The Master of Management Information Systems teaches students to apply information technology (IT) to improve business processes and solve problems. These programs are often offered on campus or online through a university’s business school.

Management of information systems is vital in supporting daily operations of businesses across the world. In areas including operations, analysis, and communications, business practices have been revolutionized thanks to MIS advancements during the past decade. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts there will be a 15% increase in the employment of computer and information systems managers from 2014 to 2024. [1]

The length of an online master’s degree program can depend on a number of variables, perhaps the most prominent of which is the pace at which you choose to study. You can finish a typical master’s degree program in about two to three years if you choose to study full-time, although some accelerated programs may be able to help you finish more quickly.

Online master’s degree programs tend to offer flexibility suitable for students who choose to study part-time. This option will likely extend your time to completion, but it can allow you to study while fulfilling your familial, social, and professional obligations.

You can find more information on this topic at our program length overview page.

While each program will set its admission requirements based on its own criteria, many requirements are universal across all programs. No matter where you apply, you can expect to provide items like transcripts from previous degrees or coursework; standardized test scores; a personal statement or essay; letters of recommendation; and an overview of relevant work experience.

In certain cases, some of these requirements may be waived.

For more information about admissions, please visit our admissions requirements page.

Regional accreditation is the most prestigious type of accreditation that an online or traditional college or university can receive. It is granted only after careful consideration by private, not-for-profit organizations tasked with evaluating educational quality.

Regional accreditation is particularly important if you anticipate that you might want to transfer credits from one online degree program to another or use those credits to pursue another degree. Most regionally accredited schools will only accept credits from other regionally accredited institutions of higher learning.

You can learn more on this topic at our regional accreditation page.

Is there any other accreditation I should look for?

Most institutions offering MSMIS programs are accredited by one of the following three organizations:

• AACSB: Many of the top business schools offering MSMIS programs are AACSB accredited — 780 in total in 53 countries. [4]
• ACBSP: This global accrediting body accredits business programs at the associate, baccalaureate, and graduate degree levels.
• ABET: The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology’s Computing Accreditation Commission

If information systems managers can demonstrate the required experience and skills, employers do not necessarily require specific licensure or certification. Earning an MIS master’s degree is seen as a sufficient qualification for many MIS-related roles.

However, there are several certifications open to information systems managers that can enhance your resume. These include:

• Microsoft’s Certified Systems Administrator certification is intended for managers with between one and 12 months experience.
• The Institute for Certification of Computing Professionals (ICCP) provides Certified IT Consultant (CITC) and Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP) certifications.
• The Project Management Institute offers the PMP (Project Management Professional), which requires project management experience totaling 4,500 hours, 35 hours of project management education, and completion of a certification exam.
• The International Institute of Business Analysis offers Certified Business Analyst Professional (CBAP) certification, which requires 7,500 hours of work experience as a business analyst, 21 hours of professional development, and passing an examination.
• The Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) runs the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) program, which requires IS audit experience totaling five years. An IT master’s degree can be substituted for one year’s experience.

There are a number of factors that can greatly affect how much your education will cost. These include whether you attend a public or private institution; whether you attend as an in-state or out-of-state student; and whether you qualify for financial aid like grants or scholarships.

For a more detailed breakdown of tuition, fees, and other financial issues, please visit our tuition and fees page.

Resources

[1] https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/computer-and-information-systems-managers.htm
[2] http://www.forbes.com/sites/kathryndill/2016/08/12/the-best-and-worst-masters-degrees-for-jobs-in-2016/#92912083129b
[3] http://www.payscale.com/research/US/Degree=Master_of_Science_(MS),_Management_Information_Systems_(MIS)/Salary
[4] http://www.aacsb.edu/accreditation/accredited-members/global-listing
[5] https://www.mindmeister.com/37310006/5-types-of-information-systems
[6] https://fafsa.ed.gov/
[7] http://business.fau.edu/undergraduate/majors/management-information-systems/career-outlook/more-about-mis-professionals/index.aspx#.WL7QCDvyiDI
[8] https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-systems-analysts
[9] https://www.bls.gov/ooh
[10] https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/computer-and-information-systems-managers.htm#tab-8
[11] https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/network-and-computer-systems-administrators.htm
[12] https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-systems-analysts.htm