Program also named No. 10 Best online IT program for veterans in nation
The Colorado State University College of Business Online Master in Computer Information Systems (MCIS) program has been ranked as the No. 1 Top online IT program in Colorado by U.S. News & World Report. It has held that best-in-state honor since 2019. The program also ranked as the No. 13 Best program of its kind among public institutions and No. 20 nationwide.
In addition, U.S. News & World Report recognized the Online MCIS among the nation’s best for serving the veteran community, ranking it No. 8 Best among public institutions for veterans and No. 10 nationwide. The distinction affirms the College’s commitment to serving members of the uniformed services as part of its land-grant charge to expand access to a high-quality education.
“I’m proud that U.S. News & World Report has recognized our Online Master of Computer Information Systems program as among the best for preparing tomorrow’s IT leaders with the skills to link business outcomes with technology – a key to success in today’s information economy,” said Leo Vijayasarathy, MCIS program director and chair of the Department of Computer Information Systems in CSU’s College of Business. “This ranking affirms our faculty’s commitment to innovation, our staff’s dedication to outstanding service and the aptitude of the professionals enrolled in our courses.”
The campus experience from anywhere in the world
The STEM-designated Online MCIS program was developed for IT professionals as well as those interested in starting a career in IT. As students learn directly from research-active faculty who incorporate the latest insight into classwork, they cultivate a perspective that connects market-driven business cases to advanced technology skills.
How is Mosaic Redefining Online Education?
See how online students experience immersion into CSU College of Business classrooms
Offering the flexibility to pursue a degree around students’ professional and personal commitments, the program can be completed in as little as 18 months or up to five years. It meticulously recreates the experience of sitting in a classroom at the College’s Fort Collins campus, using best-in-class video technology that captures lecture materials as well as interactions between students and instructors. Students may watch professional-quality video on demand as it suits their lifestyles, view courses in real time via a livestream of the classroom or interact with instructors and peers through the immersive Mosaic experience.
Professionals enrolled in the Online MCIS also receive the same degree of support as students in a traditional on-campus program. Academic advisors provide one-on-one counseling to ensure students remain on track to meet graduation plans while developing the skills that match their career plans. Career counselors at the College’s dedicated Career Management Center offer development and placement services to help graduates start the next chapter in their careers.
“The best part of the MCIS program is definitely the faculty. Their primary focus is on ensuring students get hands-on experience and bringing real-life examples to discuss in class.”
Akankhya Ashavari, program alum
A hybrid path to success for international students
A partnership with the Leap Scholar program has put the College of Business’ top-rated IT programs within reach of students in India with a unique, blended program. Students complete the first semester in India as part of the Online MCIS, then transfer to on-campus programs for their remaining courses. By making the program significantly more affordable for Indian IT professionals – they save approximately $25,000 over starting on campus – the partnership also empowers the College to extend its land-grant charge of expanding access to the other side of the globe.
The program’s STEM designation allows graduates to receive up to three years of practical training authorization to continue to work in the U.S. after graduation.
“Our partnership with Leap Scholar offers a pathway for IT professionals to receive world-class instruction to become tomorrow’s technology leaders,” Vijayasarathy said. “It also allows graduates to connect with employers in Northern Colorado to provide industry with the IT talent they need to stay competitive.”
About CSU’s College of Business
The College of Business at Colorado State University is focused on using business to create a better world.
As an AACSB-accredited business school, the College is among the top five percent of business colleges worldwide, providing programs and career support services to more than 3,000 undergraduate and 1,200 graduate students. Faculty help students across our top-ranked on-campus and online programs develop the knowledge, skills and values to navigate a rapidly evolving business world and address global challenges with sustainable business solutions. Our students are known for their creativity, work ethic and resilience—resulting in an undergraduate job offer and placement rate of over 90% within 90 days of graduation.
The College’s highly ranked programs include its Online MBA, which has been ranked the No. 1 program in Colorado by U.S. News and World Report since 2018 and achieved No. 11 for employability worldwide from QS Quacquarelli Symonds. The College’s Impact MBA is also ranked by Corporate Knights as the No. 7 “Better World MBA” worldwide.
