Management information systems (MIS) is a technology-driven system of skilled professionals, data, hardware and software that are vital to almost every modern business operation. When studying for an MIS degree, you learn about people, processes and technology and how they play into the whole of an organization’s information system and overall structure.
Because of tech’s inseparability from business operations, there’s an increasing demand for experts in business management and technology implementation. Throughout this guide, you’ll learn about the different jobs you can get with an MIS degree and how to start your journey down this career path.
Management Information Systems Degree Prerequisites and Requirements
You have to meet certain admission requirements before you’re eligible to earn your degree. Further, while some career paths require professional experience, others request students to enroll in and pass a certification course. Keep reading to learn more about the different MIS degree prerequisites that may be asked of you.
Bachelor’s in Management Information Systems
Earning a Bachelor’s in Management Information Systems (MIS) is a great first step towards excelling in your future career as an MIS professional. This program gives future MIS professionals base-level experience in data, information management, digital security and networking.
Examples of careers you can get with a bachelor’s in MIS include:
Those interested in obtaining a position in any of the above careers should consider honing in on the skills needed to succeed in information systems management by earning a bachelor’s in the field. Research the best online university today to see if earning a bachelor’s in MIS is right for you.
Master’s in Management Information Systems
The Masters of Science in Management Information Systems degree program allows you to build the knowledge and leadership skills needed to hold C-suite or other managerial positions. The degree program is offered to both students who hold a BS in Information Systems degree and those who earned a bachelor’s degree in another area.
Examples of careers you can get with a master’s in MIS include:
Note that there’s a possibility to earn a higher salary with a master’s in MIS under your belt. However, with the extra earnings come extra requirements for getting there. Take a moment to think about whether or not you’re capable of meeting the expectations that come with earning a master’s in MIS.
MS MIS Bridge Program
Even if you earned your bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field, you can still pursue an MS in MIS by participating in a bridge program. The MS MIS bridge program allows you to gain the formal knowledge necessary to earn your master’s degree in the field without committing to another four-year degree.
To be eligible for our MS MIS bridge program, students must have completed a baccalaureate degree or graduate degree from an accredited college or university. Once accepted, students of the bridge program will be required to take six courses:
- Business programming;
- Database management;
- Enterprise systems;
- Information systems;
- Systems analysis;
- Business communications.
These courses will prepare students to excel in their online master’s program to ensure that they understand the core curriculum and principles of information systems management.
GMAT Score Requirements
Some future professionals may be asked to take the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) test. It’s asked of students as a part of the admissions process to pass the GMAT with a score of 480 to apply for an MIS degree program. Alternative options include a GRE test score of 293 or higher under 5 years old, demonstrated work experience or a graduate degree GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Industry Experience in IT
Students with real-world experience may still be eligible to enroll in an online MIS master’s program. If you’re interested, you can apply by demonstrating previous industry experience with computer programming, enterprise systems, databases, system design and analysis, information systems (IS) or information technology (IT).
Management Information Systems Concentrations
The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Business Collat’s online MIS degree program offers a few concentrations so students can focus on their specialty and receive a more tailored education based on their preferences or skill disposition. Our online MS MIS program offers concentrations in:
- Business analytics: With a concentration in business analytics, MIS students will take courses in data science for business, advanced business analytics, data management and SQL and data visualization. This will help you develop your analytical skills and prepare for careers in MIS with a focus on data science and analytics.
- Cybersecurity management: In the cybersecurity management concentration, students focus on information security management, threat mitigation, incident response, digital forensics and more. This helps you prepare for cybersecurity-related careers in management information systems.
Be sure to mention the area of expertise that most interests you when speaking to an academic advisor, for doing so can make the difference in which curriculum path to take.
Management Information Systems Jobs
Technology dominates nearly every aspect of the world and has completely transformed how today’s businesses operate. Never has there been a better time to earn a tech-related degree, especially if it provides you with key competencies in areas that pertain to both technology and business.
Graduates who earn their MS MIS may have access to a wide range of employment opportunities. MIS professionals work across a variety of industries and their expertise is becoming increasingly valuable as the world — and businesses — continue to rely on technology for everyday operations.
Listed below are a few careers you can get in information systems and respective information detailing how much each position makes annually.
Computer and Information Research Scientist
Computer and information research scientists focus on the development and improvement of computing technologies. Their goal is to find innovative ways to advance technology and share those ideas with others by publishing their research in academic journals and collaborating with other technology specialists. As of May 2021, computer and information research scientists earn a median salary of $131,490 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Database Administrator
Database administrators are responsible for maintaining data using reliable software to store valuable company data. A few daily duties of this role include verifying software security credentials and monitoring database performance. As of May 2022, database administrators are expected to earn a median salary of $102,530 annually.
Information Systems Manager
Information systems managers strive to improve their companies’ technology operations. They analyze the current technology portfolio and goals of a company, and also plan, coordinate and implement strategies and computer systems to reach those goals. A few of their daily responsibilities include overseeing technology plans and identifying software needs. As of May 2022, information systems managers make a median salary of $173,670 annually, per BLS data.
IT Director
The IT director of a company plays an important role in the organization’s information security and technology strategy. This professional conducts security audits, reviews system performance and helps develop plans to improve network operations. As of June 2023, IT directors make $198,992 per year, on average.
Industries That Need Management Information Systems Professionals
Virtually every industry needs MIS professionals. As companies continue to digitally transform, their operations are increasingly reliant on cloud-based systems and software. Organizations need technical experts to manage the plethora of information and systems that are now ingrained into everyday business functions.
That said, certain industries have a greater need for MIS professionals than others, and each offers a unique experience. Some sectors may have rising demand for MIS professionals, including the industries below.
Financial Services
Firms like banks, lenders and other institutions have a wealth of highly sensitive information in their databases. As such, they’re a prime target for cybercriminals looking for ways to steal consumer information and money. This industry needs cybersecurity and database experts to keep all this information locked down.
Additionally, people who studied MIS have the knowledge necessary for data processing and hosting, which are important for these companies.
Healthcare
Like financial institutions, healthcare organizations collect and store a large amount of sensitive information about their patients. These details include not only specifics about their health concerns and conditions, but also financial and insurance information, among other types of data. Individuals who are knowledgeable in MIS are valuable to healthcare organizations because they can work to prevent or minimize the damage done by cybercriminals.
Retail
With the proliferation of the internet, shopping has largely moved online. However, as convenient as online shopping is, some risks arise when entering personal and financial information into websites. Cybercrime is a major concern, which is why experts who have studied that area of IT are needed.
If you graduate with an MS MIS, you’ll have studied common cyberthreats and the methods of detecting them. Additionally, you’ll learn how to recover and move forward after an attack.
Sources:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Computer and Information Research Scientist”
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Database Administrators”
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Computer and Information Systems Manager”