Professionals who understand the immense importance of an accelerated online Master’s in Management Information Systems degree will also understand how vital the field is to businesses both in the public and private sector. After all, with the rise of the Internet, companies are moving their business operations to more sustainable and more secure networks online. As technology continues to play a more significant role in society, it follows that any advancements in the field would serve to better build businesses and companies, which is precisely what management information systems do.
However, there is a shortage of professionals who have the necessary educational background. This is perhaps because there aren’t many accelerated online programs that are dedicated to management information systems. As time goes on, however, more and more programs that offer flexibility regarding term schedules and accelerated formats have made it easier for students to earn a master’s in around a year, all while continuing to work in their current position. The following 15 programs would be great choices for any professional interested in a graduate education.
Methodology
To compile this ranking, research was conducted using the National Center for Education Statistics and its publicly available database, the College Navigator. By searching for online Master’s in Information Systems, an initial pool of 50 schools was discovered. From there, the list was narrowed down; this was done by comparing different factors, such as time to degree completion timetables and tuition rates. The final 15 schools, which can be found below, were selected based on their in-state graduate tuition rates.
Ranking Low-Cost Accelerated Master’s in Management Information Systems
15. National University
Los Angeles, California
Online Master of Science in Management Information Systems
Tuition: $22,464
National University offers students the chance to earn an accelerated master’s online in management information systems degree that is designed specifically to provide professionals with the necessary skills and knowledge to prepare them to become leaders in the field. This degree is conferred 100 percent online and focuses on the quarter credit unit model; courses are delivered asynchronously and synchronously with an average term length of 12 weeks. This degree is comprehensive and covers advanced concepts and theories within the field. Students can expect to complete 54 quarter credit units, a master’s research project, and a comprehensive written and oral exam. Sample courses include Systems Analysis and Design, data science, Human and Computer Interaction, and Strategic Decision Systems.
14. Colorado State University
Fort Collins, Colorado
Online Master of Computer Information Systems (MCIS)
Tuition: $20,208
The one year master’s in management information systems online program at Colorado State University is one that is perfect for professionals who are interested in finding employment in the IT field regardless of their previous work or education experience. Students will have the option to study full-time or part-time; regardless of their study schedule, all students will complete this degree 100 percent online.
This program focuses on software development, applications for business, and systems integration. The degree has a solid, comprehensive core curriculum but does allow students to take on free electives to strengthen their understanding of one particular area of the field. Students can expect to complete 33 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive written and oral exam. Sample courses include data science, Agile Management and Product Development, Business Visual Application Development, and E-Business Application Technologies.
13. The University of Oregon
Eugene, Oregon
Online Master of Science in Applied Information Management
Tuition: $18,888
The University of Oregon confers an accelerated online Master’s in Management Information Systems that are perfect for mid-service professionals who are interested in advancing in their careers, whether with their current employers or at a new organization. The school’s curriculum has a stated focus on information design, applied research, and business management. It is a degree that is geared towards developing the skill and knowledge that an IT professional will require in leadership positions.
This program is conferred entirely online, and courses are delivered as either asynchronous or synchronous courses. Students will also find that courses are offered on a seven-week, eight-week, or 10-week term format. This degree requires 36 credit hours of coursework, an applied research project, and a comprehensive written and oral exam. Sample courses include data science, Information and Communications Security, Organizational Behavior, and Project Management for Information Technology.
12. Webster University
St. Louis, Missouri
Online Master of Arts in Information Technology Management
Tuition: $18,720
Students at Webster University will find that the accelerated online Master’s in Management Information Systems available here is one of the best in the country. This degree was designed for mid-service IT professionals who currently hold or will hold mid-management positions. The curriculum focuses on the skills and foundational knowledge necessary for professionals who will be holding a supervisory role within an organization or business.
The curriculum focuses on information systems projects, security systems, and management skills. All courses are available online as asynchronous courses; the program does not require any on-campus residencies. Students can expect to complete 36 credit hours of coursework, a final project in information technology management, and a comprehensive written exam. Sample courses include Procurement and Contract Management for Information Technology, Information and Communications Systems and Networks, and Basic Finance for Managers.
11. Florida Institute of Technology
Melbourne, Florida
Online Master of Science in Management and Information Systems
Tuition: $18,648
Florida Institute of Technology provides students with a one year online Master’s in Management Information Systems degree that focuses on management theory, information systems security protocols, and organizational behavior. Students who take on this degree will be prepared to become mid-level managers and supervisors in the IT world and will find themselves in high demand in business settings.
This program can be pursued as an entirely online option or as a hybrid program. Regardless of program option, all courses are taught by the same professors who teach the courses on campus. Online courses are synchronous, and live participation is required. Students will be able to finish this degree within one year with full-time, year-round study. The degree requires 33 credit hours of coursework, a final capstone project, and a comprehensive written and oral exam for graduation. Sample courses include Leadership Theory and Effective Management, Telecommunications Systems Management, and Advanced Management Information Systems.
10. Concordia University in Wisconsin
Mequon, Wisconsin
Online Master of Business Administration in Management Information Systems
Tuition: $16,776
Students who are interested in melding their business acumen with a strong affordable accelerated Master’s in Management Information Systems online degree are well served at Concordia University in Wisconsin. This degree provides students with a Master of Business Administration that focuses on information systems management, a degree that is perfect for in-service professionals who are currently working in the private or public sectors.
This degree does not have set start date, so students are encouraged to apply and enroll whenever they are ready. Courses are delivered 100 percent online and as asynchronous offerings, meaning that students get to choose how and when they study. Because this degree is business-minded, students are expected to complete an MBA core as well as an MIS core. Students can also expect to complete 39 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive written and oral exam; there is an internship available, but this is optional. Sample courses include Oracle Java Fundamentals and Programming, management information systems programs, Systems Analysis and Design, and Oracle Academy Database Design and Programming.
9. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Daytona Beach, Florida
Online Master of Science in Management Information Systems
Tuition: $15,360
The online Master’s in Management Information systems that is available at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University has become one of the most in-demand offerings available in the country. This degree is housed in the school’s worldwide virtual hub, making it available to students both here in the country and abroad. The program and its curriculum have a stated focus on management principles and skills along with understanding information systems and how technology continues to advance these systems. There are three specializations that are available with this degree, including Business Intelligence and Analytics, Information Systems Project Management, and Information Security and Assurance.
This program was designed to be completed online and through asynchronous and synchronous courses that are offered on a 10-week term schedule. As a self-directed program, students are expected to keep pace with curriculum as well as keep track of their program requirements so that they graduate in a good amount of time; currently, the average time to completion for this degree is around 18 months. Students will be expected to complete 30 credit hours, a research project, and a comprehensive written exam. Sample courses include Information Analytics and Visualization in Decision making, Knowledge Management: management information systems programs, Quality Management for the IS Enterprise, and Data and Information Modeling and Management.
8. Bellevue University
Bellevue, Nebraska
Online Master of Science in Management of Information Systems Degree
Tuition: $13,800
Bellevue University confers an affordable accelerated online Master’s in Management Information Systems degree that is a perfect fit for information systems managers who are in need of an advanced degree for their career. This program is accredited by the Global Accreditation Center for Project Management. There are five concentrations for this program: business administration, business analytics, cybersecurity, information security management, and information technology project management. These specializations may also be earned as stand-alone certificates, and in some cases, these specializations can help students pave a pathway forward towards licensure.
This is a comprehensive program that is offered 100 percent online through asynchronous and synchronous courses; students who study full-time can complete this degree in less than 18 months. Students can expect to complete 36 credit hours of coursework, an integrated capstone project, and a comprehensive written and oral exam. Sample courses include Project Communications Management and Leadership, Information Technology Project Management, management information systems programs, and Project Management in Global and Virtual Workplaces.
7. Liberty University
Lynchburg, Virginia
Online Master of Science in Information Technology
Tuition: $13,560
Students at Liberty University have the chance to pursue their dream of becoming an IT professional. This school confers a 12-month online Master’s in Management information systems that are perfect for pre-service or early service professionals. The program is delivered entirely online through Liberty University’s virtual school through asynchronous courses. The program has eight different start dates throughout the year and courses are all offered in the eight-week format, making it possible for students to complete all of the necessary requirements in one year with the technical skills needed.
This degree also comes with two specializations: Network Design and Security as well as Software Design and Management. Students can expect to complete 36 credit hours of coursework, an integrated capstone project, and a comprehensive written and oral exam. Sample courses include Telecommunications and Network Security, management information systems programs, Network Architecture and Design, and Software Development Management.
6. Florida State University
Tallahassee, Florida
Online Master of Science in Management Information Systems
Tuition: $12,375
Florida State University offers students the chance to earn an accelerated online master’s degree in management information systems that will provide students with an exceptional background in the field. This program was specifically designed for mid-service professionals that have at least three years of work experience in MIS; this degree is not a great choice for professionals who have little to no work or education experience in the field.
This program can be earned as either a 100 percent online program or a hybrid program; all online courses are asynchronous and students follow the traditional academic term schedule. This degree will require 33 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive written and oral exam. Sample courses include Knowledge Management and Business Intelligence, Social and Organization Issues in Management Information Systems, and Corporate Information Security.
5. The University of Massachusetts at Lowell
Lowell, Massachusetts
Online Master of Science in Information Technology
Tuition: $11,280
The accelerated online Master’s in Management Information Systems available from the University of Massachusetts at Lowell is an incredible degree that is technology-focused and based. This program has been approved by both the National Security Agency and the United States Department of Homeland Security as a National Program of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Research. This program is offered wholly online, and there is never a need to take residency on campus.
This program can also be completed in as little as one year, provided that the student has completed the prerequisite courses before starting their degree. Students will find that the degree offers a great deal of flexibility; there are four core areas that courses must originate, but the choices are endless. This degree requires 30 credit hours of coursework and a comprehensive written and oral exam. Sample courses include Designing and Building a Cybersecurity Program, Managing Large Data Sets, and Large Scale Application Deployment.
4. The University of Maryland at University College
Largo, Maryland
Online Master of Science in Management with a Specialization in Information Systems and Services
Tuition: $10,992
The University of Maryland at University College offers an accelerated online Master’s in Management Information Systems that can be completed in as little as 18 months. This degree is available both as a 100 percent online degree or as a blended format degree. Students will find that all online courses are delivered synchronously and in a 10-week format. The curriculum was designed by industry experts and scholars, ensuring that the plan of study is always up-to-date with the latest trends and issues in the industry.
Students can expect to complete 36 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive written and oral exam. Sample courses include Financial Decision Making for Managers, Decision Support Systems and Expert Systems, and Information Technology, the CIO, and Organizational Transformation.
3. Minot State University
Minot, North Dakota
Online Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS)
Tuition: $8,550
Students at Minot State University are offered an exceptional 12-month master’s online in management information systems degree. This program is open to all MIS professionals who have an educational background in the field or who have two or more years of experience in the workplace. This degree incorporates new and emerging technologies into its curriculum, ensuring that students understand how the theories and concepts used in the field actually work in the real world giving them the technical skills needed.
This is a 100 percent online degree that offers both asynchronous and synchronous courses on an eight-week term schedule. Students can expect to complete 30 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project including a real-world case study, and a comprehensive written and oral exam. Sample courses include Database Management and Administration, database management systems, data management, Business Network Systems Management, data analytics, and Foundations of Information Assurance and Security.
2. Mississippi State University
Mississippi State, Mississippi
Online Master of Science in Information Systems
Tuition: $8,318
Mississippi State University offers an accredited, accelerated online Master’s in Management Information Systems that is currently ranked by U.S. News and World Report. This degree is available to all students, regardless of their education or work experience; however, students with no prior background in information systems management will be required to take some prerequisite courses that will be available online.
This degree is offered 100 percent online through the school’s virtual portal; courses are delivered asynchronously with no set log-in times and on the traditional academic term schedule. Students will be expected to complete 33 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project or integrated research project, and a comprehensive written and oral exam. Sample courses include Business Network Systems Management, data management, data science, data analytics, Managing Large Data Sets, and Advanced Management Information Systems.
1. Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, Utah
Online Master of Business Administration in Information Technology Management
Tuition: $7,790
Western Governors University offers students the chance to earn an accelerated online Master’s in Management Information Systems that are combined with a master of business administration. For students who require a combined degree such as this, WGU provides the best of both worlds. This degree is conferred 100 percent online with asynchronous and synchronous courses available on the traditional academic term schedule. Students will also find that it is possible for them to complete their degree requirements in just over a year if they study full-time.
This degree was built to showcase how business and technology, specifically information systems, work hand-in-hand. Students can expect to complete 36 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive written and oral exam. Sample courses include Global Economics for Managers, Managing Organizations and Leading People, and Accounting for Decision Makers.
What are the Career Options for an Accelerated Online Master’s in Management Information Systems?
- Computer Systems Analyst
- Database Administrator
- Computer and Information Systems Manager
- Application Analyst
- IT Consultant
- IT Technical Support Officer
- Data Scientist
- Systems Analyst
- Information Systems Supervisor
- Management Consultant
- Data warehousing
How Much Can You Earn in Management Information Systems?
MIS professionals can earn anywhere between $81,000 to $135,000 as a yearly salary. This range accounts for positions that range from analyst to manager, work experience and education level, different endorsements and credentials that can be used in the field, and more. It does not account for bonuses or additional forms of compensation. Professionals will do well to remember that the lowest part of this range focuses on professionals who only have a bachelor’s degree in the field.
What are the Various Disciplines of Management Information Systems?
The first and foremost apparent discipline in this field is that of technology, specifically computer science and engineering. The field is quite broad, however, and while management information systems speak directly to the field’s impact on business, it still covers a lot of disciplines. Everything from software development to application integration to big data and machine learning can be found in the field. Other disciplines include computer security, network architecture, databases, and more.
The field also encompasses other disciplines that are used daily by the professionals in the field. These include management, leadership, administration, human resources, analytical and critical thinking skills, research skills, and more.
Management information systems continue to play a significant role in how businesses operate, both in their own local networks and on the more extensive open internet network. This means that more professionals are needed to both operate these systems and to uncover more efficient ways to make the field work better for businesses. An accelerated online Master’s in Management Information Systems can help professionals make their career goals come true, all while continuing to work in their current position.
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