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.
A degree in Management Information Systems involves the study of Management Information Systems And Services. Read on to learn the key facts every management information systems major should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering management information systems programs.
Nationwide, management information systems is a popular field of study, with 12,092 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Management Information Systems Schools ranking analyzes these 392 schools to determine the best overall colleges for management information systems students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of management information systems programs later in this article.
Studies in Management Information Systems build a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations management information systems graduates commonly enter.
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.
Skills emphasized by a management information systems program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
Based on O*NET data, a management information systems major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several management information systems degree levels. The table below shows the typical length of the most common levels, and how many graduates earn each one.
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 56 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 747 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 7,924 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 3,305 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 28 |
People currently working in careers related to management information systems tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Master’s degree | 39.9% |
| Doctoral degree | 34.0% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 23.1% |
| Some college courses | 1.1% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 0.9% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 0.5% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 0.3% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 0.1% |
See the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in management information systems careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
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.
Studying management information systems can lead to many career paths. These are some of the most common occupations related to management information systems.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to management information systems.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary | 1,328,652 | -4.2% |
| Computer Programmers | 666,800 | 11.7% |
| Database Architects | 335,771 | 4.3% |
| Data Warehousing Specialists | 113,258 | 3.9% |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | 58,841 | 10.2% |
The U.S. Department of Education tracks median earnings of management information systems graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. Earnings tend to climb as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $68,818 |
| 4 years | $76,884 |
| 5 years | $85,819 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for management information systems graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers management information systems grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | $175,079 |
| Database Architects | $148,480 |
| Data Warehousing Specialists | $117,424 |
| Computer Programmers | $109,892 |
| Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $35,659 |
With 392 different management information systems programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased management information systems school rankings to help you.
Students interested in management information systems, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Management Information Systems, General | 10,310 |
| Information Resources Management | 1,218 |
| Management Information Systems and Services, Other | 338 |
| Knowledge Management | 226 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | 402,942 |
| Accounting and Related Services | 81,835 |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods | 62,236 |
| Business/Commerce, General | 57,976 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | 57,564 |
| Marketing | 53,750 |
| Human Resources Management and Services | 25,424 |
| Business Operations Support and Assistant Services | 16,153 |
| Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations | 14,306 |
| Hospitality Administration/Management | 13,333 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
