Management Information Systems

Overview

Management Information Systems (MIS) professionals bridge the gap between business and technical minds, leveraging technology to create business value and support strategic decision-making. As the industry evolves, MIS careers continue to offer diverse opportunities across traditional functions and emerging fields shaped by new technologies and practices.

MIS professionals work in a wide range of roles, combining their technical expertise, creativity and customer-centric approaches. Depending on your interests and skills, you may find yourself thriving in one or more of these areas:

Core Functions

  • Application Development or Programming
    Create and maintain software applications to meet organizational needs.
  • Business Analysis
    Identify business requirements and recommend technical solutions to improve processes.
  • Consulting
    Provide expertise to organizations, guiding them through IT-related challenges.
  • Customer or End-User Support
    Address technical issues and optimize user experiences for internal or external clients.
  • Data Analysis and Data Science
    Analyze data to identify trends, build predictive models and support data-driven decision-making.
  • Database Design and Data Mining
    Develop efficient databases and extract valuable insights from complex datasets.
  • E-commerce and Digital Transformation
    Implement innovative e-commerce strategies, including omnichannel retail and AI-driven personalization.
  • Enterprise Application Implementation
    Deploy large-scale systems like ERP and CRM to streamline business operations.
  • Networking and IT Architecture
    Design and maintain robust IT infrastructures to support organizational needs.
  • Project and Product Management
    Oversee IT projects or products, ensuring timely delivery and alignment with business goals.
  • Systems Development and Analysis
    Analyze organizational systems and develop custom software or process improvements.
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Prepare for Technical Interviews

Learn more about how to prepare for technical interviews, including product management, case and more. 

Emerging and Specialized Fields

As technology advances, MIS professionals have new opportunities in cutting-edge disciplines:

  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
    Work on AI-driven projects, such as natural language processing (NLP), predictive modeling or generative AI systems. Ensure ethical and explainable AI implementations.
  • Cloud Computing
    Design and manage cloud infrastructure, with roles in cloud architecture, multi-cloud management and security.
  • Cybersecurity and Assurance
    Protect organizational assets by implementing zero-trust architectures, AI-driven threat detection and robust cloud security solutions.
  • Data Visualization
    Use tools like Tableau and Power BI to present complex data in visually compelling formats that inform business decisions.
  • DevOps and Site Reliability Engineering (SRE)
    Enhance collaboration between development and operations teams to improve software delivery and reliability.
  • Blockchain and Web3
    Explore decentralized technologies through roles in smart contract development, tokenization and blockchain systems.
  • Edge Computing and Internet of Things (IoT)
    Develop and manage systems that process data locally on IoT devices, enabling faster and more efficient operations.
  • Sustainability in IT
    Drive environmental responsibility by implementing green IT practices, energy-efficient systems and sustainable computing solutions.
  • Digital Ethics and Compliance
    Ensure technology use aligns with legal and ethical standards, focusing on data privacy (e.g., GDPR, CCPA) and responsible AI.
  • Web or Digital Design
    Innovate in UI/UX design and ensure compliance with accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG).

Skills and Tools

To succeed in these roles, proficiency in cutting-edge tools and methodologies is essential. Key skills include:

  • Advanced programming languages (e.g., Python, JavaScript).
  • Data tools (e.g., SQL, Power BI, Tableau).
  • Cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud).
  • Agile project management techniques and tools (e.g., Jira, Trello).
  • Cybersecurity frameworks and practices.

In addition to the technical skill required, employers will ask for a variety of business skills from applicants, depending on the type of work. These soft skills help MIS professionals implement and administer systems, processes and solutions. In many of the roles you see advertised in MIS, the following skills and traits tend to be requested:

  • Teamwork
  • Problem-solving and change management skills
  • Decision-making
  • Adaptability
  • Ability to understand and respond to user/customer requirements
  • Ability to learn quickly and independently
  • Business acumen
  • Time management
  • Organizational skills and ability to multi-task
  • Persuasion, ability to influence others
  • Initiative
  • Creativity
  • Confidentiality and sensitivity
  • Patience

Future of MIS Careers

With the integration of AI, IoT and sustainability into everyday IT operations, MIS professionals are at the forefront of innovation. Whether enhancing customer experiences, securing critical systems or developing groundbreaking applications, MIS careers continue to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing technological landscape.

Are you ready to shape the future of business technology? Explore MIS as a path to bring your creativity, technical skills and strategic thinking together for impactful results.

  • Business Analyst
  • Data Analyst
  • Database Developer
  • E-Commerce Specialist
  • Information Security Specialist
  • Network Administrator
  • Systems Analyst

Job Outlook

Statistics show there is a shortage of trained candidates for technical positions in the U.S. Job growth in IT careers is on the rise, especially in cloud computing, information security, health care IT and big data predictive analytics. Typical job titles for students who graduate with a concentration in Management Information Systems include:  

Job Titles: Entry-level

  • Help Desk Specialist
  • Desktop Support Specialist
  • Technical Analyst
  • Database Analyst
  • Information Support Technician
  • Programmer
  • Developer
  • Consultant

Job Titles: Mid-level

  • Business Analyst
  • Data Analyst
  • Systems Administrator
  • Systems Analyst
  • Associate
  • Project Manager
  • Software Engineer
  • Network Administrator
  • Quality Assurance Analyst
  • Business Intelligence Developer
  • Reporting Analyst
  • IT Auditor
  • DevOps Lead
  • Module Lead
  • Functional Analyst

Job Titles: Upper-level

  • Senior ________
  • Technical Program Manager
  • Lead System Analysts
  • Director
  • Infrastructure Manager
  • Enterprise Project Manager
  • Business Intelligence Architect
  • Application Lead

Salaries

Average salaries upon graduation range from upper $40,000’s to mid $100,000’s depending on geographic location, level of education, technical expertise and specific role. For more information, go to the U.S. Bureau of Labor.

Big Data Getting Bigger

Big data is not to be ignored. The volume of data being produced, saved and mined is mind-boggling. Today, companies use data collection and analysis to create more logical business plans. This trend will only continue in all industries.  Explore these worthwhile articles about the field and careers within:

Magazines or Trade Journals

  • Break into Tech: Everything you need to land an awesome tech job - no coding skills required!
  • CIO: Offers key insights on career development for CIOs and their employees, including certifications, hiring practices, and skills development, along with a strong foundation in digital transformation.
  • Computerworld: Website of the popular magazine. Check out the resource center, search for IT jobs or read some articles.
  • InfoWorld.com: News, articles, career resources and job search databases. 
  • ITWorld: Read articles on topics ranging from careers to IT management.
  • Journal of Management Information Systems
  • Techopedia: Explores the latest trends and provides in-depth topic coverage in tutorials to help you better understand technology and hopefully, make better decisions.
  • ZDNet: Weekly summary of business technology news and articles to keep you updated on the business behind the tech.  

MIS Career Videos

Careers in Information Systems and Information Assurance (video)

Functions within MIS and Information Assurance (video)

Next Steps - Careers in Information Systems (video)

Virtual Power Chat.
Information Technology

Learn more about working in IT from our alumni and partners such as Zoheb Chirammal, MS MIS '09, Director-IT, Centene Corporation (FidelisCare NY). Chirammal has 14 years of experience in the IT health insurance domain and has expertise in a wide range of IT areas, such as software development, system analysis, service delivery at four health insurance organizations. Access his Power Chat (and more) in BizLink – Document Library.

Product Management

Learn more about being a product manager from our alumni, such as Ameya Shastri, MS ‘18, Sr. Product Manager at Microsoft. Amey came to the UB MS MIS program with about 5 years of experience. Upon completion of his MS program, he worked at Copart as a Product Manager then transitioned to Walmart in Chicago in a Product Management role. In 2022, Ameya began a senior level product management role with Microsoft, still based in Chicago. Access his Power Chat (and more) in BizLink – Document Library.

Certifications

Some employers request and encourage certification in your specific field to stay current in the newest technologies. This shows the ability to adapt, quickly learn and take the initiative.

Top Certifications

Technology Organizations and Professional Associations

MIS Job and Career Resources

Academics

To learn more about the Management Information Systems (MIS) areas and courses included within the concentration or program, please refer to the academic curriculum.