Indiana University of Pennsylvania has added a new opportunity for students who want to advance their skills in information systems and management.
Applications are now being accepted for IUP’s master of science degree in Information Systems and Management program, with classes starting in January 2026. The program provides flexibility for students to take classes through either face-to-face or two-way synchronous instruction on video.
The degree is a collaboration between IUP’s Eberly College of Business and the John J. and Char Kopchick College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics.
“This program is designed to provide students who have completed their undergraduate degree with additional knowledge and skills in a marketable combination of information technology, data science, and business management,” Eberly College of Business Dean Prashanth Bharadwaj said.
“The Eberly College of Business and the Kopchick College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics are uniquely suited for collaboration on this program, which will prepare students who want a combination of skills in information systems and business management,” Dean Bharadwaj said.
“Students who complete the program will be well-equipped to lead information technology initiatives, drive innovation, and contribute effectively to organizational success in a variety of industries and contexts,” Kopchick College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics Dean Steve Hovan said. “This program, which is a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) designated program, has an excellent balance of information technology and management, and builds upon IUP’s expertise in both the fields of business and computer science,” Dean Hovan said.
Dean Bharadwaj also noted international students—including students and recent graduates—have expressed interest in the program, “especially students who want to expand their knowledge and skills in the contemporary area of information systems and management,” Dean Bharadwaj said.
Students completing the program will gain advanced technical skills; a strong understanding of applying principles in economics and finance to overall business information systems and information technology strategies; how to apply new and emerging information technology and leverage technology for successful business outcomes; enhanced leadership and communication skills, including strengths in managing product teams; understanding of ethical and legal issues related to information technology; and strategies to stay updated on emerging technologies and industry best practices.
“IUP graduates more than 50 computer science undergraduates each year and more than 300 business students, many leaning towards technical disciplines,” Dean Bharadwaj said. “This will be the only such program among Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education universities in the western part of the Commonwealth, providing opportunities for students who have completed their bachelor’s degrees from the schools in the region,” Dean Bharadwaj said.
The program requires 30 credits of instruction through 10 core courses. If students enroll in the program full-time, they can complete the program by taking two courses in the summer and four courses each in the fall and spring semesters. Students can also work with IUP faculty to create an academic path to completion on a part-time basis.
Framarz Byramjee, a faculty member in the Department of Marketing in the Eberly College of Business, is the program coordinator.
“There is a great demand for skilled information system managers,” Byramjee said. “The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts an increase of 86,000 new positions in this field over the next decade,” he said.
IUP’s Council of Trustees approved the master’s degree in Information Systems and Management program proposal in May; Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Chancellor Christopher Fiorentino approved the program on July 1.
For more information about the Information Systems and Management program, persons can contact the Eberly College of Business at 724-357-4841 or email Prof. Byramjee at byramjee@iup.edu.
IUP offers 100 undergraduate majors and more than 60 graduate programs. In addition, students can complete more than 70 minors—including a unique teamwork minor—and scores of specialized tracks and certificate programs, including certificates in athletic coaching, preschool education, geospatial intelligence (drones), photography and digital imaging, popular music, and public history.
IUP’s Eberly College is accredited by AACSB-International, the longest-standing, most recognized form of specialized or professional accreditation that an institution and its business programs can earn. Less than 10 percent of 16,000 schools worldwide achieve this accreditation. IUP also recently received the specialized AACSB accreditation in accounting, making it the first to receive this honor among the Pennsylvania State System universities.
The Eberly College of Business includes the departments of Accounting and Information Systems, Finance and Economics, Hospitality and Employment Relations, Management, and Marketing.
The Kopchick College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics includes the departments of Anthropology, Geospatial and Earth Sciences; Biology; Madia Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Physics; Mathematical and Computer Sciences; and Safety Sciences and Environmental Engineering.
Since its founding in 1875, IUP has evolved from a teacher-training institution into a doctoral research university recognized for its commitment to student success and achievement. As IUP celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2025, the university honors a legacy of educational excellence while looking toward a future of innovation, leadership in healthcare education, and public service.