best online masters programs in management information systemsThe best online masters degrees in management information systems are often designed for professionals and offer the convenience of studying when the time is best for you.

New technologies radically transform the way our organizations work. And while much of the hype around new technology is often around the “building” and adoption stages, anyone who has worked for any amount of time knows that simply getting a new technology is only part of the battle.

There’s technology that works well and then there’s technology that works well for you. And when the time of workers, outcomes of deals, or livelihood of corporations are on the line, you need to make sure your information systems work for you to the max.

Featured Programs

That’s where the management of information systems comes in. While information technology and computer engineering focus on the building of better technologies, information systems focuses on how to build better human/computer systems.

This means attaching new technologies to key organizational metrics, tracking the result of information system changes, and keeping an eye on the “big picture” of how information systems blend into an organizational landscape.

online masters programs in management information systems, IT, business degreesWhile management information systems is a relatively new academic discipline, it’s quickly jumped to the top of many organizations’ wish lists for new candidates. There may be a shortage of skilled tech workers. But there’s an even greater shortage of skilled tech workers who can also make key business and management decisions.

What’s more, as important applications of technology have multiplied, so too has the need for information systems professionals with knowledge of one sub-discipline within information systems. This has led to the proliferation of masters-level academic programs that allow students to focus on one concentration area. Common concentrations within master’s in management information systems programs include:

    • Management Information Systems (generalist track)
    • Information Security and Management
    • Business Intelligence and Data Analytics
    • Software Development

 

    • Project Management

 

  • Logistics Information Systems

With degree concentrations such as those listed above, motivated management information systems professionals can work in a wide range of roles. Common roles occupied by management information systems graduates include:

  • online masters in management information systems, cybersecurityChief Information Officer
  • Project Manager
  • Product Owner
  • Information Security Manager
  • Systems Analyst
  • Systems Specialist
  • Logistics Manager
  • And more.

For this year, we were able to survey more masters in management information systems than any year prior. In narrowing down our selections, we employed a multivariate ranking system that can be broken down into the following categories.

Methodology for Ranking

  • Program financial score (33.3%): the percentage of students whose financial need was met, the robustness of the financial aid department and offerings.
  • Academic Support Measures (33.3%): including student-to-faculty ratios, average graduation rates, and time-until graduation.
  • Academic Quality (33.3%): presence of high profile research opportunities and designations such as the NSA center of academic excellence designation for cybersecurity.

Costs for schools shown below are from the National Center for Education Statistics average Tuition and Fees, choosing in-state and graduate options when available. In some cases, tuition and fees information were reasearched from College Data with the same options chosen. No schools are ever given preference over any others in this or any other ranking by OnlineCollegePlan.

  1. MERIT: 295
    View Profile Average Cost: $52,202

    Master’s in Information Systems

    online master's degrees, stevens institute of technology, SIT

    Stevens Institute of Technology offers a multi-disciplinary, fully online master’s degree in information systems. The program is also available in-person, as well as in a corporate format. This program places first in our ranking due to quality support, financial, and admissions standards, as well as the depth and flexibility of the program curriculum.

    Students in the program take courses that blend technical knowledge with management and business courses. All students within the program complete a business and an information systems core before moving on to a specialization area. Specializations in this program include project management, software engineering, business process and service innovation, cybersecurity risk management, and business analytics and intelligence.

    Stevens Institute of Technology has the distinction of being the first university in America to be wholly dedicated to studying mechanical engineering. While Stevens offers a much wider range of degrees today, they’ve kept their focus on providing top-notch training related to engineering, science, and technology for the last 130 years. Two governmental agency-endorsed centers of academic excellence exist within the campus including a designation for being a top educator of information assurance topics, as well as being a top research center for information assurance topics.

    More Information
  2. MERIT: 292.6
    View Profile Average Cost: $22,584

    Master of Science in Information Systems

    online masters programs, Liberty University, LU

    Liberty University offers a fully online Master of Science degree in information systems that places highly in our ranking due to the quality of program support metrics as well as flexibility for adult learners. All courses within the program are eight weeks long, which enables adult learners to squeeze in coursework when they can in more accelerated bursts. Additionally, the program has a lenient transfer policy, allowing up to half of the program to be transferred in for students with life experience or who have already taken some graduate courses in the discipline. Two specializations are available in the program including one in information assurance, and a second in technology management.

    Liberty University holds the distinction of being the largest non-profit private university in the United States. The university is regularly lauded as one of the best universities in the nation for support for veterans, as well as one of the best universities in the nation for evangelical Christian students to find like-minded peers. Current enrollment is over 110,000 students in a huge range of topics for a private university. The university is known to have one of the most politically conservative student bases in America.

    More Information
  3. MERIT: 290.6
    View Profile Average Cost: $5,656

    Master of Science in Management Information Systems

    Florida State University, online masters programs, masters in management information systemsFlorida State University offers a fully online Master of Science in Management Information Systems degree that places highly in our ranking due to the quality of instruction as well as adult-student suited program design. This program may be completed in as little as two years just taking two courses at a time. Curricula is interdisciplinary, lending faculty from Florida State University’s top-ranked engineering and business schools. Unlike some other programs in our ranking, there are no specialization tracks within this program. This means that students get to choose from a wide range of electives and tailor their course of study exactly as they wish to support personal and career goals.

    Florida State University is one of a few senior members of the Florida State University System. This large tier-one research university holds designations including being a space-grant and sea-grant university. The university has long been perceived as one of the best public universities in the southern United States, and one of the top 30 in the nation. A variety of programs are well-regarded. In particular, programs in education, business, and law are lauded by a wide range of publications.

    More Information
  4. MERIT: 290.3
    View Profile Average Cost: $30,900

    Master of Science in Information Systems

    online masters degrees, NSU

    Nova Southeastern University offers a fully online masters degree that places highly in this year’s ranking due to quality academic support measures as well as an adult learner-friendly format. The Master of Science in Information Systems program offers a wide range of unique specializations that include user experience and human-computer interaction, business intelligence and data analytics, and an information assurance management cluster of courses. Courses are offered through three terms annually allowing students to progress through their degree more quickly if they should so choose.

    Nova Southeastern University is a mid-to-large-sized (by enrollment) private university located in Florida. Nova is also known as a large provider of online degrees for those not based in Florida. The university was originally founded as a science and engineering university meant to support the robust aerospace and defense industries within the state. Years later, the university merged with Southeastern University of the Health Sciences, expanded their offerings to include a wide range of healthcare-related degrees, and assumed their current name.

    More Information
  5. MERIT: 289.6
    View Profile Average Cost: $28,415

    Masters in Management Information Systems

    online masters programs, management information systems degrees online, friends university

    Friends University offers a fully online Masters in Management Information Systems degree that we’ve placed in this year’s ranking due to the quality support measures at the university as well as it’s adult-friendly learning measures. One aspect of the Friends University online masters program that we valued was the wide range of concentration areas that students may focus on. Available focus areas include business administration, an MIS concentration, a security concentration, and a supply chain and logistics concentration.

    Friends University is a religiously-affiliated, Christian university with a main campus located in Wichita, Kansas. A small school, the university has less than 3,000 students at graduate and undergraduate levels. With that said, a wide range of degree offerings are available for the university’s size. Originally founded by Quakers, the school started as a traditional liberal arts institution. Today, degree offerings range and include business, adult and professional school, and graduate programs.

    More Information
  6. MERIT: 289.3
    View Profile Average Cost: $53,244

    Master of Science in Information Systems

    online masters degrees in information systems

    Drexel University offers a Master of Science in Information Systems, which is a fully online masters degree, that we’ve placed in this year’s ranking due to quality academic support measures, an innovative course structure, and adult learner-ready presentation of program components. Courses are offered in 10-week quarters, which enables students to accelerate their time-until degree if they so choose. Unlike other programs in this year’s ranking, no concentrations are offered within the program. Students may instead choose from a wide range of electives to fully tailor their course of study to meet career and personal goals.

    Drexel University is a privately-held top-tier research university that houses the main campus in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The university has regularly been a leader in cultivating entrepreneurship and helps to bridge the gap between its academic programs in engineering and technology and business initiatives through a variety of programs. Students at the university are required to complete paid work in a real-world setting related to their degree. Additionally, a range of incubators help students to compete to gain funding for real-world applications of their academic coursework.

    More Information
  7. MERIT: 289.3
    View Profile Average Cost: $12,930

    Master of Science in Information Systems and Technology

    online masters programs, UMich Dearborn, online collegeThe highly-regarded college of engineering and computer science at the University of Michigan Dearborn offers one of the more technical online masters programs in this year’s ranking. The Master of Science in Information Systems and Technology emphasizes both business principles as well as technical topics and provides a wide range of specializations. Current specializations within the program include web information management, information security and quality, supply chain and information system design, information systems engineering, and information management applications.

    The University of Michigan- Dearborn is part of the University of Michigan system and is located in Dearborn, Michigan. While every campus in the UMich system is unique in the experience they offer their students, one thing they have in common is the overall high quality of the programs they offer, whether on-campus or online. Over 9,000 students currently attend the university at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

    More Information
  8. MERIT: 289
    View Profile Average Cost: $39,600

    Master of Science in Information Systems Management

    affordable online masters programs, marist college, management information systems online

    Marist College offers a Master of Science in Information Systems Management that can be taken as a fully online masters program or in-person. This degree is meant for aspiring or current systems analysts, project managers, chief information officers, or cybersecurity managers. Three concentrations are offered entirely online in this program by Marist College including a computer network and security concentration, an information systems management concentration, and a business analytics concentration.

    Marist College is a privately-funded and historically religious university providing a comprehensive spectrum of liberal arts and related degrees. The school is small to mid-sized based on enrollment, with over 6,600 students at the undergraduate and graduate levels at last count. While the college has historically offered liberal arts degrees, today degree offerings span across 44 bachelor’s-level programs and 12 masters degrees in a variety of disciplines.

    More Information
  9. MERIT: 288.6
    View Profile Average Cost: $55,465

    Master of Science in Information Technology

    online master's degrees, Carnegie Mellon University, online collegesCarnegie Mellon University’s Online Master of Science in Information Technology technically isn’t an online masters program in management information systems. However, with a wide range of world-class coursework related to situating information technology within business objectives, many of the same program outcomes can be expected. We chose this program not only for its world-class student support and faculty but the range of options suitable for adult learners as well. Students may choose between four concentrations within the program: information technology management, business intelligence and data analytics, software design and analytics, and information assurance and security.

    Carnegie Mellon University is a very high output private research university that has a main campus in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The school has a student body of slightly under 14,000 students. And for a mid-sized university offers an extremely impressive array of degree and research opportunity offerings. In recent years, Carnegie Mellon has been considered one of the “new ivies.” Additionally, Carnegie Mellon is routinely ranked among the top five schools in the world for computer science, business, and management information systems.

    More Information
  10. MERIT: 288.6
    View Profile Average Cost: $29,450

    MBA in Management Information Systems

    online master's programs, concordia university wisconsinConcordia University-Wisconsin offers a unique online masters program within our ranking, an MBA in management information systems. Among other choices in our ranking, students seeking additional coursework in the management and business sides of information systems should be particularly pleased with this program. In addition to being offered online, satellite campuses across the state of Wisconsin are available for students who would like to take some (or all) of their courses in person. At 39 credit hours, the length of the program is slightly different from most MS in management information systems. Although students should rejoice that this program also steps students through a series of technical certifications related to Oracle technologies.

    Concordia University-Wisconsin is a private, religiously-affiliated university that is a member of the Concordia University System. This System of schools spans a number of states, with most locations also providing a robust offering of online degrees. Over 7,000 students attend this mid-sized school and are busy pursuing degrees ranging from the bachelor’s to the doctoral level. Aside from traditional liberal arts offerings, CU – Wisconsin is known for its range of online education, business, technology, and human services degrees.

    More Information
  11. MERIT: 287.6
    View Profile Average Cost: $55,230

    Master of Professional Studies in Cybersecurity Strategy and Information Management

    George Washington University offers a particularly unique online masters degree in their Master of Professional Studies in Cybersecurity Strategy and Information Management degree. This degree program hones skills related to information technology, homeland security, cybersecurity, as well as technical skills within one fast-paced 36-credit program that can be completed in as little as 16 months. Among additional offerings of the program is the university’s deep alumni network among some of the largest government agencies out there. Even for students online, George Washington can be a great way to find your next job in the Beltway.

    George Washington University is a high-research activity privately-funded university with the main campus in Washington, D.C. Named after our the first president of the United States, GWU has a long history of providing valuable educations to many top government officials, diplomats, and leaders within government-related roles. Today this world-class institution is particularly well known for programs in international business, international law, and intellectual law.

    More Information
  12. University of Illinois at Springfield
    MERIT: 287.6
    Average Cost: $11,413

    Master of Science in Management Information Systems

    online master's programs,. university of illinois springfield

    The University of Illinois at Springfield, a university known for high-quality professors and small class sizes, offers an innovative and fully online program in their Master of Science in Management Information Systems degree. Students in the program may take any combination of in-person and fully online courses they choose. Coursework within the degree program is unique in that there are not any concentrations. There is, however, a wide range of highly technical as well as managerial coursework. For students looking for a highly curated experience taught by top-notch professors, UIS is a great choice for your MIS.

    The Springfield branch of the University of Illinois System is the newest addition to the system. This public university was instituted in the ’60s but joined the UI System in the ’90s as the dedicated liberal arts branch of the university. Roughly 5,500 students call this university “home” in 27 bachelor’s and 20 master’s disciplines. A wide range of online degree offerings have also been offered at the university since 1999.

    More Information
  13. MERIT: 287.3
    View Profile Average Cost: $8,560

    Master of Science in Management Information Systems

    Mississippi State University offers a fully online masters degree with their MS in Management Information Systems that makes its way into our ranking for its top-notch support services as well as a few unique features about the program. All students are required to take a set of business prerequisites before moving on to core courses. This makes this program a great fit for someone without much experience in related fields or academic subjects. Once students are into their core courses, a wide sampling of electives are available. While there are no concentrations within this course of study, the range of electives allows students to tailor the degree to fit their own career and personal goals.

    Mississippi State University is the largest university – by enrollment – in the state of Mississippi. This land-grant designated university provides courses and research opportunities for some 22,000+ students. As a university with an agricultural focus (MSU originally started as an agricultural and mechanical college) in a state known for agriculture, the university has played a pivotal role of spreading the advancement of practical sciences. Particularly well-regarded programs at the university include veterinary medicine, architecture, and engineering.

    More Information
  14. MERIT: 286.3
    View Profile Average Cost: $41,850

    Master of Science in Management Information Systems

    online master's programs, florida tech

    Florida Institute of Technology — known as FIT — is a known leader among online technical education and offers a fully online MS degree in Management Information Systems. This 33-credit hour program is offered in any arrangement of online and in-person delivery. Florida Institute of Technology isn’t only in Florida, either. Their MIS degree is offered in a range of locations with some of the highest concentrations of MIS jobs including Huntsville, Alabama, the Florida Space Coast, and broader D.C. region. While there are no concentrations within this course of study, students may choose from a wide range of electives to round our this course of study how they see fit.

    Florida Institute of Technology is a science and technology-centered university located within the “Space Coast” of Florida. This private research university has degree offerings in a range of fields, but over half of the students within the university are enrolled in the College of Engineering. Around 6,500 students attend the university at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. While a large percentage of students at the university take courses online, those that take courses in person are ideally situated within one of the largest concentrations of aerospace, defense, and engineering firms in the world.

    More Information
  15. MERIT: 284
    View Profile Average Cost: $9,076

    Master of Science in Management Information Systems

    Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University – perhaps the most well-known university related to aviation and aerospace – provides their own unique take on the online masters programs with their Master of Science in Management Information Systems degree. We liked this degree program due to the university’s reputation as a technological university as well as the range of adult learner support services throughout the program. Students in the program may choose from two specializations including a business intelligence and analytics track as well as an IT management track. Both tracks are available fully online or at a variety of Embry-Riddle campuses. Additionally, both specializations are available in a part-time or full-time basis.

    Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is a privately-funded university system that offers degrees primarily focusing on aerospace and aviation. Noted as the largest private university to specifically focus on the sciences related to these fields, over 30,000 students currently call the university home. Degrees are offered at the associate’s through doctoral levels at Embry-Riddle, as well as in-person, online, and blended. For students wishing to take some courses in-person, campuses are available in Daytona Beach, Florida, as well as Prescott, Arizona.

     

    More Information
  16. MERIT: 284
    View Profile Average Cost: $15,094

    Master of Science in Information Management

    online master's degrees, online college

    University of Illinois (Illinois) offers a Master of Science in Information Management that is designed as a flexible online masters program. Only three of the courses in the program are actually required- information modeling, data statistical models and information, and socio-technical information systems. Students are then afforded the freedom to tailor their degree to match their specific interests or follow one of two of Illinois’ professional pathways in data science and analytics or in knowledge management and information consulting. Graduates of this program report loving the customizability of the program for not only advancement in their career but a deeper sense of purpose in their career.

    The University of Illinois is a public university with “very high research activity” according to Carnegie and ranks as one of the top 50 schools in the nation. This flagship university enrolls over 40,000 students and maintains a student-to-faculty ratio of 20:1. Their academic programming is world-renowned and their global ranking according to US News is 54. Illinois is known for its programming in STEM subjects but some of their lesser-known accolades are equally impressive including in the arts and humanities.

    More Information
  17. MERIT: 283.6
    View Profile Average Cost: $23,000

    Master of Science in Information Systems Security

    The University of the Cumberlands (U Cumberlands) offers an online MS degree in Information Systems Security. The University has CAE-CD designation. This is a 31-credit hour master’s degree and includes course material with a focus on cybersecurity. Students will learn about cryptography, operations security, security architecture, and design as well as physical security. This program includes an information security project as well as an applied learning opportunity. If you are interested in the growing fields of cybersecurity this program presents an excellent overall curriculum.

    U Cumberlands is a nationally-ranked university located in Williamsburg, Kentucky. During recent years, U Cumberlands has grown their online presence and now offers 35 online degrees and professional certifications. A number of their online programs rank among the top in the nation according to US News. This Baptist university offers a wide range of academic degrees including in theology, education, performing arts, and computer information sciences.

    More Information
  18. MERIT: 283.3
    View Profile Average Cost: $8,460

    Master of Science in Information Science and Technology

    Missouri University of Science and Technology (MST) offers an online MS in Information Science and Technology. This online masters program is just 30 credit hours long and only requires four core courses. This highly flexible degree is designed so that you can specialize in your own areas of interest. Many areas of specialization will also lead to professional certifications including in human-computer interaction, and project management. There is no set curriculum as students design their own. If you are a self-motivated learner, this program might be the perfect fit.

    Missouri University of Science and Technology is a research university that enrolls nearly 9,000 students. Their student-to-faculty ratio is 19:1. MTS is a nationally ranked technology school that excels in engineering and computer science programs. The university ranks in the top 50 for 5 of their online graduate programs according to US News. Their online graduate computer information technology program ranks as the 20th best in the nation. Additionally, MST is known for its programming for veterans.

    More Information
  19. MERIT: 283
    View Profile Average Cost: $22,888

    Master of Science in Information Systems

    online masters degrees, U Maine

    The Master of Science in Information Systems at The University of Maine is a 30 credit hour online masters degree that is offered entirely online. The degree provides all of the components necessary for success in a contemporary organization. We like that U Maine accommodates a diverse student body, and in fact, encourages individuals who may not have a background in IT to apply to this course.

    It’s a great program for motivated individuals who are looking to change careers as this course does provide its students with foundational course material. Five courses are required core course and the others are electives offered from a wide range of disciplines. This highly customizable degree is a great way to kick off your career in information systems.

    The University of Maine is a public school with high research activity according to Carnegie. Located in rural Orono, the school enrolls over 11,000 students and has a student-to-faculty ratio of 16:1. According to US News, U Maine ranks among the top 100 public schools highly for a wide range of their online graduate degrees. Their academic offerings are as diverse as their student body that represents all 50 states and over 60 countries.

    More Information
  20. MERIT: 282.6
    View Profile Average Cost: $10,822

    Master of Science in Information Technology

    Arizona State University (ASU) offers a Master of Science in Information Technology as one of their many online masters degree programs. While it is not a management information systems degree, the quality of the program at ASU is stellar.

    The majority of students have a background in information science. Students will acquire a deep understanding in areas such as information systems, networking, and cybersecurity and be able to apply them in a number of ways in areas such as engineering, government agencies, or even education. In addition to core coursework and specialization, a final project or portfolio is required as part of the program.

    Arizona State University is a highly innovative public school that has set the standard for online education. Over the years, ASU has grown a vast online school and currently offers dozens of online bachelor’s and master’s degrees in a wide variety of fields. Carnegie characterizes ASU as a research university with the “highest research activity”- ASU earned 130 patents in 2018 alone. Globally, ASU ranks as the 145th best school in the world.

    More Information
  21. MERIT: 281.6
    View Profile Average Cost: $11,276

    Master of Science in Information Systems

    online masters degrees, online MS in Information Systems

    Auburn offers a Master of Science in Information Systems. This online masters degree features flexible programing and convenient scheduling. You design your own 30 credit hour master’s program and only three of the ten courses are actually required. The required courses are in databases and systems as well as the final project course. This is a high-value school program with opportunities to focus on a wide variety of concentrations due to flexibility. Students may focus on big data, information risk analysis, project management, predictive modeling and more. This online masters program has it all, and it’s easy to see why it ranks among the top of its kind in the nation.

    Auburn University is a nationally ranked public school located in Auburn, Alabama. Recently, Auburn ranked in the top 20 for 7 of its online graduate degree programs including their online graduate computer information technology programs and online graduate engineering programs. In addition to academic prowess, Auburn is also known nationally for their athletic programming. Auburn is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of College and Schools.

    More Information
  22. MERIT: 281.6
    View Profile Average Cost: $20,623

    Master of Science in Computer Information Systems and Business Analytics

    WTAMU, online master's programs, online schools

    West Texas A&M University (WTAMU) offers an online MS degree in CISBA. This degree has a clear focus on the interplay between data analysis as it affects business decisions. Students will learn how to mine data, analyze data, ensure their business engages with best cybersecurity practices and manage projects. This degree is just 36 credit hours in length and typically takes about 2 years to complete. All students must complete a comprehensive exam. It is important to note that this program runs on a 2-year rotation.

    West Texas A&M University (WTAMU) is a 4-year public school located in Canyon, Texas. This is a regionally ranked university accredited through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. WTAMU offers academic programming in business, computer information technology, agriculture, the liberal arts, performing arts and more. Currently, there are just over 10,000 students enrolled.

    More Information
  23. MERIT: 281
    View Profile Average Cost: $9,276

    Master of Science in Information Systems

    Dakota State University (DSU) offers a Master of Science in Information Systems. This is another advanced online masters program that combines foundational concepts in information technology with business principles. The goal of the program is to provide students with the tools necessary to succeed in the field. Examples of the types of courses you can take include IT as Decision Support Systems, E-Business Systems, and Customer Relationship Management Systems.

    Dakota State University is a public 4-year institution located in Madison, South Dakota. This military-friendly school accepts credits for life experience. According to US News, DSU ranks as the 36th best school in the region. The Higher Learning Commission accredits DSU to award associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees as well as some doctoral degrees and professional certifications. Their most robust and in-demand academic programs are in the fields of computer information sciences and education.

    More Information
  24. MERIT: 280.6
    View Profile Average Cost: $9,091

    Master of Science in Information Systems

    online masters programs in management information systems, Tarleton

    Tarleton State University (Tarleton) offers a Master of Science in Information Systems which requires 36 credit hours and typically takes about 18 months to complete. This program is designed with anyone in mind- from individuals with a background in information systems to individuals who are starting on a new career path. This program is accredited through both the SACSOC and the ACBSP. As part of your course load, you will be required to complete telecommunication for managers, systems analysis for managers, managing information systems, applied database management, and project management. This is a great interdisciplinary program!

    Tarleton State University is regionally ranked as the 91st top school in the West and 35th top public school according to US News. It is located in Stephenville, Texas. Tarleton knows how to take care of their student offers a number of support services including credit for life experiences, support for military personnel and veterans as well as academic and career counseling. Their academic offerings are wide-ranging including in the fields of agriculture, computer science, and engineering.

    More Information
  25. MERIT: 280
    View Profile Average Cost: $10,822

    Master of Science in Management Information Systems

    The University of Arizona offers an online masters program in MIS that is accelerated and may be finished in as little as 10 months. There is one prerequisite course required and that is Fundamentals of Object-Oriented programming. The program is divided into two main parts: core course and electives. The master’s project is considered to be one of the core courses. Your core courses include software design and integration, business foundations of IT, information security in public and private sectors, and enterprise data management among others. For a high quality and high-value online MIS, Arizona is a fantastic choice.

    The University of Arizona (Arizona) is a public flagship research university located in Tucson, Arizona. This nationally ranked university is a top public school, value school, and ranked highly for 10 of their online graduate education degree programs. Their academic offerings are wide-ranging and include some very innovative programs in engineering, health, and physical sciences as well as visual and performing arts. With over $622 million in research expenditures, you might imagine that Arizona has pulled off some impressive research feats, and it has including OSIRIS-REx their asteroid sample mission.

    More Information
  26. MERIT: 278
    View Profile Average Cost: $7,064

    Master of Science in Information Systems

    masters degree online, minot state university

    Minot State offers a Master of Science in Information Systems. This online masters program is both affordable and flexible. Students may finish at an accelerated pace in as little as a year. This is essentially a business degree with a strong emphasis in information technology.

    You will learn how to manage projects, analyze systems, engage with database management and administration, design your own systems and more. The culminating experience is practical where you consult with an actual business integrating your skills and knowledge. If you are looking to advance your career in information systems, the program offered at Minot State is a great choice.

    Minot State University is a public 4-year university located in Minot, North Dakota. This remote university enrolls just over 3,000 students and has a student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1. If you like small classrooms, this is a great school to investigate. US News & World Report also ranks Minot State highly for its online graduate business programs and online bachelor’s programs. Minot also offers excellent support services for their students, including among them credit for life experiences.

    More Information
  27. MERIT: 277.6
    View Profile Average Cost: $9,019

    Master of Science in Management Information Systems

    Master of Science in Management Information Systems, okstate

    Oklahoma State University provides a fully online Master of Science degree in Management Information Systems that places in this year’s ranking due to quality academic support measures at the university as well as the adult-friendly nature of the program. Students in this 33-credit hour program may take any combination of courses at the OSU Stillwater campus, the OSU Tulsa campus, or online. The program aims to blend theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience. An additional “option” or concentration in application development is also available through the program.

    Oklahoma State University is a public, tier one research university that holds research designations including sun and land-grant status. With the main campus located in Stillwater, Oklahoma, the university serves over 25,000 students through in-person and online courses. Originally founded as an agricultural and mechanical college, the university is still known for robust taught and research-based opportunities in agriculture, math, entrepreneurship, and business.

    More Information
  28. MERIT: 276.6
    View Profile Average Cost: $11,395

    Master of Science in Information systems

    online masters in information systems, online masters degrees, UC Denver

    We’ve featured the University of Colorado Denver’s fully online Master of Science degree in Information systems in this year’s ranking due to the academic quality of the program as well the many adult learner-friendly options within the program. Students within the program may elect to pursue coursework in-person in the evenings or online (or any combination of the two).

    Eight specializations may be chosen from, which is likely the largest number of specialization areas surveyed in this year’s ranking. These specializations include web and mobile computing, technical innovation and entrepreneurship, enterprise technology management, enterprise risk management, digital health innovation, cybersecurity and information assurance, business intelligence systems, and accounting and information system audit and controls. An additional option in geographic information systems is available within some specializations.

    The University of Colorado at Denver is a member of the University of Colorado system and is known as a top-tier research university in several disciplines. Located in the vibrant and entrepreneurial city of Denver, in-person students are afforded many opportunities within a range of fields as well as extracurriculars. Close to 19,000 students attend this university, with close to one faculty member for every five students. Some of the larger research areas at the university include medical fields attached to their Anschutz Medical School, additionally, the university’s music business program is one of the top programs in the nation.

    More Information
  29. MERIT: 275.6
    View Profile Average Cost: $9,390

    Master of Science in Management Information Systems

    online Master of Science in Management Information Systems, online master's degreesWe’ve chosen Bellevue University’s fully online masters program, the Master of Science in Management Information Systems, due to the range of adult learning-friendly learning options, the quality of the program, and the degree of customization that students may employ. Students within the program may elect to pursue any form of delivery method throughout their degree including in-person and online.

    Within the program, there is a wide range of specializations that students may select from. Concentration choices include business analytics, cybersecurity, information security management, business administration, and information technology project management.

    Bellevue University is a private mid-sized university with a main campus located in Bellevue, Nebraska. Since the university’s founding, this school has primarily focused on adult and distance learning, a mission that has accelerated with online learning through the 21st century. In line with Bellevue’s commitment to adult learning, over 80% of students are over the age of 25. Slightly over 10,000 students attend the university, with almost 3,500 attending at graduate levels.

    More Information
  30. MERIT: 274.6
    View Profile Average Cost: $9,254

    Master of Information Systems

    online masters programs, wright state university, management information systemsThe Master of Information Systems degree offered by Wright State University is a fully online masters degree program. It places in this year’s ranking due to the quality of support measures for adult learners as well as unique program features.

    Courses within the program are built around experiential learning whether taken online or in-person (something participants may alternate between). While all courses are available online, four residencies of four or fewer days are required for graduation. Another unique component of the program is the central role a capstone project plays. Students will work on their capstone for two semesters and present during the final residency.

    Wright State University is a mid-sized public research university that has a main campus located in Dayton, Ohio. Named after the famous Wright brothers who invented modern flight, the university presently has over 12,000 students, largely at the undergraduate level. Degrees are offered at the university from the bachelor’s through doctoral levels.

    Kno.e.sis, a well-known program throughout public universities in Ohio, has a center at Wright State University. The Kno.e.sis program establishes specialized industrial and technological research areas of 50 types in universities throughout the state. The focus area for Wright State University, supporting 50-100 researchers and a number of opportunities for students, is bio-health informatics.

    More Information

What Jobs Can You Get With a Master’s in Management Information Systems?

online masters degrees in management information systemsManagement information systems degrees are versatile, multidisciplinary degrees that blend business, management, and technical courses. This selection of topics helps to prepare students for a range of positions that need some technical know-how but that also need the ever-so-important understanding that technology only works when aligned with organizational objectives. While an information technology or computer science degree may be more likely to gain you a job “making” new technology, management information systems employ the technology throughout an organization. They are also in charge of ensuring that technology projects make a meaningful impact within an organization.

Some of the most common jobs that master’s in management information systems graduates may obtain include:

  • Systems Analyst
  • online master's degrees, management information systems degrees onlineInformation Technology Project Manager
  • Information Systems Manager
  • Product Owner
  • Business Analyst
  • Business Intelligence Manager
  • UX Researcher
  • IT Sales Manager
  • Among others

The unique aspect of an MIS degree is that it provides you with many more directions in which you can go than more technical degrees. While you can continue to hone technical skills and move in that direction, the elements of business and management within your program can help to move you up the corporate ladder in other paths as well.

What Is An MS in Management Information Systems?

management information systems masters degreesAn MS in Management Information Systems degree is a professional masters of science degree. Professional masters are different from research masters in that they tend to focus on applied learning that students can immediately take into the workplace. In research master’s, students are often preparing for a doctorate within the same subject, and are often required to complete a thesis (and sometimes teach courses). Oftentimes professional master’s are more career-centered and can be completed even more quickly.

MS in Management Information Systems typically require 30-36 credit hours, and most programs can be completed within 2 years. While all courses of study require some core requirements, programs will differ in that some will give students a choice to choose from a wide range of electives, while others will provide a choice between prescribed specializations. Among specializations offered within management information systems degrees, some of the most common include:

  • online masters degreesCybersecurity
  • Application Development
  • Mobile and Web Applications
  • Logistics Information Systems
  • Project Management
  • Among Others

In Management Information Systems Master’s degrees, you’ll take some business coursework, some project management coursework, and a good number of technical courses.

Is MIS a STEM Degree?

online master's programs, STEM degreesSTEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and math. Generally speaking, many employers value STEM program graduates, or simply graduates with STEM skills for their versatility and ability to problem solve.

MIS degrees are multidisciplinary. The range of topics within most management information systems degrees means that not every course you’ll take within an MIS program will be under the STEM designation.

With that said, you will likely take courses in the following disciplines:

  • Science: economics courses, business courses, psychology
  • Technology: a wide range of courses
  • Engineering: some courses depending on your track
  • Math: graduate statistics in some programs

If you are particularly interested in a rigorous quantitative education through an MIS degree, then you may want to pursue a program that has a concentration related to data science. Common concentrations in this area are called business analysis, data analysis, or business intelligence tracks.

Additionally, some master’s in MIS programs do designate that they are entirely STEM programs. Browse through some of the offerings in OnlineCollegePlan’s ranking above to find STEM-centered MIS degrees that may fit your needs.

What Is the Purpose of Management Information Systems?

Management information systems is the study of organizations, technology, and people. This multidisciplinary field doesn’t just look at how to make technology “work,” but rather how to best isolate and solve real problems with technology.

online master's programs in management information systemsSkilled management information systems workers including data analysts, project managers, cybersecurity analysts, and more, are tasked with not only knowing the technical underpinnings of a set of technology products but seeing how they fit into the broader equation of personal and organizational use.

Put in other terms, the purpose of management information systems is to erect and maintain information systems that solve real problems. Today, nearly every component of every organization uses an information system of some sort. Accounting uses information systems to track expenses. Sales teams use information systems to track leads and conversion. Management uses information systems to track the status or projects. Human resources uses information systems to onboard, hire, and fire employees. Cashiers use information systems to stock shelves and “check out” customers. And so forth.

online master's degrees in information systemsThe job of information systems professionals is to ensure that this myriad of systems performs as expected. Furthermore, the job of information systems professionals is to make sure that information systems are progressing to solve not only problems we know we have but those we haven’t even realized we have yet.

What is the Difference Between an MIS and IT Degree?

online master's degrees in management information systemsInformation technology and management information systems are disciplines that may work on the same problems but from very different vantage points. While information technology degrees are focused on questions related to how technology works (and how to fix it), management information systems degrees are interested in questions related to how businesses and people work with technology.

Management information systems wouldn’t be a particularly useful discipline without the many innovations created by information technology professionals.

With that said, the many innovative creations of information technology professionals wouldn’t work for organizations nearly as well without management information systems professionals.

As far as coursework differences between the two degree types, you’re much more likely to take the following courses in an MIS degree:

  • online masters programs, business degreesBusiness
  • Economics
  • Data Analysis
  • Project Management

With that said, there is a good deal of overlap. Many MIS programs offer specializations in areas that have traditionally been taught in IT programs. These include cybersecurity, information assurance, and networking technologies.

While you can work your way into many of the same positions with an MIS and IT degree, MIS degrees are more geared towards preparing analysts and managers, while IT degrees are more geared towards creating support workers, technicians, administrators, and technology specialists.

Need More? OnlineCollegePlan has it!

If you aren’t ready to commit to getting your online masters degree in management information systems or simply want to check out other information about online college, feel free to use the links below or browse around.