Online Information Systems MBA Degree + Best AACSB No GMAT Options!

An MBA in Information Systems combines the business administration elements of an MBA with the technical courses of information systems. Graduates are ready to take on executive positions, including leading businesses or becoming entrepreneurs.

What We Do

Someone with an MBA in Information Systems is able to manage the organizational and informational systems that companies and organizations across the spectrum use. Essentially, they are responsible for increasing the technical efficiency of organizations. They do this by first assessing the information systems that are there, after which they make recommendations for improvement. They are also responsible for implementing and monitoring these improvements. Graduates deal with programming language, information systems, coding, networking, and many more. They often develop new eCommerce database applications, Java programs, administrative databases, and more. Additionally, they make recommendations for any IT outsourcing that may benefit a business.

Why It’s Hot

One of the main reasons why people want to enter this line of work is because of the fantastic salary. A Chief Technology Officer could earn between $99,192 and $197,155 per year. An Information Systems Manager can earn between $64,003 and $103,470. An IT Manager can earn between $67,172 and $111,158.

Work Environment

Those with an MBA in Information Systems will largely work in offices. They do, however, tend to circulate throughout the floors of the organization they work for, as their work applies to each department and each team. Additionally, they will spend a lot of time in meetings.

How to Do It

If you want to enroll in an MBA with Information Systems specialization, you will first have to complete an accredited bachelor’s degree. It is not vital to have a business bachelor’s, but it is recommended. Without one, you may have to complete a number of foundation courses as well. Furthermore, you are likely to have to have a GPA of at least 2.7 or to submit results from your GMAT exam. Admission is highly competitive and you will usually also have to submit letters of references, a resume and a statement of intention. It is because of this competitiveness that it is recommended that you apply for a number of different schools in order to increase your chances of being admitted.

You can choose an on campus or an online program. One excellent on campus program is the MBA/Master of Science in Management of Information Systems offered by the University of Pittsburgh. This is a dual degree that can be completed in as little as 20 months.

Featured Programs:

MBA in Information Systems Online

More and more students are choosing to study online. This is a great opportunity to be able to earn a degree without having to stop working. Additionally, it means you are less restricted by your geographical location.

Online MBA in Technology Management – Colorado Technical University – This is a 48 credit hour degree program that includes a capstone project in management. It focuses on IT management, networking and communication, and relational database management systems in particular. CTU is ranked in our America’s Best MBA Online rankings report for 2017. For the second year in a row, CTU’s online Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree programs were ranked among the Best Online Programs by U.S. News and World Report.
MBA: Information Systems Management Concentration – Keller Graduate School of Management of DeVry University – A highly flexible program that can be completed either on campus or online in your own time. The shortest possible time to complete the degree is 32 months.
Online MBA in Information Systems Management – University of Maryland – This is a 54 credit program that can be completed entirely online. Students are supported across various academic goals.
Online MBA Management Information Systems – New Jersey Institute of Technology – This degree is driven by technology while focusing on management. The program can be completed in 48 credits.
Professional MBA Information Systems Specialization – University of Colorado Denver Business School – This is a 48 credit professional MBA that students top up with elective courses in Information Systems.
Master’s of Business Administration MIS – Tennessee Tech University – This program consists of 21 hours in core courses and 9 hours of electives in Management Information Systems. The university is proud of the fact that they are ranked as one of the most affordable universities as well.
MBA in Management Information Systems – Concordia University – This school offers business studies that are firmly rooted in Christian traditions, ethics and values. The program is offered 100% online and requires completion of 39 credit hours. The GMAT is not required for this Online MBA degree.
MBA – Management Information Systems Concentration – Dallas Baptist University – This is a 36 credit hour degree program that covers the fundamentals of information systems and all required knowledge on business practices.
MBA Management Information Systems – Northcentral University – This degree focuses on business management and computer systems. It is a 30 credit hour degree program that can be completed fully online.
MBA in Information Systems – Wilmington University – This degree focuses specifically on networking and communication within a business model. Some of the covered topics include data management, IT policy and Strategy, and data networking and communication.

Pros & Cons

There are always advantages and disadvantages to any degree program and career move. As obtaining an MBA in Information Systems is costly both in terms of time and money, it is vital that you are aware of these pros and cons.

Pros:

You can expect to earn a very interesting salary, with six figure incomes very likely.
Because many positions only require a bachelor’s degree, you will immediately gain greater professional standing by holding an MBA.
Job prospects are very good as the world of IT is becoming more and more complex.
Technology exists in all industries and businesses, from charitable organizations to for profit companies, so you can work wherever you like.

Cons:

It can take you a long time to climb the corporate ladder in this field and your advancement possibilities will only be slightly quicker than for someone with a bachelor’s degree.
You can expect to work very long hours, which means that burn out is likely.
While most professionals are committed to their continuous education, the commitment in this line of work has to be extensive, as the world of IT is constantly changing and developing. This will add to the stresses of your job.

Financial Aid

Keller Graduate School of Management of DeVry University offers a range of scholarships for their students.
The University of Pittsburgh offers merit based scholarships to eligible students, as well as various loans.
The University of Colorado Denver offers a number of scholarships specific to MBA students.
Tennessee Tech University offers graduate assistantships, diversity fellowships, scholarships and financial aid to its students.
Dallas Baptist University offers a number of scholarships to their students.

Career Paths

Chief Technology Officer: You will be responsible for the evaluation of new technological developments and come up with ways to implement these. You will be responsible for making sure that new technology can be adopted, aiming at improving the technical issues within the company you work for, as well as their strategic standards. Once you recommend a new tool and it is accepted, you will decide how it should be implemented, as well as monitor the return on investment and performing investment analyses. You will also ensure upper management receives information about these strategies. Finally, you will supervise members of the technology unit, including systems managers.
Information Systems Manager: You will be responsible for the management of information in your organization. Your role is absolutely vital in terms of administrating and implementing technology. If you work for a large organization, you will probably delegate a lot of work to other managers and your responsibility will be to supervise them. Together, you will determine technological needs and decide whether or not they can be implemented.
IT Manager: You will be responsible for the development of schedules, budgets and requirements for the information technology within an organization. Additionally, you will be the coordinator whenever a new project has been developed and has to be implemented. You will work closely with other IT employees in the company, as well as external vendors and consultants. A company’s technological health is dependent on your skills, and it also relies on your expertise to keep information secure.

Suggested Websites

Six websites with helpful resources for those working in field relevant to an MBA in Information Systems

Information Systems MBA Online