Best Online MBA in Management Information Systems
As technology continues to develop, positions in information systems will expand.
To this end, earning a higher degree, such as an online MBA in management information systems (MBA MIS), can give you an edge on the job market—whether you are entering the field of information systems or already working within it.
This page describes what an online MBA in management information systems will entail, including sample courses and potential careers. It also explores professional organizations that can help you start or advance your career. In order to help you make the most informed decision about your academic future, the best information systems programs are ranked below.
In a world highly dependent on technology, businesses seek qualified Management Information Systems (MIS) professionals to support their technological needs and implement information systems solutions. An online MBA in Management Information Systems (MBA MIS), prepares individuals to handle these tasks, while allowing them to earn their degree through flexible online scheduling and coursework.
The Best Online MBA in Management Information Systems Programs
A public university founded in 1856, UMD offers an online master of business administration with a concentration in information systems and business analytics. Students complete courses online with two required residencies.
Students complete business courses such as corporate finance, marketing management, and supply chain management before moving on to concentration courses. Notable courses include data mining and predictive analytics, social media and web analytics, and managing digital businesses and platforms.
Students need a bachelor's degree and GMAT or GRE records to qualify for admission.
Founded in 1850 and serving over 32,000 students, the U offers an online master of business administration with a graduate certificate in information systems. Students complete coursework in eight-week formats with one required residency.
Business coursework includes managing and leading organizations and competitive strategy. From there, students complete 18 credits in information systems to earn the additional certificate.
The school accepts applications on a rolling basis. Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 to qualify for admission. Students without the required GPA may apply with competitive GRE or GMAT scores.
A public university founded in 1961, FAU offers an online master of business administration with a concentration in management information systems. Students complete courses online with no residency requirements.
Learners take required business courses before beginning the concentration coursework. Notable courses in management information systems include web-based business development, enterprise information technology service management, and information technology project and change management.
Applicants need a bachelor's degree in any discipline with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on the last 60 credits of coursework and four years of work experience to qualify for admission. Students must also submit GMAT or GRE scores.
A public university founded in 1910, WTAMU offers an online master of business administration with a concentration in computer information systems.
Students complete business courses before moving on to concentration courses. Notable options include business intelligence and support systems, social network and media analysis, networking management and information security, and data mining methods.
Applicants need a bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and GMAT scores to qualify for admission. Students with ten years of work experience can apply for a standardized test waiver.
A public university founded in 1892, CMU offers an online master of business administration with a concentration in information systems. Courses happen 100% online with no residency requirements.
Students complete courses in business before moving on to concentration courses. Course topics include enterprise systems for management using SAP software, ABAP programming for enterprise systems, and enterprise system configuration using SAP software.
Applicants need a bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 2.7 to qualify for admission. Students do not need to submit standardized test scores.
A private Catholic university founded in 1847, Saint Francis offers an online master of business administration with a concentration in information systems and project management. Students complete 36 credits entirely online.
Students finish business core coursework such as financial decision-making, managerial accounting, and strategic marketing for the global economy. Required concentration courses include management information systems and IS project management.
Applicants without a business undergraduate degree must finish business prerequisites before program entry. Potential students need a minimum GPA of 3.0 and GMAT scores to apply.
Founded in 1974, CUW offers an online master of business administration in management information systems. Students complete 39 courses online, including the required series for the concentration.
Students begin with business courses such as managerial economics, ethics and organizational leadership, corporate finance, and management science and analytics. Learners then choose five courses from information systems electives. Notable courses include management information systems, systems and analysis design, and Oracle business applications.
Applicants need a bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 to qualify for admission. Students do not need to submit standardized test scores.
Founded in 1902, FHSU offers an online master of business administration with a concentration in management information systems. Students complete 34 credits online with no residency requirements.
Business courses include advanced managerial accounting, information systems for management, business research and quantitative methods, and strategic finance. Students then take one elective and two courses to finish the concentration: information systems design and development and the law of cyberspace.
Applicants need a bachelor's degree in any discipline and official GMAT or GRE scores to apply for the program.
Founded in 1923, Lamar offers an online master of business administration with a concentration in management information systems. Students complete all coursework online with no residency requirements.
Students take online business courses such as managerial accounting, financial management, and strategic management, as well as any leveling courses. Concentration courses include electives such as database management systems, information assurance and security, and cybersecurity management.
Applicants need a bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 2.75 and GMAT scores to qualify for admission.
A public university founded in 1868, WSU offers an online master of business administration with a concentration in information systems management.
Students begin with business core coursework such as corporate financial management, strategic management, and managing organizational behavior. To complete the concentration, students choose from courses such as information systems design, business analytics, and societal and ethical issues in the information age.
Applicants need GMAT, LSAT, or GRE scores and an undergraduate degree with a minimum GPA of 3.2 (3.0 for business undergraduates) to qualify for admission.
Wayne State University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Best Online Programs
MBA in Management Information Systems
2023
Online MBA in Management Information Systems Programs Ranking Guidelines
We ranked these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.
Rankings MethodologyWhat Is an MBA in Management Information Systems?
An MBA in management information systems combines an MBA core with a specialization in information systems management. In these programs, students develop the fundamental knowledge and skills necessary for business administration as well as advanced knowledge pertaining to information systems.
MBA in management information systems programs explore database development and management, data mining and analytics, information and technology management, systems analysis and design, and project management. The programs typically also cover the procurement and implementation of new software and technologies. Most students engage in a capstone project in addition to coursework; sometimes, they pursue an internship or practicum.
An MBA MIS prepares students for careers that require them to assess business problems and then implement business technology, software, and information systems to solve the problems.
Pursuing an MIS MBA Online
Online courses for an online MBA in management information systems usually feature lectures and discussion via video chat or forum. They require students to complete assignments within certain deadlines. Some students find accelerated programs beneficial, as they can fit more courses into a shorter time period.
In distance learning, some courses are synchronous, meaning that you attend lectures and discussions at the same time as your classmates. Others are asynchronous, meaning you watch lectures and participate in discussions on your own time. Online programs benefit self-motivated students and are often beneficial for working professionals who need to fit classes around their existing schedules. Since online programs tend to be cheaper than traditional degrees, they are also a great fit for people trying to improve or change their career in an affordable manner.
Advantages of an MBA in Management Information Systems?
Earning an information systems MBA online gives you an edge over peers with lower level business degrees. An MBA marks a certain level of expertise; and when combined with work experience, it can lead to promotions and higher earning potential. Many of the best careers in the field, and especially those in the C-suite, might be out of your grasp without an MBA.
Continuing your education beyond the MBA is an option, especially if you want to go into research or teach at the university level. The table below provides possible earning potentials. Although, no degree can guarantee you a job or a certain salary.
| Degree Level | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree in Management Information Systems | $91,000 |
| MBA in Management Information Systems | $111,000 |
What Can You Do with an MBA in Management Information Systems?
Students in MBA MIS degree programs learn to synthesize knowledge and skills from the fields of business administration and information technology in order to solve problems. These professionals can pursue careers in diverse industries. Here is some salary information for several possible careers:
This list has careers along with descriptions and links to salary information:
These officers lead efforts to protect an organization’s data from theft or manipulation. They implement protocols and direct the installation or development of new technology.
These professionals direct research efforts to improve computer and information systems. They may work in the private, public, or nonprofit sectors studying abstract or concrete concepts.
These managers direct teams within the IT department and may serve as department heads. They guide employees to implement technology and to prevent or respond to data breaches.
These professionals evaluate organizations and find ways to help improve their efficiency and effectiveness. They must have a strong understanding of management best practices and tools.
Choosing an Online Management Information Systems MBA Program
Choosing where to earn an online MBA in management information systems involves many factors. For example, choosing to study in-state can reduce tuition costs, while online programs remove costs associated with room and board. Public universities are generally less expensive than private schools, but if a student is studying out-of-state, the difference is often less noticeable.
How Long Does It Take to Complete an Online MBA in Management Information Systems?
Full-time students can generally complete many of the program in two years, part-time students in three years, and students in an accelerated MBA program in one year or more.
Courses in an Online Management Information Systems MBA Program
- Data Analysis: This course focuses on the qualitative and quantitative skills needed to make management decisions. You explore how to read and understand data so you can make informed decisions that benefit your organization. Some programs split this into courses on either qualitative or quantitative analysis.
- Decision Modeling: A course like this explores how to use existing models and user-interfaces like spreadsheets to make sense of data and make the best possible decisions based on them.
- Supply Chain Management: A course like this explores how supply chains work and how they impact data. You will also explore how to use information systems to manage, track, and improve supply chains.
- Organizational Change: This course explores the psychology of change, organizational behavior, and the kinds of challenges that can make change difficult; this also includes models of change and the skills needed to enact that change.
- Ethical Leadership: A course like this explores what actions leaders should take and how to ensure that their decisions are ethical even when data may point in another direction.
Accreditation for Online MBA Degrees
Accreditation boards review an institution to determine if it meets academic standards. Regional boards most often accredit public colleges or universities while national boards accredit many private and technical schools. Colleges that only offer classes online usually hold national accreditation, but it is important to check with each individual school.
Some programs also carry accreditation from a professional organization or another group. This indicates that the program has met additional criteria. Most degrees do not require programmatic accreditation, but information systems management boasts a variety of them. For instance, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business accredits many business schools, including some that offer online courses and are generally responsible for MBAs. Organizations such as the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology grant accreditation to computer science and other technology programs.
