What Is MIS (Management Information Systems)? Degree Guide

If you enjoy technology, working with people, and problem-solving, MIS may be a suitable undergraduate major for you. Overall, the goal of MIS is to increase the efficiency of information systems using information technology (IT) expertise and business administration management principles. You can learn more about MIS degrees and careers in the following article.

Read more: Information Systems vs. Information Technology (IS vs. IT)

What does MIS stand for?

MIS is short for management information systems—the study of people and technology and how they relate. MIS uses data to provide businesses with the information they need to make decisions that improve a company’s performance. MIS work involves data collection using technology and various reports to analyze business trends and future opportunities.

MIS vs. Computer science

Management information systems degrees are often confused with computer science degrees due to similar coursework. Both MIS and computer science degree programs include the study of computer-based information systems. However, MIS degree programs focus more heavily on business database systems, business systems analysis, and administration. Computer science degrees tend to include more coursework related to programming, hardware, and software systems.

Read more: What Are Computer Information Systems? Definition, Degree, and Careers

What is an MIS degree?

An MIS degree indicates that you have mastered the basics of information technology and systems. It demonstrates your ability to apply technological skills to benefit business information systems. If you like working with computers, technology, and people, majoring in MIS can be an excellent foundation for your career. The section below lists a few areas of expertise you can expect to study while pursuing an MIS degree.

Read more: Computer Science vs. Information Technology: Careers, Degrees, and More

MIS coursework

Aside from general education courses, you can expect to take business courses like macroeconomics and study areas of mathematics like calculus. Here are a few more courses you might complete as an aspiring MIS professional:

• Principles of system theory and application

• Database design and administration

• Object-oriented programming

• Error control and risk management

• Information system design

• Cybersecurity

Degree concentrations

Completing an MIS degree program can offer various information technology and information management opportunities. If your goal is to work in the medical field, your degree program can include a concentration in health informatics. Another area of concentration is project management. Many schools also offer cybersecurity as a concentration if you're interested in computer forensics.

Read more: What Job Should I Have? Careers Based on Personality, Strengths, and Interests

Essential skills

Throughout your MIS studies, you'll build valuable, in-demand skills such as:

• Problem-solving

• Communication

• Systems analysis

• Leadership

• Database administration and management

• InfoSec expertise

• Information technology essentials like computer networking and software development

Career outlook for MIS majors

Management information systems careers fall under the occupational category of computer and information systems managers. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the outlook for these roles is promising. The BLS projects 16 percent job growth between 2021 and 2031 for computer and information systems managers [1]. This growth rate is much quicker than the average for all occupations and translates into about 48,500 job openings per year.

Careers in MIS

Your degree in MIS can provide opportunities as a data scientist, operations research analyst, and librarian. Other common career paths in MIS include information security and application development. 

With an MIS major, you’ll combine business and technology skills to qualify for job titles such as:

• Management consultant

• Business systems analyst

• Network administrator

• IT project manager

• Data analyst

• Computer technician

• System administrator

Learn more about MIS with Coursera.

Explore whether a career in MIS might be a good fit by trying a beginner-friendly, online course like Information Systems from the University of Minnesota. Enroll for free to start building in-demand skills in project management, critical thinking, business analysis, and IT.