What Is a Management Information System (MIS)? Careers and Degrees

A management information system (MIS) is a system that gathers, processes, and analyzes a company’s data to support better business decision-making. It helps organizations operate more efficiently and respond quickly to changes. MIS is also an academic field focused on using information technology to solve business problems. If you're interested in combining business and technology to make data-driven decisions, MIS could be a great career path for you. This article explores the benefits of MIS, essential skills, and potential career opportunities.

If you're interested in building your skills in this area to support a career transition, consider enrolling in the University of Minnesota's Information Systems Specialization, in which you'll learn to align IT investments with business strategy and develop IT infrastructure. In as little as one month, you'll earn a shareable certificate for your resume.

What is a management information system (MIS)?

A management information system provides managers with the information they need to make informed decisions about a company's operations. It collects data from multiple sources, such as employees, processes, and inventory, and analyzes it to deliver useful insights. For an MIS to be effective, business processes must be clearly defined, data must be accurate and timely, and the supporting technology must be capable of storing and processing that information. Its success also relies on the people who build, maintain, and use the system.

While businesses use different types of systems, they all share one common goal: to provide managers with information to make better decisions. In today's fast-paced business environment, having access to accurate and timely information is critical for success. MIS allows managers to track performance indicators, identify trends, and make informed decisions about where to allocate resources. Management information systems typically fall into several broad categories, each tailored to meet specific business needs. The five most common types include:

• Process control system

• Management reporting system

• Inventory control system

• Transaction processing system

• Decision support system

Management information systems jobs

Gaining experience in management information systems often starts with entry-level roles in data analysis, software development, or business operations. Common job titles include junior data analyst, software developer, and business development associate. You might also work as an IT consultant, helping organizations adopt new technologies, or as an IT project manager, leading system implementations. With a few years of experience, you can begin to specialize and advance in various MIS career paths, such as:

*Average annual base salary is sourced from Glassdoor as of May 2025*

1. IT manager

Average annual base salary (US): $106,339

IT managers help organizations use information technology effectively to meet their business goals. They combine knowledge of both business operations and technology, acting as a bridge between technical teams and business leaders to ensure that technology solutions align with company objectives.

2. Information systems manager

Average annual base salary (US): $116,266

Information systems managers are responsible for keeping an organization’s information system technology running optimally. This includes ensuring that systems are secure, efficient, and effective. They typically oversee a team of information system professionals and make sure users have high-quality support. 

3. Business intelligence analyst

Average annual base salary (US): $96,758

Business intelligence analysts Business intelligence analysts help organizations make data-driven decisions by collecting, analyzing, and interpreting business data. They identify trends, track key performance indicators (KPIs), and uncover opportunities for improvement across departments. Using tools like SQL, Excel, and data visualization software such as Tableau or Power BI, they translate complex data into actionable insights that support strategic planning and operational efficiency. Strong analytical thinking, communication skills, and a solid understanding of business operations are essential for this role.

4. Systems developer

Average annual base salary (US): $99,440 

Systems developers design, build, and maintain the foundational software that supports an organization’s IT infrastructure, such as operating systems, network management tools, and enterprise-level applications. This is typically a senior-level role that begins in software development or systems engineering and requires in-depth knowledge of computer systems, low-level programming languages (such as C or C++), and systems architecture. Systems developers must have strong technical expertise, analytical thinking, and the ability to optimize performance, security, and scalability across complex environments.

5. Web developer

Average annual base salary (US): $81,320

Web developers create websites and web applications that enable users to access information and services online. These applications can sometimes interface with systems like MIS to provide functionality such as reporting, data analysis, or internal communication tools. While strong programming skills are essential, web developers also need to understand business processes to effectively design and test the front-end of applications to meet user needs.

Management information systems (MIS) degree

Over 65 percent of MIS professionals hold a bachelor's degree, 18 percent hold a master's degree, and 12 percent hold an associate degree according to Zippia [1]. Common majors include management information system (MIS), computer science, data science, or business.

An MIS degree demonstrates proficiency in information technology and systems, with a focus on applying technology to improve business processes. It equips you with the skills to manage and optimize business and computer information systems, making it an excellent foundation if you enjoy working with computers, technology, and people. The degree can open doors to various career paths in business and technology. Below are some of the key areas you'll study while pursuing an MIS degree.

MIS coursework

In addition to general education courses, you’ll take business-focused classes like macroeconomics and mathematics courses such as calculus. Core courses for aspiring MIS professionals typically include:

• Principles of system theory and application

• Database design and administration

• Object-oriented programming

• Error control and risk management

• Information system design

• Cybersecurity

MIS degree concentrations

An MIS degree can offer specialized concentrations depending on your career goals. For example, if you’re interested in the healthcare industry, you might pursue a concentration in health informatics. Other popular concentrations include project management and cybersecurity, which could lead to careers in computer forensics or IT security.

MIS vs. computer science

Management information systems degrees are often confused with computer science degrees due to similar coursework. Both MIS and computer science degree programs include the study of computer-based information systems. However, MIS degree programs focus more heavily on business database systems, business systems analysis, and administration. Computer science degrees tend to include more programming, hardware, and software systems coursework.

The importance of MIS for businesses

Management information systems provide businesses with accurate data and powerful analytical tools, which they can use to quickly identify opportunities or problems, and make decisions accordingly. A management information system should do the following:

• Provide you with the information you need to make decisions

• Give you a competitive edge by providing timely, accurate information

• Help you improve operational efficiency and productivity

• Allow you to keep track of customer activity and preferences

• Enable you to develop targeted marketing campaigns and improve customer service

Key skills for an MIS career

Because MIS professionals often apply technology to business problems, they need a firm understanding of both areas. Some key job skills you can expect to develop as an MIS professional include analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. You'll also need to be able to communicate effectively with other MIS team members and others who use the system.

The technical skills you'll need include:

• Programming

• Databases, data warehousing techniques, and database administration and management

• Data visualization

• InfoSec expertise

• Information technology essentials like computer networking and software development

• Systems analysis

Essential skills you'll need to develop to advance to management include:  

• Understanding the role of information systems in organizations

• Expertise with various information systems concepts and tools

• Analyzing business problems and identifying potential solutions using information systems

• Designing, implementing, and evaluating information systems solutions for business problems

• An understanding of the ethical, legal, and regulatory implications of information systems

Build job-ready skills with Coursera Plus

Start 7-day free trial

• 
• 
• 
• 

Start 7-day free trial

Management information systems salary and job outlook

As an MIS professional, you can expec to earn a high salary. MIS professionals tend to be some of the highest-paid employees in many organizations. The median annual salary for MIS managers is $171,200, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) [2]. It is also an in-demand field, given that the growth rate is 17 percent (much higher than the average for all jobs) [2].

Benefits of a career in management information systems

Here are some potential benefits of this career path: 

• Demand for trained professionals: The market for management information systems (MIS) professionals will likely grow, driven by trends with the internet of things (IoT), data science practices, artificial intelligence, and other new and emerging technologies.

• Job satisfaction: MIS professionals often report high levels of job satisfaction. The reason for such appeal includes challenging work, an opportunity to use creativity, and a chance to make a significant impact for an organization.

• The opportunity for creativity and innovation: As an MIS professional, you’ll likely have the chance to be creative and innovative. You can develop new ways to use information technology to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of your organization.

• The ability to make an impact: MIS professionals have the ability to make a significant impact on their organizations. If you work in this field, your impact can help improve customer service, increase sales, and reduce costs.

Start or advance your MIS career with Coursera

Explore whether a career in MIS might be a good fit by trying the Information​ ​Systems Specialization from the University of Minnesota. Enroll for free to start building in-demand skills in project management, critical thinking, business analysis, and IT.