Santa Clara University

What you'll study

The programme blends core business courses from the Leavey School of Business with specialised information systems study and general education requirements. You will take foundational courses in accounting, finance, marketing and organisational behaviour alongside MIS-specific modules that focus on the analysis, design and implementation of information systems.

• Core MIS subjects: systems analysis and design, database management, enterprise systems, IT project management, business process modelling.
• Technical and programming skills: introduction to programming (Python or Java), web application development, networking and cloud fundamentals, scripting for data processing.
• Data and analytics: business intelligence, data visualisation, statistics for decision making, introductory data mining or analytics tools.
• Security and governance: information security fundamentals, IT governance and compliance, ethical issues in IT.
• Practicum and capstone: team-based practicum or capstone project collaborating with real organisations, integrating technical development with business requirements and client communication.
• Electives and special topics: human-centred design, mobile applications, machine learning introductory topics, cloud services, or industry-specific information systems.

Coursework emphasises hands-on labs, project work, case studies and an expectation to complete internships. The curriculum is designed so graduates can both build technical solutions and translate business needs for technical teams.

Entry requirements

Applicants typically present a completed secondary-school qualification or equivalent. Admissions consider academic record with an emphasis on quantitative subjects (mathematics and ideally some prior exposure to computing), personal statement, and letters of recommendation. Successful applicants often demonstrate analytical ability, communication skills and an interest in technology applied to business.

Transfer applicants are assessed on college-level performance and course equivalence; credits for completed business or computing courses may be evaluated for advanced standing. International applicants must meet the university's English proficiency requirements. Prospective students should consult the university admissions office for precise documentation guidance and any additional programme-specific expectations.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles that bridge business and technology. Common entry-level positions include systems analyst, business analyst, IT consultant, database administrator, application developer and IT project coordinator. With experience, alumni move into roles such as solutions architect, product manager, cybersecurity analyst, analytics manager or IT director.

The programme also provides a foundation for further study in information systems, business analytics, computer science or an MBA for those pursuing senior management or specialised technical leadership.

Why study at Santa Clara University

Santa Clara's location in Silicon Valley gives students direct access to a dense ecosystem of technology companies, startups and venture capital, which helps with internships, guest speakers and collaborative projects. The Leavey School of Business emphasises experiential learning, small class sizes and personalised advising within a Jesuit educational framework that values ethics and social responsibility.

Students benefit from career services, industry partnerships, alumni networks in the Bay Area and applied learning centres that support entrepreneurship, innovation and consulting projects. The programme’s mix of practical technical training and business context is particularly valuable for students aiming to make immediate contributions in technology-enabled organisations.