Management Information Systems

What is MIS?

MIS is about applying information technology to business problems. The emphasis is on finding solutions. To the MIS professional, information technology is a tool, not an end in itself. 

How is MIS different from computer science? Computer science focuses more on technology and less on its use in business. MIS looks less at technology, and more at how it is used. MIS and computer science courses differ, of course, but so do the support courses. Computer science students take courses that will help them better understand technology, like math classes. MIS students take courses that will help them understand business problems, like accounting and marketing.

Neither one is better than the other - they're just different. If you are really into computers themselves (for example, if your garage is full of circuit boards and ribbon cables), maybe computer science would be for you. If you're more interested in working with people to solve problems, consider MIS. Choose the one that fits you best.

Oakland University has a fine computer science program, by the way. Check it out.

What jobs do people with MIS degrees do?

All sorts of things, but they are all about using information technology to solve problems. Here are a few:

• Systems Analyst - studying problems and designing systems to solve them
• Programmer - writing software to gather, store and mess with (that's a technical term) data
• Database Administrator - managing the stores of data needed to solve problems
• Project Leader - organizing a team of analysts, programmers and others
• Trainer - making sure people know how to use systems effectively

How easy is it to find a job in MIS?

If you graduate from our MIS program with good grades, buy a club! You'll need it to fend off would-be employers. Our students enjoy a 99% employment rate.

What do MIS graduates earn?

MIS graduates earn more than most, as you might expect. Computerworld’s 2011 Salary Survey for Staff and Entry-level Positions in MIS indicates a base salary range from $49,527 to $108,323.

Will demand for MIS people continue?

	Projections by the Michigan Unemployment Agency estimate Oakland County companies will have job openings for between 10,000 and 14,000 systems analysts and computer engineers by 2005. The Oakland Press, September 6, 1998, p. D1

And that's just for starters. What about the trainers, support people, project managers, testers, liaison folks, etc.? Frankly, we don't know where all of these people are going to come from.

The U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of Technology Policy published a report titled "America's New Deficit: The Shortage of Information Technology Workers." Among all technology-related jobs, the largest job growth is accounted for by systems analysts, which were projected to increase from 483,000 in 1994 to 928,000 in 2005, a 92% jump.

Is the program difficult?

The program is challenging. If it wasn't, our graduates wouldn't be in such demand. However, most people with good high school or college grades can succeed.

Be prepared to work hard. Often what makes the difference is not how smart someone is, but how much effort they are willing to put in.

Also remember that your instructors are there to help you. They are usually available before or after class, and during office hours. You can reach them by email, telephone, or meet in person. Here's the secret to success in college: ask questions. You might get answers.

Can I talk to some current students?

The AIS Club is one of the most active student groups on campus. They can tell you what it's like to be an MIS student.

What are the requirements for a Bachelor of Science Degree in MIS?

Visit our MIS Page on the Undergraduate Home to see all the details.