by our College Data Analytics TeamIn the latest year, 353 U.S. colleges awarded 12,764 degrees and certificates in Management Information Systems. Bachelor’s degrees are the most popular award, at 65% of graduates. College Factual ranks 163 schools in its 2027 Best Management Information Systems Schools ranking and compares their cost in a Best Value ranking. Graduates earn a median $67,697 one year after completing, rising to $88,622 after four years.
Information systems are used in every business. They collect, process, filter, and create data that the organization uses internally. Whether it is to keep track of inventory or manage an employee's status and salary, these information systems are critical to the success of businesses.
The study of Management Information Systems (MIS) educates students on the networks, software and hardware of these systems. Students will be prepared to manage these systems for processing and retrieving internal business information.
There are two concentrations within this major; they include Information Resources Management and Knowledge Management. While studying this major, you will be taking various courses; they include emerging technologies, networks and telecommunication, financial information systems, data base design, and ecommerce. These classes will help you understand the functions for these Information Systems and how they are used in business.
A degree in Management Information Systems involves the study of Management Information Systems And Services.
Source: IPEDS 2025; College Scorecard July 2026; BLS; O*NET; College Factual rankings 2027. Data as of: July 2026.
Nationwide, management information systems is a popular field of study, with 12,764 degrees awarded annually. 353 colleges award management information systems degrees, an average of 36 graduates per school; the largest program awarded 1,926.
By level, the 12,764 awards include 66 certificates, 748 associate degrees, 8,297 bachelor’s degrees, 3,590 master’s degrees and 9 doctorates.
Women earned 34% of management information systems degrees and certificates in the latest year (4,289 of 12,764). The largest groups of graduates by race and ethnicity are White (5,594) and Hispanic or Latino (1,843), and international students earned 581.
College Factual ranks 163 schools in its 2027 Best Management Information Systems Schools ranking, including 16 for associate degrees, 115 for bachelor’s degrees and 27 for master’s degrees. It also ranks management information systems schools within 44 states. In all, 353 colleges offer management information systems programs; compare them by degree level below or in the Best Value Management Information Systems Colleges ranking, which weighs quality against cost.
The most common management information systems credential is the bachelor’s degree: 8,297 of the 12,764 awarded in the latest year. Jobs related to management information systems call most for Reading Comprehension, Speaking and Critical Thinking, and for knowledge of Computers and Electronics, Education and Training and English Language, according to O*NET. The most important abilities are Oral Comprehension, Oral Expression and Written Comprehension.
If you are interested in technology, this major is for you. You will constantly be working with databases and computers. You will spend long hours developing and debugging programs; tasks that require patience and focus.
In this essential business role, you will serve as the bridge between people and technology. Efficient communication will aid you greatly. Work on your speaking and writing skills in college so you will be able to effectively explain technological issues to the average person.
Top skills, rated 0–5:
Top knowledge areas, rated 0–5:
How long a management information systems degree takes:
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 66 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 748 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 8,297 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 3,590 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 9 |
Master’s degree is the most common level of education among workers in jobs related to management information systems, at 39.9%.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Master’s degree | 39.9% |
| Doctoral degree | 34.0% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 23.1% |
| Some college courses | 1.1% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 0.9% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 0.5% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 0.3% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 0.1% |
Source: O*NET Online.
5 occupations are related to Management Information Systems, with an average median salary of $117,307; the strongest outlook belongs to Computer Programmers, at 11.7% projected job growth. Typical job titles include Computer Science Instructor, Adjunct Instructor, Computer Applications Instructor and Assistant Professor.
With a degree in Management Information Systems graduates can enter into a few different careers. Some of the job titles graduates achieve are Computer Systems Analyst, Database Administrator, Computer and Information Systems Manager, and Network Systems and Data Communications Analyst. These professionals help businesses with their systems and assist managers and employees to understand them.
The occupation related to management information systems with the most projected jobs is Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary, at 1,328,652.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary | 1,328,652 | -4.2% |
| Computer Programmers | 666,800 | 11.7% |
| Database Architects | 335,771 | 4.3% |
| Data Warehousing Specialists | 113,258 | 3.9% |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | 58,841 | 10.2% |
Management Information Systems graduates earn a median $67,697 one year after completing their program, $88,622 after four years and $85,648 after five years, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $67,697 |
| 4 years | $88,622 |
| 5 years | $85,648 |
Source: College Scorecard.
The highest-paying occupation related to management information systems is Computer and Information Systems Managers, with a median salary of $175,079.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | $175,079 |
| Database Architects | $148,480 |
| Data Warehousing Specialists | $117,424 |
| Computer Programmers | $109,892 |
| Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $35,659 |
Management Information Systems includes 4 concentrations that together award 12,764 degrees a year; by graduates, the largest are Management Information Systems, General (10,593), Information Resources Management (1,533) and Management Information Systems and Services, Other (402). It has 21 similar majors in the Business, Management & Marketing field, which together award 871,385 degrees a year; the largest are Business Administration, Management and Operations (421,752), Accounting and Related Services (86,793) and Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (68,298). Browse all Business, Management & Marketing majors or the full list of college majors.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Management Information Systems, General | 10,593 |
| Information Resources Management | 1,533 |
| Management Information Systems and Services, Other | 402 |
| Knowledge Management | 236 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | 421,752 |
| Accounting and Related Services | 86,793 |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods | 68,298 |
| Business/Commerce, General | 61,663 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | 60,422 |
| Marketing | 56,635 |
| Human Resources Management and Services | 27,822 |
| Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations | 15,088 |
| Business Operations Support and Assistant Services | 14,895 |
| Hospitality Administration/Management | 13,200 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
