Mining, storing, and analyzing diverse data is critical to the success of small and large organizations alike in today’s highly competitive global economy. Whether to understand a company’s customer base, identify shortcomings of current processes, get a handle on inventory, or analyze profit margins, management information systems (MIS) are the cogs that turn the business machine. If follows, then, that every organization needs professionals who are well-trained in information technologies to keep the business effective, efficient, and increasingly profitable. Those with a Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems (BSMIS) from Ottawa University are qualified to step into any number of MIS roles that help companies reach their goals.
What is a Management Information System?
Before data can be analyzed, it must have a means of being collected, stored, and managed. A management information system is a computerized system developed to take information (data) gathered from varied staff and departments and store it in a uniform and easily accessible way. The MIS is usually programmed to gather specific types of data according to the company’s goals. It can then be used to generate reports that are analyzed for making informed business decisions, improving the efficiency of organizations or specific departments and teams, identifying process glitches, monitoring real-time results, measuring actual vs projected outcomes, raising profit margins, and myriad other purposes. An Information Technology (IT) professional generally maintains cloud-based MIS systems, ensures information networking capabilities, prepares reports, and helps managers understand and analyze the data.
Management Information Systems Degree
OU’s Management Information Systems degree not only prepares students with the information technologies needed for securing in-demand information technology jobs but also helps them develop foundational business acumen that employers see as an asset for translating MIS reports into actionable agendas. This includes basic concepts and principles of business practices, along with skills in planning, problem-solving, decision-making, and systems analysis. The BSMIS degree helps students develop computer proficiency and gain the ability to utilize information technologies in organizations with an understanding of the critical nature of information management in a global economy. As an Information Systems major, you will have several concentrations to choose from to specialize in skills that will translate well into a lucrative MIS job. You can customize your degree in the following areas:
Jobs in Information Systems Management
After completing your program in Management Information Systems, you’ll be ready to work in a variety of positions. Information systems management is a ubiquitous need in today’s digital, global marketplace. Computer and information systems managers plan, coordinate and direct research, as well as facilitate a firm’s computer-related activities. They help determine both technical and business goals in consultation with top management and make detailed plans for the accomplishment of these goals. The field offers high-paying salaries with ample career opportunities. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of computer and information systems managers to grow 11% from 2020 to 2030, which is faster than the average for all occupations. Those who wish to pursue a career in the field typically start with the following entry-level jobs that require a bachelor’s degree:
Computer Network Architects
Design and build data communication networks, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and intranets ($120,520, 5% job growth).
Software Developers
Design computer applications or programs. Software quality assurance analysts and testers identify problems with applications or programs and report defects ($110,140, 22% job growth).
Information Security Analysts
Plan and carry out security measures to protect an organization’s computer networks and systems ($102,600, 33% job growth).
Computer Systems Analysts
Study an organization’s current computer systems and design ways to improve efficiency ($99,270, 7% job growth).
Database Administrators and Architects
Create or organize systems to store and secure data ($98,860, 8% job growth).
Network and Computer Systems Administrators
Responsible for the day-to-day operation of computer networks ($80,600, 5% job growth).
Web Developers
Create and maintain websites; develop, create, and test website or interface layout, functions, and navigation for usability ($77,200, 13% job growth).
Computer Support Specialists
Maintain computer networks and provide technical help to computer users ($57,910, 7% job growth).
Career Path for Management Information Systems Major
The career path for IT professionals usually begins with the completion of a Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems degree. This popular IT degree teaches in-demand skills such as programming, storage, networking, and communication of information. Students gain the concepts and principles of business practices, along with skills in planning, problem-solving, decision-making, and systems analysis required for entry-level jobs in the field.
Advancement within the IT field often comes with experience, but by earning a master’s in business or related degrees, graduates may move directly into information systems management positions. The skills gained from earning a BSMIS will help computer and information systems managers play a vital role in the implementation of technology within their organizations. The average annual salary for computer and information systems managers was $159,010 in 2021.
Start Your Career in Management Information Systems
The need for IT professionals will only expand over time as businesses increasingly rely on data to drive global success. Significant job growth in a field with much higher than average salaries out of the gate are both great incentives for earning an online degree in MIS. And with Ottawa University’s four concentration offerings, you can make yourself even more marketable by specializing in your studies. Ottawa University’s programs are accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, and we make it easy to transfer credits to help keep tuition costs down. We also offer courses in accelerated 8-week terms to reduce your time to completion. These are just a few of the reasons why we are proud to be the best choice for IT professionals in the Kansas City, Milwaukee, and Phoenix areas, as well as serving students nationally through our accelerated, online degrees.
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See Also:
The Best Jobs for a Computer Science Major
How to Become a Software Engineer
Why Choose Business Data Analytics