For the individual wondering, “Is an MIS Degree worth it?” it is first necessary to understand what an MIS Degree is. A degree in Management Information Systems, or MIS, trains students to develop, deliver and optimize cutting edge technology in a business or organization. It differs from a degree in computer science in its focus on the business environment and the ability of an organization’s employees to use the technology to effectively reach their goals.
Students majoring in computer science will normally take the majority of their courses in subjects like programming, computer architecture and design, advanced mathematics and software design. The typical MIS curriculum will include some of those courses but will concentrate on economics, data analysis, finance and human and organizational issues. Simply put, a computer science degree is weighted toward machines and systems and may include business courses as electives while an MIS degree is a business degree with a technological focus.
MIS graduates are found in many business environments as web developers, business intelligence analysts, data analysts and teacher/trainers. The financial services industry hires a high number of MIS graduates due to their need for employees with a finance background who can also do data analysis. In the end, it is the human element that separates the MIS degree from the computer science degree. An information systems manager knows how to fit technology to the specific needs of an organization.
The Pros and Cons of an MIS Degree
Before making a commitment of time and money to pursue any academic course, it is wise to think about possible outcomes after graduation day. In the field of information management, the outlook is positive. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the demand for professionals in the information systems management field will rise by 18% by the year 2020. Salaries for MIS degree jobs started in the range of $40,000 to $50,000 in 2010 and went up to $115,000. Due to the dual concentrations of business and technology, an MIS degree offers the chance of flexibility and upward mobility within a company. On the down side, paying for a degree can cost between $35,000 and $70,000 at the undergraduate level and more if you go on to study for a graduate degree. An undergraduate degree will take four years and two more for a graduate degree. Those are just a few of the considerations a prospective student will have to contemplate before choosing an MIS program.
Resource: Top 10 Best Online MIS Degree Programs
Why Graduates Wonder “Is an MIS Degree Worth It?”
After looking over the course requirements and costs of various programs at different colleges and universities, it might be useful to ask yourself, “Where do I want to be in five years?” If you are interested in doing business level programming, then the MIS degree could give you the background in accounting, finance and economics that large organizations need now. Other degrees may take you on different path to your professional goal. Finishing a degree in this field demonstrates your ability to learn and follow through to solve intellectual and technical problems in the realm of business. Use the information here as a starting place to make the decision that is right for you.
Featured Degree Programs
1. Virginia College - Management Information Systems (Certificate)2. Ashford University - BA - Business Information Systems
3. Rasmussen College - Bachelor's in Business Systems Analysis
4. Walden University - MS - Information Systems
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