For example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 25% growth in operations research manager roles between 2020 and 2030, which is 17% higher than the average projected growth rate for all occupations. Graduates with a degree in the field can also pursue other desirable computer occupations. Here, we rank the best management information systems degrees and take a closer look at what to expect from the program.
Top 5 online schools for management information systems
The best online bachelor’s in management information systems degrees
ZDNet’s ranking methodology considers information from publicly available national datasets, along with information on school and program reputation, excellence, and affordability. We also leverage insight from industry and educational experts. Crookston, MN Application fee: $35 Birmingham, AL Application fee: $40 Dallas, TX Application fee: Free Terre Haute, IN Application fee: $25 Minot, ND Application fee: $35 Unless otherwise indicated, data is drawn from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System and College Scorecard.
What to expect in an online bachelor’s in management information systems degree program
An online management information systems degree at the bachelor’s level equips graduates to work with organizational data in various ways. The training in these programs develops in students an understanding of business processes and operations and how data can be an instrument for improvement.
Acceptance rate: Not publicly availableGraduation rate: 46%Avg. annual net price: $15,616Years to completion: FourSAT range: Not publicly availableMinimum GPA: 3.0Enrollment periods per year: TwoCourse delivery method: Asynchronous and synchronous
Acceptance rate: 74%Graduation rate: 55%Avg. annual net price: $16,953Years to completion: FourSAT range: 530-685Minimum GPA: 2.75Enrollment periods per year: ThreeCourse delivery method: Synchronous
Acceptance rate: 90%Graduation rate: 58%Avg. annual net price: $26,387Years to completion: FourSAT range: 510-630Minimum GPA: Not publicly availableEnrollment periods per year: FourCourse delivery method: Asynchronous and synchronous
Acceptance rate: 90%Graduation rate: 42%Avg. annual net price: $13,896Years to completion: FourSAT range: Not publicly availableMinimum GPA: 2.5Enrollment periods per year: ThreeCourse delivery method: Asynchronous and synchronous
Acceptance rate: 67%Graduation rate: 44%Avg. annual net price: $11,898Years to completion: FourSAT range: 450-580Minimum GPA: 2.0Enrollment periods per year: ThreeCourse delivery method: Asynchronous and synchronous
Acceptance rate: 89%Graduation rate: 58%Avg. annual net price: $16,493Years to completion: FourSAT range: 480-600Minimum GPA: Not publicly availableEnrollment periods per year: ThreeCourse delivery method: Asynchronous and synchronous
Acceptance rate: 89%Graduation rate: 43%Avg. annual net price: $6,848Years to completion: FourSAT range: 460-540Minimum GPA: 2.5Enrollment periods per year: ThreeCourse delivery method: Asynchronous and synchronous
Acceptance rate: Not publicly availableGraduation rate: 49%Avg. annual net price: $9,805Years to completion: FourSAT range: Not requiredMinimum GPA: Not publicly availableEnrollment periods per year: RollingCourse delivery method: Asynchronous
Acceptance rate: Not publicly availableGraduation rate: 57%Avg. annual net price: $33,428Years to completion: FourSAT range: Not publicly availableMinimum GPA: 2.8Enrollment periods per year: RollingCourse delivery method: Asynchronous and synchronous
Acceptance rate: 99%Graduation rate: Not publicly availableAvg. annual net price: Not publicly availableYears to completion: FourSAT range: 460-600Minimum GPA: 2.8Enrollment periods per year: RollingCourse delivery method: Asynchronous
Acceptance rate: 71%Graduation rate: 57%Avg. annual net price: $25,483Years to completion: FourSAT range: 510-630Minimum GPA: Not publicly availableEnrollment periods per year: RollingCourse delivery method: Asynchronous and synchronous
Acceptance rate: 83%Graduation rate: 59%Avg. annual net price: $29,064Years to completion: Three to fourSAT range: 510-630Minimum GPA: 2.5Enrollment periods per year: ThreeCourse delivery method: Asynchronous and synchronous
Acceptance rate: 85%Graduation rate: 61%Avg. annual net price: $33,561Years to completion: Three to fourSAT range: 540-670Minimum GPA: 2.5Enrollment periods per year: RollingCourse delivery method: Asynchronous
Acceptance rate: Not publicly availableGraduation rate: 32%Avg. annual net price: $8,705Years to completion: FourSAT range: Not publicly availableMinimum GPA: Not publicly availableEnrollment periods per year: SixCourse delivery method: Asynchronous and synchronous
Acceptance rate: Not publicly availableGraduation rate: 46%Avg. annual net price: $15,616Years to completion: Three to fourSAT range: Not publicly availableMinimum GPA: Not publicly availableEnrollment periods per year: FourCourse delivery method: Asynchronous
The type of instruction offered depends on the program, with some offering specialized management information systems training and others emphasizing broad information technology management. In general, students acquire a blend of foundational, intermediate, and advanced knowledge and skills in business and technology. Technology-based bachelor’s programs typically involve a considerable amount of theory and practical training. Online learners work in virtual labs, participate in practicums and internships, and complete practical assignments and capstone projects. The independent and more flexible training provided in online programs may require more proactive study habits from students.
Bachelor’s in management information systems courses
Combining business, information science, and management training, management information systems programs gives students broad and applicable knowledge. Degree-seekers acquire business and management fundamentals. They also learn to develop, manage, and secure various technologies, including databases and information systems. This next list highlights some of the most common core courses in the management information systems degree and specializations. Database design In this course, students learn to design effective and safe databases. They also learn how to program using Structured Query Language. Some courses might explore the ethics in data storage. Enterprise database systems Students in this course learn about enterprise database systems, including their design, operation, management, and applications. Learners explore topics in data warehousing, modeling, and mining as well. Business analytics This course teaches learners how to use business analytics for predictive modeling, risk assessments, and decision-making purposes. Students learn how to use different analytical tools and quantitative methods. Systems analysis In this course, students learn how to analyze organizational systems to identify inefficiencies, vulnerabilities, and areas for improvement. They learn how to incorporate organizational and user needs when determining if and where upgrades and changes should be made.
Management information systems degree levels
Management information systems programs can be found at various levels, each providing different depths of training and opportunities. Here, we look at the degree levels and what management information systems degree students can expect from each.
Certificate in management information systems
Length: 1-12 monthsCost: VariesPost-grad careers: Computer support specialist, computer systems administrator, and computer programmer
Management information systems certificates offer students focused and accelerated training at various levels. Some offer introductory lessons for entry-level career preparation, whereas others provide more specialized training for more experienced business and information technology professionals. At the undergraduate level, these certificates may look similar to a bachelor’s program major, excluding the general education and business requirements. Graduate certificates explore more advanced topics, including specific management information systems and systems design.
Associate in management information systems
Length: One to two yearsCost: $11,389/year in 2018-19Post-grad careers: Computer support specialist, computer systems administrator, and web developer
Graduates with an associate degree in management information systems typically pursue entry-level careers in business and information technology. Their training covers the fundamentals of both fields, plus some specialized courses in management information systems. The specialized training may cover topics like systems operations and administration. The foundation developed in these programs can be further developed with professional experience and more advanced degrees.
Bachelor’s in management information systems
Length: Three to four yearsCost: $28,123/year in 2018-19Post-grad careers: Operations research analyst, computer systems analyst, and information security analyst
Management information systems degree curriculums typically cover a large area at the bachelor’s level. Students develop business and information technology principles, along with specialized training in management information systems and information science. Degree-seekers can acquire the skills to design and manage these systems. Their training often combines theoretical lessons and practical applications, including internships and hands-on capstone assignments. Graduates can pursue many information technology and business support occupations.
Master’s in management information systems
Length: Three to four yearsCost: $19,792/year in 2019-20Post-grad careers: Computer and information research scientist, information systems manager, and database administrator
A management information systems master’s program builds on the concepts acquired at the undergraduate level. Students learn to design and secure more complex and needs-based systems. They also further develop their understanding of business operations and analytical abilities to better support organizations. Master’s programs feature extensive research requirements and practical training opportunities. Graduates can pursue many computer and information technology positions, along with various management and analyst careers.
Doctorate in management information systems
Length: Three to six yearsCost: $19,792/year in 2019-20Post-grad careers: Postsecondary teacher, computer and information research scientist, and top executive
Doctoral programs in management information systems represent the highest level of training available in the field. Graduates can access most information technology and management careers, along with the typical postsecondary teaching and research pathways. Doctoral programs feature flexible and specialized training opportunities, allowing learners to pursue their individual research interests. In addition to mastering advanced management information systems applications, students may seek out new technologies, applications, and industries to support.
In conclusion
With a management information systems degree, you can pursue an array of careers in the information technology and business sectors. The programs ranked on this page deliver some of the most effective training in the field and position graduates to capitalize on the growing number of data applications for organizations. You can get more detailed information by reaching out to the schools and program departments directly.
