Information Systems

What it’s about:

In this major, you learn how to apply information technology to solve business problems. MIS prepares you to understand the function of information technologies and systems in business organizations, and it provides the knowledge and skills you will need when you analyze, design, develop, and manage information systems.

What the study of this major is like:

As a management information systems major, you must be comfortable with all types of computers, software, and communications (such as wireless phone systems). You study the design, development, and maintenance of information support systems; the ways in which they support business processes and managerial decision making; managerial approaches to effective systems development; and emerging technologies used by information systems. You learn critical-thinking and problem-solving skills so you can handle changing situations and apply the right technology to problems as they arise.

Because you’ll be working in organizations and business, you must also learn how they operate, by studying finance, human resources, marketing, and accounting. In addition, you are often encouraged to take courses in sociology and psychology and to sharpen your communications skills (writing, speaking, and listening). By understanding human behaviour and perfecting your “people skills,” you learn how to be a successful link between technology and the people who use it.

Management information systems courses are taught in a variety of ways including lectures. In labs you can use various software packages to help you with your course work: readings, quizzes, homework assignments, midterm and final examinations, individual and group projects, and term papers. Students interested in research may have opportunities to work on an independent project under the supervision of a faculty member.

When searching for an MIS job, you should have some experience in a business setting. Many programs offer local internships to give you hands-on experience, which is particularly useful for systems analysis (which emphasizes analyzing business processes) and consulting (in which you may work with several industries).

Management information systems programs may emphasize different aspects of the curriculum. For example, some programs may focus on technology-related topics, while other programs may cover more managerial topics. You can usually determine a program’s focus by looking at its course offerings.

Career options and trends:

Systems analyst/designer*; software developer (programmer)*; database administrator*; consultant; project manager; chief information officer (CIO); researcher.

Job opportunities are generally excellent for students with MIS knowledge and good business sense. Heightened concern over “cyber security” is also spurring demand for managers proficient in computer security issues; in fact, such knowledge is almost a prerequisite.

Students who have very specific interests and career goals (*information security analyst for medical information systems*; for example) usually have excellent opportunities for specialization after they graduate. In addition, the job market rewards students who double-major and match MIS with finance, marketing, operations, or accounting.

Source: CollegeBoard 2012 Book of Majors