by our College Data Analytics TeamInformation systems are used in every business. They collect, process, filter, and create data that the organization uses internally. Whether it is to keep track of inventory or manage an employee's status and salary, these information systems are critical to the success of businesses.
The study of Management Information Systems (MIS) educates students on the networks, software and hardware of these systems. Students will be prepared to manage these systems for processing and retrieving internal business information.
There are two concentrations within this major; they include Information Resources Management and Knowledge Management. While studying this major, you will be taking various courses; they include emerging technologies, networks and telecommunication, financial information systems, data base design, and ecommerce. These classes will help you understand the functions for these Information Systems and how they are used in business.
Management Information Systems was the 73rd most popular major in the 2021-2022 school year. Colleges in the United States reported awarding 12,429 degrees in this year alone. Our 2025 Best Management Information Systems Schools ranking analyzes 167 of these schools to determine the best overall colleges for management information systems students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of mis programs later in this article.
If you are interested in technology, this major is for you. You will constantly be working with databases and computers. You will spend long hours developing and debugging programs; tasks that require patience and focus.
In this essential business role, you will serve as the bridge between people and technology. Efficient communication will aid you greatly. Work on your speaking and writing skills in college so you will be able to effectively explain technological issues to the average person.
New students will need to have completed high school or a GED program and each school will have their own minimum GPA and SAT/ACT test requirements. Specific mis careers may require a certain level of degree attainment or additional certifications beyond that.
There are various different levels of mis degrees. You can spend many years getting as high as a in management information systems to something that takes less time like a . Depending on the management information systems degree you choose, obtaining your diploma can take anwhere from 1 to 4+ years.
| Degree | Credit Requirements | Typical Program Length |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 60-70 credits | 2 years |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 120 credits | 4 years |
| Master’s Degree | 50-70 credits | 1-3 years |
| Doctorate | Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation | At least 4 years |
A bachelor's degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to mis, with approximately 67.9% of workers getting one. Find out other typical degree levels for mis workers below.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | 66.2% |
| Some College Courses | 15.2% |
| Master’s Degree | 8.0% |
| Associate’s Degree (or other 2-year degree) | 5.3% |
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 3.1% |
76.7% of mis workers have at least a bachelor's. View the chart below to get an idea of what degree level most of those in management information systems careers have.
This of course varies depending on which mis career you choose.
With a degree in Management Information Systems graduates can enter into a few different careers. Some of the job titles graduates achieve are Computer Systems Analyst, Database Administrator, Computer and Information Systems Manager, and Network Systems and Data Communications Analyst. These professionals help businesses with their systems and assist managers and employees to understand them.
Want a job when you graduate with your mis degree? Management Information Systems careers are expected to grow 3.5% between 2016 and 2026.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to management information systems.
| Occupation Name | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | 411,800 | 12.0% |
| Computer Programmers | 273,600 | -7.2% |
Recently graduated management information systems students earned an average of $69,160 in <nil>. Earnings can range from as low as $24,703 to as high as $170,595. As you might expect, salaries for mis graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Salaries for management information systems graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers mis grads often go into.
| Occupation Name | Median Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | $152,860 |
| Computer Programmers | $89,580 |
With over 925 different mis degree programs to choose from, finding the best fit for you can be a challenge. Fortunately you have come to the right place. We have analyzed all of these schools to come up with hundreds of unbiased mis school rankings to help you with this.
Management Information Systems is one of 21 different types of Business, Management & Marketing programs to choose from.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| General Management Information Systems | 10,966 |
| Information Resources Management | 939 |
| Other Management Information Systems and Services | 364 |
| Knowledge Management | 160 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Business Administration & Management | 403,753 |
| Accounting | 93,982 |
| General Business/Commerce | 56,779 |
| Finance & Financial Management | 54,690 |
| Marketing | 52,078 |
