Technology is dominating nearly every aspect of our world and completely transforming the way today’s businesses operate. Never has there been a better time for students to earn a tech-related degree, especially if it provides them with key competencies in areas that pertain to both technology and business.
As organizations of all sizes become more digitally driven, professionals who possess skills in computer science and information systems are — and will continue to be — in high demand. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 13% growth in this industry from 2016 to 2026, a faster rate than the average for all occupations.
Compared to most other tech-related programs, master’s in information systems degrees emphasize the business and financial aspects of computer science — focusing not just on what technology is and how it works, but how it’s used in specific organizational environments.
Below, we’ve highlighted what students can anticipate learning from the MS MIS curriculum at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, average salaries to expect after earning this degree, and responsibilities that come with an information systems job.
What to expect in a master’s program in information systems
MS MIS degree programs, which can be completed in under two years, allow students to build upon their knowledge, home in on a specific area of expertise, engage in a rigorous and innovative curriculum, and learn the communication, business, 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.
Because technology is constantly evolving, students pursuing an MS MIS degree can expect a robust, progressive curriculum. The online master’s in management information systems degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Collat School of Business is designed to teach students everything from cybersecurity protection to IT management. Some of the courses include:
- Business Programming
- Database Management
- Introduction to Cyber Security
- Information Technology and Business Strategy
- IT Project Management
Students also have the opportunity to choose between two concentrations: cybersecurity management and information technology management. Based on the chosen route, students may take other courses such as Cyber Attacks and Threat Mitigation, Digital Forensics, Incident Response and Business Continuity or Leadership in IT.
Master’s in information systems salary expectations
Some of the most in-demand skills today are ones that an MIS degree prepares you for. Of course, the salaries of information systems professionals vary depending on a host of factors, including position, education, experience, and job duties. However, since senior and managerial roles are often tasked with overseeing a broader scope of operations and applying specialized expertise across both business and tech departments, they are generally compensated at a higher rate.
According to PayScale, the average salary for someone with a Master of Science in Management Information Systems is around $86,000. Ranking some of the most common career paths by earned wages, here’s what to expect:
- IT director: $130,000
- Senior project manager in IT: $113,000
- Senior business analyst: $92,000
- Software engineer: $87,000
- Business intelligence analyst: $69,000
- Data analyst: $68,000
- Business analyst in IT: $68,000
This range of master’s in information systems salaries shows you the depth of earnings you can expect based on the career path you choose after graduation.
Main responsibilities that come with a master’s in information systems degree
As with any career path, tasks and job expectations will differ based on the level of responsibility. In general, some of the key responsibilities that come with a master’s in information systems career include:
- Assessing and managing computer-related issues within an IT department
- Making recommendations on computer equipment to purchase
- Continuing education to understand the latest trends in IT and current best products
- Overseeing the functionality of databases and software within a department
- Maintaining and restoring lost data when necessary
- Revising and updating computer permissions when necessary
- Overseeing software and computer system installation
- Consulting with managers and other supervisors in need of tech-related assistance
Based on the salaries you can earn with master’s in information systems as highlighted above, here are some of the main responsibilities to expect out of each career path:
- IT director: Developing and overseeing metrics for hardware and software, and managing all facets of the IT department
- Senior project manager in IT: Initiating, planning, designing, and executing control over an IT project
- Senior business analyst: Reviewing business processes to properly identify the financial and technological risk of a project
- Software engineer: Proposing, designing, and implementing operational solutions
- Business intelligence analyst: Developing and managing solutions with business users
- Data analyst: Reviewing and interpreting data through statistical analysis
- Business analyst in IT: Evaluating best business practices in IT to develop positive solutions
Responsibilities can vary greatly based on the career path and commitments pursued after earning an information systems degree.
Earning your information systems degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham
If you’re interested in earning a master’s in information systems salary, it’s time to consider a degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Collat School of Business. No matter what field of study you wish to pursue, earning an IS degree 100% online allows you to continuously evolve and accelerate your skills and experience to meet the technological and business demands of both today and tomorrow. The University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Collat School of Business offers both a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Management Information Systems degree completely online so you don’t have to sacrifice your personal and professional responsibilities.
Are you interested in learning more about the information systems programs at the University of Alabama at Birmingham? Contact an enrollment advisor today to learn more.
Recommended Reading:
Who should consider earning an MS in MIS?
How can an online MBA prepare you to navigate mergers and acquisitions?
Sources:
UAB.edu, Who should consider earning an MS in MIS
BLS – Computer and information technology
Learn.org, Masters in Information Systems Your Salary and Career Questions Answered
Businessstudent.com, Salary outlook – Masters in Information Technology
ECPI – Masters in Information Systems Salary Expectations
BMC.com, What does a director of technology do