Management Information Systems (MSMIS)

The Master of Science in Management Information Systems (MS in MIS) represents an important state-of-the-art concept in graduate education in the field of management information systems (MIS). Merging management and technology education, it is designed to help both technically-oriented information technology (IT) professionals and those from other fields gain expertise in the management of information systems in modern organizations.

The MS in MIS's program goal is to prepare you for management, high-level work and potential leadership in management information systems and related fields, and general management in organizations where information technology is important. The program targets working adults who desire a high-quality applied MIS education along with solid theory.

The MS in MIS program will help you:

• Plan for management of IS, IT, and related functions
• Prepare to be a leader in the integration of IT into the firm to help meet organizational goals
• Prepare for management of IT planning processes
• Make ready broader strategic uses of IT
• Understand the uses and value of newer technologies in the enterprise
• Enhance competencies related to one concentration area of choice: business analytics, database administration, information management, information assurance and security, systems analysis and design, and systems development

For Working Professionals: The MS in Management Information Systems

The MS in Management Information Systems program promotes Metro State's well-known ability to tie theory to practice, with a cutting-edge MIS education designed to have a "shelf life" that outlasts successive generations of hardware and software. The program core gives a strong background in management and information technology areas. Flexibility in elective courses, plus applications emphasis throughout courses, internships and the final integrative project gives students a strong base for the future. All MIS-related programs at Metro State are STEM-related (CIP 11.XX Computing/Information Technology).

The MS in MIS program is designed to serve several distinct groups of Information Technology Management professionals who need a strong mix of management theory and practice along with technological competence. This group needs more technical education than an MBA student, but less than a student who will be working in a purely technical capacity. Those students include:

• General management professionals who need to understand how to manage the technical and IT aspects of their organizations. These students need the mix of management and technical work that leads to stronger technological understanding and analytical skills, resulting in stronger general management in firms where IT is a part of their competitive strategy.
• Technical professionals who need to upgrade and update their technological skills while also updating their analytical and management abilities.
  • Technical and project managers also need this type of mix, as well as data, systems analysts, solution architects, and managers who will be progressing in their careers.

Any managerial or higher-level professional in organizations where IT is important will find the MS in MIS of great value.

The MS in MIS prepares you in the areas of data analytics, strategic IT management, IT security management, knowledge management, managing the IT function (operationally), project management, systems analysis and design, business/information analytics and business intelligence technology management, and telecommunications.

The Prerequisite Phase assesses and ensures your readiness to begin graduate work in the MS in MIS program. You are required to have completed an undergraduate or graduate course in Statistics or MBA Math prior to joining the program.

Phase I focuses on the functional disciplines of business and organizations as they apply to modern information systems. It provides a solid grounding in the core IT competencies, management, and marketing theories, processes and skills needed by managers in today's rapidly changing environment.

Phase II consists of your choice of electives. You must complete 14 graduate level credits of MIS coursework. You should meet with your faculty advisor and choose electives that best meet your own educational and career needs.

Phase III is the synthesis and capstone phase. The work in this phase calls for you to integrate what you have learned in previous courses and professional experiences to form a coherent picture of IT management within organizations. The capstone course makes use of an innovative applied project to "bring it all together." Effective communication is fundamental to good management, and so you are expected to demonstrate writing skills by completing a written report about your work on this project, which is performed with a cohort.

A student graduating with a MS in MIS will be able to:

1. Apply ethical decision-making in the development, implementation, and management of information systems
2. Apply current technical concepts and practices in the core information technologies and computer security
3. Interpret the role of information systems to enhance organizational strategy
4. Manage information systems using current methodologies
5. Analyze business problems to develop appropriate technological solutions
6. Demonstrate professional skills in leadership, teams, and communication

Using the choice of Phase II electives, students can demonstrate advanced competence in several areas including:

• Applied Artificial Intelligence: Leverage artificial intelligence techniques such as machine learning and intelligent automation to solve business problems, enhance decision-making, and optimize processes across functional areas such as operations, marketing, finance, and customer service. Emphasize ethical and responsible AI use while aligning AI strategies with organizational goals to drive innovation and competitive advantage (MIS685, MIS 689).
• Business analytics: Employ data analytics tools, statistical methods, and visualization approaches to derive patterns, trends, and performance indicators to answer relevant business questions at the operational, management and governance levels (MIS 685, MIS 687, and MIS 688).
• Database administration: Develop organizational strategies based on using data as a competitive tool, to meet tactical and strategic organizational objectives (MIS 621, MIS 635, MIS 685).
• Information assurance and security: Develop and deploy policies and other safeguards of information assets to manage and respond to internal and external information assurance threats (MIS 675, MIS 684, MIS 635 or MIS 667).
• Systems analysis and design: Develop and improve system design methodologies to enhance the systems in your organization and to oversee development projects in traditional and emerging IT systems (MIS 621, MIS 635, MIS 685)

Potential careers for MS in MIS graduates

• Business/Data/Systems Analyst
• Business Intelligence Developer
• IT Project/Product Manager
• Information Security Analyst
• Chief Information Officer (CIO) / Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
• Compliance Analyst / Risk Manager
• Database Administrator (DBA)
• AI/ML Specialist

Advance your career prospects with the MS in MIS degree

Continue your educational journey by earning an MS in Management Information Systems from Metro State. Designed for working professionals, Metro State and its award-winning faculty serv more than 10,500 students with in-demand degree programs that help you get to where you want to go.