kenyan
ICTA promotes digital skills development in Kenya, providing funding for postgraduate study in IT and digital skills.
ISACA Education Funding
ScholarshipKsh 300,000
ISACA supports IT governance and audit education globally, providing scholarships for postgraduate study in IS management and IT governance.

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, information systems, business, commerce, and related fields. JKUAT offers flexible entry with experience-based alternatives. Two-year programme with full-time and part-time modes.

How you are assessed

4 components

Coursework and Continuous Assessment
Coursework30% of the mark
Continuous assessment through coursework assignments, system analysis exercises, case studies, project reports, and class participation.
Written Examinations
Examination40% of the mark
Written examinations covering IS management, enterprise systems, governance, analytics, and cybersecurity, conducted at end of each semester.
Practical and Project Assessment
Practical30% of the mark
Assessment of laboratory work, system implementation, industry projects, ERP exercises, analytics projects, and practical reports.
Research Thesis
Research100% of the mark
Original research thesis on an information systems management topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). JKUAT offers MSc Information Systems Management through its School of Computing and Information Technology. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate information systems management training. ICTA promotes ICT in Kenya, and ISACA and AIS support information systems management internationally.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Programme accredited by CUE. JKUAT offers MSc Information Systems Management through its School of Computing and Information Technology. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate information systems management training.
ISACA
Professional accreditation
ISACA supports IT governance, audit, risk, and cybersecurity globally. Graduates may benefit from ISACA certifications (CISA, CISM) for IT governance and audit roles.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

IT Manager
High demandKsh 150,000 to Ksh 700,000
Manages IT operations, overseeing IT infrastructure, systems, staff, projects, and supporting IT service delivery and management.
Systems Analyst
High demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 550,000
Analyses and designs information systems, overseeing requirements analysis, system design, and supporting IS development and implementation.
Enterprise Architect
Moderate demandKsh 180,000 to Ksh 750,000
Designs enterprise architecture, overseeing architecture frameworks, IT strategy, standards, and supporting enterprise IT alignment.
IT Project Manager
High demandKsh 150,000 to Ksh 650,000
Manages IT projects, overseeing project planning, delivery, Agile, Scrum, stakeholder management, and supporting IT project success.
Business Analyst
High demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 550,000
Analyses business processes and systems, overseeing requirements, process improvement, analytics, and supporting business-IT alignment.
IT Governance Specialist
Moderate demandKsh 150,000 to Ksh 600,000
Manages IT governance, overseeing COBIT, ITIL, compliance, risk, audit, and supporting IT governance and compliance.

Graduate outcomes

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

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

SAP ERP
SoftwarePrimary
Enterprise resource planning software for enterprise systems management, ERP implementation, business processes, and managing enterprise systems.
Microsoft Azure
SoftwarePrimary
Cloud computing platform for cloud infrastructure, cloud services, DevOps, cloud migration, and managing cloud computing and IT infrastructure.
Tableau
Software
Data visualisation and BI software for business analytics, dashboards, data visualisation, and using analytics for business decisions.
JIRA
Software
Project management and issue tracking software for IT project management, Agile, Scrum, sprint planning, and managing IT projects.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Information systems management is just about fixing computers.
The programme involves IS strategy, enterprise systems, governance, analytics, cybersecurity, digital transformation, and research, covering comprehensive IS management.
This programme is only for computer science graduates.
The programme accepts graduates from IT, computer science, business, commerce, and related fields with relevant experience.
There is limited demand for IS management professionals in Kenya.
Kenya's digital transformation, fintech growth, e-government, cybersecurity needs, and enterprise IT create high demand for qualified IS management professionals.
IS management is the same as computer science.
IS management focuses on the business and management aspects of information systems, while computer science focuses on technical and programming aspects.
Cloud computing has made IS management obsolete.
Cloud computing has transformed IS management, but skilled professionals are needed to manage cloud strategy, migration, governance, security, and operations.
A master's in IS management is redundant after an IT degree.
The master's provides management skills, strategic perspective, research capability, and career progression to senior IT management and leadership positions.