What is the Management Information Systems Concentration?

The Management Information Systems concentration is designed to prepare the student for organizational roles involving the design, development, and administration of information systems within an organization.

Common Information Systems Courses

Programming Basics

Exposure to object-oriented programming, learn how to design interactive Windows applications, hone their GUI design skills, and explore common programming structures such as switches, conditional statements, iteration, loops, and error debugging.

Project Management for Information Systems 

How to plan and manage the implementation of a new system or technology-driven initiative. Exposure to project management tools, templates, and methodologies used in software systems implementation projects. Explore the project life cycle and system development lifecycle. Often he content and subject matter presented in this class are aligned with A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide) and other appropriate Project Management Institute (PMI) global standards.

Business Database Systems

Usually offered as one of the first major-specific courses, this class provides students with an overview of the issues and technologies associated with information systems design and management. Students learn to conduct a basic needs assessment, analyze software capacity, compare a variety of security features, and use decision-making applications.

Operating Systems and Networks 

Introduce computer networking and operating systems for computer scientists. Overview of the key protocols and the general architecture of the Internet and programming different aspects of a computer network. Introduce modern operating system design, including memory management, scheduling, I/O, protection, etc.

Application Design and Development

This course focuses on Web-based mobile applications and covers issues of Web service design (RESTful service design), mobile platforms (iPhone, Android, Symbian/S60, WebOS, Windows Mobile, BlackBerry OS, BREW, JavaME/JavaFX, Flash Light), and the specific constraints and requirements of user interface design for limited devices.

Enterprise Resource Planning Systems

This course provides you with an understanding of what Enterprise Systems (also commonly termed as Enterprise Resource Planning Systems, ERPs) are.

Networking and Security

Learn to defend and protect the network infrastructure, architecture, protocols and applications in order to deliver secured protocols, applications, services and data. Learn the process of analyzing, designing and managing the requirements of a secure network architecture based on risk analysis and operational requirements in accordance with regulations and standards.

Cloud Computing 

Study the current reach of cloud computing services, the potential of this information technology paradigm, logistical challenges, and ethical issues related to cloud computing.

Data Mining

Data mining involves the identification of patterns within large data sets/ Students investigate the statistical approaches used in data mining. They also learn to properly prepare data and document results through a data mining case study.

Information Assurance

This course involves providing data to authorized parties. Coursework includes network security, risk analysis, contingency planning, cybersecurity, and computer and digital forensics.

Database Management

Database administration manages internal databases by employing skills, such as object-oriented programming, database design using the Oracle platform, web enterprise technologies, and information systems project management.

Systems Analysis and Design

System analysis and design deal with planning the development of information systems to solve business problems. Students analyze the requirements of and design of such systems by applying analysis and design techniques.

Data Networking

Data networks allow computers and users to safely and easily share information and other resources. Students explore topics like network security, virtual private networks, business data communications, and information security planning.

Certifications

• Cisco Certifications - Cisco offers certifications in more than two dozens areas, including routing and switching, network security, wireless communication, cloud computing, and industrial networking.
• Microsoft Certifications - Microsoft also offers certifications to help professionals signal their competency on the company's software and devices.
• Network+ Certifications - A Network+ certification demonstrates your expertise in designing functional networks, maintaining essential network devices, identifying the benefits and drawbacks of existing network configurations, and can support the creation of virtualized networks.
• Citrix Certification (Certified Associate Visualization, Certified Associate Networking, Certified Professional Visualization)
• Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)
• Amazon Web Service (AWS) Certified Solutions Architect Certification
• Certified Information System Auditor (CISA)
• Project Management in IT Security (PMITS)
• Certified Information Systems Security Pro (CISSP)
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
• Puppet Certification Program
• ITIL v3 Foundation
• VMware Certified Professional 5 Data Center Virtualization (VCP5-DCV)
• CompTIA Project+ certification

Professional MIS Organizations

Professional organizations generally host networking events for members, provide continuing education resources, and advertise new job openings.

• Association for Information Systems - AIS works to advance the study and practice of information systems management. It publishes scholarly journals, hosts an annual conference, and provides free professional development webinars for its members.
• Association for Information Science and Technology - ASIS&T represents researchers, practitioners, students, and educators in information science. Its career center hosts job listings, guidance from industry professionals, and an overview of potential career paths.
• Association for Women in Computing - Founded in 1978, AWC serves the interests of women in professional computing roles. Much of AWC's work takes place at local and university chapters across the country. The organization also provides continuing-education opportunities and administers a mentorship program.
• CompTIA Association of Information Technology Professionals - One of CompTIA AITP's many goals involves bringing talented new individuals into information technology. It offers career advice, scholarships, and educational resources specifically for young professionals.
• International Association of Computer Science and Information Technology - IACSIT represents distinguished computer science and information technology scholars from around the globe. The group organizes international conferences on subjects such as machine learning, bioinformatics, and virtual reality.

Common Career Options

• Systems Analyst
• Process Analyst
• Software Developer
• Database Administrator
• Database Developer
• Webmaster
• Web Team Member
• Network Administrator
• Mobile Developer
• Security Specialist
• Social Media Specialist
• Chief Security Officer
• Chief Information Officer (CIO)
• Chief Technology Officer (CTO)

Related Topics

• Management Concentration
• Marketing Concentration
• Finance
• Accounting
• Information Systems
• Business Analytics / Data & Decision Analysis
• Economics
• Human Resources
• Real Estate
• Operations Management
• Insurance & Risk Management
• Entrepreneurship
• International Business
• Business School & Changing Career Paths