Management Information Systems Degrees

Management information systems is the study of people, processes, and technology from an organizational perspective. The degree focuses on the type of hardware and software that organizations use to track and compile data for analysis. Businesses want to hire people with this degree to help them track processes, employees, and customers.

Those going into this field are creative, have strong programming skills, decision-making skills, project management skills, and critical thinking skills.

A bachelor’s degree is usually necessary for most jobs in this field. Students can also go on to get their master’s degree in management information systems, as well as their Ph.D.

Bachelor’s Degree in Management Information Systems

A bachelor’s degree program in management information systems provides an introduction to network security, systems management, analytics, and project management. You might take classes in web analytics, project management, systems analysis and design, and basic programming. A bachelor’s degree in management information systems should take four years and you should be able to attend either online or in-person, depending on what would work best for you.

For in-person programs, Carnegie Mellon University, The Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Georgia Institute of Technology all have highly rated programs. For online programs, Washington State University, East Carolina University, and Saint Francis University all have highly rated programs.

Jobs you can get with a Bachelor’s Degree in Management Information Systems

Information Security Analysts, who install and use software to protect an organization’s data and network systems, have an average salary of $72,510 according to Payscale as of 2020.
Software Developers, who develop, test, and design software, and also direct a team of programmers, have an average salary of $71,716 according to Payscale, as of 2020.
System Engineers, who work to find and use customized software to meet a client’s needs and work on changes and operating procedures, have an average salary of $80,392, according to Payscale as of 2020.

Master’s Degree in Management Information Systems

Getting your master’s degree in management information systems will allow you to learn how to combine people and technology skills to influence and change organizations. You will learn a real-world approach to organization, process, and analysis. Management information systems go beyond computer science and work to tie things together.

Typical classes when it comes to getting your master’s degree in management information systems might include business problem-solving theory and practice, telecommunications technology, and principles of project management. Most master’s programs will take around two years to complete depending on if you attend full or part-time and you should be able to attend online or in-person.

For in-person programs, The University of Texas at Austin, The Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities all have highly rated programs. For online programs, Auburn University, the Missouri University of Science and Technology, and California State University at Fullerton all have highly rated programs.

Jobs you can get with a Master’s Degree in Management Information Systems:

Computer and Information Systems Directors, who look over all computer-related functions in an organization, have an average salary of $103,349, according to Payscale as of 2020.
Network Systems Managers, who supervise the people in network operation and support functions such as financial operations or security networks, have an average salary of $87,338 according to Payscale, as of 2020.
Information Architecture Analysts, who focus on organizing, structuring, researching, and analyzing user’s needs, to help them find the right info and to complete tasks, have an average salary of $102,136, according to Payscale as of 2020.

Doctorate Degrees in Management Information Systems

Getting a Ph.D. in management information systems would involve the completion of research methodology, basic business and economic courses, and technology-related classes. In order to pursue this type of degree, a student would need to have a bachelor’s degree and often a master’s degree in order to get into a program.

In a doctorate program, you might study advanced MIS research methodologies, contemporary MIS topics, and database management. A Ph.D. program could take 4-5 years.

The University of Arizona, Walden University, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison all have highly rating programs.

Jobs you can get with a Ph.D. in Management Information Systems:

Information Security Managers, who are responsible for developing and managing information systems, cybersecurity, software development, and more, have an average salary of $116,254 according to Payscale, as of June 2020.
Information Systems Professors, who teach courses, work with students and colleagues, and stay informed about changes in their field, have an average salary of $137,692 according to Glassdoor, as of 2020.
Computer and Information Research Scientists, who work in a government office, invent and design new approaches to computing technology, and find innovative uses for existing technology, have an average salary of $115,740, according to Payscale as of 2020.

Related Majors

General Management Information Systems
Information Resources Management
Knowledge Management
Accounting
Business Administration
Computer Science.

Management Information Systems Scholarships

Getting your degree in management information systems means you can apply for certain scholarships that specialize in engineering or similar degrees. Here are a couple of them:

Siebel Scholars

This scholarship recognizes the most talented students at the world’s leading graduate schools of business, computer science, bioengineering and, and energy science. Through this program, the scholars will form an active, lifelong community and an ever-growing group of leaders. There will be multiple awards, at $35,000 for students to use in their final year of graduate studies. For more info, please go here.

Information Systems and Technology Management – Master Degree Scholarship

This scholarship is through Learn.org and for those interested in pursuing master’s level degrees related to information systems, informatics, computer information technology, computer systems security, and technology management. They will be giving out one award in the amount of $500 to a master’s level student. For more info, please go here.