An MBA in Information Manager is designed to give graduates top managerial positions focusing specifically on information technology and management while at the same time creating truly successful business leaders. Graduates understand the link between innovative information design and business processes and use this knowledge to drive financial, strategic and administrative functions.
What We Do
A graduate of an MBA in Information Management focuses on management and business concepts, specifically on the management of information. Graduates have various skills that allow them to be effective leaders. They organize and manage information systems effectively, they understand networks and computers, they manage employees, they write organizations, they plan finances and have a great understanding of database management systems and more.
Furthermore, they are well-versed in gathering and storing information across various databases, while at the same time understanding how this information can be used to the benefit of the business they work for. There is also a strong focus on information security, as well as on writing strategies for the overall business.
Why It’s Hot
One of the main reasons why people initially get interested in this degree is due to the salary. Someone who works as an Information Systems Manager could earn between $64,003 and $103,470 per year. A Health Information Manager could earn between $55,066 and $129,500 per year. Finally, a Management Information Systems Director could earn between $73,915 and $108,176 per year.
While the promise of a six figure income certainly makes the career interesting, there is more to it as well. The demand for these professionals is rising rapidly. This is because increasing amounts of data are now kept on computer databases. At the same time, the skills and knowledge of cyber attackers is increasing as well. As a result, having someone in place who is able to allow a business to enjoy the benefits of information technology while staving away the dangers is vital.
Work Environment
Most graduates of an MBA in Information Management course will work in an office behind a desk. The size and luxury of their office will depend on the size of the organization they work for. It is also likely that you will spend a lot of time in server rooms. Furthermore, most graduates attend frequent meetings in which they either network with other professionals or educate people in their own teams and organizations.
How to Do It
In order to enroll in an MBA in Information Management, you should first complete a four year bachelor’s degree. This does not have to be a degree in business, but it is likely that you will have to complete undergraduate courses in a business related field, including management theory and business law. Your GPA will be very important and most universities will require a GPA of at least 2.7. They will also ask you to take the GMAT exam to prove you are ready to start business school. Furthermore, you will usually have to present letters of reference, a full professional resume and a statement of intention. Admissions are incredibly competitive and it is recommended that you apply for a number of different schools in order to increase your chances of being accepted.
You can choose to study either on campus or online. One on campus option you may want to consider is the Information Management MBA offered by the University of Texas at Austin McCombs School of Business, which creates true business leaders in the field of IT.
MBA in Information Management Online
Many students prefer to study online. This is in part due to the fact that it means they can continue to work alongside their studies, immediately applying their new knowledge to their career, but also because it means they are less bound by their geographical location.
- *Online MBA in Information Technology Management – Southern New Hampshire University – This degree prepares graduates who want to work in digital commerce, IT management, telecommunications and eBusiness. It is a highly relevant program to today’s market.
- *Online Master of Business Administration Information Technology Management – Western Governors University – Graduates from this particularly program are in high demand in the workforce. It is designed for current IT professionals. While the program is delivered online, students do have to commit 15 hours a week to their studies. There is No GMAT required for this Online MBA program.
- MBA Information Management – Online – Robert Gordon University Aberdeen – This program in Scotland, United Kingdom, is an 8 semester program that is delivered fully online. It is a great opportunity to build up international contacts.
- Information Management Online MBA Program – Grantham University – This is a specialized degree that prepares graduates who are able to focus on emerging technologies. It is delivered 100% online, befitting to a program that focuses on information technology.
- Online MBA in Technology Management – SUNY Polytechnic Institute – This degree program is very broad and touches on almost all elements of business administration with a focus on technology. The program uses state of the art techniques to prepare its students with real world experiences.
- Online MBA Information Technology Management – Florida Institute of Technology – This university prides itself on delivering high tech eduction while keeping a human touch. The course includes a capstone project for completion.
- Online MBA Information Management – University of Wales Trinity Saint David – This university in Wales, United Kingdom, offers a fantastic online MBA program. It is a great opportunity to gain information and knowledge from across the pond.
- Online MBA with a Concentration in Management Information Systems – Wilmington University – This concentration comes with two program competencies. The first is to demonstrate skills in making decisions on IT strategies, focusing on design, modeling and analysis. The second competency is on knowing what type of networking and communication systems exist, thereby meeting the various internal IT strategies.
- Online MBA Information Manager – Robert Gordon University – This is a highly challenging program that delivers high quality graduates who are in demand all over the world.
- MS/MBA Information Management – UT Dallas – This university offers programs in various formats and in various concentrations to serve the needs of all MBA students. UT Dallas is featured in our America’s Best Online MBA rankings report for 2017.
Pros & Cons
Completing an MBA in any concentration is a big commitment and you need to weigh the pros and cons before deciding whether or not it is for you.
Pros:
- Your career will be able to progress to whole new levels.
- You will be able to build an interesting professional network, both during your degree and afterwards.
- You could switch careers if you choose to.
- It is an opportunity to develop yourself and take pride in your own skills, something that will also be reflected in the professional respect you will get.
- You will have expert managerial skills that can serve you in all aspects of your life.
Cons:
- It is a costly program, both in terms of time and money.
- The responsibilities of the job are significant and if something does go wrong, it will be on your shoulders.
- Hours can be long and the chance of burnout is high.
Financial Aid
- The University of Texas at Austin offers a number of scholarships for their students.
- Grantham University has a range of available scholarships for its students.
- Western Governors University offers various scholarships as they want to make education affordable for their students.
- Southern New Hampshire University offers scholarships, grants and various other forms of financial aid.
- SUNY Polytechnic Institute offers financial aid to its students.
Career Paths
- Information Systems Manager. You will control the full information systems within the organization you work for. Your role is vital in terms of implementing new technology and managing the available information. If you work for a very large organization, you are likely to delegate much of your work to other senior managers who you will supervise. In a smaller organization, however, you may have a far more hands-on role. Generally speaking, you will have to create, coordinate, implement and review new plans, as well as being at the forefront of any new research in relation to computers for your business. You will also be responsible for determining what the goals and needs of a business are and how these can best be met.
- Chief Information Officer. In this very important position, you are the most senior person in the organization that is responsible for information technology and the computer systems that support company goals. The CIO has to make critical decisions about the purchase of IT equipment from suppliers and the creation of many new systems. So, they are responsible to direct and lead the employees in their organization or department. It is very important that you have an excellent grasp of cutting edge technology, as well as possess excellent organizational skills. As CIO, you also will need to map out the entire information technology structure of your organization.
- Health Information Manager: Here, you will maintain and document the patient records within a healthcare organization. You will be responsible for maintaining the accuracy of the data. You will usually work alongside physicians and other clinical staff so that information is recorded properly and is maintained in a proper manner, as it is often very sensitive. You will also hold decision-making powers in terms of information security and how data is maintained, while at the same time being charged by meeting all the national standards for health information.
- Systems Analyst. You will be responsible for designing and optimizing the business computer systems and technology infrastructure for your organization or department. You will study all of the computer systems in your organization, as well as procedures and design information systems solutions to aid the company to operate in the most efficient way possible. Overall, you will bring together business and IT together as you understand the limitations and needs of both entities. You will need to use data modeling and other techniques to design the best computer systems for your organization.
- Management Information Systems Director. You will oversee the various computing resources available in your company. You will usually work together with the Chief Information Officer, helping to develop and direct the resources a company has in terms of collecting data, as well as focusing on the security of said data. Your role is critical in terms of keeping sensitive data available yet secure. You will also oversee various IT departments in the organization and ensure all performance standards are being met. Finally, you will continuously keep up to date with new developments in technology and implement these if applicable.
- Data Processing Manager. To keep your organization as profitable and productive as possible, you will plan, supervise and coordinate activities that are involved with software applications and information systems. You will find that this type of position is available in many industries including manufacturing, healthcare delivery, financial services, education and much more. With an MBA in IT, you will have a good understanding of not only the technological aspects of data, but also how to use that data effectively in a business capacity, in terms of maximizing efficiency and profits.
- Chief Technology Officer. As the lead technology executive in your organization, you will set up the IT and technical vision of your company. This role means that you will oversee all aspects of how technology is used and developed in your firm. Also, many chief technology officers oversee R&D and work on many types of technology projects. Some of these projects involve how to work with plants and facilities abroad in the most efficient way possible.
Further Reading
- Princeton Review’s Overview on Management Information Systems
- U.S. News’ Best Information Management & Technology Programs
- Health Data Management
- Information Management – Big Data in Practice
- IBM Data & Analytics Hub
Suggested Websites
Six websites with helpful resources for those working in field relevant to an MBA in Information Management
