Best Bachelor's Degrees in Management Information Systems

Management information systems is often offered as its own concentration for BBA degrees. However, some BS degree programs in the field will offer additional concentration areas that can help students prepare for a specific job and obtain focused skill sets. For example, some programs may offer concentrations in areas such as:

• Internet technologies
• Finance
• Economics
• Information assurance
• Leadership and management
• Information technology systems (ITS)

Most bachelor's degree programs in management information systems require at least 120 credits. Students typically take some general education courses and then take both IT- and business-related courses for their major. Some examples of possible courses include:

• Web application development
• Information systems analysis
• Project management
• Database management
• E-commerce design and development
• Information technology or business ethics

It will commonly take students at least 4 years to complete a bachelor's degree in management information systems. These programs typically come with a 4-year degree plan. However, students who wish to take fewer courses at a time or need to retake courses may take longer than 4 years to finish. Students who come into the program with an associate's degree or other college credit may be able to finish faster than 4 years.

Students may have a tough time choosing between top schools for management information systems. Those wondering how to choose between schools with business information systems programs should start by examining their career goals. Based on these goals, students may want to look for a program that offers a specific concentration area or minor that may help prepare them for the desired career.

Also when comparing programs, students should look for programs with stand-out features and experiences. For instance, there are some bachelor's degree programs in management information systems that include a practicum experience that give students hands-on experience on a project. Other programs may offer unique trips to interact with real businesses. Potential students should also examine facilities, technology, and equipment that is available to management information systems students to ensure they are being trained on current practices.

Other considerations may include the format of the program, location of the program, and total cost of the program. Some students may also have preferences for class size, campus activities, housing options, and student clubs in the field of IT or business.

Accreditation is important at the bachelor's level because it allows students to accept federal financial aid, more easily allows for the transfer of credits, and is often preferred by employers. Accreditation helps ensure that academic standards of quality are met for a specific school or program. In the case of bachelor's degree programs in management information systems, most schools that offer these programs hold regional accreditation and many programs also hold program-specific accreditation. Commonly, accreditation for these degree programs is through a business-related organization, such as the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). This type of accreditation is even better because it is more subject-specific and indicates to potential employers a quality business-related education.

A bachelor's degree in management information systems can help prepare students for a wide range of careers after graduation. These various positions usually do not require specific licensure or certification, but professional certifications are often available and may help candidates have a competitive edge with employers. For example, graduates who want to work in management may become network or computer systems administrators. These professionals commonly earn certification in the specific software programs or other products that they use on a regular basis. These certifications are often offered through the vendors of these products, such as Cisco or Microsoft. Other graduates may decide to focus on the management side of the field and become management analysts. These analysts might pursue the Certified Management Consultant (CMC) designation offered from the Institute of Management Consultants USA (IMC USA). Although not required, candidates who meet the education and experience requirements to obtain the certification likely gain a competitive edge in the job market. Applicants must have a degree from a 4-year university, five client evaluations and prove they are actively consulting clients.

Career information for a degree in management information systems is diverse. Although the salary for a master's in management information systems may increase, those with only a bachelor's degree in the field still have many high-paying, entry-level jobs available to them. Specific salaries will vary by job title, location, level of experience, and other factors.

Many graduates will go on to pursue an IT- or business-related career. IT-related positions may include jobs in design, administration, development and more. Business-related careers may focus on management and consulting. No matter which careers graduates enter, they will likely utilize the problem-solving and analysis skills that they developed while earning their bachelor's degree in management information systems. While not an exhaustive list, some examples of possible careers for graduates include:

• Project manager
• Network administrator
• Software engineer
• Web developer
• Interface designer
• Management analyst
• Business systems analyst
• Systems programmer
• Technical consultant

How to Become a Network or Computer Systems Administrator

Network or computer systems administrators typically need to hold at least a bachelor's degree in computer or information science. Since the field constantly changes with new technologies, it is important for these administrators to stay updated on current practices and tools with continuing education and conferences. Some administrators may choose to earn professional certification in the specific products that they use consistently.

Network and computer systems administrators make a median annual salary of $84,810, as of 2020, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). These professionals are responsible for overseeing the operation of their organization's various networks. This requires them to manage staff members, ensure computer system security, identify needs for upgrades/repairs, and troubleshoot different problems. They are often part of the decision-making process when determining the organization's system needs.

How to Become a Management Analyst

Management analysts also usually have at least a bachelor's degree, but some employers may prefer those with a master's degree, such as a Master of Business Administration (MBA). It is also important for management analysts to have at least a few years of experience. For instance, a software company may prefer analysts who have prior work experience as a computer systems analyst. Professional certification is available in the field but is not required.

Per the BLS, management analysts make a median annual salary of $87,660, as of 2020. These analysts are sometimes called management consultants and work to find ways to improve the efficiency of an organization. This requires them to gather and analyze data concerning the problem, conduct interviews with staff, and examine financial information. Afterward, these professionals will make recommendations for changes via reports or presentations.

Career advancement for graduates with a bachelor's degree in management information systems can usually come through a master's degree or work experience. While professional certification may give professionals a competitive edge in the job market, it does not always lead to career advancement. There are some positions, such as management analysts, that may prefer candidates who already have a master's degree. While this degree can be in various areas, an MBA may be a good fit.

Management analysts may also advance their careers over the years through experience. For instance, these analysts will usually take on more responsibilities over time, such as supervising teams of analysts on more advanced projects or becoming a partner in their organization. There are also positions that professionals can move into after additional years of work experience. For example, network or computer systems administrators may advance to higher management positions in IT, such as computer and information systems managers, with additional years of experience.

There are various levels of management information systems degree programs available for students interested in the field. Each additional level of education often leads to more advanced and better-paying careers. When choosing a degree level in the field, students should consider their career goals and which degree level best aligns with their goals. These degree programs are often available in flexible formats and may have additional areas of concentration. Here we will examine a few of the different degree options available in management information systems.

Associate Degrees in Management Information Systems

Associate degree programs in management information systems are available as Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Science (AS), and Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees. These programs commonly allow graduates to easily transfer to a bachelor's degree program in management information systems or a related field. Students in the program may be encouraged to take courses in accounting, calculus for business, and other entry-level business courses. Other required courses may include topics in operating systems, database processing, and computer systems development.

Master's Degrees in Management Information Systems

At the master's level, students may choose between several different options. For example, based on career goals, students may need to choose between a master's in management information systems and an MBA with a concentration in the field. Some MBA programs offer a concentration in management information systems, but degree programs specifically in management information systems are usually offered as Master of Science (MS) degrees. Some of these degree programs are offered online and may offer additional areas of specialization, such as data mining or enterprise information technology and technology project management.

Doctoral Degrees in Management Information Systems

Doctoral programs in management information systems are usually offered as on-campus programs and students can most commonly choose between a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in the field. A PhD is usually more research-based and designed primarily for those interested in research-based careers, while a DBA is designed more for practitioners. However, students from either degree program can overlap in careers. PhD programs typically require a dissertation and may include coursework in business systems analysis, database design, management, and more.

Certificates in Management Information Systems

Certificate programs in management information systems are available at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Depending on the program, students may be required to complete between 9 and 18 credits of coursework. These certificate programs are often available to business and non-business students alike and help provide an overview of the field. Undergraduate students may take more introductory courses in areas such as digital systems and data and analytics, while graduate students may take more advanced courses in areas such as data management and IT policy.

Earning a bachelor's degree in management information systems can be expensive, so to help minimize costs students should research the various forms of financial aid available to them. Typically, students should start by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see if they qualify for any federal or state loans and grants.

Then, students should check with their school(s) of interest to explore any additional aid options, such as scholarships. For instance, Lamar University has a bachelor's degree program in management information systems and offers a wide range of scholarships to students. Students can apply to freshman scholarships, transfer scholarships, presidential scholars programs, and more. Students also always have the option to explore outside sources for scholarships that may be offered based on major, demographics, and other characteristics.