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What Does a Career in Management Information Systems Entail?
Management Information Systems is a field that sits at the juncture of business and technology. It seeks to aggregate data on nearly every aspect of a commercial enterprise so that managers can analyze and assess things like inventories, sales, and other financial matters. Essentially, MIS is about analyzing data.
While the name might seem to indicate that Management Information Systems careers entail hours and hours of coding or otherwise dealing with technologies that move data, MIS professionals deal with the data itself. While many MIS professionals surely write scripts or macros that sort the numbers according to various business or economic models, very often they spend more time applying the results that back come from those models. For instance, an investment banking firm might base its business on a particular formula that evaluates corporate value, but on a day-to-day basis, the MIS analysts are only applying that formula to their clients and comparable companies.
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.
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.
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.