Management Information Systems (MIS)

Students of management information systems will receive a comprehensive education in the analysis, design, development, and management of information systems, and understand how to leverage information technology for strategic business value.

The Management Information Systems (MIS) major is an inter-disciplinary program of study that bridges the worlds of business and computer systems. The major provides students with the educational background to understand how organizations rely on information systems to support their day-to-day activities and long-term strategies.

Students completing the program will have the technical ability to plan for, design, develop, and implement medium- to large-scale information systems in organizations. Additionally, students will have acquired the intellectual skills to survive in a rapidly-changing business environment.

The major integrates five essential ingredients crucial for a successful MIS career, an understanding of:

• general business and management, including strategic thinking about the consistency of technology and business goals,
• written and oral communication,
• Internet and web technologies,
• software and programming, and
• system development and implementation.

A Dynamic Field Awaits You

A degree in Management Information Systems (MIS) will prepare you for a career in a dynamic, job growth area. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (2008-09 edition) lists IS as one of the fastest growing and best paying jobs between now and 2014. The report states "Employment of computer and IS managers is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2014 and job opportunities will be best for applicants with an MIS degree and strong communication and administrative skills."

Management Information systems is the study of people, technology, and organizations. If you like new technology such as iPhones, iPods, FaceBook and Twitter, you have what it takes to major in management information systems. All you need is an interest in technology, business acumen and the desire to use technology to improve people's lives. Many people think that MIS is all about programming. However, programming is just a small part of our curriculum and there are many jobs in MIS where you do not program.

Management Information Systems graduates assume positions of responsibility and leadership in corporations, small businesses, government and community organizations. Modern enterprises depend on MIS Specialists, valuing their ability to design computing solutions. We prepare our majors to accept positions in many different business sectors such as consulting groups, consumer products companies, hospitals, sports teams, government, and non-profit organizations. They may also work in various functional areas such as marketing, sales, accounting, and finance. In all these jobs, our students draw from their business and technical training to help firms operate and compete more effectively through the strategic use of information technology. In these jobs, our graduates get to work on exciting projects in team-based, project-oriented environments involving high degrees of personal interaction with various stakeholders.

Career in Management Information Systems (MIS)

Business, Web, & IS Job Growth

* Projected job growth between 2006 and 2016 from the US Department of Labor

Business, Web, & IS Salaries

* Median entry-level salary levels from www.salary.com, October 2009

The department stresses internships as a way of students putting their knowledge to work. As with all the department's majors, the department's director of internships will assist MIS majors in securing internship positions. Students who excel academically will be invited to join Tau Pi Phi, a national business honorary.

The structure of the major was influenced by the recommendations of the Association for Information Systems. According to the association "IS professionals must have a broad business and real world perspective, strong analytic and critical thinking skills, interpersonal communication and team skills, strong ethical principles, and must design and implement information technology solutions that enhance organization performance."

Degree Audits

• Management Information Systems 2005-2006
• Management Information Systems 2004-2005 Only
• Management Information Systems minor 2005-2006