7/19/24, 5:00 PM What is Management Information Systems (MIS)?

| College of Business | Michigan Tech

College of Business [https://www.mtu.edu/business/]

Home [https://www.mtu.edu/] COB Home [https://www.mtu.edu/business/] What is Management Information
Systems?

Management Information Systems (MIS) is an important discipline that combines

business and computing to assist organizations in digitizing work and managing an
increasingly remote workforce. MIS professionals have specialized knowledge in areas such
as data analytics, software development, and project management, allowing them to assess
and adopt new technologies to enhance business processes.

What is Management Information Systems (MIS)?

Management information systems (MIS) is a discipline that sits at the intersection of the
business and computing disciplines. MIS is an increasingly important discipline as it
supports organizations as they move from paper-based systems to computerized systems.
The digital transformation of business data and processes requires employees with
knowledge that spans across business domains, such as accounting, finance, and marketing;
and across computing and information technology domains, such as software development,
data science, and networking. The MIS discipline prepares students to assist organizations
in digitizing work and managing an increasingly remote workforce.

https://www.mtu.edu/business/what-is-mis/#:~:text=Management information systems (MIS) is a discipline that sits at,based systems to computerized… 1/10
7/19/24, 5:00 PM What is Management Information Systems (MIS)? | College of Business | Michigan Tech

Because information technology is ubiquitous across different organizational units and

across aspects of everyday life, the MIS discipline allows students to specialize their
knowledge. For example, students interested in data can focus on how to gather, store, and
analyze business data. Database management and business analytics are important
responsibilities of MIS professionals. Students interested in programming can focus on how
to work with and manage computer scientists to design and develop software to support
business professionals’ needs. Students interested in business strategy and operations can
focus on how to use information technology to enhance strategy or make operations more
safe, efficient, and effective. Students can focus on different areas of business to develop or
utilize computerized systems for a particular business domain, such as accounting systems,
financial systems, and marketing systems. The MIS discipline provides many different
avenues for work.

MIS programs also prepare individuals to manage projects and think strategically about
technology adoption. In particular, MIS prepares individuals to manage information
technology projects. Because information technology is constantly evolving, students learn
to manage projects in agile ways to help organizations maintain state-of-the-art computer
systems to support business processes. Adopting or developing computerized systems to
digitize and automate business processes requires thoughtful decision making. Students
learn to assess the business value of technologies and the readiness of specific
organizations to adopt new information technologies. Depending on the business context,
some organizations may not be prepared or capable of adopting certain information
technologies. MIS professionals assess business context and emerging technologies to build
technical capabilities within organizations.

What do Information System Professionals do?

MIS professionals act as a crucial bridge between those in the organization with business-
only knowledge and those in the organization with computing-only knowledge. Because the
MIS discipline spans across a variety of business and computing domains, there are many
different positions that an MIS graduate can hold.

Students interested in data and databases often start their careers as data analysts or
database administrators. A data analyst works with data in the organization in its various
formats, such as in spreadsheets and databases, to ensure the data is accessible for use in
the organization’s computerized information systems. Data analysts and database
https://www.mtu.edu/business/what-is-mis/#:~:text=Management information systems (MIS) is a discipline that sits at,based systems to computerized… 2/10
7/19/24, 5:00 PM What is Management Information Systems (MIS)? | College of Business | Michigan Tech

administrators ensure that information is stored in an efficient format and presented in

ways that assist business professionals in making good business decisions. Some data
analysts may also assist in simple data science projects to help automate business decisions
and provide insight statistics and machine learning to answer business professionals’
questions.

Students interested in business processes and software often start their careers as
business analysts or systems analysts. A business/systems analyst works with business
professionals or customers to improve business processes through the creation or adoption
of information technologies. Business analysts must be able to speak with business
professionals, understand their needs, and translate those needs into technical
requirements that computer scientists can use to create or implement new systems.
Although MIS professionals are not required to write computer code, some take roles as
more technical systems analysts or software developers to write software code. The broad
knowledge learned through an MIS degree opens many avenues for students.

As MIS professionals progress in their careers, they often take on project management
roles. In these roles, they use their business and technical knowledge to work with data
analysts, business analysts, computer scientists, business professionals, and other
individuals to create or adopt information systems to support business needs. Project
managers in the information technology space often rely on more agile techniques than
project managers in other engineering areas.

MIS professionals can also focus on specific business domains, such as accounting,
finance, and marketing. All business domains are in need of individuals capable of
adopting technologies to digitize and automate their processes. Many students choose to
seek a double-major in MIS and another business discipline to prepare them to better use
technology within a specific business domain. Students with a deep knowledge in MIS and
another business domain can help to lead automation within that business domain as
advances in technology like artificial intelligence and blockchain technologies emerge.

What Careers are there in Management Information

Systems?
MIS professionals are in high demand across different industry segments and business
units. The U.S. Bureau of Labor
https://www.mtu.edu/business/what-is-mis/#:~:text=Management information systems (MIS) is a discipline that sits at,based systems to computerized… 3/10
7/19/24, 5:00 PM What is Management Information Systems (MIS)? | College of Business | Michigan Tech

Statistics [https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/computer-and-information-systems-
managers.htm#:~:text=in%20May%202021.-,Job%20Outlook,on%20average%2C%20ove
r%20the%20decade.] expects MIS jobs to grow by more than 16% between 2021
and 2031. Organizations’ operations and processes are supported by computerized
information systems. These systems and their associated processes must be developed,
maintained, and improved. Many MIS graduates start as business analysts or data analysts.
However, there are many other avenues for MIS majors depending on the interest of
individual students.

Students interested in information security can specialize in cyber security and work with
cyber security professionals as security analysts to ensure that business data and systems
are properly secured. MIS students interested in software development can specialize in
computer science to prepare to create business systems, working as systems analysts,
business analysts, or even software developers. MIS students with an interest in statistics,
machine learning, and artificial intelligence can prepare to start in entry business analytics
and data science roles to help organizations generate insights from the massive datasets
that exist in organizations. Students who want to work with data without focusing on
statistics and machine learning can become database administrators. Students may also
specialize in the automation of business operations through the use of various automation
technologies.

Career Opportunities for Management Information

Systems Include:
computer and information systems manager
document management specialist
information security engineer
business management
business systems administration
client services
network administration
project management
software development
technical training and support
health Informatics Specialist
database Administrator

https://www.mtu.edu/business/what-is-mis/#:~:text=Management information systems (MIS) is a discipline that sits at,based systems to computerized… 4/10
7/19/24, 5:00 PM What is Management Information Systems (MIS)? | College of Business | Michigan Tech

What Skills do Information System Professionals

Need?
Information systems professionals require a variety of skills to act as a bridge between
business units and the IT department within organizations. First, MIS professionals require a
broad business acumen. Students need to understand how businesses operate with
knowledge in accounting, finance, marketing, operations, and supply chain management.
This knowledge helps MIS professionals identify technologies that can support business
professionals. It also helps MIS professionals communicate technical topics to business
professionals in a way they can understand. MIS professionals also need to understand
business strategy to assess how existing and emerging information technologies can be
utilized to improve the performance of organizations. Professionals must also learn how to
manage projects in an agile manner to help the organization develop and adopt new
technologies.

MIS professionals also require some technical skills. Many MIS professionals do not write
programming code. However, it is useful for professionals to understand some
programming so that they respect and understand how software is developed. This
knowledge also allows MIS professionals to talk intelligently with computer scientists to
solve business problems. MIS professionals also need to understand database
technologies to ensure that business data is structured appropriate for data storage and
retrieval. Depending on interest, MIS professionals can specialize in other technical areas,
such as machine learning and artificial intelligence, computer networking and cybersecurity,
and business automation technology.

Some MIS professionals will focus more on developing a stronger business acumen with a
basic understanding of information technology. Others will focus more on computing and
information technology while ensuring a solid understanding of business. Job positions exist
for professionals with differing levels of business and computing expertise.

The following skills are required for most jobs within the data science field. The extent to
which particular skills are used on a day-to-day basis depends upon the position’s
requirements.

Technical skills: IS professionals should be knowledgeable in various technologies and

programming languages, including database management, software development,

https://www.mtu.edu/business/what-is-mis/#:~:text=Management information systems (MIS) is a discipline that sits at,based systems to computerized… 5/10
7/19/24, 5:00 PM What is Management Information Systems (MIS)? | College of Business | Michigan Tech

networking, cybersecurity, and cloud computing.

Analytical skills: They should be able to analyze complex data, identify patterns, and
interpret trends to provide valuable insights for business decisions.
Communication skills: IS professionals need to be able to communicate effectively with
both technical and non-technical stakeholders to explain technical concepts and findings in
a clear and concise manner.
Problem-solving skills: IS professionals should have strong problem-solving skills to
identify issues and devise creative solutions to address them.
Project management skills: They should be able to manage projects efficiently, set goals,
and prioritize tasks to meet project deadlines.
Business acumen: IS professionals should understand the organization's business
objectives and work closely with business leaders to align technology solutions with
business goals.
Adaptability: The IT industry is constantly evolving, and IS professionals need to be flexible
and adaptable to keep up with new technologies and changing business needs.
Collaboration: IS professionals should be able to work effectively in teams, collaborate with
colleagues from different departments and backgrounds, and share their knowledge and
expertise to achieve common goals.
Continuous learning: They should be committed to continuous learning, keeping up with
the latest trends, and regularly upgrading their skills and knowledge to stay relevant in a
rapidly changing industry.

What Tasks do Information System Professionals

do?
Information systems professionals engage in a variety of tasks depending on their selected
specialty. Regardless of specialty, information systems professionals manage projects by:

keeping track of users’ requirements

managing progress toward project objectives
tracking budgets
providing support to project teams

Those interested in data will work to design and maintain databases by using software or
writing database queries directly. They may also work with business professionals from

https://www.mtu.edu/business/what-is-mis/#:~:text=Management information systems (MIS) is a discipline that sits at,based systems to computerized… 6/10
7/19/24, 5:00 PM What is Management Information Systems (MIS)? | College of Business | Michigan Tech

various business domains to identify important business questions that can be answered
with data.

Those interested in software will either research existing software solutions or develop
custom solutions. Many organizations rely on existing software that is sourced from
software vendors. Information systems professionals will assess the various vendors and
vendor solutions to identify the most fitting solution for an organization. Those who seek
to develop custom solutions will work with business professionals to identify important
requirements for the software and then work with computer scientists to build, test, and
deploy the software.

How Much do Information System Professionals

Earn?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, graduates who progress in their careers to
become information systems managers make a median annual salary of
$159,000 [https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/computer-and-information-systems-
managers.htm#:~:text=in%20May%202021.-,Job%20Outlook,on%20average%2C%20ove
r%20the%20decade.] . Many students who graduate with an undergraduate degree in
Management Information Systems will earn between $60,000 and 80,000 in their starting
positions. Top students can make far more than this though in their entry-level positions.
Entry-level salaries tend to increase with specialized expertise. For example, an individual
with solid technical skills and a specialization in a business domain like accounting or
finance, such as a minor in accounting/finance or double major in MIS and
accounting/finance, can earn more if they are willing to join consulting firms working on
artificial intelligence or accounting automation projects. Similarly, MIS students with a
specialization in computer science, such as a minor in computer science, can also earn
higher salaries.

The Future of Management Information Systems

Currently, management information systems professionals focus on the use of enterprise
resource planning systems to provide a centralized repository of business information to
help business professionals make intelligent decisions faster. There is also an increase in
the use of business analytics tools to help extract useful information from business data
to make better decisions.
https://www.mtu.edu/business/what-is-mis/#:~:text=Management information systems (MIS) is a discipline that sits at,based systems to computerized… 7/10
7/19/24, 5:00 PM What is Management Information Systems (MIS)? | College of Business | Michigan Tech

With increased investment in emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and

blockchain technologies, the future of MIS will focus on automating business decisions
and processes, and gaining even deeper insight from business data. MIS professionals will
help to lead the next industrial revolution to utilize artificial intelligence, blockchains,
robotics, quantum computing, and other technologies to help organizations compete, open
new markets, and reduce the costs of business operations. For example, MIS professionals
will work with accountants to automate accounting audits to create continuous audits. They
will assist marketing professionals identify the best marketing strategies based on
marketing and customer data. They will help financial firms make better investment
decisions through the use of artificial intelligence and other data-focused technologies. The
possibilities for MIS professionals are broad and needed to support digital transformations
within organizations globally.

Management Information Systems at Michigan Tech

Michigan Tech’s Management Information Systems
major [https://www.mtu.edu/business/undergraduate/mis/?
utm_campaign=MTU+Recruitment&utm_medium=SEO+referral&utm_source=www.goo
gle.com&utm_content=What is Management Information Systems (MIS)
&utm_term=business&major=c4ba47df-f6c8-4a3f-ad06-d1b1fb3771a9] is housed in the
College of Business [https://www.mtu.edu/business/] . The AACSB-accredited program has
a long history of success with a strong alumni network. Our placement rates are excellent
with many students receiving 3-4 job offers upon graduation.

Our curriculum is designed to provide students with state-of-the art knowledge and
flexibility to allow students to specialize in a number of areas. Beyond the traditional
courses offered in MIS degrees (e.g., programming, databases, and agile project
management), we provide students with opportunities to explore emerging technologies
like artificial intelligence and machine learning, business process automation technologies,
and more. Some students explore technologies within particular business domains, such as
accounting and finance through double majors. Other students focus on more technical
aspects of MIS by taking coursework from the Mathematics

https://www.mtu.edu/business/what-is-mis/#:~:text=Management information systems (MIS) is a discipline that sits at,based systems to computerized… 8/10
7/19/24, 5:00 PM What is Management Information Systems (MIS)? | College of Business | Michigan Tech

Department [https://www.mtu.edu/math/] or College of

Computing [https://www.mtu.edu/computing/] . Students are encouraged to set their own
path through the curriculum in consultation with faculty mentors.

The MIS curriculum at Michigan Tech is designed to be highly experiential in nature. You will
work on many real-world projects, either designing new and innovative solutions to
business problems and customer needs, or working with real clients to provide computing
and business process solutions. Expect to learn through experience!

Fast Facts

Management Information System Salaries

Average starting salary of $65,000
Top students receiving offers of $90,000.

MIS Industry Outlook

Many students receive 3-4 job offers upon graduating.
MIS careers are expected to grow by more than 16 percent over the next
decade.

Skills Developed
Learn uses of artificial intelligence for business, business automation
technologies, business analytics, and more.
Develop skills by working on multiple real-world projects.

Request Undergraduate
Information
[https://www.mtu.edu/admis
sions/connect/request/?
utm_campaign=MTU+Recruit
ment&utm_medium=SEO+ref
erral&utm_source=www.goog
le.com&utm_content=What is
Management Information

https://www.mtu.edu/business/what-is-mis/#:~:text=Management information systems (MIS) is a discipline that sits at,based systems to computerized… 9/10
7/19/24, 5:00 PM What is Management Information Systems (MIS)? | College of Business | Michigan Tech

Systems (MIS)
&utm_term=business&major
=c4ba47df-f6c8-4a3f-ad06-
d1b1fb3771a9]

Apply Now
[https://www.mtu.edu/apply
/]

College of Business [https://www.mtu.edu/business/]

Academic Office Building, 1st Floor
1400 Townsend Drive
Houghton, Michigan 49931-1295
Ph: 906-487-2668 Fax: 906-487-1863 [email protected]
Contact Us [https://www.mtu.edu/business/college/contact/]

Tomorrow Needs Michigan Tech [https://www.mtu.edu/tomorrowneeds/]

© 2024 Michigan Technological University

https://www.mtu.edu/business/what-is-mis/#:~:text=Management information systems (MIS) is a discipline that sits at,based systems to computerize… 10/10