Management Information Systems

Overview

Management information systems programs prepare people to design and maintain systems that collect and manage data.

Management information systems programs prepare people to provide and manage data systems. Students learn about data storage and information systems policy and planning.

Management information systems programs include topics such as:

Applicable policy and regulations
Information technology
Information security
Telecommunications
Operations and personnel management
Principles of computer and information systems

Concentrations

In management information systems programs, students may be able to specialize in:

Information resources management
Knowledge management

Schools

Many colleges and universities offer bachelor’s degrees in management information systems. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study.

Many universities also offer graduate degrees in information management sciences. One option is a Master of Information Science (MIS) degree. A master’s degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor’s degree. Doctoral (PhD) degree programs usually require two or more years of study beyond the master’s degree.

See schools that offer this program.

Related Educational Programs

Related Careers

Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study

Other Careers Related to this Program of Study

Program Admission

You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.

Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:

Computer Science and Programming
Economics
Introduction to Business
Pre-Calculus
Psychology
Public Speaking

Graduate Admissions

Admission to graduate programs is competitive. You need a bachelor's degree, good grades, and good test scores. Your bachelor's degree should be in management information systems or another business field. Or your bachelor's might be in computer science, with some business courses. Requirements for entering an MBA program usually are less demanding than for an MIS program. In fact, you may qualify with little formal education in business if you have business experience and a good background in computers.

Additional requirements at some schools include:

Graduate Record Exam (GRE) (G) (for MIS)
Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) (for MBA)
Knowledge of a computer language
Letters of recommendation
Interview (for MBA)

Typical Course Work

Program Courses

This program typically includes courses in the following subjects:

Business Finance
Business Law
Business Writing
C++ Programming
Calculus for Business
Database Design and Administration
Decision Support Systems for Management
English Composition
Introduction to Accounting
Introduction to Management Information Systems
Introduction to Marketing
Introduction to Psychology
Networks and Telecommunications
Operations Management
Principles of Macroeconomics
Principles of Management and Organization
Principles of Microeconomics
Statistics for Business
Strategic Management
Systems Analysis and Design

Things to Know

Business touches on all aspects of the culture, so you should take courses in non-business subjects. Good skills in writing, speaking, and critical thinking are needed for advancement in the business world.

Business courses in high school can be useful preparation for a career in management information systems. You should take only a few, so that your high school transcript shows that you are preparing for a demanding college-level program.