Online Masters in Management Information Systems (MIS) Degrees

Masters in Management Information Systems Online programs provide students with the technical skills and administrative tools to use technology to improve business practices through information systems. Students in MIS programs typically study organizational dynamics, systems development, database systems, decision-making and web-based systems design. If you aspire to work in project management, and information technology leadership has a direct impact on strategy in your current career, an Online MIS degree is worth considering.

Online Masters in MIS Programs: The Basics

Many Online Masters in MIS Programs may be completed in 18-24 months. Prospective students need a bachelors degree from an accredited university and meet the school's minimum GPA requirements. Candidates are often asked for a resume, letters of recommendation, and statement of purpose as well as college transcripts. Masters programs commonly require the completion of a thesis or capstone project.

What Is a Masters in Management Information Systems Online?

As an academic field, Management Information Systems encompasses the technologies and procedures used to solve all types of issues within a business, such as supply chain management, business intelligence, information security and data mining. Graduate-level degree programs in MIS are usually offered through accredited business or management schools.

FACT: Firms with large databases may prefer applicants who have a master’s degree focusing on data or database management, typically either in computer science, information systems, or information technology. (BLS>[i]

Types of Online MIS Masters Degrees

The most common degrees awarded in Management Information Systems are the Master of Science (M.S.) and the Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) – Concentration in MIS. Since programs vary depending on the school, you may find terminology such as ‘business intelligence’ or ‘information systems’. Since a graduate degree is an opportunity to explore more in-depth, make sure to contact a Masters in Management Information Systems Online graduate school to find out more about their curriculum. Look for a Masters in Management Information Systems Online program that aligns with your unique career ambitions and leverages your strengths.

Online Master of Business Administration - MIS

MBA programs with a concentration in management information systems integrate both analytic-business and computer technology skills. Some programs allow students to pursue other areas of concentration, such as:

  • Information security
  • Health information systems
  • Network management

It is common that online MBA students complete prerequisite courses (e.g. programming, systems analysis, accounting, business law, database design) before their core courses. Course topics found in most MIS programs may include:

  • Systems analysis
  • Systems design
  • Database management
  • Information management

Online Master of Science in MIS

Online Master of Science in Management Information Systems may include an emphasis on IT project management, databases, information systems and programming. Most M.S. in MIS graduate degrees require a certain number of credit hours of coursework in business, technology and managerial subjects. Some courses may include the following:

  • Relational databases
  • Information resources management
  • Integrated information systems
  • Internet computing
  • Enterprise architecture
  • Business intelligence

About Online

One of the reasons current IT professionals may appreciate an Online Masters degree is that coursework is delivered via web-based course management systems. Typically you can log in from wherever you have reliable Internet, access courses 24/7 and study at your own pace. Keep in mind that your program may also have on-site requirements, whether as an intensive team-building or in-classroom computer courses or separate computer labs. Just be aware and informed to ensure you stay committed to your degree.

Accreditation

Look for regional or state accreditation for the university.

If your degree is offered from an accredited business school, the three main accrediting bodies are the:

  1. The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)[ii]
  2. Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs (ACBSP)[iii]
  3. International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE)[iv]

Take the Next Step

Many of the computer and technology related careers that require a bachelors degree for entry-level positions are seeking MBA graduates or graduates with masters-level education in their specific field. If you are hoping for that next-level career, a master’s degree is often required for leadership positions or positions that perform more technical research[v]. If all that is preventing you is that you cannot make it to class the traditional campus-going route, take the next step and review an Online Masters degree in Management Information Systems to bring the classroom to you!


[i] bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/database-administrators.htm[ii] aacsb.edu/accreditation/accredited-members |[iii] acbsp.org |[iv] iacbe.org | bls.gov/ooh/management/ |[v] bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/market-research-analysts.htm