Franklin University Expands M.S. in Information Systems with Five New Career-Focused Specializations in AI, Analytics, Cybersecurity, Healthcare and Business Leadership

Contact:

Sherry Mercurio
Executive Director, Office of Community Relations
(614) 947-6581
Email: sherry.mercurio@franklin.edu

Enhanced master's degree program prepares professionals to lead at the intersection of technology, data, business strategy and organizational transformation

Franklin University today announced the expansion of its Master of Science in Information Systems program with five new specializations designed to help professionals develop expertise in rapidly evolving areas of technology and business leadership. The new specializations include AI Leadership for Professionals, Analytics for Decision Making, Business Information Systems Leadership, Cybersecurity Risk & Governance, and Health Information Systems Leadership.

As organizations increasingly rely on data, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and technology-driven business strategies, employers need professionals who can connect technology decisions with organizational strategy and business outcomes. Franklin University's enhanced M.S. in Information Systems program is designed to meet that need by providing a comprehensive information systems foundation paired with specialized expertise.

Information systems professionals play an increasingly important role in helping organizations navigate digital transformation, AI adoption, cybersecurity challenges, healthcare technology innovation and data-driven decision-making. The five new specializations provide targeted pathways for professionals to develop expertise in these areas while maintaining the broad business and technology perspective needed to contribute to organizational change.

The 100% online, 36-credit-hour master's program combines a 24-credit information systems core with a 12-credit specialization, allowing students to build broad expertise in information systems while developing focused knowledge in an area aligned with their career goals. Students can complete the degree in as few as 16 months while continuing to work.

Five M.S. in Information Systems Specializations Focus on AI, Analytics, Cybersecurity, Business and Healthcare

AI Leadership for Professionals

The AI Leadership for Professionals specialization is designed for professionals responsible for evaluating, implementing or overseeing artificial intelligence initiatives. Students learn how to assess AI opportunities, establish governance frameworks, manage risk, create trusted AI workflows and lead organizational transformation driven by AI technologies.

Rather than focusing on programming or deep technical implementation, the specialization emphasizes strategic decision-making, responsible AI adoption, workflow redesign and organizational leadership. It prepares professionals to help organizations determine where AI can create value, how AI should be governed and how AI-enabled change can be implemented responsibly.

Analytics for Decision Making

The Analytics for Decision Making specialization helps professionals transform data into actionable business insights. The curriculum focuses on statistics, data visualization, data storytelling, dashboards, AI-augmented data mining and analytical decision-making.

Students learn how to evaluate data quality, identify meaningful patterns, communicate findings effectively and support evidence-based leadership decisions.

Business Information Systems Leadership

The Business Information Systems Leadership specialization combines information systems expertise with graduate-level business coursework in communication, business strategy and organizational leadership.

Designed for professionals who want to advance into leadership roles, the specialization helps students strengthen their ability to connect technology investments with organizational goals, communicate with executive stakeholders and lead cross-functional initiatives.

Cybersecurity Risk & Governance

Rather than focusing on offensive or defensive security operations, the Cybersecurity Risk & Governance specialization prepares professionals to evaluate cybersecurity risks, build governance frameworks, support compliance initiatives and help organizations make informed security decisions.

Students develop expertise in risk assessment, policy development, governance strategies and translating technical security concerns into business priorities.

Health Information Systems Leadership

The Health Information Systems Leadership specialization equips professionals to navigate the growing intersection of healthcare and technology. Students gain knowledge in health information governance, clinical workflows, healthcare operations, data stewardship and process improvement.

The specialization is designed for professionals interested in advancing technology leadership within healthcare organizations or transitioning into the healthcare technology sector.

Preparing Technology Leaders for the Future of Work

Franklin's M.S. in Information Systems curriculum is designed to help professionals understand both the technical and business dimensions of information systems. Students build expertise in areas including databases, systems analysis, product management, project management and business agility while applying their learning through real-world projects and a product-focused capstone experience.

The program prepares professionals to bridge technology and business, translate complex technology concepts into business value, lead technology-related initiatives and contribute to digital transformation and strategic decision-making. Through their selected specialization, students can build additional expertise in artificial intelligence leadership, analytics, cybersecurity risk and governance, business information systems leadership or health information systems.

Prospective students can learn more about Franklin University's M.S. in Information Systems program, including curriculum, admission requirements and available specializations, through Franklin University's Information Systems program page.

FACT BOX

Program: Master of Science in Information Systems
Format: 100% online
Credits: 36 credit hours — 24-credit information systems core plus 12-credit specialization
Completion: As few as 16 months
Five Specializations: AI Leadership for Professionals, Analytics for Decision Making, Business Information Systems Leadership, Cybersecurity Risk & Governance, Health Information Systems Leadership
Program Focus: Prepares professionals to bridge technology and business, support digital transformation and strategic decision-making, and develop specialized expertise in AI, analytics, cybersecurity risk and governance, business information systems or healthcare technology.
AI Leadership Distinction: Focuses on AI strategy, governance, responsible adoption, risk, workflow transformation and organizational leadership rather than programming or deep technical implementation.
Designed For: Working professionals seeking to strengthen information systems expertise and prepare for technology-related leadership and decision-making roles.

About Franklin University

Accredited, nonprofit, and dedicated to educating adults since 1902, Franklin provides onsite course options at our Main Campus in downtown Columbus, Ohio, and is an innovator in providing personalized online education. The University offers applied in-demand undergraduate, masters, and doctorate programs that enable adult learners to achieve their educational and professional goals. Through agreements with partner institutions, the University also offers international academic programs, including its top-ranked MBA.

Franklin University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and holds specialized accreditations for specific academic programs through the International Accreditation Council for Business Education, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, and the Commission on Accreditation of Health Informatics and Information Management Education. The National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security have designated Franklin University as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CDE).