You can break into the tech field with one of the best online management information systems bachelor’s degrees. There are a growing number of online degrees available, which can make it hard to decide which program you should choose. This article will cover important factors to consider when choosing the right online bachelor’s degree in management information systems for you.
In this guide, we’ll do a deep dive on the top ten best online bachelor’s degrees in management information systems from schools all over the country and discuss the programs’ core courses. We’ll also share common management information systems bachelor’s degree jobs and salaries you’ll be able to land after graduation. Read below to learn how to kickstart your career in this exciting field.
Where Can I Get a Management Information Systems Bachelor’s Degree Online?
You can get a management information systems bachelor’s degree online from numerous accredited colleges or universities, either at a school that only offers online programs or at a school that offers a hybrid format of online and in-person programs. Some top choices include Regent University, Maryville University, and Northern Kentucky University.
What Schools Offer the Best Management Information Systems Bachelor’s Degrees?
- Regent University
- Maryville University
- Northern Kentucky University
- Southern New Hampshire University
- University of Maryland Global Campus
What Are the Admission Requirements for an Online Management Information Systems Bachelor’s Degree?
The admission requirements for an online management information systems bachelor’s degree usually include a high school diploma or GED, a minimum GPA ranging from 2.0 to 2.8, and either SAT or ACT scores. Some programs require letters of recommendation or written essays.
Many schools are increasingly making standardized test scores optional. If your SAT or ACT scores are very low, you should apply to management information systems programs that don’t require standardized test scores.
Online Management Information Systems Bachelor’s Degree Admission Requirements
- High school diploma or GED
- A minimum GPA between 2.0 and 2.8
- SAT or ACT scores
- Letter(s) of recommendation
- Statement of purpose or application essay
How to Get a Management Information Systems Bachelor’s Degree Online
You can get an online management information systems bachelor’s degree online by completing all of the graduation requirements of your chosen institution. You’ll likely take upwards of 120 course credits, spread out over general and major education requirements. If you have transfer credits from another college, you won’t need to take as many classes. You’ll need to keep your grades above the college’s minimum GPA requirement, which is often 2.0. Some universities require a capstone project culminating your studies.
Management Information Systems Degree Requirements
- 30 to 40 credit hours in general education courses
- 30 to 40 credit hours in major courses
- 30 to 40 credit hours of elective courses
- Maintain a GPA above the university’s minimum requirement
- Complete a capstone project (if applicable)
Best Online Management Information Systems Bachelor’s Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
| School | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| Bellevue University | Bachelor of Science in Management of Information Systems | Higher Learning Commission (HLC) |
| Colorado Christian University | Bachelor of Science in Information Systems Management | Higher Learning Commission (HLC) |
| Dallas Baptist University | Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration in Systems Technology and Information Management | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) |
| Indiana State University | Online Management Information Systems B.S. | Higher Learning Commission (HLC) |
| Liberty University | Bachelor of Science in Information Systems | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) |
| Maryville University of Saint Louis | Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems | Higher Learning Commission (HLC) |
| Northern Kentucky University | Bachelor of Science in Business Information Systems | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) |
| Regent University | Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) |
| Southern New Hampshire University | Bachelor of Science (BS) in Business Administration with a concentration in Management Information Systems (MIS) | New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) |
| University of Maryland Global Campus | Bachelor of Science in Information Systems Management | Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) |
Best Schools for Management Information Systems: Top Online Management Information Systems Bachelor’s Degree Programs
You no longer have to go to campus to acquire a four-year degree. Below we feature top online management information systems bachelor’s degree programs for you to explore in the comfort of your home.
What Is an Online Management Information Systems Bachelor’s Degree?
An online management information system bachelor’s degree is a four-year college program that combines business and leadership curricula with information technology, which can involve things like web pages, databases, and security or operation systems. So long as it comes from an accredited university, an online degree is just as legitimate as an in-person degree, and you’d be taking the same courses regardless of your learning format.
You’ll be taking business classes such as accounting, statistics, team building and management communications. As for information systems, that involves developing a deep understanding of different programs and software, as well as being able to develop your own. Universities often have their own concentrations or specializations within the management information systems (MIS) degree program, so you can choose a specific path of study.
Since this degree is multidisciplinary, those who graduate with a degree in MIS are equipped to tackle a variety of careers such as computer systems administration, cyber security specialist, or computer network analyst. With tech know-how, management information systems professionals take a close look at their business through accounting or by looking at or devising statistics and see where better technology, programs, and software can help the corporation grow and increase profits.
Online vs In-Person Management Information Systems Degrees
While at first glance it might seem that online vs in-person management information systems bachelor’s degrees are very different from one another, for most institutions, the only difference between the two is the location in which you complete your studies. Most online degree programs are taught by the same professors who teach the in-person version of the programs.
Even the diplomas you’d receive from either learning format are the same, as many universities don’t mark whether your degree was completed on campus or online. While the quality of education you’d get online vs in-person might be the same, there are pros and cons to each type of learning, some of which might be more or less significant based on personal preference.
Top 5 Benefits of an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Management Information Systems
- Flexibility. The most significant advantage of an online bachelor’s degree in management information systems is flexibility. You can easily attend classes when it best suits your schedule, as many colleges have recorded lessons you can watch at your leisure.
- More affordable. Studying online is much more affordable compared to studying in person. Online programs only require you to pay tuition fees. You wouldn’t need to pay for the different amenities on campus, nor would you need to pay for transportation, centrally-located expensive housing, or meal plans.
- Minimum disturbance in daily life. Since you aren’t tied to campus through online learning, you are free to complete your studies right outside of town, or even across the country. You do not have to quit your job or move to attend the school of your dreams. All you need is a computer and an Internet connection.
- Eclectic curriculum. Since you can choose from any school you desire across the country, you can pick a school whose coursework is varied and interesting. Since you wouldn’t need to worry about commuting, you would also have more time to take fun electives you might not otherwise take on-campus.
- Global networking. Through these degree programs, you will have an opportunity to socialize with learners and professionals across the world, enabling you to perhaps find a job in a city you desire even before you graduate.
Top 5 Benefits of an In-Person Bachelor’s Degree in Management Information Systems
- Networking opportunities. While you can certainly network remotely, in-person programs help you develop more personal relationships with your peers and instructors, making it easier to get help with your classes, which might even give you a leg-up in your field once you graduate.
- More interactive. Learners who attend in-person programs tend to interact with one another and professors more than those who take online degree programs, as students often have their cameras and microphones off for the entirety of a class.
- Campus amenities. Though more costly than an online degree, attending school on-campus allows you to utilize different tools such as the library or career center.
- Extracurricular activities. Most in-person campuses feature extracurricular activities. You can feel more immersed in your college experience by staying active and making new friends through different clubs or sports.
- More focus. Unlike online programs, you can easily learn at any of the campus locations without distractions. Often, studying from home comes with a lot of distractions.
What Types of Online Bachelor’s Degree Can You Get in Management Information Systems?
The two main types of online bachelor’s degrees you can get in management information systems are a Bachelor’s of Science (BS) or Bachelor’s of Arts (BA) in Management Information Systems. A third, less-common option is to get a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Management Information Systems, but that degree is ideal for someone that has prior experience in the field.
Is It Better to Get a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems?
If you are wondering if it is better to get a bachelor of arts or bachelor of science in management information systems, know that both versions of the degree are great options. Those who are seeking business and leadership-focused coursework would do better with a bachelor’s of arts degree, as it pertains more so to humanities. However, if you want more in-depth knowledge of the technology you’ll be working with throughout your career, a bachelor’s of science is a better fit.
How Much Does a Management Information Systems Bachelor’s Degree Cost?
The cost of a management information systems bachelor’s degree will vary from one institution to another. Tuition costs are determined based on the type of school, your residency status, and the type of learning format you choose. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the tuition cost for students living off-campus while attending a four-year public institution is approximately $14,920 per year.
By contrast, if you were to attend a private for-profit university under those same circumstances, it would be approximately $24,746, while a private non-profit university would be roughly $42,163. Since students taking online programs don’t need to pay for on-campus amenities, those degree programs are cheaper, as US News & World Report estimates students in-state pay an average of $38,496 for their degree, while students out-of-state pay an average of $53,183. Students that attend private colleges online, however, pay around $60,593.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Management Information Systems Bachelor’s Degree Online?
It takes most students approximately four years to get a management information systems bachelor’s degree online. Most academic institutions require students to complete a minimum of 120 credit hours to qualify for graduation, which comes out to eight semesters at approximately 15 credit hours per semester. If you are currently or have attended a college prior, you might be able to transfer credits over to your new college to shorten the amount of time it takes to earn your degree.
Are Online Management Information Systems Degrees Respected?
Yes, online management information systems degrees are respected, as they have the same courses and rigor as typical in-person degrees. The only word of caution would be to ensure that the institution you plan on attending is accredited to ensure it is formally recognized. You would be one of many to attend college online, as the National Center for Education Statistics reported that there were 7,313,623 distance education students during the fall of 2019.
Is Management Information Systems Hard to Learn Online?
No, management information systems is not hard to learn online. Since you would be enrolled in the same courses, regardless of whether you were attending school on-campus or online, there is a negligible difference in difficulty between the two. The only potential difficulty would be the responsibility of managing your time to complete assignments on time.
Management Information Systems Bootcamp vs Online Management Information Systems Bachelor’s Degree: Which Is Better?
Management information systems bootcamps and bachelor’s degrees are both excellent ways to learn, though a bachelor’s degree is generally better as it would give you a more in-depth education, being that it is a four-year degree. In addition, a bachelor’s degree is a higher credential than a bootcamp. Below we discuss the benefits of each option in depth.
Top 5 Benefits of an Online Management Information Systems Bachelor’s Degree
- Grow a professional network. Since you would be working with professionals in the field you are studying, bachelor’s degree programs offer a great way of forming connections with those in management information systems beyond campus.
- In-depth knowledge. Since a bachelor’s degree typically takes four years to complete, you will learn more in-depth information about the topics, while also expanding your knowledge of other topics as you take interdisciplinary, minor, general, and elective classes.
- Increase job opportunities. Most employers seek professionals with a bachelor’s degree in management information systems, therefore, you will have more job opportunities in tech and beyond.
- Find what you love. Completing interdisciplinary coursework for a bachelor’s degree allows you to sample a wide range of different types of study and can help you narrow your focus to the types of jobs you’ll want to pursue after graduation.
- Increased earning potential. Because earnings at a job are often scaled based on a person’s level of education, having a bachelor’s degree will provide the opportunity of earning a higher salary, as opposed to a bootcamp credential.
Top 5 Benefits of a Management Information Systems Bootcamp
- Short courses. One of the most significant benefits of management information systems bootcamps is the length of the programs. These bootcamp programs often take between three and nine months to complete.
- Affordability. Being that bootcamps take closer to nine months than four years, bootcamps are significantly cheaper than university degree programs, with market reports estimating bootcamps to cost on average $11,727.
- Flexible scheduling. Many bootcamps have recorded lectures, so students can learn on their own time without having to disrupt their daily schedule.
- Intensive curriculum. Bootcamps often curate their programs to reflect the current needs in the market. Therefore you should expect intensive curricula to address in-demand skills in management information systems.
- Hands-on experiences. Bootcamps are focused on teaching their students the most in-demand skills in the field with a hands-on approach, so they can enter the workforce with real-world experience.
Why You Should Get a Management Information Systems Bachelor’s Degree Online
You should get a management information systems bachelor’s degree online if you need or prefer the freedom to study at your own convenience. An online degree program will give you the flexibility to complete your classes without having to revolve your life around a college campus. The only two things you need to attend online classes are a stable Internet connection and a computer.
What Courses Do You Take in an Online Bachelor’s Degree Program in Management Information Systems?
The courses you take in an online bachelor’s degree program in management information systems will vary between institutions. However, many college systems follow a similar curriculum. Below are some of the courses you can expect to take as part of your major.
Web Development
In this class, you will learn how to program websites both on the front end, which is creating the visual aspect of a web page, and on the backend, which focuses on creating code on the website server. You’ll also learn coding languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to build websites, programs, and software.
Networking Concepts
This course teaches students how networks share data with one another through Internet protocols such as Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), Internet Protocol (IP), and Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP).
Cyber Security
Since you’ll likely be a database administrator or systems administrator once you complete your bachelor’s degree, you’ll need to make sure that your software is safe from external breaches. You’ll learn how to put protections in place and what to do when breaches occur. An important aspect of the class will also be learning how to hack yourself so that you can better understand how to find weaknesses in your own security systems.
Database Systems
In addition to needing to store information, databases must also be organized in order to be effective. In this class, you’ll learn about the different apps and programs used to create databases, as well as ways to maintain and order the data within those systems.
Project Management
While this is not as computer-focused, project management is an essential tool for being a leader in tech. You’ll learn about important facets of taking care of your business, from interpersonal skills such as effective communication to soft skills like budgeting, time management, and other organizational skills. If you want to gain more hands-on skills with project management without a degree, you can always take a project management bootcamp.
Continuing Education Paths for Online Management Information Systems Bachelor’s Degree Graduates
Online management information systems bachelor’s degree graduates can easily pursue other advanced degrees upon completing a four-year program. You can choose to acquire a master’s degree in management information systems, which would help you build upon the foundational knowledge and skills you acquired from your bachelor’s degree. It is also an excellent way to increase your job prospects. You can even take it a step further by earning a doctoral degree.
Related Online Management Information Systems Degrees
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What to Look For in the Best Management Information Systems Bachelor’s Degree Programs
With there being so many online degree programs available, you’ll need to understand how to find the best degree programs for management information systems. Below, we’ll discuss a few things to consider during your school search.
Student to Faculty Ratio
If you are in a large class, you’ll just be a name on the roster to your professor, making your education much less personable. Having a smaller class size makes it easier for classmates and professors to engage with and get to know one another, which helps further everyone’s education. Therefore, ideal class sizes are between 20 to 30 students.
The Reputation of School
Before promising a good deal of money to a school, you’ll need to make sure it is legitimate and in good standing with the academic community. Research what prospective schools are known for, school rankings, and more on websites such as US News & World Report, for in-depth information.
Cost
The biggest impediment to getting an education at four-year institutions is the cost of their programs. It is important to ensure the tuition rates are feasible for your budget so that you aren’t saddled with debt down the road. You can also look into financial aid services, or apply for scholarships to help with the financial burden.
Accreditation
Accreditation status is key to determining the legitimacy and usefulness of any online degree program. You should check whether the school is regionally or nationally accredited through the major accrediting bodies such as the Higher Learning Commission, Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), or Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
Specialization
Most universities have specializations or concentrations within their majors that narrow the focus of study. If you know you want to go into specific fields such as cyber security or data management, make sure you’ll be able to take a number of classes focusing on that particular subject.
What Is the Most Affordable Online Management Information Systems Bachelor’s Degree?
The most affordable online management information systems bachelor’s degree is through Southern New Hampshire University, which costs $320 per credit for both in-state and out-of-state students. You can also take advantage of financial aid services, which can either reduce the cost or fully cover it.
Can I Get a Management Information Systems Bachelor’s Degree Online for Free?
No, you can’t get a management information systems bachelor’s degree online for free. However, you can reduce the tuition cost significantly by applying for student scholarships or loans. Additionally, qualifying students can get their degree programs fully covered by government financial aid.
Salary and Job Outlook for Online Management Information Systems Bachelor’s Degree Graduates
Choosing a job in management information systems or information technology is a great idea, as it is projected by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics that employment in computer and information technology will grow by 13 percent between 2020 and 2030.
How Hard Is It to Get a Job With a Management Information Systems Bachelor’s Degree?
It is not hard to get a job with a management information systems bachelor’s degree. Since it is such an interdisciplinary degree, you will be able to pursue job opportunities across different industries upon graduation. If you need a hand in landing your first career in the job market, you can seek out the career resource department of your school, as they can help you build your resume, match you with a mentor, conduct interview prep sessions, and provide other help.
What’s the Average Online Management Information Systems Bachelor’s Degree Salary?
The average online management information systems bachelor’s degree salary is $64,000 per year, and $83,000 for those with a Bachelor of Science, according to Payscale. This is excellent pay if you want to start a career in tech, as it is well above the national average salary of $58,260.
What Jobs Can You Get With an Online Management Information Systems Bachelor’s Degree?
The jobs you can do with an online management information technology bachelor’s degree span across the information technology field, which include computer programmer, operation research analyst, networking specialist, systems architect, software developer, and technical services manager, to name a few.
Management Information Systems Degree Jobs
- Networking specialist
- Information security analyst
- Systems architect
- Software developer
- Computer systems administrator
Potential Careers With an Online Management Information Systems Degree
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How Much Money Can You Make With an Online Management Information Systems Bachelor’s Degree?
You can make anywhere between $45,000 and $152,000 with an online management information systems bachelor’s degree. The salary is not fixed since multiple factors, such as your qualifications, the employer, and location can affect the salary potential.
If you want to acquire a higher salary each year, consider getting certified in Project Management Professional (PMP) by PMI, Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP) by AICPA, or Certified Information Systems Security Professional – Architecture (CISSP) by (ISC)2. You can also look into acquiring a master’s degree, which will open up more job opportunities and higher pay.
Highest-Paying Online Management Information Systems Bachelor’s Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview
| Management Information Systems Bachelor’s Degree Jobs | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | $160,010 |
| Computer Network Architects | $120,520 |
| Information Security Analyst | $102,600 |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $99,270 |
| Network and Systems Administrators | $80,600 |
Best Jobs for Online Management Information Systems Bachelor’s Degree Grads
The best jobs for online management information systems bachelor’s degree grads are computer systems or information security analysis, computer network architecture, computer systems analysis, and network and systems administration. Below you will find the average salary, job outlook, number of jobs, and highest-paying states for each career.
Best Jobs According to Your Major
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Is an Online Management Information Systems Bachelor’s Degree Worth It?
Yes, an online management information systems bachelor’s degree is absolutely worth it. Not only would you be getting a degree that qualifies you for a starting median salary of close to six figures, but you’d also be learning how to do the job from the comfort of your own home, saving you time and money.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job growth for computer and information systems managers is projected at 11 percent between 2020 and 2030. Many employers prefer candidates with bachelor’s degrees as opposed to other forms of education such as bootcamps or associate degrees. Therefore, acquiring a bachelor’s degree in the field will get you a better leg-up on opportunities in tech.
Additional Reading About Management Information Systems
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Online Management Information Systems Bachelor’s Degree FAQ
The difference between management information systems and computer science degrees is that the former is more focused on the information that’s being transmitted across networks, whereas the latter is much more focused on coding. Computer Science is heavily math-oriented, while management information systems combine the tech and management fields.
Yes, you can become an information security analyst with an online bachelor’s degree in management information systems, as it will teach you programming, project management, networking, and web design. These are foundational topics to help you start a career in management information systems.
Yes, you can quickly learn management information systems through management information systems bootcamps, which use short intensive curricula. They offer a great way to enter a field quickly and at a fraction of the cost of a degree program. It’s important to note, however, that bootcamps are not equivalent to bachelor’s degrees in terms of educational level.
Yes, an associate degree in management information systems is worth it, though it is not the best form of education to break into the tech industry. Associate degrees consist of only two years of study. So, employers seeking applicants in this highly-technical field will often choose those with bachelor’s or master’s degree.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
