Best Online Management Information Systems Programs
Whether tracking data, managing logistics, or evaluating employee performance, management information systems (MIS) play a pivotal role in daily business operations. Healthcare systems managing patient records or retail businesses capturing customer data to maximize sales are just two common real-world MIS applications.
Because of the vital and growing influence of management information systems, it’s no surprise that business schools nationwide are equipping students with the tools they need to capitalize on this field. Additionally, many universities are meeting the demand for MIS programs with flexible and affordable online degrees.
Throughout his page, we dive into the best online management information systems programs, what you’ll learn, and what you can expect after graduation. Read on to learn more about this growing field and how it can leave you uniquely positioned to secure a lucrative role in countless industries.
Best Online Management Information Systems Programs
Colorado State University-Global Campus
Aurora, CO- 4 year
- Online
The first independent, fully online institution in the U.S., Colorado State University Global Campus oversees dozens of online graduate, undergraduate, and certificate programs in 10 different fields. Each of CSU-Global's programs offers monthly start dates and accelerated, asynchronous course delivery.
CSU-Global's online bachelor's in management information systems and business analytics program includes core courses like basic programming, information systems design and management, and web analytics. The program culminates in a capstone course. Students can choose from specializations in cybersecurity, computer programming, and digital marketing.
Approximately 93% of the university's graduates find employment in their degree field. CSU-Global offers fixed per-credit tuition rates, regardless of residency.
- In-State$8,400
- Out-of-state$8,400
- In-State$9,000
- Out-of-state$9,000
- Retention Rate35%
- Acceptance Rate96%
- Students Enrolled10,844
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
- AccreditationYes
Western Governors University
- Salt Lake City, UT
- 2 year
- Online
Styling itself as a student-centric university, WGU oversees more than 60 undergraduate and graduate programs in fields like healthcare, business, teacher education, and information technology.
WGU offers an information technology management degree as a specialization within its online business administration program. The curriculum consists of 40 courses that cover topics like networks and security, business, and management and leadership. The curriculum includes required business core, general education, and IT coursework, culminating in an IT management capstone.
The program delivers all coursework asynchronously. WGU offers monthly start dates, accelerated course options, and flat tuition rates that do not consider residency. WGU's business programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.
- In-State$7,162
- Out-of-state$7,162
- In-State$7,500
- Out-of-state$7,765
- Retention Rate73%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled150,116
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
- AccreditationYes
Minot State University
- Minot, ND
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
A member of the North Dakota University System, MSU enrolls nearly 3,000 students on campus and online. Learners choose from dozens of graduate and undergraduate programs in areas like business, education and health sciences, and the arts and sciences. The school also offers more than 20 online degrees and certificates.
Students who earn MSU's online bachelor's degree in management information systems complete general education, business core, and major coursework. Students explore topics like IT infrastructure, technology management, and e-commerce. The program culminates in a final project.
Incoming students may begin the program in the fall, spring, or summer. This management information systems program is accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education.
- In-State$6,892
- Out-of-state$6,892
- In-State$8,992
- Out-of-state$8,992
- Retention Rate73%
- Acceptance Rate88%
- Students Enrolled2,836
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment62%
- AccreditationYes
Bellevue University
- Bellevue, NE
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
BU serves nearly 9,000 students each year at its main campus eastern Nebraska, at satellite campuses in four states, and online. Students may choose from more than 80 programs, most of which are available online.
Bellevue's online bachelor's in management information systems program operates as a degree completion pathway. Major courses include negotiating in business, future trends in management information systems, and project management. Additionally, students must complete BU's Kirkpatrick Signature Series, which includes courses in tradition and change, American vision and values, and freedom and responsibility.
Admission requirements include an associate degree or at least 60 credits of college coursework and at least three years of relevant work experience. BU charges all learners the same tuition rate.
- In-State$7,560
- Out-of-state$7,560
- In-State$10,980
- Out-of-state$10,980
- Retention Rate72%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled11,902
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment95%
- AccreditationYes
University of Minnesota-Crookston
- Crookston, MN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
With five campuses across the state and an online division, UMC serves approximately 1,800 students. UMC's students can choose from dozens of graduate, undergraduate, and certificate programs across four major schools, including more than 25 online programs.
UMC's 120-credit bachelor's in information technology management includes core courses like introduction to information management systems, information assurance and systems security, and legal environment in business. This online program culminates in a supervised internship at an IT or networking agency.
Students must complete a one-credit orientation course in online learning prior to beginning the program. More than 93% of graduates find employment in their chosen field within six months of earning their degree.
- In-State$11,362
- Out-of-state$11,362
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate71%
- Acceptance Rate59%
- Students Enrolled2,304
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment57%
- AccreditationYes
Regis University
- Denver, CO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Regis serves more than 10,000 students online and at its campus in Denver, Colorado. The university helped pioneer the distance learning movement by launching one of the first online MBA programs in 1997. Today, students at Regis can choose from more than 130 graduate, undergraduate, and certificate programs.
Regis's online bachelor's in computer information systems explores topics such as systems analysis and design, foundations of programming, and enterprise systems architecture. The 120-credit curriculum offers a business track and a healthcare track. The program culminates in a senior capstone. Each online course lasts eight weeks.
Regis offers six start dates per year. All students pay the same per-credit tuition rate, regardless of residency.
- In-State$39,260
- Out-of-state$39,260
- In-State$14,063
- Out-of-state$14,063
- Retention Rate79%
- Acceptance Rate81%
- Students Enrolled5,566
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment64%
- AccreditationYes
LeTourneau University
- Longview, TX
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
One of the nation's only Christian polytechnic institutions, LETU enrolls more than 3,000 students — including about 850 online learners. The university offers more than 140 graduate, undergraduate, and certificate programs across eight major academic schools.
LETU's online bachelor's in computer information systems explores topics like software engineering, database management, and programming for information systems. The 129-credit curriculum includes computer science and general education coursework, with additional requirements in business and theology. Each course in this accelerated program lasts five weeks.
All students pay the same per-credit tuition rate, regardless of residency. Applicants must hold a high school diploma or GED certificate. They must also submit ACT or SAT scores.
- In-State$32,690
- Out-of-state$32,690
- In-State$16,875
- Out-of-state$16,875
- Retention Rate76%
- Acceptance Rate49%
- Students Enrolled3,536
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment63%
- AccreditationYes
University of Houston-Downtown
- Houston, TX
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
One of four schools in the city's university system, UHD enrolls more than 14,000 students on campus and through UHD Online. The university's students can choose from more than 50 bachelor's and master's offerings, including more than 15 online programs.
UHD's online bachelor of business administration includes an emphasis in management information systems. The program requires 120 credits and includes core courses like foundations of information systems, web technologies, and systems analysis and design. Students may complete a field experience as an elective course. Most students graduate in four years.
Online learners may join business and IT organizations through UHD, including Beta Gamma Sigma, the Business Administration Council, and the CompTIA Association of IT Professionals. UHD's business programs are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
- In-State$7,433
- Out-of-state$19,673
- In-State$8,073
- Out-of-state$14,517
- Retention Rate65%
- Acceptance Rate88%
- Students Enrolled14,208
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment81%
- AccreditationYes
University of Illinois Springfield
- Springfield, IL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
UIS serves roughly 4,000 students, including more than 1,400 online learners. The university oversees about 50 graduate, undergraduate, and certificate programs.
UIS offers a hybrid bachelor's in management information systems through its College of Business and Management. The curriculum combines general education and MIS core courses. Students complete core courses through blended learning. Select classes include computer programming concepts, project management and practice, and networks and telecommunications in organizations.
The program culminates in a strategic management and leadership course. UIS supports distance learners by offering career counseling and student advising services. The school's management information systems program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
- In-State$9,645
- Out-of-state$16,449
- In-State$8,375
- Out-of-state$14,021
- Retention Rate67%
- Acceptance Rate79%
- Students Enrolled3,944
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment92%
- AccreditationYes
Ottawa University
- Ottawa, KS
- 4 year
- Online
OU is a Christian school with campuses in Wisconsin, Arizona, and Kansas. It also oversees an online division. Students may choose from more than 40 graduate, undergraduate, and certificate programs.
OU's online bachelor's degree in management information systems offers concentrations in entrepreneurship, communication, management, and leadership and management. The curriculum includes major courses that cover topics like systems analysis and design, foundations of information technology, and accounting for business operations.
Students can bring in up to 80 transfer credits, and the program accepts applications throughout the year. OU charges distance learners the same per-credit tuition rate, no matter where they live.
- In-State$11,976
- Out-of-state$11,976
- In-State$11,253
- Out-of-state$11,253
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance Rate97%
- Students Enrolled218
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
- AccreditationYes
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What Are Management Information Systems?
Management information systems are the digital tools businesses rely upon to secure, evaluate, and disperse vital data and information crucial to business decision-making in the modern marketplace. These systems help businesses maximize how effectively they analyze data and, as a result, help businesses optimize efficiency and enhance data-informed decisions.
For an MIS graduate, this means understanding analytics, using software applications, and managing databases. Graduates working in this field help create, improve, and maintain these systems while striving to align with a business’s operational requirements and strategic goals. Responsibilities can vary for workers in this field, but MIS grads can anticipate managing various IT resources, capturing and analyzing data, and collaborating with other professionals to meet business goals.
Keep reading to learn about what you can do with an MIS degree.
What Can I Do With a Management Information Systems Degree?
Graduates with a management information systems degree can pursue various careers that come with higher-than-average salaries and robust job growth. As shown in the table below, salaries can vary between about $61,000 to nearly $170,000 annually. Typically, entry-level roles provide more modest salaries, while experienced professionals in leadership roles tend to make the most.
Alongside attractive salary potential, many popular careers with a MIS degree come with significant potential for job growth. According to BLS data, jobs for data scientists and information security analysts could grow by more than 30% by 2032. While some roles come with more modest growth projections, the diversity of job options for MIS grads and their value can’t be overstated.
For MIS graduates, career trajectories typically begin with more entry-level technical roles and often culminate with management and executive positions. MIS students can anticipate having value in a long list of industries, including government, finance, and healthcare—in short, anywhere that relies upon experts to enhance business and tech processes.
Be sure to check out the various jobs, salaries, and job market projections for various popular careers with a MIS degree.
| Jobs | Median Salary (2023) | Job Outlook (2022-2032) |
|---|---|---|
| Technical Support Specialist | $60,810 | 5% |
| Web Developer | $84,960 | 17% |
| Network Administrator | $95,360 | 2% |
| Project Manager | $98,580 | 6% |
| Business Intelligence Analyst | $108,020 | 9% |
| Database Administrator | $101,510 | 7% |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $103,800 | 10% |
| Computer Information and Research Scientist | $145,080 | 23% |
| Data Scientist | $108,020 | 35% |
| Information Security Analyst | $120,360 | 32% |
| Chief Information Officer | $169,510 | 15% |
What Can I Expect From an Online Management Information Systems Degree Program?
The best online MIS degree programs supply students with a comprehensive education that’s influenced by both technology and business. The result is a curriculum rooted in traditional business coursework and enriched by extensive tech-based training.
These programs typically require 120 credits, and students tackle foundational business classes such as managerial accounting, financial management, principles of marketing, and business statistics and analytics. Additionally, MIS courses include topics such as application development, data and information management, and network and cloud infrastructure. Before graduation, students complete a degree-culminating capstone course.
Online MIS programs are typically structured to provide maximum flexibility without compromising the learning experience, offering synchronous, asynchronous, and hybrid formats. Additionally, the best virtual programs offer extensive student services, including academic advising, career development, online libraries, and mental health services.
How Do I Know Management Information Systems Is Right For Me?
Choosing the right major for you is vital. A management information systems program is an ideal option if you’re interested in both technology and business. Additionally, if you want to use your problem-solving and analytical skills to enhance business processes, management information systems is a solid fit. Students who thrive when working with software, data, and organizational management may find this academic pathway a fulfilling option.
Some benefits stemming from a management information systems degree include higher-than-average salaries and diverse career options. Also, because this is a growing field, there’s a high demand for skilled business pros. Still, some students may shy away from a high-pressure and rapidly evolving field that requires continual learning.
Frequently Asked Questions About Management Information Systems
Yes! An MIS degree is a practical academic pathway for students wanting to work at the intersection of business and technology. After completing an online management information systems degree, students typically have access to a broad selection of career options in an in-demand field. MIS graduates often play a pivotal role in enhancing business operations through tech advancements.
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