Information management is a quickly growing field that has an almost constant need for new talent. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in the field of information management systems is projected to grow by 15% in the period from 2014 to 2024, which is almost double the national average job growth rate. This makes a master's in management information systems degree an ideal choice for tech-savvy students who want to have their pick of lucrative careers in the industry.
WHAT ARE MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS?
Management information systems (MIS) is a broad field which has applications in nearly every industry. Graduates with a master's in MIS online study technology and the way it can be used to enhance the lives of people and businesses. Not all jobs in management information systems involve computer programming, so those who are not interested in programming should not be discouraged from entering this field.
Management information systems professionals use technology to create and manage data storage systems that are essential to running a business. They may need to create systems for storing findings from product research and development, marketing demographic information, client databases, and records of sales and staff productivity. A management information systems degree online is ideal for those who want a degree that prepares them to pursue a variety of lucrative careers in the technology industry.
WHAT ARE THE BEST ONLINE MASTER'S IN MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS PROGRAMS?
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Liberty University Lynchburg, Virginia |
With over 550 programs, Liberty is the nation’s largest non-profit, private university.. Its master’s of science in information systems is a 36-credit, fully-online degree program with specializations in information assurance and technology management. Students enrolled in this master’s in MIS online program improve their interpersonal and team collaborative skills and learn about security, ethics, design and development, and business information systems support. Coursework focuses on technology, management, and communication strategies and theories. To be accepted into this program, students must have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0; other prerequisites include coursework in computer programming, algebra, and statistics. Liberty also awards credit based on previous work and life experiences, exams, military training, and certificate programs. Students can transfer up to 50% of the program’s required hours. |
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| 2 |
Webster University Saint Louis, Missouri |
Located in St. Louis, Webster University offers several online programs that feature small class sizes (limited to 24 students); this ensures that each distance learner receives personalized attention from their professor. Webster’s online master’s in information technology management teaches students how to effectively integrate interpersonal communication, business, and information and communication technologies. This program is designed for managers in information technology who are seeking to advance in their careers. Coursework for this 36-credit online degree is taught asynchronously and covers a variety of topics, including information and communications security, contract management, and basic finance for managers. Students can also take nine elective credits of technology-related classes. Before graduating, distance learners need to complete a final project related to information technology management. Students must maintain a “B-” average or higher to earn their degree. |
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| 3 |
Florida State University Tallahassee, Florida |
Founded in 1851, Florida State University serves over 40,000 students and offers more than 350 degrees, including undergraduate and graduate programs. FSU’s online master’s of management information systems degree integrates analysis, technology, and business management skills. This master’s in MIS online program is designed for individuals who already have at least three years of relevant work experience. The 33-credit program is taught asynchronously, consists of 11 classes, and takes 24 months to complete. Students typically enroll in two courses per semester. The curriculum includes classes that cover marketing strategies in the global market, real estate investment, and corporate information security. To be accepted into this program, applicants must submit satisfactory GRE or GMAT scores along with proof of prior work-related or educational experiences in this field. |
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| 4 |
Concordia University - Wisconsin Mequon, Wisconsin |
Found on the shores of Lake Michigan, Concordia University - Wisconsin is a Christian university that offers over 50 online degree programs; these are available in asynchronous, cohort-based, or collaborative formats. The university’s master’s of business administration in management information systems is delivered asynchronously and is designed for individuals who want to work in leadership positions in IT departments. This master's in management information systems is comprised of 15 credits of MIS-specific courses and 27 credits of MBA core classes. Coursework also emphasizes Oracle management software. Students can choose to participate in an internship and are required to take a capstone course before graduating. To be admitted into this program, applicants must have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0; however, students are not required to submit GRE or GMAT scores. |
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| 5 |
Minot State University Minot, North Dakota |
Located in North Dakota, Minot State University prioritizes small class sizes, community engagement, and student research. MSU’s master’s of science in information systems can be completed entirely online and focuses on training students to be technologically sophisticated business executives in both traditional and emerging fields. The program is designed for working professionals who want to assume leadership roles or become independent consultants. This information systems management degree is available as a part-time or full-time program and can be completed in as few as two semesters. The program features classes in a variety of subjects, including eBusiness strategy and professional consulting in information systems. The program also offers funding in the form of research assistantships. Prospectives students must have an undergraduate GPA of at least 2.75 to be admitted. |
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| 6 |
Dallas Baptist University Dallas, Texas |
Dallas Baptist University is a Christian university with a wide range of online, hybrid, and on-campus degree programs. All of DBU’s online programs are taught asynchronously. The university’s master’s of business administration with a management information systems concentration teaches students how to effectively run business organizations in a global environment. The 36-credit management information systems online degree program includes 24 credits of MBA core classes and 12 credits of MIS-specific classes. While most of the program’s classes are offered entirely online, a few classes, such as database management systems and creative problem solving market decisions, feature field-based service learning components. Students must also take a capstone MBA course that focuses on strategic management decisions. This degree is available as an accelerated program that can be completed in 12 or 15 months. |
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| 7 |
Muskingum University New Concord, Ohio |
Founded in 1837 and located in the state of Ohio, Muskingum University serves around 3,000 undergraduate and graduate students. Learners in Muskingum’s master’s of information strategy, systems, and technology program develop a broad and integrated set of abilities that include communications, project management, and leadership skills. Students work as a member of a project team to identify, analyze, and develop real-world solutions for business challenges. Graduates are prepared for a wide range of MIS positions in fields such as application architecture, higher education, manufacturing, and business consulting and analysis. Because this highly-flexible MIS degree is both fully-online and self-paced, it is well-suited for working professionals. The degree program is comprised of 11 courses (54 credits) and can be completed in just two years. |
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| 8 |
Mississippi State University Mississippi State, Mississippi |
Mississippi State University, located in the northeastern area of the state, provides several distance learning options and resources to accommodate its nontraditional students. MSU’s business school, which is over 100 years old, has a master’s of science in information systems degree program that consists of 10 three-credit courses. Most students enroll in two classes per term and complete the program in two years. Coursework in this master's in management information systems program is taught asynchronously and includes classes that cover systems analysis, database design, and business telecommunication. Additionally, all prerequisites for this program are available as online classes. Graduate students can transfer up to six credits toward their master’s degree, and applicants are required to submit either GRE or GMAT scores. |
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| 9 |
Florida Institute of Technology Melbourne, Florida |
Founded in 1958, the Florida Institute of Technology offers a variety of science, business, IT, engineering, and other technology-related programs. The school’s master’s of science in management information systems prepares students for advanced leadership positions in the private, public, and military sectors. Required coursework for this 33-credit program includes classes in leadership theory, corporate finance, organizational theory, and other management-related subjects. To earn this management information systems online degree, students must also complete an applied management project capstone course. Applicants should have experience with college-level algebra, a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0, and satisfactory GRE scores; GMAT scores are not required but are strongly recommended. While the program does require its applicants to have a bachelor’s degree, individuals with degrees in fields other than business are welcome to apply. |
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| 10 |
University of Oregon Eugene, Oregon |
Located in the Willamette Valley, the University of Oregon serves more than 23,000 students and offers several online, blended, and on-campus degrees. UO’s master’s of science in interdisciplinary studies - applied information management program focuses on applied research, information design and management, and business management. With asynchronous classes that are offered entirely online, this program is ideal for mid-career professionals. The program consists of 54 credits; 44 of these are core classes, which each last seven weeks, while the remaining 10 credits are elective classes that each last four weeks. Distance learners also take a capstone course where they write formal research papers. This management information systems online degree is typically completed on a part-time schedule within 2.5-3 years. |
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How to Choose an Online Master's in Management Information Systems Program
There are several factors to consider when choosing an online master's in management information systems program. Students may consider the length of each program, number of required credits, how much each degree costs, and whether or not there is an on-campus requirement. It is also important to choose a program that is fully accredited. Many management information systems graduate programs prepare students for employment in IT fields, so students should choose a program that includes courses that will help them achieve their long-term career goals.
Careers for Graduates of this Program
Graduates who have earned their master's of science in information systems management are qualified for a variety of exciting and lucrative jobs. Recent graduates have the advantage of being up-to-date on the latest technology and methods used in the field, which they can leverage when applying to employers who want to modernize their businesses. As information systems become more commonly used in nearly every type of business, a master’s in MIS online will enable jobseekers to pursue a career in almost any industry.
Information Technology Consultant
Median Salary: $76,373
Software Engineer
Median Salary: $81,370
Senior Business Analyst
Median Salary: $82,799
Project Manager, Information Technology
Median Salary: $85,724
Information Technology Director
Median Salary: $114,561
Job Outlook and Salary
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the number of available jobs in the management information systems field will increase by 15% from 2014 to 2024. These professionals are in high demand and command high salaries. There are several factors that determine an employee's wage-earning potential, including geographic location, the industry they choose to work in, years of experience, and more.
| Employment, 2014 | Projected Employment, 2024 |
|---|---|
| 348,500 | 402,200 |
Source: BLS
SALARY GROWTH BY EXPERIENCE
The most important factor for determining salary over a professional's career is their level of experience. Employers reward experienced employees with higher salaries because of their greater understanding of key business practices and their proven track records of successful. The following table shows just how much experience can impact an employee's salary over their career:
PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
Professional organizations are great resources that provide their members access to comprehensive educational and training materials and offer them the chance to network with other professionals and find employment opportunities. These organizations also allow their members to continue their educations, which is vital in the rapidly-evolving technology industry. Many of these organizations offer membership to students, so those who are earning their management information systems online degree should look into these benefits while they are still enrolled.
- Association for Information Systems
- The AIS supports its global members who study, research, teach, and work with information systems in a variety of settings. Members benefit from career services, travel benefits, access to the AIS eLibrary, and more.
- Information Management Forum
- The IMF is a forum where management information systems professionals can share and discuss ideas and best practices without the influence of a corporate interest.
- Information Resources Management Association
- The IRMA maintains an extensive library of scholarly and peer-reviewed publications which is useful for those who want to stay informed of the latest research in the field.
To determine the best online master's in management information systems programs, we looked at the most important factors prospective students, mainly common predictors of future success and a school's commitment to online programs. This boils down to admissions rate, student loan default rate, retention rate, graduation rate, and the percent of students enrolled in online classes. All data points are taken from information provided by colleges and universities to the National Center for Education Statistics.
Each factor is weighted evenly in order to give an objective view and determine the best online master's in management information systems programs. To calculate our rankings, we looked at a school's ranking when organized by a single factor, and then averaged each category's ranking to find an overall score: Admissions Rate (20%) + Default Rate (20%) + Retention Rate (20%) + Graduation Rate (20%) + Percent of Students Enrolled in Online Classes (20%) = Final score.