Components of A Successful Career In Management Information Systems
A successful career in Management Information Systems is built on a foundation of academic achievement. During your undergraduate years, seek to study at the very best schools that have top accreditations. Though your major might be MIS, you can also select a minor that compliments your learning. Some good options include accounting, management, mathematics, computer science, finance or hospitality management.
Once you've completed your undergraduate degree and have a few years’ experience under your belt, it would be wise to begin a graduate program. Many MIS professionals opt for an MBA with an MIS concentration. Other degree options include a Masters in Healthcare Informatics, Cybersecurity, Accounting, or even a graduate degree in MIS.
MIS professionals will also want to join a professional association. Membership in one of these associations will provide resources that help keep them on top of their profession. You might find beneficial courses and even certifications that help bolster your resume. Associations also offer opportunities for networking, fellowship, and leadership.
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How to Earn an Online Degree in Management Information Systems
What can you do with a Degree in MIS?
A degree in Management Information Systems can open a world of opportunity. MIS majors work as business analysts, systems analysts, business intelligence analysts, and even in tech support. Students graduating with MIS degrees are in high demand for a field that is growing by leaps and bounds, and professionals are finding compensation to match their skills. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that occupations related to Computer and Information Technology are receiving median salaries that range from $52,000 for tech support professionals to $114,000 for computer research scientists. If you apply your skills to financial analysis and business consultation, you might earn a median salary of $84,300 but then receive extra compensation in the form of bonuses.
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Typical Management Information Systems Degree Requirements
To achieve a degree in MIS, you must take a series of required, core courses. Every department will be a little different, but once you decide to major in MIS, start taking the requirements first. It can be awkward to go back and take intro courses if you jump ahead prior to declaring your major. There are a few other things to consider when declaring the major.
First, you may have to receive admission to your university's business school, where many MIS departments reside. These business schools often have strenuous admissions requirements that include a high GPA.
The requirements for your MIS degree will include a set of core courses that all students must take. These courses will reflect the overall philosophy of your department and will serve as the foundation for your degree. These courses can include, but are not limited to:
- Programming, I & II
- Database Design and Management
- Systems Analysis and Design
- Business Data Communications
- Technical Writing
- Accounting
- Calculus
- Statistics
Typical Management Information Systems Certifications Needed
Management Information Systems is a relatively new field that doesn't yet have any professional certifications associated with it, specifically. However, you can pursue certifications based on your career goals. For instance, if you intend on applying your knowledge and skills to an Information Technology profession, you might pursue a few certifications, such as:
- Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer
- Cisco Certified Network Associate Systems Networking
- Certified Ethical Hacker
- Six Sigma Green Belt
- Certified Information Systems Auditor
- Cisco Cybersecurity Specialist
Academic Standards for a Management Information Systems Degree
An MIS degree can be quite demanding. If the MIS degree is administered by a business school, it's likely that you'll need to achieve a high GPA to qualify as a student. For instance, some undergraduate business schools require either a high B or an A average from your college courses or your high school transcripts.
Exam/Experience Needed for a Management Information Systems Degree
While there is no specific exam or experience requirement for MIS professionals, you should consider pursuing as much experience as you can during your time in school. Look for online management information systems programs in that offer internship opportunities. When you are researching schools, ask the admissions counselors about the department's relationship with community companies. They should have a list of possible companies to contact relating to a potential internship. That internship might lead to a job down the line. If not, the experience and references will certainly help pave the way to future success.
Important Questions to Ask (FAQ)
How long does it take to earn a Management Information Systems bachelor's degree online?
An undergrad MIS degree should take you approximately four years to complete. However, many students these days take up to six years to complete a four-year degree. Try to complete your degree in as timely a fashion as possible. However, if you need to take time off to work, seek positions in your chosen field.
In fact, with a little luck and hard work you might be able to land a position in an IT department that might even offer tuition assistance. Regardless of any such benefits, you should work towards making every job count towards your MIS studies and career aspirations. When you finally do graduate, your resume will be full of academic achievement and relevant work experience.
How much does an online Management Information Systems bachelor’s degree cost?
College is not cheap. You can cut your expenses with scholarships and by attending public, in-state institutions. Online options at public institutions can also be more affordable, where available. You can also cut costs by taking your core courses at a local community college.
Still, in all, you should expect to pay a total sum somewhere between $30,000 and $300,000 for a four-year college degree. The lower figure assumes you take courses from a community college and the top figure is an estimate based on top private universities.
Management Information Systems Bachelor's Degree Coursework
Your bachelor's MIS coursework will be demanding. Some of the courses you might take will include, but are not limited to:
- Managing Information Systems
- Business Data Communications
- Healthcare Information Systems
- Systems Security Management
- Detecting Deception
- Supply Chain Logistics
- Web and Social Media Analytics
- Human Resource Management
Does the online school have the major(s) you’re considering?
This is a matter of utmost importance. Even if you are attending a community college with the aim of moving on to a four-year institution later, you should seek one that offers courses that will lead to an MIS degree. However, if the community college doesn't offer MIS-specific courses, you could also consider courses in Computer Information Systems or even Computer Science.
When you move on to a four-year college or university, that school should have the specific major you desire. You should also leave open the possibility that you could change your mind, so look over the entire course catalog for major programs that you could consider as a back-up or for a minor. Many students begin college intent on one field until they take an elective in some other department and find their true calling.
How many students graduate “on time,” in four years?
These days, students who graduate within four years are becoming quite rare. In fact, when the government studies how long students are taking in college, they assume a six-year graduation window. According to the statistics, students who attend highly competitive colleges tend to graduate within six years far more often that students who attend open-enrollment institutions. Women are also more likely to graduate within six years.
What kind of accreditation does the online program hold? How is it regarded in the field?
Your MIS program should be through a fully accredited institution. When you look for the best MIS program, make sure that you note their accreditation. Since many MIS degrees will be offered through a business school, check on that school's accreditation. Business schools are eligible for national accreditation through two main agencies:
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business:
The AACSB is often considered the gold standard for online business schools. They have been accrediting undergraduate and graduate programs since the early 1900's. Their standards are thus more academic and traditional. They place high value on the research of faculty as well as their credentials.
Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs:
Another top accreditation comes from the ACBSP. Founded in the late 1980's, the agency responded to the rising popularity of MBA programs. Their approach to accreditation is focused more on pedagogy and student outcomes than faculty achievements. The schools they accredit are often considered teaching colleges. Though an ACBSP-certified institution is perhaps not as prestigious as one with AACSB credentials, you just might receive more attention and better instruction.
Regional accreditation is a third option for your MIS education. While not as esteemed as a national credential, your college should have at least this sort of certification. Without the minimum of a regional accreditation to certify your education, your graduate school application is unlikely to be very successful.
Professional Management Information Systems Organizations
ACM
“Association for Computing Machinery”(ACM)
This association supports members with publications, conferences, volunteer opportunities, and seeks to include everyone under its umbrella. The association actively encourages women and minority members, as the field tends to lean towards white males. Its learning opportunities are vast, and they even will offer course recommendations for students who are aiming at particular careers such as Information Systems, Software Engineering, and Computer Science.
CMG
“Computer Management Group” (CMG)
CMG essentially operates a large tent under which tech experts can gather to network and discuss issues related to their fields. Through the organization, you can study towards certifications, courses, and webinars that are all available at a discount to members.
AIS
“Association for Information Systems” (AIS)
AIS seeks to advance the field through increasing the knowledge base amongst its members. Their journals and educational resources allow members to continually learn and improve as IS professionals. They even maintain databases related to jobs that track placements, job satisfaction, and which offer advice on search strategies.
IRMA
“Information Resources Management Association” (IRMA)
IRMA seeks to benefit its members primarily through being a dispensary of industry and academic journals. With your membership, you'll receive a free subscription to the journal of your choice. Then, you'll be eligible for a 30% discount on additional subscriptions. Books are offered at a 20% discount, and you'll also receive the bi-annual newsletter, among other benefits. Being an IRMA membership is an excellent way to increase your knowledge base while building a valuable library for future reference.