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20 Best Grad Schools with Online Master’s in Management Information Systems

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Updated: November 16, 2023, Reading time: 28 minutes

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The prominence of information technology in an increasingly digital world created a demand for management information systems professionals across a wide range of industries and business operations. While it is enough to hold a bachelor’s degree to get into an entry-level job in this field, earning an online master’s management information systems degree will enhance one’s credentials and boost their earning potential.

This profession involves the production of innovative business applications for computers. It is the role of Management Information Systems professionals to oversee the design, creation, and implementation of computer information systems.

Graduates of the online Master’s in Management Information Systems program are prepared to take on business roles specializing in computer-based resources, computer system development, business network systems management, and information resource management.


Additional Resources:


Overview

The online Master’s in Management Information Systems is offered in many universities and colleges in the country. Often a challenging and rigorous degree program, the online master’s degree in management information systems equips prospective students with knowledge and skills integral to managing information that greatly contributes to the success of an organization.

It encompasses areas of study such as data mining, supply chain management, and mass customization. If you are interested in advancing your career in a dynamic and exciting field, then this degree program is an ideal choice.

Quick audio summary:

Methodology

Management Information Systems is a highly specialized field, drawing on several disparate disciplines, i.e. business, data science, coding, and more. Students must possess a strong willingness to learn these fields and integrate them successfully.

Just as important is the need to choose the schools that can best provide them with the best training they can get in these fields to best prepare them for their future careers in Management Information Systems.

We can help you with that choice! We have put together a list of Graduate Schools with the Best Online Master’s in Management Information Systems, based on the following criteria:

Visit our Methodology page for more information on our graduate program selection process.

Top Online Master’s in Management Information Systems Programs

Top Online Master’s in Management Information Systems Programs

University of Arizona

University-of-Arizona-Eller-College-of-Management

Tucson, AZ

Master’s in Management Information Systems

A land-grant university founded in 1885, the University of Arizona offers more than 150 majors and caters to more than 46,000 students. It is home to Eller College of Management, known for equipping students with the skills and experience they need to thrive in a highly competitive field.

Standout Features:

Students enrolled in the MS MIS program have the opportunity to apply to the Master of Cybersecurity program within their first year. They can plan out their eight academic semesters to earn both master’s degree programs at the same time.

Did You Know?

The University of Arizona’s Eller College of Management offers the Professional Development Center so students can get insights and information needed to actively work on their career goals in the global marketplace. The center provides students with personalized guidance to help them stand out in a competitive world.


Florida State University

Florida State University - College of Business

Tallahassee, FL

MS in Management Information Systems

Florida State University’s College of Business has been consistently recognized as among the best in the country. Currently, the school enrolls more than 7,000 students across 16 academic degrees. It also houses eight research centers and institutes. The college has accreditation from the AACSB International Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

Standout Features:

Undergraduates in FSU who are qualified may start on graduate coursework on MIS by applying for the Combined Bachelor of Science – Management Information Systems and Master of Science – Management Information Systems pathway. This cuts down the time it takes for them to earn both degrees.

Did You Know?

Beyond the quality of learning from its rigorous curriculum, online students in the College of Business also have the chance to gain experience through several opportunities, including corporate trips, competitions, industry-specific career fairs, and so much more.


Oklahoma State University

Oklahoma State University

Stillwater, OK

MS in Management Information Systems

Oklahoma State University has always been committed to providing quality education since its establishment in 1890. As part of its commitment, it has made efforts to make higher education more accessible. The university enrolls more than 35,000 students online at one of its five campuses every year.

Standout Features:

The online MS in Management Information Systems is a STEM-designated degree program that requires the completion of 33 credit hours. It is offered under the Spears School of Business as a fully online program that provides students with an alternative way to earn a degree. This means online students have access to high-quality, affordable education regardless of their location and schedule.

Did You Know?

Oklahoma State University is a Carnegie top-tier research university. This distinction is demonstrated by its innovative approach to education, bringing in new technologies, processes, and research to help develop students’ intellect and creativity. 87% of OSU graduates are reportedly employed full-time with an average annual salary of $45,000.


University of Alabama at Birmingham

University of Alabama at Birmingham - Collat School of Business

Birmingham, AL

MS in Management Information Systems

The University of Alabama at Birmingham is a four-year, public university in the largest metropolitan area of the state. It is currently made up of 11 academic colleges and schools across a variety of academic areas.

Standout Features:

Online students in the MS in Management Information Systems online degree program can tailor their education according to their career goals and needs. They can choose among the three available concentrations, including Cyber Security Management, IT Management, and Business Analytics.

Did You Know?

As one of the three autonomous institutions within The University of Alabama System, the University of Alabama at Birmingham is the only one with Carnegie’s highest research classification of very high research activity.


University of Maryland

University of Maryland - Global Campus

Adelphi, MD

Master’s in Management, specialization in Information Systems & Services

Founded in 1947, the University of Maryland has remained committed to making quality university education accessible to working adults and service members. It offers affordable online programs to help students advance their education and meet their career goals.

Standout Features:

Since the online master’s in management program prepares learners for leadership positions in the field of information systems, the courses are designed to help them achieve that goal. Some of the program highlights include solving problems with the use of organizational theory, developing business strategies that leverage information technology, and evaluating the impact of outsourcing information technology activities.

Did You Know?

The University of Maryland Global Campus lives up to its name by offering online courses anywhere. It also has more than 175 classroom and service locations worldwide, including military installations. The online courses provide a collaborative learning environment. Online students at UMGC can also enjoy no-cost digital course materials to help them keep their education costs down.


Drexel University

Drexel University - Online

Philadelphia, PA

MS in Information Systems

Drexel University is a global leader in experiential education. At present, it caters to more than 22,000 students all over the world, spanning more than 200 degree programs. Among these are 8,367 graduate and professional students.

Standout Features:

The program features four specialist areas. This includes software and systems development; data, information, and knowledge management; human-centered computing; and cyber-security approaches.

Did You Know?

Established in 1891, Drexel University is home to the nation’s oldest major natural science museum and research education – the Academy of Natural Sciences at Drexel University. It is also considered as Philadelphia’s economic engine for its contribution to the city’s largest employers.  


Bellevue University

Bellevue University

Bellevue, NE

MS in Management Information Systems

For 25 years, Bellevue University has been offering innovative online learning, delivering a quality digital experience. It has four colleges, including the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Business.

Standout Features:

Students in the MS in Management Information Systems program can choose a concentration that aligns with their career goals. This includes Information Security Management, Information Technology Project Management, Cybersecurity, and Business Analytics.

Did You Know?

Strongly committed to offering quality education, Bellevue University collaborates with industry experts and leading businesses to prepare students for career success. They provide career-relevant programs, future-proof industry knowledge, and job-ready skills.


University of Houston

University of Houston - C.T Bauer College of Business

Houston, TX

MS in Management Information Systems

Since its establishment in 1927, the University of Houston has grown into the largest public research university in Houston and the third largest in Texas. Currently, it houses more than 46,000 students across 276 degree programs.

Standout Features:

This program is designed to help students prepare for certifications that can enhance their professional credentials, including getting certified in Project Management, Information Systems Auditing, and Business Analytics.

Did You Know?

The University of Houston’s C.T. Bauer College of Business received the largest up-front award to any single college in the university’s history from Ted Bauer. The endowment amounted to $40 million, allowing the college to attract and retain world-class faculty and develop innovative curricula and special programs.


Liberty University

Liberty University

Lynchburg, VA

MS in Information Systems Technology Management

Founded in 1971, Liberty University has grown into an accredited liberal arts institution with 15 colleges and schools. It has enrolled more than 100,000 students with more than 700 program offerings, from the certificate to the doctoral level.

Standout Features:

The program is designed to equip students with skills and knowledge on cutting-edge techniques for streamlining data management systems and handling projects that require collaborative work with programmers, network developers, and computer science teams.

Did You Know?

A pioneer in online education, Liberty University offers degrees in a 100% online format. They give students the flexibility to complete their coursework at any time of the day at their own pace. it also offers an affordable tuition rate while providing an advanced, accredited, and excellent education.


Northwestern University

Northwestern University - School of Professional Studies

Evanston, IL

Master’s in Information Systems

Northwestern University, a comprehensive research university, is known for its rigorous yet empathetic academic environment where a robust mix of theory and practice is part of a rich learning experience. It is currently home to more than 14,000 graduate and 8,000 undergraduate students.

Standout Features:

The Master of Science in Information Systems program offers eight areas of specialization, including Artificial Intelligence, Digital Transformation, Data Science, Health Informatics, Information Security Systems, Project Management, and Information Systems Management.  

Did You Know?

As a leading research university, Northwestern University houses at least 90 school-based centers and more than 50 university research centers. It has received more than $923 million in annual sponsored research awards.


Lamar University

Lamar University

Beaumont, TX

MS in Management Information Systems

Lamar University is a public university based in Beaumont, Texas. It was established back in 1923, and since 1995, is a member of the Texas State University System. It has a student population of around 16,000 students, enrolled in undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate degrees offered by its seven colleges.

Standout Features:

Lamar University’s MS in Management Information Systems program features a hands-on approach-based curriculum that covers the relevant fundamentals in business, data science, Customer Relationship Management (CRM), and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)-related fundamentals. The curriculum also features an ample number of electives that students can choose from to further focus on an area of their choice. Lamar University features affordable tuition rates and follows a pay-by-the-course model.

Did You Know?

Lamar University is also a member of the SAP University Alliance, a program that supports education for the Intelligent Enterprise environment.


Georgia College & State University

Georgia College & State University

Milledgeville, GA

Master of Management Information Systems

Georgia College & State University is a public university in the city of Milledgeville and is a member of the larger University System of Georgia. It is primarily a liberal arts university, initially established back in 1889, and continues to operate on its core mission of being Georgia’s Public Liberal Arts University.

Standout Features:

Georgia College has been awarding degrees in Management Information Systems since 1989 and is one of only a handful of graduate-level MIS programs in the state. The program curriculum aligns with the requirements for the CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor) certification examination.

Did You Know?

Aside from the full-blown MMIS degree program, Georgia College & State University also offers MMIS Certificates in IS Data Analytics, IT Auditing, and Web Development, which are also delivered 100% online.


University of Illinois Springfield

University of Illinois Springfield

Springfield, IL

MS in Management Information Systems

University of Illinois Springfield is a public university in the city of Springfield. A public liberal arts college, it was founded back in 1969, and is the most recent addition to the University of Illinois System, becoming part of back in 1995.

Standout Features:

This AACSB-accredited program has an interdisciplinary design that places focus on people, processes, and information systems. It is also taught by expert faculty for both the online and on-campus formats. University of Illinois Springfield follows a pay-by-the-course tuition model with affordable tuition rates, and there are also multiple start dates per year so students can start when it is most convenient for them.

Did You Know?

When it comes to expertise in online/distance education, the University of Illinois Springfield had an early start, as they have been offering some of the best online graduate programs since 1999.


Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Daytona Beach, FL

MS in Management Information Systems

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) is a private, not-for-profit university well-known for specializing in programs related to the aviation and aerospace fields, being the largest accredited university to do so. It was initially established in Ohio in 1926, but its main campuses are now in Florida and Arizona, with a worldwide campus also based in Florida.

Standout Features:

ERAU emphasizes the creation of world-class research output as a fundamental feature of the program. Likewise, ERAU satisfies industry needs by aligning the programs’ learning outcomes with standards set by major industry organizations, such as the Association for Information Systems (AIS).

Did You Know?

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University offers the only Global Security and Intelligence Studies program in the country to date, available at their Prescott, Arizona campus.


University of Colorado Denver

University of Colorado Denver

Denver, CO

MS in Information Systems

CU Denver is a public research university in the city of Denver, part of the University of Colorado System. CU Denver was initially established in 1912, after merging with the Denver and Gross Medical College. CU Denver currently has over 14,000 students and consistently ranks high in the country for educational quality.

Standout Features:

This highly-ranked, AACSB-accredited degree program is STEM-certified, which has potential benefits for any international students who choose to apply. Likewise, students are able to access the resources of the CU Denver Business School’s Center for Information Technology Innovation (CITI), which connects students and faculty with industry members and companies.

 Did You Know?

The University of Colorado’s CU Online portal/campus unifies the degree programs offered throughout the CU’s four physical campuses. Online students obtain the same degrees as their on-campus classmates and can expect the same quality of education.


Boston University

Boston University

Boston, MA

MS in Computer Information Systems

Boston University is a private, not-for-profit research university, established back in 1838 by Boston Methodists. The university currently has around 36,000 students enrolled and is one of the largest employers in the city of Boston. Under the Carnegie Classifications, Boston University is placed in the “R1: Doctoral Universities – Very High Research Activity” classification.

Standout Features:

Boston University’s MSCIS program is certified by the Committee on National Security Systems (CNSS), and accredited by the PMI-Project Management Institute and CAHIIM-Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics & Info Management Education.

Did You Know?

Boston University received the Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education and Research citation from the National Security Agency.


University of Cincinnati

University of Cincinnati - Online

Cincinnati, OH

MS in Information Systems

The University of Cincinnati, also commonly called UC, is a public research university in Cincinnati, Ohio, dating back to its establishment in 1819. It is a part of the University System of Ohio and has a student population of around over 36,000 enrolled in its fourteen colleges. It belongs to the “R1: Doctoral Universities – Very High Research Activity” category of the Carnegie Classifications.

Standout Features:

This program offers 8 hours of Basic Business Knowledge (BBK) courses for students who don’t have a business-related bachelor’s degree, making it ideal for a wider range of academic backgrounds. The program is also in the top 15 for MSIS degree programs in the country and has had a 100% employment rate within 3 months for its graduates.

Did You Know?

The University of Cincinnati’s MSIS program is known for its excellence in the following areas: Business Intelligence, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Database Design and Modeling, and Project Management.


University of Texas at Dallas

The University of Texas at Dallas - Naveen Jindal School of Management

Richardson, TX

MS in Information Technology & Management

A public research institute, UT Dallas maintains its main campus in Richardson, one of the inner suburbs of the City of Dallas. It is one of the State’s major educational institutions and is a center of excellence in several fields of science, including Cybersecurity. UT Dallas currently has over 29,000 students enrolled across seven schools, which offer a total of around 146 academic programs.

Standout Features:

UT Dallas’ MS in Information Technology and Management program is one of the best Information Systems programs in the country (Top 15). It is also a STEM-designated degree,

Did You Know?

UT Dallas has a unique history among public universities in the country, having been founded in 1961 by a private company (Texas Instruments) as its private research arm, and only being bequeathed to the state to become part of the University of Texas System in 1969.


University of Michigan-Dearborn

University of Michigan-Dearborn - College of Business

Dearborn, MI

MS-Information Systems

The University of Michigan – Dearborn is a public university in the City of Dearborn. It is a relatively young institution, first opening its doors in 1959 by way of land and capital grants given by the Ford Family to the Regents of the University of Michigan, to address a perceived future shortage of college-educated professionals in the country’s automotive industry. There are currently four colleges at UM—Dearborn, with a student population of over 8,000.

Standout Features:

This program is a STEM-designated degree, which gives international students the option to participate in their Optional Practical Training (OPT). The program accepts up to 6 transfer credits for applicable previous education, and students with professional work experience and/or other credentials can avail of GMAT/GRE waivers.

Did You Know?

The University of Michigan – Dearborn is a member of the CUMU-Coalition of Urban & Metropolitan Universities in the State, together with the University of Michigan – Flint, Wayne State University, and Oakland University. The coalition serves as a platform for engagement and partnerships related to institutions serving urban and metropolitan settings.


Auburn University

Auburn University - Raymond J. Harbert College of Business

Auburn, AL

Master of Science in Information Systems

Auburn University is a public, land-grant, research university based in the city of Auburn, Alabama. It is one of the state’s two flagship public universities, and is the state’s second-largest university, with a current student population of around over 31,000. It is

Standout Features:

With Auburn University’s MSIS Program, prospective students are enrolling in a nationally-ranked program, taught by expert faculty. The program is also designed to be a highly flexible open degree with only 3 required courses, where students work with a faculty advisor to develop an education plan that best fits them.

Did You Know?

While Auburn is a public university, it was initially chartered as a private liberal arts school in 1856, affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and was called the East Alabama Male College.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Management Information Systems and how does it differ from computer science?

What is Management Information Systems and how does it differ from computer science?

This increasingly growing field involves the study of people, technology, and organizations to help businesses acquire the maximum benefit from investing in personnel, equipment, and business processes. The field puts emphasis on service through technology. With effective management information systems in place, organizations will be able to store, search, analyze, and make the most out of their data and other important information.

While coding is a huge part of MIS, a large portion of the field puts the focus on data analysis, project management, customer service, and leadership. There tends to be an emphasis on the entire system of information, knowledge, delivery, and use. Management information systems focus on using technology to serve the informational requirements of people and organizations

It differs from computer science in terms of content and goals. This means the coursework for management information systems degree programs aims to help students understand business problems like accounting and marketing. Students are expected to learn how to apply technology to meet the needs of a business organization.

Computer Science, on the other hand, tends to feature technical and science courses such as Engineering and Mathematics. The focus is more on technology itself compared to the use of technology for business goals.

How long does it take to earn an online master’s in management information systems degree?

While it generally differs depending on the university or college, an online Master’s in Management Information Systems typically requires the completion of 30 credit hours and can usually be completed in two years or less. However, factors such as part-time or full-time enrollment, transfer credit policies, and accelerated options can affect the program duration.

Online Master's in Management Information Systems - fact

Key Takeaways

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