To obtain a leadership position as information systems managers, systems analysts or chief technology officers, students are required to pursue a master's degree in management information systems. Each position's salary is dependent on the level of experience each individual possesses.
Essential Information
A master's degree in management information systems (MIS) prepares graduates to lead, coordinate and evaluate a wide variety of information systems. MIS programs combine practice in essential business functions with technical instruction to ensure that graduates can efficiently maintain these systems. Numerous positions are available to master's degree holders in MIS, including information systems managers, systems analysts and chief technology officers.
| Career | Information Systems Managers | Systems Analyst | Chief Technical Officer |
| Education Requirements | Master's degree | Master's degree | Master's degree |
| Projected Job Growth (2018-2028) | 11%* | 9%* | 6% for top executives* |
| Median Salary (2018) | $142,530* | $88,740* | $157,788** |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; **PayScale.com (2019)
Career Options and Salary Information for Master's Degree Holders in MIS
Information Systems Manager
Information systems managers are responsible for the implementation and administration of all computer systems within a company. They direct the installation and purchasing of software and hardware as well as lead research on technology-related projects. Information systems managers work in many industries and commonly oversee the work of other information technology (IT) workers in the organization.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the salaries of information systems managers are dependent on numerous factors, including individual level of responsibility and technical specialty. The median annual wages of computer and information systems managers in all industries as of May 2018 were $142,530, with the lowest 10% earning $85,380 or less per year. The highest 10% earned over $208,000 or more per year.
Due to the rapid growth of computer systems in the workplace, the employment of information systems managers is projected to rise 11% over the 2018-2028 decade - a growth rate much faster than average for all occupations. Job prospects will also be excellent, due to a lack of qualified people to fill positions.
Computer Systems Analyst
The main duty of a computer systems analyst is to improve the efficiency of the computer systems within an organization. Computer systems analysts may introduce new and improved methods in order to further optimize the resources of existing systems, or they may develop entirely new computer systems using different hardware or programs.
According to the BLS, as of May 2018, the median annual wage of a computer systems analyst was $88,740. Computer systems design firms were the largest employers of systems analysts across all industries. The oil and gas extraction industry paid the highest salaries to systems analysts, with annual mean wages for these professional being $124,690.
As organizations adopt more complex technologies, the need for more analysts rises greatly. As a result, job prospects for computer systems analysts will be excellent. The employment of systems analysts is expected to grow 9% over the 2018-2028 decade, a rate faster than the average growth rate for all occupations.
Chief Technology Officer
Chief technology officers (CTOs) are responsible for evaluating emerging technologies and analyzing how their organizations can benefit from their implementation. Other responsibilities include the formulation of technical practices and procedures and cost-benefit analyses, as well the supervision of other IT workers.
The median salary for CTOs was $157,788, with a range of $88,000 to $239,000 as of September 2016, according to PayScale.com. The job outlook for top executives of all types is 6% for the decade 2018 to 2028, according to the BLS.
A master's degree in management information systems covers courses and training that prepares students for the responsibilities that come with computer management positions. These professionals are highly-demanded and may command a salary ranging from roughly $88,000 to $239,000 per year.
