Management Information Systems

Management Information Systems (MIS) professionals bridge the gap between business and technical minds. They use technology to create business value and help management make strategic decisions.

Overview

Professionals who work in the management of information systems work in a wide variety of functions. Considering just how technologically savvy, creative or customer-focused you are, you may find yourself working in any of the following functions:

  • Application Development or Programming
  • Business Analysis
  • Consulting
  • Customer or End-User Support
  • Data Analysis / Big Data
  • Database Design and Data Mining
  • Data Visualization
  • E-commerce
  • Enterprise Application Implementation
  • IT Architecture
  • IT Security and Assurance
  • Multimedia
  • Networking
  • Quality Assurance
  • Project Management
  • Product Management
  • Systems Development and Analysis
  • Technical Sales
  • Web or Digital Design
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Prepare for Technical Interviews

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

MIS professionals find work in a varied set of industries, from public to private and from large to small. In essence, any organization in any industry has technology needs. MIS is different from computer science in that computer science professionals tend to develop the technology used, while MIS professionals use these technology solutions to create business value. MIS professionals make organizations more efficient and effective by their use of systems, hardware, data, software and procedures.

On your way to the CIO (Chief Information Officer) or CTO (Chief Technology Office) position, you may have many roles and responsibilities. This field is more dynamic than most as the technology and client needs change exponentially faster. Some entry level roles include:

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

Skills Necessary for Success

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

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.