What is an MBA with an MIS Concentration?

The MBA with an MIS (Management Information Services) concentration encompasses the design and supervision of information systems that provide services in all functional areas of an organization. This program is designed to help graduates and organizations function more effectively through properly managing and streamlining various information technologies.

Business Courses

MBA programs always offer solid business classes that provide the knowledge needed to become competent leaders. For example, the MBA program may start out with an integrated accounting class that combines financial and managerial accounting topics. Students will strategically analyze things such as profitability, asset liquidity and cash flow statements. When studying applied decision making, students will explore statistical tools and theories that facilitate effective managerial decision-making in complex business environments.

A class on strategic operations management will focus on important operational theories and tactical methods that promote successful process management. Topics covered include forecasting, strategic planning, lean thinking, inventory control and quality management. A leadership class will impart the knowledge and skills needed to create and evaluate innovative strategies, critical decisions and corporate action plans. Finally, an introductory information systems classes for managers will explore how organizations strategically apply information systems to achieve organizational objectives.

Core Classes

The MBA with an MIS (Management Information Services) concentration will include advanced classes on topics like database management. Students will learn how to develop a conceptual framework to evaluate, acquire and maintain corporation-wide database management systems. Topics covered include data flow, storage, security, structures, configurations and query languages. Classes on IT infrastructure and architecture will explore common telecommunications issues with wireless, local area and broadband networks.

Students are trained to analyze the financial and operational impacts of information service changes. Classes on technology project management focus on internal and external systems’ structures and functionalities, according to the Project Management Institute. The emphasis is usually on providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the role that technology plays in transforming an organizations’ processes and policies. Additional class topics include web application development, business intelligence systems, information systems security and system and network administration.

What Skills and Knowledge are Taught?

MBA with an MIS concentration degree programs teach specific skills regarding people, processes, business and client’s needs. First, they train students how to communicate effectively and translate complex IT information into laymen’s terms. Second, they teach students how to understand user information needs by analyzing data and organizing information. Third, students are prepared to evaluate information service systems that provide efficient and effective end user experiences. Fourth, they are trained how to assure the quality of data for clients and the value of information for decision makers.

Students enjoy integrative and experiential learning through formulating and executing business projects. They may be asked to analyze a real-world situation in a local company and present their analyses and recommendations to faculty and business owners. Students learn to analyze the social, interpersonal, environmental, and organizational impacts of IT actions on end users. They learn to apply appropriate tools and frameworks for creating effective organizational responses to technology issues.

Related Resource: Become a Software Engineer

Students who graduate with an MBA with an MIS (Management Information Services) concentration may end up working as a systems analyst, infrastructure engineer or information services project manager.