Are you highly organized? Do you have a passion for IT? Are you interested in maximizing the potential of employees? The best online management information systems degrees will help you become a leader in this field!
Management information systems (MIS) exists at the intersection of technology, employees, and organizations. The ultimate goal of MIS is to use technology to improve people’s lives and improve the functioning of businesses, organizations, and other entities.
The application of MIS principles can be made in many different situations. For example, an application development company can use MIS to manage various teams of programmers to ensure apps are released on time. As another example, airlines use MIS to make it easier to plan and prepare for delays due to weather events.
These are just two examples, but the point is clear – MIS merges technology and business to achieve better organization for businesses of all kinds while maximizing the value of employees.
If MIS sounds complex, it is! It’s an interdisciplinary field that combines programming, business, data analytics, and many other fields to solve real-world problems. MIS is part theory and part application. It’s also problem-focused and forward-thinking.
What is a Management Information Systems Degree?
As noted a moment ago, this field is all about studying technology, people, and organizations and using that information to help companies improve their operations. In this day and age, managing this type of information is crucial not only because data is so valuable and informative but because there is so much information to manage.
The goal of an online master in management program isn’t just to manage data but also to be able to analyze and rethink business processes – whether it be automating processes or totally redesigning them. This is the degree you’ll want to have to advance in your IT career.
More specifically, MIS programs tend to require about 1-2 years of graduate study. These programs focus mostly on coursework, though some of the programs in our rankings also require you to complete a capstone project, a thesis, or other kinds of summative experiences prior to graduation.
By and large, MIS degrees are offered in a business school or college (in some cases, MIS programs are master of business administration degrees with an MIS focus). However, you might find MIS degrees in a university’s Information Technology department or computer science department. Regardless of the specific department that offers the program, you can expect to take a series of core courses (usually around eight or so) in MIS, plus an additional three or more elective courses.
Core courses in MIS programs usually focus on fundamental knowledge and skill-building. For example, most MIS programs require database management, project management, and security management courses. It’s also common for MIS programs to require courses in systems design, systems analysis, and business intelligence. Risk management, data warehousing, and data science might be part of an MIS program, too.
Many management information systems degree programs also allow you to focus your studies with highly specialized electives. These courses, like data visualization, digital marketing analytics, and network infrastructure, give you insights into how MIS can be used in a wide range of applications. Courses like these can also help you clearly define your skill set and impress recruiters after graduation.
MIS programs can be completed on a part-time or full-time basis, depending on your needs. In some cases, full-time studies result in a degree in about a year.
How Much Can You Earn With a Management Information Systems Degree?
One of the primary benefits of earning a management information systems degree is that the pay tends to be very high. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that Computer and Information Systems Managers earn a median annual salary of $159,010.
Even the lowest-paid workers in this field earn a very good living. The BLS reports that the lowest ten percent of earners make more than $95,000 per year. The pay range for Computer and Information Systems Managers extends to more than $208,000 per year, making it a highly lucrative field.
The salary you might earn depends on the specific field in which you work. For example, Computer and Information Systems Managers that work in the finance and insurance realms make a median yearly salary of $162,240. Workers in the manufacturing space make slightly less at just over $160,000 per year. The information space is the highest-paying for MIS workers, though – a $165,940 median yearly salary.
Of course, your salary also depends on your level of education and experience. For example, if you have a doctoral degree and ten years of experience, you’re likely to make more money than someone with a graduate degree and three years of experience.
In addition to being a well-paying career, MIS jobs are expected to experience torrid growth for the next ten years. The BLS estimates that demand for MIS workers will drive job growth to 16 percent through the early 2030s. This is good news if you’re just beginning your college education – by the time you graduate, you could have multiple job prospects and a potentially large income awaiting you!
What is Required for a Management Information Systems Degree?
Before enrolling in the program, you’ll need to have a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as computer science or IT. If you don’t, you’ll likely need to complete prerequisite courses to gain a foundational understanding of things like database management, information security, and organizational decision-making.
You will most likely be required to submit GRE or GMAT scores, a personal statement explaining why you want to enroll in the program, and letters of recommendation from undergraduate professors. Usually, colleges require prospective graduate students to have a minimum GPA, too, such as a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Some programs may require professional experience in the information technology or business field. You may be required to have some background knowledge of specific topics like programming languages. Again, if you don’t meet these requirements, colleges are usually willing to give you provisional admission to the program until you complete the required prerequisites.
In addition to these materials, you’ll also need to submit official transcripts from the college that conferred your undergraduate degree. A resume or curriculum vitae might also be required to support your application.
The specific admission requirements vary from one university to the next. When you find schools in our rankings that pique your interest, follow the provided links to the program websites to evaluate each school’s graduate admissions process.
What are the Best Online Master’s in Management Information Systems?
We use seven data points to rank the best schools for masters in information technology. Two data points are program-specific: the number of degree options available and the median annual wages two years after graduation.
The following five data points rank school-wide information:
- The school’s admissions rate
- The school’s graduation rate
- The median student debt upon graduation
- Student satisfaction
- The type of accreditation (regional or national)
The data for each of these criteria are clearly listed for each school. Using this information about these online masters management information systems degrees, you can determine which school is the right fit for your career goals.
A detailed explanation of our methodology to develop these rankings is available here.
Let’s get to the list of the best MIS graduate programs!
1. Florida State University
Quick Facts
- Length: 33 credits
- Time to complete: 1.5-2 years (if attending full-time)
- Format: Online
- Tuition: $780.18 per credit hour (in-state); $810.24 (out-of-state)
- You must have either two years of work experience in information technology or an undergraduate degree in information technology or a related field plus two years of work experience in any field.
Online Program Information:
Number of Degree Options: 1
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $53,449
School-Wide Information:
Admission Rate: 37%
Graduation Rate: 80%
Median Debt Upon Graduation: $18,750
Student Satisfaction: 4.2 out of 5 stars
Type of Accreditation: Regional (2 out of 2 points)
OSR Score: 85
At the top of our masters in management information systems rankings is this program from Florida State University. This program was purpose-built to prepare you for a career in management information systems. The coursework was developed with the help of experts in MIS and IT and offers instruction in a wide range of topics. This might include:
- Business Intelligence
- Organizational Issues
- Project Management
- Computer Information Systems
- Database Development and Management
All told, this online master of science degree requires you to complete 11 courses. You can apply as a graduate student that’s already completed a bachelor’s degree. Alternatively, Florida State offers a combined program in which you can get a Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems and a Master of Science in Management Information Systems – the only program on this list with this option.
Another feature that distinguishes Florida State from the rest of the schools on this list is its world-renowned faculty, cutting-edge curriculum, and accolades, like being ranked as having some of the best online graduate programs in the nation.
2. Oklahoma State University
Quick Facts
- Length: 33 credits
- Time to complete: 1.5-2 years (if attending full-time)
- Format: Online
- Tuition: $481.15 per credit hour (in-state); $611.35 (out-of-state)
- This is a STEM-designated program.
Online Program Information:
Number of Degree Options: 3
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $52,702
School-Wide Information:
Admission Rate: 68%
Graduation Rate: 61%
Median Debt Upon Graduation: $20,500
Student Satisfaction: 4.3 out of 5 stars
Type of Accreditation: Regional (2 out of 2 points)
OSR Score: 81.66
Although this Master of Science in Management Information Systems is online, it was designed with student collaboration in mind. You can study remotely while engaging in virtual activities with your classmates that help enrich your learning experience. The program also makes use of multimedia content to provide a livelier online learning environment.
Like other programs on this list, this one takes an interdisciplinary approach. You’ll take courses in topics related to:
- Database Management
- Systems Analysis
- Big Data
- Visualization
- Information Assurance
You’ll also take courses in professional development and ethics to ensure you are well-equipped to perform at your best and adhere to policies, procedures, and laws.
This online MS program from Oklahoma State might also be attractive because of the school’s high praise from students. With a 4.3 rating on a scale of 5, OSU has the highest student satisfaction rating of any school on this list.
3. University of Houston
Quick Facts
- Length: 36 credits
- Time to complete: 2 years (if attending full-time)
- Format: Online
- Tuition: $35,900 for the entire program (in-state; includes fees); $54,200 (out-of-state; includes fees)
- Courses are six weeks long and you take them one at a time.
Online Program Information:
Number of Degree Options: 2
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $56,763
School-Wide Information:
Admission Rate: 66%
Graduation Rate: 58%
Median Debt Upon Graduation: $18,500
Student Satisfaction: 3.7 out of 5 stars
Type of Accreditation: Regional (2 out of 2 points)
OSR Score: 75
This STEM-designated masters management information systems online program is driven by business and focused on technology. Once enrolled, you’ll have round-the-clock access to course materials. Likewise, you’ll learn in an active online environment led by the same professors who teach this program’s on-campus classes.
The University of Houston requires you to complete 36 credits to graduate with this degree, making it one of the longest degree programs on this list. However, the extra credits necessary for this degree can enrich your learning and leave you better equipped to find a job after you graduate.
Some of the courses you’ll take in this MS-MIS program include:
- Systems Analysis and Design
- IT Project Management
- Information Technology Management and Control
- Business Applications of Database Management Systems
- Object Oriented Programming
A unique feature of this program is the long list of highly specialized elective courses you can take. For example, you can take classes on Global Supply Chain Strategy, Energy Trading Systems, and Predictive Analytics, to name a few.
4. National University
Quick Facts
- Length: 50.5 quarter credits
- Time to complete: Two years (if attending full-time)
- Format: Online
- Tuition: $442 per credit hour for in-state and out-of-state
- Courses are in a four-week format.
Online Program Information:
Number of Degree Options: 7
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $62,855
School-Wide Information:
Admission Rate: 55%
Graduation Rate: 34%
Median Debt Upon Graduation: $26,516
Student Satisfaction: 3.1 out of 5 stars
Type of Accreditation: Regional (2 out of 2 points)
OSR Score: 75
National University’s online management information systems degree provides you with the knowledge and technical skills to work in the MIS field. You’ll learn how to use managerial tools, improve organizational systems, and create information systems and architectures.
The skills you gain from this program can be used in many different areas. This includes finance, healthcare, and education. Business, marketing, and government agencies are additional applications.
The curriculum from National University is aligned with recommendations from the Association for Information Systems (AIS) and the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM). Some of the classes you’ll take include:
- Principles of Information Systems
- IT Infrastructure
- Philosophy of Information
- Systems Development and Deployment
- IS Management and Operations
This program also requires that you complete a research paper and present it at an academic conference. This rare course requirement extends your learning beyond what you discuss in your courses.
5. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Quick Facts
- Length: 30 credits
- Time to complete: 1.5-2 years (if attending full-time)
- Format: Online
- Tuition: $806 per credit hour for in-state and out-of-state; $675.00 per credit for military members
- Embry-Riddle has partnerships with Tableau, SAS, and Microsoft to provide you with a wide range of systems and tools.
Online Program Information:
Number of Degree Options: 2
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $78,000
School-Wide Information:
Admission Rate: 70%
Graduation Rate: 36%
Median Debt Upon Graduation: $24,250
Student Satisfaction: 3.8 out of 5 stars
Type of Accreditation: Regional (2 out of 2 points)
OSR Score: 71.67
One of the most interesting aspects of Embry-Riddle is that its graduates earn very high incomes. In fact, two years after graduation, Embry-Riddle students earn a median of $78,000, which is the highest mark on this list.
This Master of Science in Management Information Systems offers more than the potential of a good starting salary. You also get detailed training that allows you to develop a well-rounded toolkit for management information systems positions. You’ll develop these skills in courses like:
- Data and Information Modeling and Management
- Information Systems Project Management
- Systems Analysis and Design
- Information Analytics and Visualization in Decision Making
- Business Systems: Managing the IS Enterprise
You also have the choice of pursuing a certificate while you complete your online master’s in management studies. Embry-Riddle offers numerous certificate options, including Information Systems Security, Human Resources, and Information Technology Management.
There is also a Business Intelligence and Analytics Specialization that results in a joint certificate from SAS and Embry-Riddle.
6. Florida Institute of Technology
Quick Facts
- Length: 33 credits
- Time to complete: 1.5-2 years (if attending full-time)
- Format: Online
- Tuition: $777.00 per credit hour for in-state and out-of-state
- Many financial aid programs are available to help finance your education.
Online Program Information:
Number of Degree Options: 4
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $63,704
School-Wide Information:
Admission Rate: 100% (there is an open admission policy)
Graduation Rate: 12%
Median Debt Upon Graduation: $27,000
Student Satisfaction: 3.4 out of 5 stars
Type of Accreditation: Regional (2 out of 2 points)
OSR Score: 71.67
As a graduate of this online Master of Management with a concentration in Information Systems, you’ll have the skills needed to meet the demands of businesses and organizations now and in the future. Your skillset will be valuable for many different types of organizations, including in business, industry, the military, and more.
But before you can seek employment, you have to complete this 33-credit program. The curriculum includes eight core courses and three elective courses. Some of the core courses you have to take include:
- Financial Accounting
- Management Theory and Thought
- Leadership Theory and Effective Management
- Organizational Behavior
- Corporate Finance
This is a non-thesis program. Instead, you must complete an Applied Management Project that serves as a capstone to the program. This course focuses on the tools, techniques, and concepts needed to evaluate information systems proposals. You’re challenged to use quantitative and qualitative research methods to design, carry out, and evaluate information systems research. You must also present your findings in oral and written form.
7. University of Alabama in Huntsville
Quick Facts
- Length: 30 credits
- Time to complete: 1 year (if attending full-time)
- Format: Online
- Tuition: $1,635.00 per course for in-state and out-of-state
- You must take the GMAT or GRE prior to being accepted to this program.
Online Program Information:
Number of Degree Options: 2
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $54,361
School-Wide Information:
Admission Rate: 74%
Graduation Rate: 54%
Median Debt Upon Graduation: $21,450
Student Satisfaction: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Type of Accreditation: Regional (2 out of 2 points)
OSR Score: 70
This Master of Science program from the University of Alabama in Huntsville is 100 percent online. You can study 24/7 any day of the year, from any location, so long as you have an internet connection. Additionally, this is the shortest program on this list at just one year.
Before joining this management information systems online degree, you must take prerequisite courses or show competency in computer applications and programming. This allows you to enter the program with greater confidence, particularly if your bachelor’s degree is in another field.
Once admitted to the program, you’ll take a wide range of courses that includes:
- Networking and IT Infrastructure
- Data Management and Data Mining
- Information Systems Strategy and Applications
- Cybersecurity Management
- Business Analytics and AI
This master’s program does not require a thesis. However, if you’re interested in completing a thesis, you may do so in place of six credit hours of elective courses.
8. University of Colorado at Denver
Quick Facts
- Length: 30 credits
- Time to complete: Five semesters (if attending full-time)
- Format: Online
- Tuition: $667.00 per credit hour (in-state); $780.00 (out-of-state)
- This program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
Online Program Information:
Number of Degree Options: 1
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $57,987
School-Wide Information:
Admission Rate: 72%
Graduation Rate: 50%
Median Debt Upon Graduation: $21,341
Student Satisfaction: 3.2 out of 5 stars
Type of Accreditation: Regional (2 out of 2 points)
OSR Score: 68.33
This masters in management information systems online from the University of Colorado at Denver offers the flexibility needed to complete your degree. You can learn at your own pace, though the program can be finished in as few as five semesters if you study full-time.
This AACSB-accredited program includes typical master’s-level coursework for this field, such as:
- Database Management Systems
- Information Systems Strategy
- Information Systems Security and Privacy
You can also opt for one of three specializations to advance your studies further:
- Business Intelligence
- Cybersecurity and Information Assurance
- General Track
The remaining courses you take in the program depend on which of the above tracks you choose. For example, the Business Intelligence track includes courses like Text Data Analytics, Predictive Analytics, and Business Intelligence in Healthcare.
No matter which track you choose, you’ll have access to CU-Denver’s unique Business Career Connections service. With more than 300 business partners in the system and experts in career advisement, you’ll get the assistance you need to find the right job upon graduation.
9. Baker College
Quick Facts
- Length: 36 credits
- Time to complete: 1.5-2 years (if attending full-time)
- Format: Online
- Tuition: $695.00 per credit hour for in-state and out-of-state
- Some courses include Extended Reality learning, which is more hands-on and immersive than traditional online courses.
Online Program Information:
Number of Degree Options: 2
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $32,217
School-Wide Information:
Admission Rate: 41%
Graduation Rate: 22%
Median Debt Upon Graduation: $26,219
Student Satisfaction: 3.1 out of 5 stars
Type of Accreditation: Regional (2 out of 2 points)
OSR Score: 61.68
This online masters in management information systems from Baker College focuses on helping you develop the requisite skills to fulfill many different management information systems careers. This includes skills related to developing information systems, implementing them, and managing them effectively to meet organizational goals.
The 36-credit curriculum takes about 1.5-2 years to complete. However, Baker offers an Accelerated Path option if you wish to complete your studies in significantly less time. No matter which option you choose, you’ll take courses like:
- Database Design and Management
- Systems Architectures
- Systems Analysis and Design
- Information Systems Project Management
- Information Security
You must also complete information systems integration projects in which you work with your employer or another sponsor. This partnership is designed to facilitate the creation of an information systems project that addresses a specific need of the organization. These types of partnerships are relatively rare, making this program unique.
10. University of Phoenix
Quick Facts
- Length: 36 credits
- Time to complete: 1.5 years (if attending full-time)
- Format: Online
- Tuition: $698.00 per credit hour for in-state and out-of-state
- Courses are six weeks long and are taken one at a time.
Online Program Information:
Number of Degree Options: 4
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $39,382
School-Wide Information:
Admission Rate: 100% (this school has an open admission policy)
Graduation Rate: 27%
Median Debt Upon Graduation: $32,421
Student Satisfaction: 3.6 out of 5 stars
Type of Accreditation: Regional (2 out of 2 points)
OSR Score: 61.67
As a student in this online management information systems program from the University of Phoenix, you’ll take six-week-long classes one at a time. This enables you to focus on one course and master the material before moving on to the next subject.
Another unique feature of this program is that there are eight start dates throughout the year. With so many starting points, you have the flexibility to begin your studies when your schedule allows.
The courses you take are “skills-aligned,” meaning the curriculum was developed with the assistance of labor market researchers. Doing so ensures that the knowledge and skills you gain in this program are directly related to what employers want from MIS program graduates. For example, you’ll learn how to:
- Build information systems to meet the specific needs of organizations
- Learn best practices for information technology-related work
- Devise methods of communication to facilitate organizational growth
- Create information systems that meet relevant regulatory requirements
- Create information systems that address an organization’s security concerns
You’ll gain these skills in an online learning environment that’s available 24 hours a day, every day of the year. This level of flexibility means that you can study on your own time and according to your own schedule.
