Major in Management Information Systems

Management Information Systems (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. MIS
is concerned with using information and communication technologies to support management at all levels (supervisory, middle, top) and in all business functional areas (accounting, finance, marketing, human resources, and operations management) with the information they need for planning, control, and decision making. In addition to computer technology, MIS considers how managers and knowledge workers actually use information and how system specialists and end users interact during the analysis, design, implementation, and on-going use of information systems. MIS experts attempt to bridge the gap between information technology and people’s needs. A related field is Computer Science. The two majors differ in that Computer Science emphasizes the technical side of hardware and system software, whereas MIS emphasizes application software development and the business context in which an information system exists. (PDF Brochure)

Careers in MIS

At present, career opportunities for MIS graduates are outstanding with the prospect that this will continue into the future. The Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) states, “…the interest in information systems solutions to business problems is growing at a rapid rate, well exceeding the capabilities…to satisfy these demands. In addition to the increase in the total number of systems in use, an increase in average complexity compounds this problem.” Recent forecasts by the Department of Labor project that the position of systems analyst will experience more job growth than any other. Many starting positions are possible for the MIS graduate including: programmer, systems analyst, user support group, business analyst, and web master. MIS positions reflect the continuing evolution in information technology with new job titles frequently appearing. At Oakland, we are continually updating our programs to keep up with changing technology. This is reflected in our course offerings and other opportunities available to students including internships.

Employment of systems analysts is expected to increase much faster than average. Estimates show that 120,000 new jobs will be created by 2020. Excellent job prospects are expected as organizations continue to adopt increasingly sophisticated technologies. Employers generally prefer applicants who have at least a bachelor's degree; relevant work experience is also very important to employers. Minimum salaries begin at $45,000 and top out at more than $118,000; median wages are roughly $77,740. Wages can vary by industry by as much as 20%. Jobs in this area are expected to grow 22% faster than average. Source: US Dept of Labor, March 29, 2012.

For more information on careers please visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics at http://www.bls.gov/OCO/

Requirements for a Bachelor of Science in MIS 

This is not an official document. Please refer to the appropriate OU catalog for official information regarding degree requirements.

In addition to required classes in university general education, ethnic diversity and composition, and the business pre-core and core program, the requirements for MIS major are:

MIS 305 Information Technology Foundation MIS 314 Data and Process Modeling MIS 315 System Design MIS 350 Managing Information Projects MIS 399 ACHIEVE III Management Information Systems Examples of Electives — Choose three courses: MIS 420 Electronic Commerce MIS 422 Business Object Development MIS 424 Business Application Architecture MIS 426 Business Application Technology MIS 436 Decision Support Systems MIS 445 Simulation in Management MIS 546 Business Analysis and Modeling MIS 563 Networks MIS 564 Network Management

Knowledge Paths for MIS Majors

Systems Analysis, Design, Implementation and Management Knowledge Path

MIS 100, MIS 300, MIS 305, MIS 314, MIS 315, MIS 350, Plus 3 Electives

Combined Bachelor and Master Degree (4+1 Plan) Knowledge Path

MIS 100, MIS 300, MIS 305, MIS 314, MIS 315, MIS 350, Plus MIS 546, MIS 563, and 1 Elective

Business Analytics Knowledge Path

MIS 100, MIS 300, MIS 305, MIS 314, MIS 315, MIS 350, Plus MIS 546, MIS 436, and MIS 445

Networking & Information Security Knowledge Path

MIS 100, MIS 300, MIS 305, MIS 314, MIS 315, MIS 350, Plus MIS 563, MIS 564, and MIS 406 (Information Security Lab)

Application Development Knowledge Path

MIS 100, MIS 300, MIS 305, MIS 314, MIS 315, MIS 350, Plus MIS 546, MIS 422, and MIS 426

Solution Architecture Knowledge Path

MIS 100, MIS 300, MIS 305, MIS 314, MIS 315, MIS 350, Plus MIS 422, MIS 424, and MIS 426

Network Security Instructional Lab
Learn more here

MIS Student Organizations at OU

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.