Management Information Systems Major Career Brief

Overview

The field of management information systems involves applying computer technology, quantitative techniques, and administrative skills to the information processing requirements of organizations. MIS combines computer technology with management decision-making methods - to analyze, design, implement, and manage computerized information systems in an organizational environment. A bachelor's degree is generally adequate for entry-level jobs; graduate training is necessary for research and teaching positions.

The Eller College MIS Department has placed in the top five nationally in U.S. News & World Report for almost a decade. Currently the MIS Department ranks fourth.

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Degree Requirements

The requirements include: foundation courses required for Professional Admission*, general education requirements, professional core courses, free electives, and a set of specific MIS courses.

The MIS program is a competitive, restricted-entry, program. Students must apply for the MIS Program in addition to Professional Admission.

Sample MIS Courses:

• Introduction to "Java" Programming Data Structures and Algorithms Data Communications & Networking Database Management Systems Information Systems Analysis and Design
• Information System Design, Prototyping and Evaluation

*Students must achieve Professional Admission (a competitive and selective application process) to move from the pre-professional phase to the professional phase.

**Check the Degree/Academic Progress Report (APRR's) for your specific academic program requirements per your catalog at http://catalog.arizona.edu.

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Other Preparation

Clubs and Organizations
The college has a wide variety of professional fraternities, honoraries and student clubs. Student organizations offer: career information; networking opportunities with alums, corporate representatives, faculty, and fellow students; social and professional activities; and provide leadership roles and skills building opportunities.
Student organizations for MIS students include Management Information Systems Association (MISA).

Visit the FESO - Federation of Eller Student Organizations website for more information.

Research and Internships
Students in the program are encouraged to take advantage of opportunities for independent study, research, internships, and part-time work, even full-time work after the first year of the MIS curriculum. Internships should ideally have a visible connection to the company's success, and allow the student discretion in making decisions in areas such as design and project management.

Technology
Laboratory facilities for MIS students are equipped with state-of-the art computer technology. Many locations on campus make computer workstations accessible for student use.

Certifications
MCSE, Oracle are particularly good to have. Also: Cisco, Java, Linux, SAS, A+

Informational interviews
Talk one-on-one with someone who does what you'd like to do; find out how to get yourself there.

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Career Opportunities

MIS graduates will find career opportunities wherever computers are used in business, industry, and government. Here are just a few examples:

• Website management
• E-commerce development
• Decision support systems
• Credit and billing systems
• Inventory control systems
• Software product development
• Knowledge management systems and business analysis

Typical Job Titles

• Programmer
• Systems analyst
• Database manager
• Computer specialist
• Network administrator
• Software developer
• Project lead
• Information technology consultant
• Applications developer

Employment Outlook
Information-technology professionals are among the most sought-after talent in the job market today - but companies seek candidates with solid speaking and writing skills because presentations to clients and working with sales and marketing teams are part of the normal job requirements. Sign-on bonuses are common, relocation packages are broader and more generous, pay rates are accelerating, and guaranteed bonuses are common. There is strong demand for professionals with experience in so-called "enterprise-wide solutions." Industry experience is a plus but not necessary to land good job offers. All the major consulting firms are competing for systems analysis talent. Financial services firms are looking for IT professionals who can design electronic banking systems. Openings abound for Java, and Internet programmers with good communication and team skills.

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Salaries

Starting salaries vary by size and type of employer, location, course work, and experience.

• UA graduate high offer: $80,000 (UA Career Services 2004).
• UA Graduate average offer $40,687 (UA Career Services 2004).

National average salary offers: (NACE Salary Survey/Fall 2003)

• Management Information Systems/Business Data Processing - $40,556
• Business Systems Networking/Telecommunications - $42,244
• Logistics/Materials Management - $39.308

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Certification

Levels of certification are available through various organizations.

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Recruitment Opportunities

Management Information Systems graduates obtain jobs through various avenues, leading to placements with a wide range of firms and organizations.

Recruitment opportunities include the annual "Career Week," sponsored each fall by UA Career Services and the spring "Career Showcase" coordinated by Eller BPA Student Council and Delta Sigma Pi.

A sample of employers that recruited Eller College MIS majors for both placement and career-related experience in the 2000-2001 school year through the Career Services office:

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For More Information

• UA offices
  Undergraduate Programs Office
  Eller College of Management
  McClelland Hall 204
  P. O. Box 210108
  Tucson, AZ 85721-0108
  520-621-2505
  http://ugrad.eller.arizona.edu/

• UA Career Services
  Student Union, Suite 411
  520-621-2588
  www.career.arizona.edu

• Department of Management Information Systems
  Eller College of Management
  McClelland Hall, Rm. 430
  520-621-2748
  http://mis.eller.arizona.edu/

• Major and Career Advisor:
  Vannessa Kramer
  vkramer@eller.arizona.edu

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Associations

Online Publications

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