From small startups to large corporations, businesses in today’s digital economy rely heavily on numerous information technologies and systems. These systems can automate mundane and complex tasks, organize and analyze vast datasets, provide insight to inform decision-making and much more.
But all business processes are interconnected, dependent on one another for the effective functioning of the whole. Multiple, disconnected information systems can create inefficiencies, inconsistencies and ineffective collaboration across business processes. Management information systems (MIS) and MIS derivatives like enterprise resource planning (ERP) have evolved to overcome these information system challenges. MIS can connect, integrate and centralize multiple information systems, managing, aggregating and analyzing disparate data sources.
This technology provides business users with comprehensive, business-wide information and insight, essential for optimizing interconnected processes and operations. Yet MIS selection, integration, training and ongoing management is extremely complex and requires a great deal of technical and specialized expertise. Lamar University’s online Master of Science (MS) in MIS provides students the opportunity to gain this expertise and explore the intersection of technological innovation and modern business.
What Will I Learn in Lamar University’s MS in MIS?
Core studies in Lamar University’s MS in MIS focus on essential components of MIS and business-related information technology like business analytics, business intelligence (BI) and enterprise systems. All core studies emphasize how to employ technology tools and information systems in order to inform effective decision-making, solve business problems and meet business needs.
Students examine how to draw insight from data using data mining, predictive analytics tools, data visualization and other techniques. In-depth coursework explores the integration of business processes into SAP’s popular ERP software. Further studies introduce students to other emerging technologies, common software solutions and enterprise systems like Customer Relationship Management (CRM).
Uniquely, students choose a full half of their program courses from a wealth of elective options. Elective course offerings focus on an array of topics including managerial decision-making, information security, database and IT project management, supply chain management and healthcare information systems.
What Are the Benefits of Earning a Master’s in MIS?
Businesses in almost every industry recognize the profound positive impact of integrating MIS and related information systems. Accordingly, MIS professionals with the expertise in implementing such systems are highly sought after.
An MS in MIS from a reputable school like Lamar University can give employers and clients confidence that a professional possesses this necessary proficiency. Hence, earning a master’s in MIS can give professionals a distinct competitive edge in the job market, especially for high-level management positions. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), having a graduate degree is required by many organizations for computer and information systems managers.
Lamar University’s elective options also give students a great degree of freedom to tailor their degree to their interests and professional aspirations. Gaining industry-specific knowledge through electives like healthcare information systems or supply chain management can further qualify graduates for specialized positions. Plus, studying data-driven managerial decision-making is essential for those who aspire to advance into a company’s chief technology officer role — a fitting application of MIS expertise.
What Is the Career Outlook for MIS Professionals?
Earning an MS in MIS also has many benefits in terms of career versatility and advancement opportunities. Graduates are qualified to pursue many jobs, from system analyst positions to managerial and executive leadership positions. Or they may choose to take on independent consultancy roles, advising businesses in the integration of enterprise systems, BI platforms, data analytics management systems and more.
Opportunities for information technology roles are also growing rapidly. BLS projects 11% job growth in computer and information technology occupations from 2019 to 2029, nearly three times the average projected growth of all occupations. Plus, the earning potential of information systems careers reflects the field’s high demand, especially when considering advanced positions.
Clearly, jobs for MIS professionals are in-demand and highly lucrative. Studying and working in MIS can be a great fit for those fascinated by the relationship between business management and technological innovation. Earning a master’s in MIS can help propel a career in this field to the highest levels.
Learn more about Lamar University’s Online Master of Science in Management Information Systems program.
