UT Austin’s MS Business Technology & AI and Carnegie Mellon’s Master of Information Systems Management are both STEM technology-management degrees, but they differ meaningfully in length, AI emphasis, cost structure and admissions preparation.
| Factor | UT Austin | Carnegie Mellon |
|---|---|---|
| Degree | MS Business Technology & AI | Master of Information Systems Management |
| Length | 36 credits; 10 months | 16 months; 3 semesters |
| Format | Full-time, in person | Full-time, in person |
| STEM | Yes | Yes |
| AI Exposure | Very High | High |
| Published tuition | $55,600 Texas resident; $59,700 nonresident | $29,570 Fall 2026 + $29,570 Spring 2027 + $30,460 Fall 2027, before additional costs |
| Technical preparation | Programming and database experience required | Pre-calculus, statistics and introductory programming required before enrollment |
| Career evidence | Class of 2025 average starting salary: $110,360 | Current outcomes page: $118,282 starting salary and 82% employed or with an offer |
Curriculum difference
UT Austin’s renamed program puts AI directly in the degree identity and includes AI foundations, neural networks and machine learning, generative AI, cloud-native development, data engineering, governance and a required company capstone. Carnegie Mellon’s MISM combines analytics, information systems, strategy and human-centered problem solving, with AI, deep learning, cloud and emerging-technology options.
Admissions difference
Both expect quantitative and technical readiness. UT Austin explicitly requires prior programming and database experience. Carnegie Mellon requires pre-calculus, introductory statistics and introductory Python, Java or C++ before enrollment, and GMAT/GRE is required unless the applicant qualifies for a waiver.
How to use this comparison
Students comparing these programs should decide how much they value a shorter 10-month AI-centered curriculum versus a longer information-systems-management structure with broader analytics and organizational depth. Career statistics also use different reporting methods, so they should not be read as a direct ranking.
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Comparison based on program data reviewed/verified by MSITM.com in September 2026. Always confirm current tuition and admissions terms with each university.