Master’s Degree in Management Information Systems

Businesses increasingly rely on data for daily operations and strategic planning. The MIS industry integrates technology into business operations, leveraging the power of data mining, AI, and business intelligence to strengthen businesses. Professionals who specialize in MIS benefit from above-average salaries and strong demand.

A master’s in MIS builds the technical knowledge and skills for careers in the field. While studying systems analysis, database technology, and information security, graduate students learn how to process, secure, and extract reliable data.

Our guide provides an overview of MIS master’s programs, including online MIS degrees, with resources to find the best programs and advance your career.

A master’s degree in management information systems prepares graduates for advanced roles that blend business and technology. Common career paths include roles in information systems management, management consulting, database management, and information security management. Professionals work in diverse industries, including tech, finance, and healthcare.

These careers report strong demand and a high earning potential. With experience, professionals can advance into roles such as director of business intelligence, chief technology officer, or chief information officer.

Information systems managers evaluate the IT needs of their organization to identify security threats and areas for improvement. They may recommend new software or tools to improve information management. Information systems managers may also implement new information systems and train staff on the best practices for using IT.

Source: BLS

Management analysts evaluate an organization’s procedures and equipment to identify areas for improvement. They evaluate financial and technical data to develop custom solutions, including implementing improved information management systems. Then, they evaluate the impact of their recommended solutions. Management analysts may work in-house for corporations or in consulting roles.

Source: BLS

The cost of a master’s in MIS depends on the program. Graduate school costs an average of around $20,500 in annual tuition and fees, according to 2021-22 data from the National Center for Education Statistics. Public universities charge less than private universities. Public, in-state graduate tuition costs an average of $12,600 annually, while private tuition costs $28,000.

Living expenses, technology costs, and textbooks will add to the total cost of your degree. You can save money by researching affordable online MIS programs. Financial aid can also lower your out-of-pocket costs. By choosing an accredited university, you’ll qualify for more types of financial aid.

Once you decide on an MIS graduate degree, you must research programs and meet application requirements.

Prerequisite and admission requirements vary by program. Some require or recommend undergraduate business and tech classes. Programs may also encourage applicants to gain work experience before entering the program.

Other common admission requirements include:

Because the application process and requirements vary, review your target programs. Researching admitted students’ average GPAs and standardized test scores can help you identify programs that match your record.

Earning an MIS master’s degree takes around two years for full-time students. Most programs require 30-36 credits, with options to take classes full time or part time. Some universities offer accelerated or fast-track programs, which may take as little as 12-16 months.

If you plan to work while earning your master’s in MIS, look for programs with flexible schedules, such as an online MIS program. Working grad students may also prefer a part-time schedule, which can extend the program length.

Deciding where to earn your MIS master’s degree will shape your graduate experience and career opportunities. So, how can you choose the right program?

First, determine your top priorities. Do you need a flexible schedule? Does location limit you? What’s your budget? If you are not able to relocate for your degree, consider an online MIS degree.

Next, research MIS programs. Do you meet the prerequisites? Does the curriculum align with your interests? Does the program offer career services support? You can also ask programs about their graduate employment rates.

Finally, consider the program’s competitiveness, internship opportunities, and alumni network. You can find a program that fits your interests and professional goals by weighing these factors.

Graduate students should always choose an accredited university for their degree. Accredited institutions meet high standards for student learning outcomes, faculty qualifications, and graduation requirements.

MIS programs often also hold programmatic accreditation through the university’s business school. Programmatic accreditors review curriculum materials, student performance, and graduate outcomes to identify business schools that prepare learners for business careers.

Business accrediting agencies include the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business and the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. The accreditation for business schools that offer online MIS degrees extends to distance learning programs.

Universities primarily offer graduate MIS degrees in two formats: an MS in management information systems or an MBA in management information systems. An MS primarily focuses on information systems coursework, while an MBA incorporates core business courses with specialized MIS classes.

MIS programs may also offer concentrations to focus your course of study. Some common concentrations include:

Programs that do not offer concentrations may still allow master’s students to select electives to individualize the curriculum. Research the program’s course requirements and electives when choosing where to apply.

During a master’s in management information systems, graduate students develop their business and technical skills. MIS courses cover systems analysis, IT project management, information assurance, and data management. Depending on the program, learners may complete a core curriculum and choose electives or a concentration.

While each program sets its own curriculum, many offer the following courses:

Online MIS programs often use the same curriculum as in-person programs at the same university. However, the delivery method differs from an online MIS degree.

Universities offer online MIS degrees in several formats, including:

When choosing an online MIS program, make sure the delivery format matches your schedule and learning style.