Management Information Systems Aka MIS: A Versatile Degree in a Growing Field

by Gaurav Shekhar - January 24th, 2020 - College Knowledge

What is MIS?

The concept of management information systems (MIS) might not be as foreign as you think. All of us users of technology are information systems managers on a micro scale. Do you use a cellphone or a computer to receive, send, organize and manage your data? If you do, you now have some experience handling the user interface of information technology IT. It doesn’t take a programmer or technology expert to grasp the ideas behind MIS and thrive in this career.

Management information systems sounds straightforward enough: the administration of information technology (the system) that stores and organizes information. A simple concept yet a complex, ever-changing science that faces new challenges as we move forward with technology and data growth. Generally, what we call MIS stands for two concepts:

1. The systems of information technology: software and hardware, and interconnecting databases that store and organize digital data.
2. The science that studies the tools. The science focuses on understanding and projecting the practical use of management information systems. It studies the interaction, organization and processes among technology, people and information to solve problems.

Let’s talk about these MIS concepts and how they relate to the MIS career. I will also answer some of the most popular questions students have about this degree.

How does MIS benefit businesses and organizations?

Businesses and organizations must implement data management options — such as deciding on software and apps for generating information, creating databases for accessing that information and interconnecting the people who use it. All this and more help businesses and organizations plan, solve problems and succeed in the global economy.

The digitalization of data has given businesses and technology users opportunities to extend their capabilities and improve efficiency and accuracy. When businesses manage information technology well, they communicate better and make effective decisions that help them reach their goals.

“You look at marketing: everything that’s happening in marketing is digitized. Everything that’s happening in finance is digitized. So pretty much every industry, every function in every industry, has a huge element that’s driven by information technology. It’s no longer discrete.” -Satya Nadella (CEO of Microsoft)

MIS is a growing field in business

Management information systems is an ever-changing and challenging field that will continue to grow. Employment in computer and information occupations are projected to grow by 12 percent from 2018 to 2028, adding about 546,200 new jobs, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH).

Eighty-five percent 85% of JSOM MS ITM graduates have a full-time job in their field of study within 180 days of graduation, and average annual compensation for MS ITM graduates is $82,000. Both numbers demonstrate the high demand and excellent career prospects for JSOM MS ITM graduates.

Dr. Mark Thouin, (Director of Graduate Information Systems Programs The Naveen Jindal School of Management)

What is an MIS degree?

You earn an MIS degree when you complete an undergraduate or graduate program in the discipline of management information systems. As an MIS student, you will learn and understand the building blocks of information technology and systems to produce usable data that will ultimately influence good decision-making.

Management information systems take you deep into understanding connections and interactions among information, technology, people and organizations. At the beginning, you will be studying the most popular tools, how they work, their history and evolution while you learn about business principles.

Once you get a grasp on how most systems operate, you will be hands on looking for business solutions and optimization. The challenge is to appropriately find the technology to acquire and sort data, solve problems, or analyze projections.

You don’t have to become a computer programmer to thrive in this career. If you like networking on social media, playing video games, using smartphones and related emerging technologies, you are a great candidate for MIS. Your interest in technology alone can drive your career successfully.

How long does an MIS degree take?

It depends on the MIS degree you choose to pursue.

The BS in Information Technology and Systems (ITS) is a 120 semester-credit-hour program, and it will take approximately four years to complete.

The Master of Science in Information Technology and Management (ITM) is a 36 semester-credit-hour program, and it takes 18 months to 24 months to complete.

What MIS degrees are available at UT Dallas?

MIS degree programs in the Naveen Jindal School of Management are among the most popular programs at this business school. The Jindal School offers undergraduate and graduate classes and programs, as well as graduate certificates.

The Bachelor of Science in Information Technology and Systems (BS in ITS)

• Business Intelligence and Analytics Track
• Enterprise Systems Track
• General Track

The Master of Science in Information Technology and Management (MS ITM)

• Business Intelligence and Analytics Track
• Enterprise Systems Track
• Cyber Security Management Track
• IT Consulting and Services Management Track
• Healthcare Systems Track

PhD in Management Science, Information Systems Concentration

MIS Certificate Programs

Certificates provide focused knowledge in specific areas of management information systems. Students can earn academic credits that can transfer to degree programs.

1. Business Intelligence and Data Mining
2. Cybersecurity Systems
3. Enterprise Systems
4. Healthcare Information Technology

MIS at UT Dallas is a STEM career

The BS in ITS, MS in ITM and PhD in Management Science, Information Systems Concentration in the Jindal School at UT Dallas, are categorized as STEM — science, technology, engineering and math — programs. Thanks to their ample science-focused curriculum, technical rigor and advanced mathematics focus, the U.S. government gives the programs a STEM designation.

What are the most popular jobs in MIS?

A career in MIS could lead to many jobs. This versatile degree allows you to find your true passion and start a unique path with many possibilities. Some of the most popular careers in MIS are:

• Data Analyst
• Business Analyst
• Data Engineer
• Business Intelligence
• Data Scientist
• Information Technology Architect
• Information Systems (IS) Manager
• IT Project Manager Computer Systems Analyst
• Computer Systems Administrator
• Information Security Manager

What is the average salary for an MIS professional?

The US Department of Labor reports the median wages and following projections for information technology project managers:

• Median wages (2018) $43.40 hourly, $90,270 annual
• Employment (2018) 413,000 employees
• Projected growth (2018-2028) Faster than average (7% to 10%)
• Projected job openings (2018-2028) 35,700

Find out how to begin your MIS path at The Jindal School

BS Information Technology and SystemsBusiness AdministrationMS Information Technology and Management