Business involves many moving parts, including employees, companies and the technology that unites them. Managing these relationships requires attentive oversight at the big-picture and day-to-day levels, along with careful information storage and analysis.
To prepare for these leadership roles, you can pursue a bachelor’s degree in management information systems (MIS). In addition to traditional on-campus programs, many schools now offer online MIS degrees, which allow working professionals and people with other personal obligations to fit their studies into their busy lives.
Are you looking to pursue a management information systems online degree? Use this ranking of the best programs to find your ideal school. We also explore information like tuition costs, accreditation, career opportunities and common coursework.
Our Methodology
- Best Online Management Information Systems Degree Options
- Featured Partners
- Should You Enroll in an Online Management Information Systems Degree?
- Accreditation for Online MIS Degrees
- How To Find the Right Management Information Systems Online Degree for You
- Cost of Earning an MIS Degree Online
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About an Online Management Information Systems Degree
Best Online Management Information Systems Degree Options
Should You Enroll in an Online Management Information Systems Degree?
Online MIS degrees can offer many benefits over their in-person counterparts, such as scheduling flexibility and increased program availability. Online learning may not suit all types of students, however.
For example, some online programs use asynchronous delivery, allowing students to complete assignments on their own time without having to attend scheduled lectures. Though this flexibility allows learners to fit coursework into their schedules, it also requires careful time management and self-motivation. Synchronous courses use set class times, often including direct interactions with peers and instructors, to mirror the in-person learning experience.
Identify your learning style as you research programs, and take note of degrees that align with your preferred method. The following section includes other considerations for online learning.
Accreditation for Online MIS Degrees
Accreditation ensures that schools and programs deliver high-quality education. This voluntary evaluation process, performed by third-party organizations recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and Council for Higher Education Accreditation, considers curricula, faculty, student resources and outcomes.
Individual programs and entire institutions may receive accreditation. Popular institutional accreditors include the following:
- Higher Learning Commission
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
- WASC Senior College and University Commission
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Programmatic accreditation applies to departments and programs within schools. Students seeking MIS programs can prioritize programs accredited by ABET, which recognizes degrees in science, computing and engineering.
Some MIS programs exist within business schools, which may hold accreditation through the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business or the International Accreditation Council for Business Education.
How To Find the Right Management Information Systems Online Degree for You
Consider Your Future Goals
Knowing your long-term goals before applying to a management information systems online degree can go a long way in finding a program that aligns with your goals. First, consider whether you want to pursue graduate education or enter the workforce immediately after completing undergrad.
If you aspire to earn a master’s degree after completing your bachelor’s program, consider prioritizing universities that also offer relevant graduate degrees. Master’s programs often apply easier admissions standards for undergraduate alums. Some even offer reduced tuition discounts as well.
On the other hand, if you are set on getting a job right after graduation, look at programs that provide internships, job placement assistance or extensive networks of alums. Some MIS internships are available through remote delivery, opening up opportunities to students from all locations. While learners can enjoy added flexibility though remote internships, competition may be tougher with a larger applicant pool.
Know Your Financing Options
Attending college can create a significant financial burden, so ensure you research all available financial aid resources and submit the FAFSA to which types of aid are available to you.
Some funding, like grants and scholarships, do not require repayment. Schools, the government and independent organizations may provide these forms of aid based on need, identity or academics. Certain scholarships and grants may even offer yearly renewal, allowing you to continue receiving assistance throughout your time in college.
Cost of Earning an MIS Degree Online
The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) records data for college attendance costs across various types of higher education institutions. NCES data indicates that in-state students at public, four-year schools paid an average of $9,375 in tuition and fees as of the 2020-21 academic year. Out-of-state learners paid $27,091. At private schools, students paid an annual average of $32,825 in tuition and fees.
For comparison, of the schools on this ranking, tuition costs around $13,260 per year on average, with per-credit costs varying widely based on each school’s private or public status.
For another look into affordability, consider annual average net price. This figure factors in additional costs, like room and board, and savings from financial aid sources, ultimately providing a holistic view of what a year of attendance might cost. The average annual net cost for the top 10 online MIS degrees is about $19,000.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About an Online Management Information Systems Degree
Does an MIS degree make a lot of money?
Earning an MIS degree allows graduates to pursue many in-demand roles with strong salaries. According to Payscale data from August 2023, professionals with bachelor of science degrees in MIS earned an annual average salary of $88,000.
Is MIS a lot of coding?
It depends on the program, but MIS degrees generally involve significantly less coding coursework than other majors, like computer programming. While graduates with MIS degrees can pursue coding-centric roles, many relevant professions do not require programming skills.