Key takeaways
- A Management Information System (MIS) degree features a blend of computer science, business management, and IT-related courses.
- You can pursue an MIS degree at the associate, bachelor, master’s, or PhD level.
- A bachelor’s degree in MIS equips students with a comprehensive set of technical and soft skills opening a wide range of career opportunities.
- Fairfax University of America, University of Idaho, and Rochester Institute of Technology are just some names from the list of colleges and universities offering an MIS bachelor.
- You can also pursue an MIS degree online from The University of Maryland, Southern New Hampshire University, and more.
- MIS degree jobs feature a higher projected job outlook than the national average of all occupations showing that the demand for skilled professionals will rise.
Every organization deals with a ton of information on a daily basis. If you want to learn how organizations handle vast amounts of data, including processing and storage systems, an MIS degree is the ideal choice for you. In this guide, we discuss the media information systems management degree in detail.
Here, you will find program details, the typical program curriculum of a bachelor’s degree, available specializations, and admission and graduation requirements as well. Additionally, we list career opportunities graduates can explore and provide an extensive list of colleges from where you can explore an MIS degree online and on-campus.
What is a MIS degree?
MIS is short for Management Information Systems. MIS is a multifaceted discipline encompassing a blend of business management, information technology, and computer science principles. The program focuses on developing an array of technical skills required for efficiently utilizing and managing information systems.
Through the program, you will build competencies in data analytics, project management, data-backed decision-making, and software development. All these skills are in high demand as we move toward a technology-dependent world. According to the United Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for Computer and Information Systems Managers is set to grow by 17% which is more than 4 times the national average for all occupations.
You can pursue an MIS degree at an associate, bachelor, master’s, and Ph.D. level either in this particular order or you can skip an associate degree and directly enroll in a bachelors.
Associate MIS degree
An associate degree lasts two years for students enrolled in the program full-time. It builds a strong foundation in key MIS concepts and relevant skills needed to become eligible for entry-level roles in the field. Graduates with an associate degree can either seek employment opportunities or pursue a bachelor’s degree in MIS.
MIS bachelor
A bachelor’s degree is a four-year undergraduate program featuring an extensive curriculum focused on building a comprehensive range of skills. Graduates with a bachelor’s degree in MIS are eligible for the complete range of entry-level job opportunities. At the undergraduate level, it is the highest level of education you can pursue.
Masters in MIS
If you want to become eligible for senior-level positions, a master’s degree in MIS is the ideal way forward. The program lasts between 1 to 3 years depending on program type and your learning pace and format.
PhD in MIS
A doctorate is ideal for those who want to go into teaching or research. It is the highest level of education you can pursue in the Management Information Systems discipline. A PhD lasts anywhere between three to four years. However, it can go up to 8 years depending on your research and learning pace.
An in-depth guide to getting a bachelor’s degree in MIS
When it comes to getting a formal education in any field, choosing the right program is of the utmost importance for multiple reasons. Not only is college education a significant time commitment, but it is also costly. Thus, at the undergraduate level, a bachelor’s degree is always the ideal choice as it opens a wide array of career opportunities for fresh graduates in their respective fields.
At the bachelor level, you can pursue a Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems. The program features a blend of science and mathematics foundation courses in the general education component. Some colleges and universities also offer a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Management Information Systems, and some offer a Bachelor of Arts in Management Information Systems.
The primary difference between a BS and a BA is that the BS focuses more on developing technical and analytical skills with science, mathematics, and technology courses whereas a BA features liberal arts and humanities courses focusing on developing communication and critical thinking skills. Neither program is better than the other, and the core-specific takeaways are primarily the same across all programs.
Typical program curriculum
If you compare the program curriculum of two universities offering a bachelor’s degree in management information systems, you will notice many differences. These range from the number of courses in each category, credit hour distribution, types of courses, their names, and so on. Each university offers something different to students however there are certain similarities, especially when it comes to core-specific courses and the program structure.
A management information systems bachelor typically features a combination of courses in computer science, mathematics, business, and information management. Students have to take compulsory general education and core-specific courses. Additionally, they must choose from a range of electives.
General education courses vary by program type and electives are a personal choice depending upon your career aspirations. However, core-specific courses are essentially the same. Here are some courses you can expect to take in a MIS degree:
- Business Intelligence and Analytics
- Data Mining
- Programming
- Information System Strategy
- Enterprise Resource Planning
- Project Management
- Database Design and Implementation
- Principles of System Theory and Application
- Object-oriented programming
- Cybersecurity
- Error Control and Risk Management
Available specializations
Specializations in a MIS degree allow you to tailor your learning experience to suit your career goals. If you want to go into a highly specialized niche within the management information system, choosing a specialization that allows you to build a relevant skill set can enhance your eligibility. Here are some concentration areas in a MIS degree that you can pursue.
Health Informatics
Through the specialization of health informatics, you will learn data analytics, data management, information technology, and more all in the context of healthcare information management. Key learning takeaways in the specialization include:
- Ability to collect, store, and analyze patient data.
- Data mining and analytics to identify patterns.
- Improving healthcare service provision through data.
- Aiding research within the field
The specialization is ideal for those who want to work in the healthcare industry. Through it, they can pursue job opportunities such as Health Informatics Specialist, Biostatistician, and Clinical Informatics Manager.
E-Commerce and Data Analytics
Through this specialization, you will learn the tools, techniques, and processes needed for data mining, pattern identification, data storage, and data analytics for business activity on all web platforms. Here, you will learn how to drive an online enterprise forward using data-backed decision-making.
Resource Management and Planning
The resource management and planning specialization equips students with the knowledge needed to ensure that scarce resources are distributed as efficiently as possible to achieve the greatest possible value for an organization. Moreover, it takes a deeper dive into how management information systems can aid in efficient resource planning within an organization. Resources include time, money, human resources, and so on. Key skills you will learn in this specialization are:
- Risk identification and mitigation
- Market analysis
- Budgeting
- Resource allocation
- People management
Project Management
A project management specialization enables people to efficiently plan, coordinate, and execute tasks to achieve specific project goals. It is the process of identifying the scope, budgeting, planning a timeline, identifying risk, team management, performance monitoring, and steering and realigning goals and strategy as needed. Key skills you will learn include:
- Strategic planning
- Budgeting
- Market research
- Risk identification and management
- Ensuring timely completion of projects
- Performance tracking
- Report writing
Financial Systems Assurance and Security
Financial data is among the most sensitive information. Thus, financial systems management and security go hand in hand. Through this specialization, you will learn how to deal with such sensitive information as securely as possible. In this program, you will develop a blend of expertise, including financial management, financial analysis, and security.
Cybersecurity
If you are passionate about preventing cybercrime, the cybersecurity specialization is for you. You can also pursue a cybersecurity bachelor’s if you want to go into cyber forensics. Through the specialization, you will learn:
- Ethical hacking
- Cybersecurity threat analysis
- Penetration testing to ensure information management systems are secure
- Network security
- Incident response and management
In-demand MIS skills you build in a bachelor’s degree
Employers in today’s job market give preference to job applicants with skills, and qualifications even for entry-level positions. This is especially true for technical fields such as MIS. Thus, aspiring professionals seeking MIS degree jobs must look at the skills listed in job postings and aim to develop the required proficiency during their bachelor’s programs.
MIS professionals require a blend of soft and technical skills to lead a successful career.
Technical MIS skills
Technical skills are broadly defined as the knowledge needed to use specialized tools. They are applicable skills required to perform specialized tasks specific to different roles. MIS graduates require an array of technical skills to be eligible for jobs in the field.
Technical MIS skills include:
- Data analysis
- Project management
- SQL querying
- Systems analysis
- Programming
- Software development
- Database management
- Networking basics
Additionally, students can develop niche-specific highly technical skills by pursuing a relevant specialization. For example, they can learn all about financial system management in a finance systems assurance and security specialization. These can include risk analysis, financial management, financial accounting, and so on.
Soft skills
Soft skills are transferable skills that you need to successfully operate and interact in a professional environment. They are just as important as technical skills for many employers as they ensure that an organization’s environment remains professional and productive. These skills include:
- Communication
- Time management
- Adaptability
- Problem-solving
- Comprehension
- Creativity
- Emotional intelligence
Admission requirements
The admission requirements for a Management Information System (MIS) degree are essentially the same as that of any other bachelor’s program. If you are a high school graduate or senior applying to the program, you will have to submit the following:
- Completed college application form
- High school transcripts
- Standardized test scores (SAT/ACT)
- College essay
- Recommendation letters
The exact admission requirements vary by college and program. For example, some colleges only accept students with a high school GPA of 3.5 while others may take a holistic approach assessing the student’s athletic performance and extracurricular activities alongside their GPA. In the second case, students with demonstrated athletic abilities may be able to secure sports scholarships as well.
The admission requirements for graduates with an associate’s degree in MIS are different. They will need to submit their official degree transcripts, recommendation letters, college essay, and resume (if applicable).
Again, the exact admission requirements vary but students will generally have to submit the above-mentioned documents. Additionally, they will have to determine how many credits earned in their associate program are transferable to their bachelor’s degree.
Graduation requirements
To graduate with a bachelor’s MIS degree, you will need to earn the required credit hours via a combination of general, core-specific, elective, and concentration-specific courses. Generally, a bachelor’s program has 120-135 credit hours. However, credit hour requirements vary by program type so make sure to give the curriculum a thorough look before selecting courses.
Additionally, you will need to maintain a minimum CGPA to earn your bachelor’s degree. The lowest acceptable GPA for most colleges is 2.0. However, some colleges set a higher limit of 2.5. Make sure you check with the on-campus academic advisor to learn more about the college’s graduation requirements.
List of colleges and universities offering a bachelor’s degree in MIS
Here are a few colleges and universities from where you can pursue a bachelor’s Management Information System (MIS) degree.
| College | Acceptance % | Graduation % | Tuition |
| Northern State University | 93% | 59% | $8,845 in-state
$11,947 out-of-state |
| University of Idaho | 74% | 57% | $8,816 in-state
$29,784 out-of-state |
| Concordia University Nebraska | 91% | 64% | $39,330 |
| Palm Beach State College | 100% | 29.6% | $3,050 in-state
$10,910 out-of-state |
| Medgar Evers College | 88% | 18% | $7,352 in-state
$15,302 out-of-state |
| Lamar University | 84% | 33% | $8,690 in-state
$18,482 out-of-state |
| University of Tampa | 26.3% | 62% | $34,408 |
| Fairfax University of America | 1.1% | 10% | $10,128 |
| Rochester Institute of Technology | 67% | 67% | $57,016 |
Can I pursue an MIS degree online?
Online degrees became the need of the hour during the pandemic and continue to be high in demand even in the post-COVID landscape. There are significant benefits to pursuing an online MIS degree. Thus, several colleges across the US offer distance learning programs.
Students from all over the world can access high-quality education from the comfort of their own homes. Online learning systems have eliminated geographical barriers and brought unparalleled ease, flexibility, and convenience in the higher education system. However, before selecting an online program, determine whether it is synchronous, requiring real-time participation, or asynchronous.
If you are looking for maximum flexibility and convenience, an asynchronous program is ideal for you. Here, you will be able to take classes at any time and any day. Without the requirement to stick to a stringent schedule, you are free to take up other activities or even full-time employment.
However, where there are pros are also cons. Online students, especially those in an asynchronous program must be disciplined enough to take their classes regularly rather than skipping them or trying to take them all last minute before the finals. Additionally, those pursuing jobs must possess time management skills. As an online learner, you will be on your own dealing with all challenges such as technical difficulties, and timeline management.
Despite these challenges and more, an online MIS degree might be the ideal choice for some as it is a more affordable option than the traditional program. Without the cost of accommodation, transportation, utilities, travel, and more, the overall cost of attendance of online programs is significantly lower than traditional ones.
List of colleges and universities for an online MIS degree
Here are some colleges and universities from where you can pursue an MIS degree online.
| College | Acceptance % | Graduation % | Tuition |
| University of Maryland Online | 45% | 86% | $11,505 in-state
$40,306 out-of-state |
| Spring Hill College | 73% | 56% | $23,270 |
| University of South Carolina Union | 80.1% | 21.1% | $7,558 in-state
$18,238 out-of-state |
| Southern New Hampshire University | 96% | 39% | $16,450 |
What jobs can I get with a degree in Management Information Systems (MIS)?
A bachelor’s in Management Information Systems degree opens many career opportunities for graduates. The career paths graduates can explore are vast and varied because the skills developed in the program are versatile. From programming, and management, to cybersecurity, and resource allocation and planning, MIS degree graduates possess a multitude of in-demand skills making them eligible for several job roles.
Here are some jobs you can get with an MIS degree and the median annual salary as per nationwide survey findings by the United Bureau of Labor Statistics.
| Job title | Average salary |
| IT Systems Analyst | $103,800 |
| Web Developers | $84,960 |
| Computer and Information Systems Manager | $169,510 |
| Project Management Specialist | $98,580 |
| Database Administrator | $101,510 |
| Database Architect | $134,700 |
| Network Architect | $129,840 |
| Software Developers | $132,270 |
MIS industry hiring trends and job outlook
Obtaining a formal education is essential if you want to thrive in today’s job market. However since college education can be quite costly, it is imperative that you choose a degree that is high in demand and has a positive career outlook in the years to come. When it comes to the management information system field, a bachelor’s degree is the ideal and preferred qualification for nearly all jobs in the field.
According to popular job hunt platforms such as Zippia and LinkedIn, employers are seeking MIS professionals with an array of skills with technical skills being the most important. These include:
- Providing technical support
- Managing software inventory
- Troubleshooting
- Programming
- SQL Server proficiency
- Windows NT expertise
- Data analysis
- ERP systems proficiency
- Cloud and network architecture
- Cybersecurity
- Machine learning
- Project management
Additionally, they must have strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, adaptability, and other soft skills. O*NET Online lists the complete range of occupational requirements for Information System Managers and related occupations. By accessing the summary, you can get an in-depth insight into what job titles you will be eligible for with an MIS degree bachelor and gives you a glimpse into your tasks and responsibilities as a skilled MIS professional.
According to O*NET’s findings, 48% of the active job openings in MIS required a 4-year bachelor’s degree, 14% required a master’s degree, and 26% required some college education but didn’t list a degree as a requirement. The job outlook for the majority of occupations in the field is higher than the national average for all occupations.
| Job title | Job outlook (2023-2033) |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | 17% |
| Software Developers | 17% |
| Web Developers | 8% |
| Computer Network Architect | 13% |
| Computer Systems Analyst | 11% |
Frequently Asked Questions about MIS degree
Here, you will find the answers to some frequently asked questions about an MIS degree.
What is management and information systems?
Management and information systems is a technical field of study that teaches efficient management through the use of information systems. These systems help collect, store, and organize data to help data-backed decision-making, coordinate people, organize resources, communicate effectively, and more.
Through an MIS degree, students not only learn how to use information management systems, but also analyze them to identify shortcomings, and design, create, and implement new systems for enhanced efficiency.
What kind of work does an MIS major do?
An MIS major can undertake a variety of job opportunities in management and IT-related roles. Common job opportunities include database administration, network security and architecture, security assurance, information systems management, and more. You can access an extensive list of available opportunities above. MIS degree graduates qualify for a range of technical roles in different sectors.
Is an MIS degree worth it?
An MIS degree leads to promising career opportunities in a field that is high in demand. Nearly all MIS jobs require applicants to have a bachelor’s degree and a relevant skill set that can easily be developed through a 4-year college education. Moreover, the job outlook for all related job roles is significantly higher than the national average for all occupations.
Thus, an MIS degree is definitely worth it for those seeking a technical degree that can lead to financially rewarding and promising careers.
What can I do with an MIS major?
As a graduate majoring in MIS, you become eligible for job roles such as Information Systems Manager, Database Administrator, Cloud and Network Architect, Data Processing Manager, Information Technology Manager, and so on.
Become an MIS professional with a bachelor’s degree today!
A formal education can help you build the skills and gain the qualifications needed to lead a successful career in the field. A bachelor’s degree in MIS is the ideal qualification that opens the extensive range of entry-level positions in the field. You can refer to the list above to find colleges that offer a bachelor’s MIS degree and start applying today.
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