In this dynamic age of digital technology, business entities and governmental organizations look for individuals with expertise in technology, information, analytics, accounting, finance, communication and management to name a few.
What is Management Information Systems?
Management Information Systems is a field of career of which its objectives are to optimize and meet organizational requirements. Professionals in Management Information Systems focus on bridging the gap between business and technology. M.I.S. professionals analyze digital information, solve issues and make crucial decisions to optimize and meet business goals.
Why Management Information Systems is Important
The majority of business organizations around the world are tapped into digital technology to enhance the performance of the business by analyzing and utilizing certain data. Now in order to manage and utilize the data and information effectively, professionals in Management Information Systems are required to translate the data into solutions, strategy and help businesses to take crucial decisions. The strategies and decisions thus impact the growth and results of a business.
Difference between Management Information Systems and Information Technology
Management Information Systems | Information Technology |
Management Information Systems focuses on integrating technology and business. Professionals in the field of MIS analyze, evaluate and make decisions based on information collected from a governmental organizations or businesses. They build strategies that will help optimize and reach the target requirements of organizations and businesses. | Information Technology focuses primarily on operating and supporting the computer systems that various organizations make use of. IT professionals are also responsible for the collection and transmission of data There are multiple areas of focus in Information Technology which include Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence and Cloud Computing to a name a few. |
Is Management Information Systems a good major?
Pursuing a major in Management Information Systems will help students to start a career in one of the highest paying jobs across many industries. An entry-level MIS job requires at least an associate’s degree and from thereon, individuals can advance their career with a bachelor’s and master’s degree respectively if they wish to do so.
Here is a list of degrees that are typically pursued to start a high paying career in MIS:
Program | Credits (may vary) | Duration | Entry requirements (may vary by the college) |
Associate’s Degree | 60 credits | 2 Years | GED / Proof of high school graduation with official transcripts |
Bachelor’s degree | 120 credits | 3-4 Years | Official High School Transcripts/ Minimum required GPA. |
Master’s degree | 30-50 credits | 1-2 years | A Bachelor’s degree in a related field of study. |
2 Online Associate’s Degree in Management Information Systems
1. North Hennepin Community College
Program: Business Computer Systems and Management – AAS
Tuition: $200.46/credit hour
Accreditation: The program is accredited by the ACBSP. The college is regionally accredited by the HLC.
Financial Aid: Available, with 99% of students receiving financial aid.
The Business Computer Systems and Management program involves coursework in developing business principles, technical, communication and problem-solving skills. This will further prepare them for a career in management information systems.
2.Liberty University
Program: Associate of Arts in Information Systems
Tuition: $390/credit hour
Accreditation: The program is accredited by the ACBSP. The university is regionally accredited by the SACSCOC.
Ranking: Liberty University is ranked #3 in Best Online Colleges in America and #57 in Best Colleges for Business in America.
Financial Aid: Available, with 98% of students receiving financial aid.
With an associate’s degree in Information Systems, graduates will develop skills in problem solving and leadership. Individuals will learn how to make decisions in businesses using information from statistics and data networks.
15 Online Bachelor’s Degree in Management Information Systems
1. University of Houston – Downtown
Program: B.B.A. in Management Information Systems
Tuition: $258.5/credit hour (resident); $666.5/credit hour (non-resident)
Accreditation: The program is accredited by the AACSB. The university is regionally accredited by the SACSCOC.
Financial Aid: Available, with 92% of students receiving financial aid.
Students will gain knowledge and skills from the dynamic coursework in the Management Information Systems program which include web technologies, information systems development processes, and enterprise architecture to name a few.
2. University of Arkansas – Little Rock
Program: Business Information Systems – B.B.A
Tuition: $280/credit hour
Accreditation: The program is accredited by the AACSB. The university is regionally accredited by the HLC.
Ranking: The university is ranked #48 in Best Online Colleges in America.
Financial Aid: Available, with 97% of students receiving financial aid.
The program helps to prepare students to acquire in-demand skills for a career in business and technology in a rapidly growing environment. Graduates will also build marketable skills in teamwork, communication, decision-making and problem-solving.
3. Lamar University
Program: B.B.A. in Management Information Systems
Tuition: $296/credit hour
Accreditation: The program is accredited by the AACSB. The university is regionally accredited by the SACSCOC.
Ranking: The university is ranked #28 in Colleges with the Best Professors in Texas.
Financial Aid: Available, with 90% of students receiving financial aid.
The online bachelor’s program in MIS allows students to explore various practices in technology, business and tools that are necessary to sustain businesses and organizations and to keep it operating smoothly.
4. Southern New Hampshire University – Manchester
Program: Computer Information Systems – B.S.
Tuition: $320/credit hour
Accreditation: The program is accredited by the ACBSP. The university is regionally accredited by the NECHE.
Ranking: The university is ranked #1 in Best Colleges for Business in New Hampshire.
Financial Aid: Available, with 86% of students receiving financial aid.
With a bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems, graduates will acquire the expertise in building a connection between information technology and business while also honing their skills in decision making and strategy building.
5. Louisiana State University
Program: Bachelor of Science in Information Systems & Decision Sciences
Tuition: $379/credit hour
Accreditation: The program is accredited by the AACSB. The university is regionally accredited by the SACSCOC.
Ranking: The university is ranked #2 in Top Public Universities in Louisiana.
Financial Aid: Available, with 95% of students receiving financial aid.
Getting a degree in Information Systems & Decision Sciences will help launch graduates for various professions including Database Administrator, Internal Auditor, Business Analyst, and Systems Analyst to name a few.
6. Liberty University
Program: B.S. in Information Systems – Data Networking
Tuition: $390/credit hour
Accreditation: The program is accredited by the ACBSP. The university is regionally accredited by the SACSCOC.
Ranking: Liberty University is ranked #3 in Best Online Colleges in America and #57 in Best Colleges for Business in America.
Financial Aid: Available, with 98% of students receiving financial aid.
Liberty University’s online bachelor’s degree in Information Systems will help prepare students for a career in management information systems. Students will learn how to apply management skills in technology to businesses and various other sectors as well.
7. University of Mount Olive
Program: B.S. Business Administration – Computer Information Systems
Tuition: $455/credit hour
Accreditation: The program is accredited by the ACBSP. The university is regionally accredited by the SACSCOC.
Financial Aid: Available, with 100% of students receiving financial aid.
The Computer Information Systems degree helps students to prepare for a career in management information systems and also for further degree pursuits. The coursework includes coverage on a variety of IT disciplines, accounting, marketing, finance and more.
8. University of Alabama – Birmingham
Program: Information Systems – B.S.
Tuition: $458/credit hour
Accreditation: The program is accredited by the AACSB. The university is regionally accredited by the SACSCOC.
Ranking: The university is ranked #64 in Colleges with the Best Professors in America.
Financial Aid: Available, with 97% of students receiving financial aid.
Acquiring a degree in Information Systems will help students to incorporate their passion for business and technology as they also develop social, problem solving and decision-making skills.
9. Northwood University – Midland
Program: Management Information Systems – BBA
Tuition: $475/credit hour
Accreditation: The program is accredited by the ACBSP. The university is regionally accredited by the HLC.
Ranking: The university is ranked #4 in Best Colleges for Business in Michigan.
Financial Aid: Available, with 99% of students receiving financial aid.
Graduates in this program will learn the concepts of how businesses communicate, make transactions and share information using technology. This will then help them develop necessary skills that will be of demand as they start a career in management information systems.
10. City University of Seattle
Program: Information Systems, B.S.
Tuition: $495/credit hour
Accreditation: The program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET. The university is regionally accredited by the NWCCU.
Financial Aid: Available, with 50% of students receiving financial aid.
The ABET accredited Information Systems program will prepare graduates to be ready for a career across various fields including management information systems. Students will have the opportunity to work with practicing professionals to broaden their horizons.
11. Maryville University
Program: B.S. in Management Information Systems
Tuition: $500/credit hour
Accreditation: The program is accredited by the ACBSP. The university is regionally accredited by the HLC.
Ranking: The university is ranked #6 in Best Online Colleges in America.
Financial Aid: Available, with 99% of students receiving financial aid.
Businesses and organizations in today’s world are in need of skilled and qualified professionals in management information systems to communicate, solve problems, strategize and make crucial decisions that will affect the growth of businesses positively.
12. The University of Arizona – Global Campus
Program: Bachelor’s in Business Information Systems
Tuition: $510/credit hour
Accreditation: The program is accredited by the IACBE. The university is regionally accredited by the WSCUC.
Ranking: The university is ranked #65 in Top Public Universities in America.
Financial Aid: Available with 95% of students receiving financial aid.
On completion of the Business Information Systems program, graduates will acquire analytical, critical and logical thinking abilities for developing effective solutions in information systems management.
13. Florida Tech Institute
Program: B.A. in Business Administration – Computer Information Systems
Tuition: $510/credit hour
Accreditation: The program is accredited by the IACBE. The institute is accredited by the SACSCOC.
Ranking: The university is ranked #7 in Colleges with the Best Professors in Florida.
Financial Aid: Available, with 92% of students receiving financial aid.
Students taking up this program will get to explore and learn from the program coursework in systems analysis, network theory, finance, economics and oriented programming to name a few.
14. University of Massachusetts – Amherst
Program: Bachelor of Science in MIS – Technology & Management
Tuition: $996/credit hour
Accreditation: The program is accredited by the AACSB. The university is regionally accredited by the NECHE.
Ranking: The university is ranked #92 in Colleges with Best Professors in America.
Financial Aid: Available, with 88% of students receiving financial aid.
Students on completing a degree in Management Information Systems will acquire practical knowledge and skills in analytics, designing business solutions and manage business systems to name a few.
15. Norfolk State University
Program: B.S. in Business – Management Information Systems
Tuition: $2,876/semester (resident); $8,640/semester (non-resident)
Accreditation: The program is accredited by the AACSB. The university is regionally accredited by the SACSCOC.
Financial Aid: Available, with 92% of students receiving financial aid.
The business program with concentration in Management Information Systems will allow graduates to gain expertise in bridging the gap between business and technology. The program includes courses in communication, financial accounting, business statistics, strategic management and more.
8 Online Master’s Degree in Management Information Systems
1. Lamar University
Program: M.B.A. in Management Information Systems
Tuition: $421/credit hour
Accreditation: The program is accredited by the AACSB. The university is regionally accredited by the SACSCOC.
Ranking: The university is ranked #28 in Colleges with the Best Professors in Texas.
Financial Aid: Available, with 90% of students receiving financial aid.
The program coursework will help students to broaden their knowledge in business leadership areas such as marketing, accounting, finance, economics, international business, cybersecurity and IT projects.
2. Florida State University
Program: Management Information Systems – M.S.
Tuition: $444.26/credit hour (resident); $1075.66/credit hour (non-resident)
Accreditation: The program is accredited by the AACSB. The university is regionally accredited by the SACSCOC.
Ranking: The university is ranked #13 in Top Public Universities in America.
Financial Aid: Available, with 96% of students receiving financial aid.
The online master’s degree in MIS will enable individuals to bolster their technical, analytical and management skills. The program consists of 11 courses that will help individuals to stay updated on business and technological knowledge.
3. Wilmington University
Program: MBA – Management Information Systems
Tuition: $512/credit hour
Accreditation: The program is accredited by the IACBE. The university is accredited by the MSCHE.
Financial Aid: Available, with 70% of students receiving financial aid.
The program coursework focuses on providing students with the abilities, skills and knowledge required in today’s world of digital technology which extends to businesses, governmental and educational organizations.
4. University of Alabama – Huntsville
Program: M.S. in Information Systems
Tuition: $545/credit hour
Accreditation: The program is accredited by the AACSB. The university is accredited by the SACSCOC.
Ranking: The university is ranked #4 in Top Public Universities in Alabama.
Financial Aid: Available, with 96% of students receiving financial aid.
Individuals pursuing this degree will have the opportunity to build skills that are in-demand across businesses and organizations. Graduates will gain deeper understanding through industry experience and advanced coursework research.
5. University of Alabama Birmingham
Program: Management Information Systems – M.S.
Tuition: $555/credit hour
Accreditation: The program is accredited by the AACSB. The university is regionally accredited by the SACSCOC.
Ranking: The university is ranked #64 in Colleges with the Best Professors in America.
Financial Aid: Available, with 97% of students receiving financial aid.
The program offers advanced coursework and skills training in cybersecurity, project management and business analytics that will help students to prepare for an advancement in their career in management information systems.
6. Baker College
Program: M.S. in Information Systems
Tuition: $600/credit hour
Accreditation: The program is accredited by the PSM National Office. The college is regionally accredited by the HLC.
Ranking: The college is ranked #4 in Hardest Colleges to Get Into in Michigan.
Financial Aid: Available, with 96% of students receiving financial aid.
The 36-credit hour program provides students the opportunity to learn and expand their knowledge on information systems management with the help of practical industry experience.
7. Bellevue University
Program: M.S. in Management Information Systems
Tuition: $630/credit hour
Accreditation: The program is accredited by the PMI Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Programs. The university is regionally accredited by the HLC.
Ranking: The university is ranked #9 in Best Colleges for Business in Nebraska.
Financial Aid: Available, with 61% of students receiving financial aid.
On completing the master’s degree in MIS, graduates will develop the ability to analyze and evaluate information systems portfolios, strategize plans to meet business objectives, make crucial decisions and fulfil business requirements.
8. University of Arizona – Eller College of Management
Program: Management Information Systems – M.S.
Tuition: $1,332/credit hour
Accreditation: The program is accredited by the AACSB. The university is regionally accredited by the HLC.
Ranking: The university is ranked #65 in Top Public Universities in America.
Financial Aid: Available with 95% of students receiving financial aid.
Graduates in this program will acquire the skills to solve tech-driven business challenges, enterprise data management along with analytical skills to meet business requirements and goals.
Is Management Information Systems a good career?
A career in Management Information Systems is one of the highest paying jobs across the board. Now as per U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ projection, occupations in Computer and Information Systems Managers are estimated to grow at 16% from 2021 to 2031.
Have a look at the growth percentage and comparison with other similar occupations below:
Also have a look at some of the top M.I.S. jobs:
Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
Network Architect | $125,712 |
Information Systems Manager | $91,360 |
Systems Administrator | $85,716 |
Management Analyst | $78,137 |
IT Analyst | $74,893 |
Web Content Specialist | $52,229 |
Source: Indeed
Is a degree in Management Information Systems worth it?
If you have the passion and interest for both technology and business, then pursuing a degree in Management Information Systems is worth it. You will not only work with technology but also with people, organizations and businesses to help fulfill their requirements.