WHY Major in MIS
Management Information Systems
where computers mean business
What is MIS
Management information systems or MIS is the study of how to
use computers to make better business decisions.
On the next slide is a continuum between computer hardware,
software and people.
On the continuum are different degree programs offered at most
universities. The placement of the degree on the continuing
illustrates the coverage of hardware, software, and people by
each degree program.
MIS focuses on the use of information created by computer
systems to support the needs of people and business.
Computer to People Continuum
The majors bar indicates the areas of technology
the portion of the continuum program covers.
MIS (management
information systems)
CS (computer
science)
ECE (electrical
computer
engineering)
Focus
Organization
Software
Product
Objective
More efficient or
effective business
Reliable computer
program
Improved
engineered
product
Core skill
Problem solving
Logic/procedures
Engineering
Core task
Determine business
requirements for
information systems
Deliver information
systems to meet
defined requirements
Determine
information
processing
requirements of
devices
Theoretical
vs. applied
Balanced
Applied
Balanced
Generic job
title
Analyst/Designer
Builder
Architect and
Builder
Typical
starting job
title
Business systems
analyst
Application
programmer
Engineer
Career goals
Senior organizational
manager
Programming
manager
Senior engineering
or product
manager
College
home
Business
Science
Engineering
The Future of Technology
As shown on the next slide. The use of
technology and its integration into every day
life is increasing exponentially.
This means every year the amount technology
available more than just doubles, it is 10 times
more.
Virtually everything we do is controlled or
delivered by computer technology.
The Future of Technology
Source: The Law of Accelerating Returns by Ray Kurzweil
http://www.kurzweilai.net/articles/art0134.html?printable=1
Career Opportunities
• The MIS graduate is a well-rounded business
professional, communicator, problem-finder/solver,
and technologist. The graduate is prepared for such
careers as a systems analyst, application developer,
computer support specialist, and eventually as a
consultant, project manager, or information systems
manager.
• The MIS graduates are not just a technologists. They
are ready for any general business career from
technology sales to general management.
Typical Career Paths
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•
•
•
•
•
•
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Business Systems Analyst
Database Administrators
Network Administrators
Help Desk Analysts
Web Developer
Project Managers
Data Warehouse Developer
IT Consultant
Tremendous Job Growth
Occupational title
Computer scientists and
database administrators
Computer and information
scientists, research
Database administrators
Network systems and data
communications analysts
Employment,
2006
Projected
employment,
2016
Number
Percent
542,000
742,000
200,000
37
25,000
31,000
5,400
22
119,000
154,000
34,000
29
262,000
402,000
140,000
53
Change, 2006-16
Salaries
• Earnings for computer and information systems managers vary by
specialty and level of responsibility. Median annual earnings of
these managers in May 2006 were $101,580. The middle 50 percent
earned between $79,240 and $129,250. Median annual earnings in
the industries employing the largest numbers of computer and
information systems managers in May 2006 were as follows:
• Computer systems design and related services $109,130
Management of companies and enterprises 105,980 Data
processing, hosting, and related services 105,200 Insurance carriers
102,180 Colleges, universities, and professional schools 83,280
• The Robert Half Technology 2007 Salary Guide lists the following
annual salary ranges for various computer and information systems
manager positions: Chief Technology Officer (CTO), $101,000$157,750; Chief Security Officer, $97,500-$141,000; Vice President
of Information Technology, $107,500-$157,750; Information
Technology Manager, Technical Services Manager, $62,500-$88,250.
Source: The Law of Accelerating Returns by Ray Kurzweil
http://www.kurzweilai.net/articles/art0134.html?printable=1
Aren't all the MIS jobs going to India or China?
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Let's dispense with this myth once and for all. It's true that the trend toward
outsourcing has caused a reduction in the number of computer programmers
needed. Programming is a relatively straightforward conversion of system
requirements into specific programs, and anybody who's reasonably smart can do
it. With the global programming market being influenced by the fact that
requirements can be digitized (converted to 1's and zeros) and shipped over the
Internet to other countries (with lower wages), the ability for programmers in highwage countries to keep demanding this level of pay will be reduced.
That said, who do you think creates the specifications and requirements that are
being shipped offshore to be converted into programs? MIS professionals are
creating those specifications and requirements! They are in higher demand and
many international companies realize the importance of having analysts here in the
US to develop the solution specifications and are hiring MIS professionals in the US.
Further, there are coordination and other hidden costs to off shoring arrangements
that many companies don't want the hassle. Bottom line: If you want a job that
works with business and technology then you should be in MIS.
(source: http://mis.eller.arizona.edu/careers/what.asp#outsourcing)