Management Information Systems

The Bachelor of Business Administration in Management Information Systems is someone who has a foot in the business world and another in the technical world.

As a business major, you will have the ability to identify business problems. You will also have the ability to design, develop, and implement technical solutions to these problems. Our professors hold Ph.D.’s in the discipline. Additionally, the department boasts a variety of real world experience and emphasizes “hands on” projects for students.

The Management Information Systems degree is very versatile and could be applied to careers in almost any discipline that needs technical problem solutions.

You have three tracks to choose from:

A cutting-edge and explosively growing field, Management Information Systems can be a promising education path for the tech-savvy. However, before committing to a degree program, it’s important to research the facts, such as career options and the typical MIS degree salary.

A degree in Management Information Systems combines programming and computer science with business and management strategies, preparing graduates for careers in computer systems analysis, database administration and network administration. For problem solvers passionate about technology – not just for technology’s own sake but for the solutions it can provide for people – an MIS degree is worth exploring.

As ever-evolving computers and technologies continue to change the way the world does business, the demand for MIS degree graduates will continue to grow. In fact, the U.S. Department of Labor predicts a much higher than average rate of growth for the MIS field over the next decade.

An MIS (management information systems) major finds jobs in the wide array of tasks that are required to create and sustain complex financial computer systems. Many positions are attainable with a bachelor’s degree in MIS or a related field, such as information science or computer science.

Master’s degree programs in MIS are also available, including MBA programs, and can open advanced career opportunities.

B.B.A. with Major in Management Information Systems

  • Completion of the B.B.A. Common Requirements – 102 hours
  • Track courses – 15 hours
  • One (1) School of Business or Computer Science elective – 3 hours

Collateral in Management Information Systems

  • Select four (4) of the following: – 12 hours
    • MIS 225 – Modern Programming
    • MIS 337 – Business Systems Analysis and Design
    • MIS 347 – Business Data Communications
    • MIS 447 – Data Base Management
    • MIS 467 – E-Commerce

Career Options

Though computer sciences and information systems programs already exist, an MIS program also provides financial and business applications to the study of computer science. MIS majors must understand the needs of both the business people using their systems and the computer sciences professionals creating their systems.

As such, an MIS major finds jobs in the wide array of tasks that are required to create and sustain complex financial computer systems. These types of jobs can be split into two categories: network administration tasks and computer systems tasks. Potential career titles include network and computer systems administrator, computer systems analyst and computer and information systems manager.

Network and computer systems administrators install, manage and provide support for the computer networks of organizations. They troubleshoot problems and teach users about the various hardware and software applications.

As of May 2013, network and computer systems administrators earned a median yearly income of $74,000, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Jobs for these professionals are expected to increase by 12% from 2012 to 2022, which is about as fast as average when compared with other occupations and industries (www.bls.gov).

Network and computer systems administrators organize, install and maintain computer networks for businesses and organizations. They work with mobile networks, intranets and data communication systems. As of 2010, MIS professionals with this job title earned a median MIS degree salary of $69,160, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Network and computer systems administrators working in the systems design or finance and insurance industries tend to earn higher salaries than those working in government or educational services.

A computer systems analyst develops information systems that are designed to improve the efficiency of organizations. In addition to designing, programming and installing new computer systems, they work to increase the effectiveness of existing systems. Jobs for computer systems analysts were expected to increase by 25% during the 2012 – 2022 decade.

Median annual salaries were $81,190 as of May 2013. As computer systems analysts, MIS graduates merge information technology with business to solve problems and create solutions.

They design, develop and improve computer systems for businesses and organizations, with a focus on increasing effectiveness and efficiency. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2010 the median annual salary for computer systems analysts was $77, 740. Analysts working in computer systems design earned the highest salaries.

Computer and information systems managers assess the technological needs of organizations and make recommendations for upgrades based on their findings. They may also determine the cost of adding new technologies, oversee IT personnel and work with vendors.

The BLS predicted that employment would expand by 15% from 2012 through 2022. Computer and information systems managers earned median annual salaries of $123,950 in May of 2013.

Database administrators use software to manage and maintain the critical information that businesses and organizations rely on. Whether working with financial records, medical records or customer shipping information, database administrators are responsible for making information available to users, while keeping it safe from unauthorized access.

MIS graduates typically spend some time working as developers or analysts in their chosen industry before promotion to an administrator position. In 2010, database administrators earned a median annual salary of $73,490. Those in the computer systems design or finance and insurance industries earned the highest salaries.

A baccalaureate degree is usually the minimum requirement for a career in Management Information Systems, though the U.S. Department of Labor advises that candidates with a master’s level degree may have an edge over other job applicants. Payscale.com reports that the median starting MIS degree salary for a MIS professional with a bachelor’s degree was $43,839 in 2011. The typical MIS Degree salary varies from one industry to the next, with MIS Degree jobs in the finance and insurance or computer system design industries typically offering the highest wages.

MIS professionals work in various fields, including finance, government and education sectors. Businesses and organizations of all kinds use information systems at all levels, so MIS graduates can pursue careers in a range of industries, and can be found working under a number of different job titles.

To maximize earning potential, MIS professionals should focus on cultivating a strong understanding of their chosen field or industry, whether through work or internship experience in a relevant work environment, or through supplemental or elective coursework in college. Many MIS professionals also take continuing education classes to keep their competitive edge sharp. Information technology is constantly evolving, and keeping abreast of the latest innovations in the field can help you achieve a higher MIS degree salary.

The MIS field is a dynamic, changing environment.  By the time you complete a 4 year degree there will be new jobs available that don’t exist today.