by our College Data Analytics TeamInformation systems are used in every business. They collect, process, filter, and create data that the organization uses internally. Whether it is to keep track of inventory or manage an employee's status and salary, these information systems are critical to the success of businesses.
The study of Management Information Systems (MIS) educates students on the networks, software and hardware of these systems. Students will be prepared to manage these systems for processing and retrieving internal business information.
There are two concentrations within this major; they include Information Resources Management and Knowledge Management. While studying this major, you will be taking various courses; they include emerging technologies, networks and telecommunication, financial information systems, data base design, and ecommerce. These classes will help you understand the functions for these Information Systems and how they are used in business.
In 2020-2021, management information systems was the 73rd most popular major nationwide with 13,680 degrees awarded. This 518 less than the prior year, a decrease of 3.8%.
Our 2023 Best Management Information Systems Schools ranking analyzes 317 of these schools to determine the best overall colleges for management information systems students. Explore this or one of our many other custom MIS rankings further below.
If you are interested in technology, this major is for you. You will constantly be working with databases and computers. You will spend long hours developing and debugging programs; tasks that require patience and focus.
In this essential business role, you will serve as the bridge between people and technology. Efficient communication will aid you greatly. Work on your speaking and writing skills in college so you will be able to effectively explain technological issues to the average person.
New students will need to have completed high school or a GED program and each school will have their own minimum GPA and SAT/ACT test requirements. Specific MIS careers may require a certain level of degree attainment or additional certifications beyond that.
There are various different levels of MIS degrees. You can spend many years getting as high as a in management information systems to something that takes less time like a . Management Information Systems programs can take anywhere between one to four or more years for a full-time student to complete.
| Degree | Credit Requirements | Typical Program Length |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 60-70 credits | 2 years |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 120 credits | 4 years |
| Master’s Degree | 50-70 credits | 1-3 years |
| Doctorate | Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation | At least 4 years |
A bachelor's degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to MIS, with approximately 67.9% of workers getting one. See the the most common levels of education for MIS workers below.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | 66.2% |
| Some College Courses | 15.2% |
| Master’s Degree | 8.0% |
| Associate’s Degree (or other 2-year degree) | 5.3% |
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 3.1% |
76.7% of MIS workers have at least a bachelor's. View the chart below to get an idea of what degree level most of those in management information systems careers have.
The education level required is different depending on the MIS career you are seeking.
With a degree in Management Information Systems graduates can enter into a few different careers. Some of the job titles graduates achieve are Computer Systems Analyst, Database Administrator, Computer and Information Systems Manager, and Network Systems and Data Communications Analyst. These professionals help businesses with their systems and assist managers and employees to understand them.
Want a job when you graduate with your MIS degree? Management Information Systems careers are expected to grow 3.5% between 2016 and 2026.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to management information systems.
| Occupation Name | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | 411,800 | 12.0% |
| Computer Programmers | 273,600 | -7.2% |
Management Information Systems graduates between 2017-2019 reported earning an average of $57,646 in the 2019-2020 timeframe. Earnings can range from as low as $23,418 to as high as $153,730. As you might expect, salaries for MIS graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Salaries for management information systems graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers MIS grads often go into.
| Occupation Name | Median Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | $152,860 |
| Computer Programmers | $89,580 |
With over 951 different MIS degree programs to choose from, finding the best fit for you can be a challenge. Fortunately you have come to the right place. We have analyzed all of these schools to come up with hundreds of unbiased MIS school rankings to help you with this.
Learn about other programs related to Management Information Systems that might interest you.
Management Information Systems is one of 21 different types of Business, Management & Marketing programs to choose from.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| General Management Information Systems | 11,791 |
| Information Resources Management | 1,186 |
| Other Management Information Systems and Services | 499 |
| Knowledge Management | 204 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Business Administration & Management | 416,590 |
| Accounting | 99,265 |
| Finance & Financial Management | 57,778 |
| General Business/Commerce | 56,042 |
| Marketing | 52,916 |
