Have you ever dealt with a frustrating computer program at work and wondered which manager decided to purchase that specific software? Maybe you’ve performed a tedious work task and thought that there must be a technology that could handle it for you. Management Information Systems (MIS) refers to the field of knowledge where business and technology meet.
The larger the organization, the more it requires technology to keep things running smoothly. Each piece of software performs a specific task, and each must work with all the others. That’s why organizations hire professionals just to oversee all the information contained within this complex technological system.
What Is a Bachelor’s in Management Information Systems?
Large, complex organizations can have hundreds (or thousands) of separate programs running simultaneously. Companies use programs for keeping customer data, tracking orders, monitoring equipment, and hundreds of other tasks.
The world’s largest retailer is a great example of the complexity of information systems. Amazon has millions of customers and products and has to track all customer profiles, payment data, addresses, orders, payments, and shipping. Not only does Amazon need to store the information, but they also need to access it in very specific and convenient ways.
Even companies that aren’t worth billions in commerce have information management needs. A grocery store still has to track products, expiration dates, employee hours, and transactions, among other data. As soon as a business grows beyond a few employees and customers, the data needs grow too—usually exponentially.
Management Information System (MIS) experts are the employees responsible for all or part of these complex systems. You can find Management Information Systems professionals in charge of selecting, purchasing (or writing), implementing, managing, and maintaining the technology a business uses to manage its information.
Management Information System professionals’ job descriptions are highly variable. Therefore, Management Information System degree programs have to cover a lot of ground. Management Information Systems experts often work as network administrators to ensure that all the company’s computers stay connected and have access to essential information. Alternatively, some businesses might require specialized programs to collect and evaluate data. A Management Information Systems professional could take charge of writing and managing these programs.
Management Information System degrees are in demand wherever there’s a need for technology to handle data. Some Management Information System professionals end up as web or system developers, IT consultants, or application developers. Their role might simply be to identify the best program to meet the company’s needs and implement said program. In this role, they would oversee the entire process of software implementation, from research to troubleshooting.
Keep in mind that Management Information System programs may have different titles. Those program names include (but aren’t limited to):
- Computer Systems Management
- Information Systems and Technology
- Information Management
- Computer Information Systems
- Information Technology and Management
- Information Systems Security
Students pursuing an online bachelor’s in Management Information Systems can take part in competitive internship programs. Gaining experience and connections through internships is a popular way to launch your career.
How Much Does a Bachelor’s in Management Information Systems Cost?
The cost of a bachelor’s degree in Management Information Systems varies depending on your choice of program. A traditional, on-campus bachelor’s program can cost around $20,000. The price of tuition at a private university can be over $80,000. The cost of books and fees can add several hundred dollars to tuition costs. This figure does not include housing and meal costs.
The price range of an online Bachelor’s in Management Information Systems is around $14,000 to $20,000. They may be cheaper and more flexible than traditional options. Some programs allow students to control their program cost (and length) by taking extra classes. Online courses can also reduce costs by allowing students to live wherever is most affordable, such as in low-cost cities or with family members.
Scholarships in the Management Information Field are available to those interested in pursuing specific focuses, such as cybersecurity. Other scholarships aim to increase diversity in the MIS field by supporting women or minorities seeking degrees. These scholarships are easy to find on the internet, or students can find program-specific scholarships by contacting the universities directly.
Average Salary for Professionals With a Bachelor’s in Management Information Systems
The field of Management Information Systems can be highly lucrative. Salary will vary depending on factors like the field, years of experience, and job description. Obviously, the more experience you have in the field, the more money you can expect to make. The salary ceiling for most Management Information Systems jobs is relatively high, and the organization’s size is the only limit to promotions and growth opportunities.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for Computer and Information System Managers is a jaw-dropping $151,150, or about $72 an hour. Payscale puts that figure lower, with a median wage for those with a bachelor’s in Management Information Systems at around $81,000.
Not all Management Information Systems graduates end up in MIS jobs. According to Payscale, the median salary for web developers is around $60,000 per year, which is around the same as for network administrators. IT consultantsmake approximately $69,000 per year, and system developers come in at about $57,000 per year.
For those in the Management Information Systems field, both a living wage and wealth are possible.
What Is the Job Outlook for Bachelor in Management Information Systems Holders?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the number of jobs available to Management Information Systems professionals will rise by 10% by 2029. This growth rate is much faster than average. Businesses’ growing dependence on technology drives this rapid growth. Management Information System professionals will also be increasingly in demand as technology advances and more automation becomes possible.
The future of other jobs associated with Management Information Systems degrees is bright, too. The BLS forecasts demand for web developers and computer support specialists to increase by 8% by 2029, which is faster than average. The BLS also predicts fast growth rates for computer systems analysts at 7% by 2029.
Courses in an Online Bachelor’s in Management Information Systems Program
Many types of jobs are available in Management Information Systems. Online bachelor’s in Management Information Systems give you the basic knowledge and skills you need in the field. Graduates need to be capable of everything from deciding about software purchases to writing tailored programs. Those who want to specialize may obtain graduate degrees, which will help them become experts in areas like cybersecurity or program development.
Bachelor’s in Management Information Systems degrees have to cover a wide variety of topics, including:
Most MIS degrees have a required business component. The business aspect is vital because Management Information System professionals aren’t just computer specialists. They work with technology and businesses. A competent Management Information System expert needs to have a firm grasp of both computer and business concepts. Required business classes might include:
- Accounting
- Economics
- Finance
- Marketing
FAQs on Online Bachelor’s in Management Information Systems
Summary Information
- For on-campus Management Information System programs, the average length of time is four years.
- An online Management Information System program can take between two and four years to complete
- Some online Management Information System programs offer alternative scheduling in which it is possible to complete your degree in less than two years.
- Programs may provide credit for related work experience
- Specific programs provide targeted courses like cybersecurity or system development.
- Provides Management Information System students with the skills they will need to enter the high-growth field of Management Information Systems
- Jobs in Management Information Systems have a high salary potential
- Job opportunities at a variety of companies, including remote employment
- Many universities offer alumni networks for Management Information System job search assistance
- Depending on the Management Information System program, it can take as little as 24 months to complete
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- Management Information System program costs are highly variable
- The cost of on-campus programs can reach over $100,000
- The cost of some online courses is under $15,000
- Applicants may qualify for scholarships based on their performance or needs.