Best online master’s in management information systems 2022: Top picks

Organizations use management information systems to collect, organize, and analyze data for operations management and decision-making purposes. These systems help organizations become more efficient and effective. 

Graduates with a management information systems master’s degree have some of the most advanced training available in this field. 

With organizations seeking every competitive advantage possible, professionals who can manage these systems will benefit from an increased demand in the job market. For example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 25% growth in operations research analyst positions between 2020 and 2030. 

This page ranks the best management information systems master’s programs and explores the discipline in more detail. 

Top 5 online schools for master’s in management information systems

College	Program stats	How much?
Florida State University Tallahassee, FL	MS in Management Information Systems Acceptance rate: 36% Graduation rate: 80%  Also available as a combined BS/MS in Management Information Systems	Avg. annual net price: $9,789 Application fee: $30
Auburn University Auburn, AL	MS in Information Systems Acceptance rate: 81% Graduation rate: 76% Full-time students can finish in one year	Avg. annual net price: $24,104 Application fee: $60
Mississippi State University Starkville, MS	MS in Information Systems Acceptance rate: 54% Graduation rate: 60% Students learn everything from data analytics to database design.	Avg. annual net price: $16,173 Application fee: $60
University of Michigan-Dearborn Dearborn, MI	MS in Information Systems Acceptance rate: 62% Graduation rate: 55% Hybrid online and on-campus program	Avg. annual net price: $11,473 Application fee: $60
Minot State University Minot, ND	MS in Information Systems Acceptance rate: 67% Graduation rate: 44% Research assistantships available	Avg. annual net price: $11,898 Application fee: $35

The best online master’s in management information systems degrees

To provide the most reliable rankings, we use only publicly available and federally-reported data and expert insight. ZDNet’s ranking methodology also weighs various factors, including programmatic excellence, affordability, and reputation. 

Unless otherwise indicated, data is drawn from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System and College Scorecard.

What to expect in an online master’s in management information systems degree program

Students in an online management information systems master’s program gain an in-depth understanding of how data can help improve business practices. They learn how to design and manage the information systems that store and organize data and how to analyze information in various ways and for different purposes.

Coursework typically blends theoretical and practical training, culminating with a systems-focused capstone project. Learners may also complete lab work and internships throughout their studies to gain hands-on experience.

In more general technology management programs, students can pursue management information systems training through their course selections or concentrations. Online training at this level may require more commitment and determination than in on-campus programs. While group projects and collaboration still take place, online students should expect a heavy focus on independent work.

Master’s in management information systems courses

A management information systems master’s program blends business knowledge and practices with information science and management. Students learn how data can improve business operations and how to manage the technology that makes the information more accessible and useful. 

In addition to business training, students usually complete several required information systems courses. The topics below are some of the more common core requirements included in these programs. 

Data science 

Data science courses teach students to make sense of data. They learn to analyze information, use different models and algorithms, and make visualizations with it. 

Network management

In this course, students learn to use the most common network management technologies. They also explore strategies and tools for maintenance and security.

Systems design

Students in this course learn the most effective approaches to computer systems design. They study computer system architecture, programming, and digital systems design. 

Database design and management 

This course teaches students how to plan and design relational databases. Learners look at methods and tools for building effective and secure databases that provide easy access to information.

Management information systems degree levels

Prospective students can find management information systems training at every degree level. The depth of training and quality of postgraduate opportunities grows with each subsequent level. Below, we examine the different degree options available and explore some of the pathways they open for graduates.

Certificate in management information systems

• Length: 2-12 months
• Cost: Varies
• Post-grad careers: Customer support specialist, computer systems administrator, computer support specialist

Prospective students can find management information systems certificates at various levels. The training may focus on fundamentals for entry-level careers or advanced graduate-level training for more experienced professionals. In general, these programs offer focused studies in an accelerated format. 

The type of training available depends on the level of certificate. Undergraduate programs may focus on the basics of digital systems, databases, and data analytics. Graduate certificates, conversely, may delve into specific management information system technologies, networks, and computer science.

Associate in management information systems

• Length: One to two years
• Cost: $11,389/year in 2018-19
• Post-grad careers: Computer support specialist, computer programmer, computer systems administrator

Management information systems programs at the associate level provide students with foundational business and information science training. Learners gain entry-level computing and analytical skills that can provide value to many organizations. Graduates can also further develop their training and skills with professional experience or a bachelor’s degree.

Typically, these programs feature introductory lessons and practical explorations of basic systems operations. Students may also learn programming, systems administration, or even design principles.

Bachelor’s in management information systems

• Length: Three to four years
• Cost: $28,123/year in 2018-19
• Post-grad careers: Operations research analyst, information security analyst, computer systems analyst

A bachelor’s management information systems degree qualifies graduates for many data-focused computer occupations. The programs provide broad exploration of management information computer systems and practices. Students learn how and why the systems work and how to manage them.

The training includes both theoretical and practical training, and students usually complete a substantial internship. Graduates can qualify for various systems administrator and analyst positions in many business and financial organizations.

Master’s in management information systems

• Length: One to two years
• Cost: $19,792/year in 2019-20
• Post-grad careers: Information research scientist, information systems manager, computer network architect

Management information systems master’s programs expand on the fundamentals provided in undergraduate training. Students at this level learn to work with specific management information technologies and design new systems. They also learn how to conduct advanced analysis and help organizations achieve specific goals.  

The training includes extensive research and practical experiences. Graduates can qualify for many computer and business management and analyst positions. They can also continue their training with a doctoral degree for professional opportunities in research and academia.  

Doctorate in management information systems

• Length: Three to six years
• Cost: $19,792/year in 2019-20
• Post-grad careers: Postsecondary teacher, information research scientist, top executive

A doctorate in management information systems is the terminal degree in the field. Doctoral graduates can explore teaching and research positions, along with most management and consulting positions in the field. 

The training at this level is highly specialized, giving students the opportunity to study in the areas that interest them most. In addition to researching more and better ways to support businesses, learners seek to improve existing technologies. They also look to support other industries.

In conclusion

Management information systems programs offer applicable training in business, computer technology, and information science. Master’s degrees in this field, like those ranked above, prepare graduates to support organizations using advanced data-based insight and analysis.

Prospective learners looking for more information on any of the schools listed one this page can contact the institutions and program departments directly.