Online Management Information Systems Degree

An online management information systems degree is a discipline that focuses on the study of the role of technology for making strategic business decisions.

While the field of information systems is the technology sector that extends into business management information systems (BIS) is the business sector that extends into technology. Business Information Systems is the development, application and management of information systems in business environments. A degree in business information systems is ideal for graduates who are looking for a career in computers and technology, in the design, development, and implementation of an organization's technology infrastructure. The management information systems (MIS) field focuses on all main areas of information technology and also knowledge of information systems applications and business concepts necessary for solving contemporary business problems.

Management Information Systems Programs

Liberty University

• AA in Management Information Systems
• BS in Business-Management Information Systems

Virginia College Online

• BS - Management Information Systems

• Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems (MIS)

American Sentinel University

• Bachelor of Science in Information Systems
• Bachelor of Science, Management Information Systems
• Master of Science in Information Systems

ITT Technical Institute

• AA - Information Systems Administration

Westwood College

• Bachelor Degree - Information Technology: Major in Network Management

Kaplan University

• Bachelor of Science in Business / Management of Information Systems

American InterContinental University Online and American InterContinental University

• Bachelor's of Science in Business Administration / Information Systems
• Associate's (AABA) - Information Systems

• Bachelor in Business Administration - Business Information Systems

Penn Foster Schools

• Computer Information Systems

Management Information Systems Education and Training

A degree in information systems management has certain required course work and various elective courses. Business information systems courses include newest business technologies, computer programming classes, database administration, business strategy, industry structure and organizational behavior. Students may also be required to take courses in business such as accounting, finance, management, project management, economics, etc.

Typically, the business information systems course and the management information systems course provide a solid foundation in the relevant aspects of both information technology and business management. Some courses that students in management information systems degree or MIS courses take may include:

• Business communications
• Business mathematics
• Database applications, database systems, Data Warehousing
• Management Information Systems
• eCommerce and eBusiness
• Network Fundamentals
• Business management
• Information systems project management
• Systems Analysis and Design
• Computer programming (Java, MySQL, C++, etc)
• Computer Networking
• Telecommunications and
• Decision Support Systems
• Web design and Web development

The goal of the online management information systems degree is to provide a working knowledge and skills in business and information technology principles as well as the knowledge to support information systems. The management information systems field focuses on how to collect, store, process, analyze, and distribute information as part of an organization’s infrastructure. This requires graduates of management information systems masters degree programs who are qualified to install, configure, enhance and maintain them.

Management Information Systems Careers

Graduates with a MIS masters degree with a focus on information systems security have the skills to be technical managers in security management as well as project management. This is an area of continuous need and graduates go on to work in banking, e-commerce government, etc. The online management information systems degree provides a foundation in this area. MIS careers include:

• Management of IS/IT operations
• Database management and administration
• Information center
• Office automation
• Business applications development
• Intranet/Internet management

Responsibilities for someone with a management information systems degree might include:

• Designing I.T. systems to meet organizational needs
• Designing I.T. systems to maximize usability and productivity
• Conducting and tracking business transactions
• Managing organizational knowledge too improve decisions
• Record keeping and management

The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that MIS directors and IT directors manage computing resources for organizations, working under the chief information officer (CIO) or chief technology officer (CTO). They plan and direct the IT projects to ensure availability, continuity, and security of data and other IT services. They also oversee technical departments, as well as develop and monitor standards, and implement new IT-related projects.

Estimated Income and Projected Career Growth

According to the United States Department of Labor (BLS), many industries still have a demand for positions as a network systems analyst, management information systems manager, and network administrator. The demand is expected to increase by 57% over the next several years.

The income for computer and information systems managers for 2008 was $112,210. The middle 50% earned between $88,240 and $141,890. With an on online management information systems degree or a bachelor in business management systems earnings range between $40,000 to $60,000. Employment of computer and information systems managers is expected to increase by 17% between 2008 and 2018, a figure that is faster than the average for other occupations.

While the median income for computer and information systems managers vary by specialty and level of responsibility, salaries go up to about $106,000. On average the earning for high-level information technology managers can range from $80,000 to $110,000, including online management information systems degree holders.