Is management information systems a good major? The field of management information systems deals with problem solving at the intersection of business and technology.
Management information systems majors study how technology can be used to access, store, and share information.
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If this sounds interesting to you, a bachelors degree in management information systems may be worth exploring.
Is Management Information Systems a Good Major?
Yes, management information systems is a good major for many undergraduate students. Jobs in computer and information technology field are projected to grow at a rate of 11% in the next 10 years (Bureau of Labor Statistics), much faster than the average for all occupations.
Common management information systems careers in this field include computer and information systems manager, computer network architects, web developer, database administrator, and software developer.
3 Things You Can Do with a Management Information Systems Degree
A degree in management information systems can open the door for many different careers. Some of the most common careers that you may qualify for with this degree are computer and information systems manager, computer network architect, and database administrator.
1. Computer and Information Systems Manager
Computer and information systems managers deal with computer-related activities in an organization.
They plan, coordinate, and direct everything that is computer-related within the company.
2. Computer Network Architect
Computer network architects work with data communication networks.
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They design and build those networks for their company. This includes local area networks (LANs), intranets, and wide area networks (WANs).
3. Database Administrator
Database administrators store and organize data using specialized software. Database administrators can have varying work environments. Many of them work in firms that provide computer design services for others.
They can also work in industries that have large databases. Insurance companies and educational institutions are examples of these kinds of industries.
Management Information Systems Major Careers
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are various careers that you can go into with a management information systems degree.
| Careers | Annual Median Salary |
| Computer and Information Systems Manager | $151,150 |
| Computer and Information Research Scientist | $126,830 |
| Computer Hardware Engineer | $119,560 |
| Computer Network Architect | $116,780 |
| Software Developer | $110,140 |
| Top Executive | $107,680 |
| Database Administrator | $98,860 |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $93,730 |
| Computer Programmer | $89,190 |
| Network and Computer Systems Administrator | $84,810 |
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that computer and information technology occupations in general will grow 11% for the next decade.
What Can You Do with a Management Information Systems Degree?
The role of computer and information systems manager has one of the highest earning potentials in this field. All of the careers listed in the chart in the last section are possible career options for you if you have a bachelor in management information systems.
If you decide that you don’t want to stop at a bachelors degree, there are also graduate degrees in this field you may pursue. You may decide to earn an MBA, or you could earn an advanced degree in specialized areas, including fields such as cybersecurity and business analytics.
You can also pursue a graduate certificate in certain areas if you don’t want to invest the resources in another degree program. Certificates in fields such as business intelligence may be an alternative to an advanced degree.
If you do decide to pursue an advanced degree or graduate certificate after your bachelor’s, you may go into fields such as cyber security, which have a higher earning potential.
Is Management Information Systems a Hard Major?
The curriculum for a management information systems degree usually includes business core classes. It also includes a general undergraduate core requirement of at least one math course.
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These core business classes include macroeconomics, microeconomics, accounting, marketing and finance, and corporate communication. Each of these classes helps equip you with the tools you need to head into a career involving business information systems.
Is an MIS Major Right for Me?
You may enjoy being a management information systems major if you are interested in both business and technology.
If you get excited about learning and applying technological and business concepts, an MIS major may be a good fit for you.
What Kind of Jobs Can I Get with a Management Information Systems Degree?
There are many job opportunities you may pursue with an MIS degree. You may work with databases and be a database administrator. You may focus on computers and be a hardware engineer or information and research scientist. You may also become a software or web developer.
With a degree in management information systems, there are many different career paths you may choose from.
What Are the Best Certifications for MIS Majors?
There are various certification options available to MIS majors that can help further your career. There are specialized certifications, such as business intelligence.
There are also professional certifications. The main ones are Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Business Analyst Professional (CBAP), and Certified Information System Auditor (CISA).
Each certification has its own set of requirements, which may include a certification exam, a certain amount of hours of experience, and education or professional development hours.
What Is the Difference Between Management Information Systems vs. Computer Science?
While some careers paths apply to both computer science majors and management information systems majors, there is a difference between the two.
Computer science degrees focus on computers, as the name suggests. The curriculum centers around coding and computers. As a computer science major, you learn about subjects such as programming data structures, hardware, and algorithms.
A management information systems major, by comparison, handles the juncture of business and technology and the information that is served by the computer to its users.
What Is the Difference Between MIS vs. CIS?
CIS is a degree in computer information systems. Both MIS and CIS degrees can include technology-related and business coursework.
For an MIS major, the curriculum leans towards thinking strategically. These courses help prepare students to take on leadership roles. A degree in computer information systems is based more in computer science. Computer information systems a good major for students more interested in a technical degree.
What Is the Difference Between MIS vs. IT?
A degree in information technology (IT) focuses on data. An IT degree is built on storing, collecting, accessing, and protecting data.
Between an MIS degree and an IT degree, the main difference lies in business versus functionality. A management information systems degree focuses on the functionality of IT in the world of business.
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An IT degree focuses on the actual business of IT. When it comes to courses, there is a distinction that leads to different career paths.
Is a Management Information Systems Degree Worth It?
Yes, a management information systems degree is worth it for many students.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 11% job growth in computer and information technology occupations for the next 10 years, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Common MIS careers in this field include database administrator, web developer, computer and information systems manager, computer programmer, and computer network architect.
Getting Your Management Information Systems Degree Online
If computers and business spark your interest, getting your degree in management information systems might be a strategic move for you. This degree can pave the pathway to many career options.
There are many accredited universities that offer the option to get your bachelor’s in management information systems online. Online learning offers the flexibility to complete your education from the comfort of your home while balancing potential work or family responsibilities.
You may start your educational journey by exploring accredited online MIS programs to find the one that best fits your schedule and career goals.
