Management Information Systems Degrees

While most students hope to secure in-demand, well-paying careers, management information systems graduates hit the proverbial nail on the head. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), not only are information systems management positions projected to grow by 17 percent in the decade preceding 2018, but these professionals earned an impressive median annual salary of $115,780 in 2010. These benefits must be earned, however: information systems managers are specialized workers, so the right education is imperative. Management information systems degrees provide the training necessary to secure and excel in information systems management and related, equally promising fields.
What to expect from management information systems training

Information science is an academic discipline bridging the business world with computer science. There are a seemingly endless number of applications for information science in the business world, from information management to payroll activities. Management information science training prepares future information science pros to manage all aspects of these systems, including databases, networks and security. They will learn how to manage projects, how to develop and debug systems, and even master the ethical or social implications of these technologies.

According to The College Board, management information systems degrees typically require the following types of courses:

* Database design
* Emerging technologies
* Managing information systems
* E-commerce
* Project management
* Networks and communications
* Systems analysis and design

According to the BLS, most employers require that information systems managers hold bachelor's degrees in management information science, but prefer candidates with graduate degrees. Those who earn MBAs with a technical component are in particularly high demand.
The benefits of online management information systems training

The computer-based nature of information systems management makes it an ideal match for online learning. Online management information systems degrees allow working professionals to advance their educations--and, in turn, their careers--while working full-time. Some employers even offer tuition assistance programs that help professionals manage or offset their education costs.
The ideal management information systems degree candidate

Management information systems training is one part technology, one part business, so ideal students are natural leaders with a penchant for the analytical. According to The College Board, great management information systems professionals have solid communication skills and are capable of relaying often complex, highly technical concepts to those with little training in this area. Most importantly, ideal management information systems candidates have a passion and respect for computer systems and their growing significance in the business world.
Popular careers for those with management information systems degrees

While systems management seems the obvious career choice for one with management information systems training, this is only one of many suitable paths. According to the BLS and The College Board, management information systems degree holders often pursue the following careers:

* Computer and information systems managers. These professionals design and implement computer systems and manage their personnel, overseeing day-to-day processes and consulting with higher management.
* Computer systems analysts. These professionals create and improve business processes using computer technology.
* Database managers. These specialists manage database operations and personnel, organizing, tracking and storing information with a mind for security.
* Management consultants. Management consultants evaluate companies' information systems and advise them of improvements that could boost profits and productivity.
* Network and data communications analysts. These professionals plan, implement and maintain large, company-wide networks and data communications systems.

Whatever their job titles, management information systems professionals can benefit from the networking and educational support offered by organizations like the Association for Information Systems and the Society for Information Management.