Online MBA: Focus in Management Information Systems (MIS)
Job growth in management information systems is expected to increase by 17% by year 2018. Currently, more than 293,000 professionals work in the field; over the next 8 years that will increase to 342,500 employees. In addition to job growth, today’s management information systems careers offer above-average earnings. Between 2008-2009, the industry reported a 6% increase in average earnings. In 2008, information systems professionals earned an average annual salary of $101,580. In 2009 information systems managers averaged $108,070. Top earners in this field can earn $145,600 or more per year.
Top earners in management information systems usually hold a bachelor’s degree or higher in computer science, a bachelor in business with a focus in technology, or an MBA with a focus in management information systems. MIS professionals on the highest end of the pay scale usually hold an MBA with an MIS or technology concentration from an accredited program. Some employers might be willing to accept a bachelor’s degree for mid-level positions or an associates degree for entry-level or assistant positions. The starting salary for management information systems professionals is approximately $60,800 per year.
To get your foot in the door, industry insiders recommend an MBA with a focus in management information systems or technology. Most on-campus and online colleges offer MBA degrees, but not all programs are created equal. Some lack accreditation, while others lack a well-rounded curriculum.
To avoid MBA programs that might not be up to par, it is important to pay close attention to accreditation and curriculum. The on-campus MBA curriculum is still the standard in the academic and business world as well as accreditation from a recognized accrediting agency.
The following agencies are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education:
- The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- The Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
- The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)
- The Distance Education and Training Council (DETC)
The following recognized accreditation agencies offer regional accreditation:
- Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
- New England Association of Schools and Colleges
- North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges
The core curriculum listed below is the standard for accredited online and on-campus MBA degree programs. Core curriculums typically account for 40% of the degree requirement.
- Accounting
- Business
- Strategy
- Economics
- Finance
- Human Resources
- Marketing
- Management
- Manufacturing and Production
- Operations Management
- Statistics
- Technology and Information Systems
Other courses include financial accounting, marketing strategy, managerial economics, leadership development, managerial statistics, operations strategy, financial planning and analysis, strategy structure and incentives, global economic environment, and social networks and social capital.
Online MBA: Focus in Management Information Systems Curriculum
In addition to the standard core curriculum for the MBA degree, students will take a number of technology and management courses. Courses may include:
- Business Systems I & II
- CIS Project Management
- Database Management
- Emerging Technology & Issues
- Enterprise Models
- IS Integration
- IT Infrastructure
- IT Organizational Behavior
- Security & Ethics
- Systems Analysis & Development
Finding Online MBA: Focus in Management Information Systems Programs
To locate top accredited online MBA programs, students may explore offerings at on-campus universities, search through comprehensive online directories such as Top Online Colleges, or use well-known search engines such as Bing, Ask or Google. Each online degree program will offer information on accreditation. The accrediting agency must be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. The list of recognized accrediting agencies is extensive, so please visit the U.S. Department of Education website for details.
Tip: Insurance and financial firms, government agencies, credit intermediation, business management organizations, publishing industries, and manufacturers hire the highest number of management information systems professionals. These industries also pay top salaries ranging from $109,810-$126,840 per year.
