Best Online MBA in Management Information Systems

As technology continues to develop, positions in information systems will expand.

To this end, earning a higher degree, such as an online MBA in management information systems (MBA MIS), can give you an edge on the job market—whether you are entering the field of information systems or already working within it.

This page describes what an online MBA in management information systems will entail, including sample courses and potential careers. It also explores professional organizations that can help you start or advance your career. In order to help you make the most informed decision about your academic future, the best information systems programs are ranked below.

In a world highly dependent on technology, businesses seek qualified Management Information Systems (MIS) professionals to support their technological needs and implement information systems solutions. An online MBA in Management Information Systems (MBA MIS), prepares individuals to handle these tasks, while allowing them to earn their degree through flexible online scheduling and coursework.

The Best Online MBA in Management Information Systems Programs

Online MBA in Management Information Systems Programs Ranking Guidelines

We ranked these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.

Our Methodology

Here at TheBestSchools.org, we take the trust and welfare of our readers very seriously. When making our school and program rankings, our top priority is ensuring that our readers get accurate, unbiased information that can help them make informed decisions about online education. That's why we've developed a rigorous ranking methodology that keeps the needs of our readers front and center.

Our proprietary, multi-criteria ranking algorithm analyzes key data indicators — as collected by the federal government — for each school or program. What data we use depends on the focus of each specific ranking, but in all cases, our ranking methodology is impartial: Schools cannot buy better rankings at TBS.

While specific criteria under consideration can vary by ranking, there are a few data points that we value most highly. They are affordability, academic quality, and online enrollment. Below, we break down our algorithm to help you understand what you're getting when you use one of our rankings.

• Academics
• Affordability
• Online Enrollment

Data Sources

The data used in TBS rankings comes primarily from the federal government, and much of it is provided by the schools themselves. We aggregate and analyze this data to build our rankings.

The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) is our primary source. Its data comes from annual surveys conducted by the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Every college, university, or technical school with access to federal financial aid must participate in these surveys, which include questions about enrollment, graduation rates, finances, and faculty qualifications. This is publicly available data, which you can access yourself through the College Navigator.

Additionally, because we value a personal touch and the professional experience of our staff and Academic Advisory Board, we vet all results and adjust rankings as necessary based on our collected knowledge of schools and degree programs. Depending on the ranking, we may obtain additional input from AcademicInfluence.com, subject matter experts, prior TBS ranking lists, or other sources we deem relevant to a particular ranking.

Breakdown of Our Rankings Methodology

About Our Ranking Factors

Here at TBS, we value what you value: quality education, affordability, and the accessibility of online education. These factors guide all of our program rankings.

Each of these factors are further broken down into weighted subfactors. For example, retention rates are weighted more heavily than availability of program options because they are a better indicator of student success.

We chose the following factors for our rankings because of their influence on learning experiences and graduate outcomes. However, students should always balance our rankings against their personal priorities. For instance, a learner who needs a fully online program may prioritize online flexibility more than our rankings do. Our rankings are designed to help you make a decision — not to make a decision for you.

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Academics - 75%

Affordability - 15%

Online Enrollment - 10%

In all our school rankings and recommendations, we work for objectivity and balance. We carefully research and compile each ranking list, and as stated in our advertising disclosure, we do NOT permit financial incentives to influence rankings. Our articles never promote or disregard a school for financial gain.

If you have questions about our ranking methodology, please feel free to connect with our staff through contact page.

We thank you for your readership and trust.

Featured Online MBA in Management Information Systems Programs

What Is an MBA in Management Information Systems?

An MBA in management information systems combines an MBA core with a specialization in information systems management. In these programs, students develop the fundamental knowledge and skills necessary for business administration as well as advanced knowledge pertaining to information systems.

MBA in management information systems programs explore database development and management, data mining and analytics, information and technology management, systems analysis and design, and project management. The programs typically also cover the procurement and implementation of new software and technologies. Most students engage in a capstone project in addition to coursework; sometimes, they pursue an internship or practicum.

An MBA MIS prepares students for careers that require them to assess business problems and then implement business technology, software, and information systems to solve the problems.

Pursuing an MIS MBA Online

Online courses for an online MBA in management information systems usually feature lectures and discussion via video chat or forum. They require students to complete assignments within certain deadlines. Some students find accelerated programs beneficial, as they can fit more courses into a shorter time period.

In distance learning, some courses are synchronous, meaning that you attend lectures and discussions at the same time as your classmates. Others are asynchronous, meaning you watch lectures and participate in discussions on your own time. Online programs benefit self-motivated students and are often beneficial for working professionals who need to fit classes around their existing schedules. Since online programs tend to be cheaper than traditional degrees, they are also a great fit for people trying to improve or change their career in an affordable manner.

Advantages of an MBA in Management Information Systems?

Earning an information systems MBA online gives you an edge over peers with lower level business degrees. An MBA marks a certain level of expertise; and when combined with work experience, it can lead to promotions and higher earning potential. Many of the best careers in the field, and especially those in the C-suite, might be out of your grasp without an MBA.

Continuing your education beyond the MBA is an option, especially if you want to go into research or teach at the university level. The table below provides possible earning potentials. Although, no degree can guarantee you a job or a certain salary.

What Can You Do with an MBA in Management Information Systems?

Students in MBA MIS degree programs learn to synthesize knowledge and skills from the fields of business administration and information technology in order to solve problems. These professionals can pursue careers in diverse industries. Here is some salary information for several possible careers:

This list has careers along with descriptions and links to salary information:

Choosing an Online Management Information Systems MBA Program

Choosing where to earn an online MBA in management information systems involves many factors. For example, choosing to study in-state can reduce tuition costs, while online programs remove costs associated with room and board. Public universities are generally less expensive than private schools, but if a student is studying out-of-state, the difference is often less noticeable.

How Long Does It Take to Complete an Online MBA in Management Information Systems?

Full-time students can generally complete many of the program in two years, part-time students in three years, and students in an accelerated MBA program in one year or more.

Courses in an Online Management Information Systems MBA Program

• Data Analysis: This course focuses on the qualitative and quantitative skills needed to make management decisions. You explore how to read and understand data so you can make informed decisions that benefit your organization. Some programs split this into courses on either qualitative or quantitative analysis.
• Decision Modeling: A course like this explores how to use existing models and user-interfaces like spreadsheets to make sense of data and make the best possible decisions based on them.
• Supply Chain Management: A course like this explores how supply chains work and how they impact data. You will also explore how to use information systems to manage, track, and improve supply chains.
• Organizational Change: This course explores the psychology of change, organizational behavior, and the kinds of challenges that can make change difficult; this also includes models of change and the skills needed to enact that change.
• Ethical Leadership: A course like this explores what actions leaders should take and how to ensure that their decisions are ethical even when data may point in another direction.

Accreditation for Online MBA Degrees

Accreditation boards review an institution to determine if it meets academic standards. Regional boards most often accredit public colleges or universities while national boards accredit many private and technical schools. Colleges that only offer classes online usually hold national accreditation, but it is important to check with each individual school.

Some programs also carry accreditation from a professional organization or another group. This indicates that the program has met additional criteria. Most degrees do not require programmatic accreditation, but information systems management boasts a variety of them. For instance, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business accredits many business schools, including some that offer online courses and are generally responsible for MBAs. Organizations such as the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology grant accreditation to computer science and other technology programs.