20 Most Affordable Master’s in Management Information Systems Online

Updated on June 3, 2021

Powering up computers for affordable online MIS degree programs will connect tech-savvy cohorts to virtual B-school classrooms that sharpen electronic leadership skills without breaking the bank. The management information systems field increasingly has master's or MBA programs online to let professionals keep working full-time while deepening their ability to oversee modern business networks. Post-baccalaureate MIS majors receive a much-appreciated edge over the competition for upper-level jobs where knowing the latest technology innovations is vital. After all, the number of master's graduates has jumped by 34 percent since 2003 with over 1,000 U.S. colleges granting 100+ degrees each year according to the Washington Post. Management information systems expertise is especially prized in today's digital market. In April 2017, the thriving tech world reached 7.3 million jobs nationwide with over 627,000 vacancies on a USA Today report. Whether you're in Silicon Valley or Sarasota, MIS master's online bargains are accessed anywhere for flexible, yet in-depth managerial training.

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Most Affordable Master's in Management Information Systems Online

Which Careers Would Benefit From an Online MIS Degree?

Spending 12 to 36 months on an MIS master's online could create a lifetime of opportunities in lucrative, upper-level technology jobs, and perhaps even undergrad teaching gigs. Management information systems programs prove to employers your advanced networking acumen for maintaining seamless business communication, especially when paired with credentials. For instance, Cisco offers exams for the Certified Network Professional (CCNP) distinction in Routing and Switching, Security, Wireless Networking, Data Center, and Cloud Computing. The Information Systems Audit and Control Association has given the Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) title to over 1,300 leaders who've passed a 150-question, computer-based exam. Let's dig into some common job descriptions where an MIS degree online would be advantageous.

Information Systems Manager- Most MIS master's online graduates fall into the category of information systems manager, CNN Money‘s 13th best job, to pioneer all computer-related decisions for organizational effectiveness. These IT gurus analyze network needs, make hardware upgrades, install new software, justify tech budgets, hire computer support personnel, contract new technologies, re-engineer systems, and secure user data.

Database Administrator- An MIS degree online would train graduates for the supervision and modification of organizations' digital record systems during the Big Data boom. Database administrators analyze archiving accuracy, refine storage policies, control access permissions, develop backup channels, commission new software, supervise data analysts, contribute to business continuity plans, repair bugs, and research emerging technologies.

Information Security Director- According to CSO Online, businesses will foot a monstrous $6 trillion annual bill for cyber attacks by 2021, but putting in preventative measures can save green. Information security directors with online MIS degrees develop safeguards, plan security awareness training, remedy system gaps, address suspected hacker activity, procure anti-virus software, suggest security advancements, and document breaches for police.

Computer Network Architect- Cheap online MIS degree programs integrate the analytical skills needed to make cables your wood and build tech infrastructure. Computer network architects craft telecom blueprints, install equipment like routers, test security strength, upgrade servers, engineer troubleshooting solutions, research upcoming software, negotiate vendor contracts, document disaster recovery plans, and ensure device compatibility.

Chief Technology Officer- Following in the footsteps of America's top-paid CTOs on Computerworld, including Rasmus Norling and Michael Schroepfer, could be easier with MIS master's online training. Chief Technology Officers are C-suite officials who oversee all information systems, develop computer-related policies, perform cost-benefit analysis, set organizational tech goals, streamline networks, assemble IT teams, and exploit new innovations.

How Much Do MIS Master's Online Graduates Makes?

Searching the Internet for cheap online MIS degree programs can ratchet up your salary potential in Forbes‘ eighth most valuable college major. Management information systems grads reap better ROI with income nearly double the mean master's wage of $78,000. The U.S. Department of Labor reports that computer and information systems managers report average earnings of $145,740 yearly, or $70.07 per hour. Securities and commodity brokerages pay the best for a $193,140 mean profit. Network architects snag salaries that average $104,240. Master's-trained database administrators in the upper-90th percentile make $129,930. On Salary.com, IT security directors have a median annual income of $167,022. Other six-figure averages are $122,625 for business intelligence managers, $116,307 for eCommerce managers, $109,936 for IT quality assurance directors, $145,462 for technology research managers, and $231,720 for Chief Technology Officers.

What is the Employment Outlook for MIS Degree Online Programs?

Getting a master's in management information systems online unlocks a bright future in the United States' #1 fastest-growing industry according to Investopedia. Organizations of the 21st-century will unsurprisingly rely on tech wizards to maintain robust, reliable IT networks. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that hiring of information systems managers will speed up by 12 percent for 44,200 new jobs and total employment of 411,800 by 2026. Demand for information research scientists will explode by 19 percent this decade. Approximately 13,700 positions will be created for database administrators for an 11 percent increase. Cybersecurity is perhaps the most needed niche projecting a whopping 10-year growth of 56 percent in the computer systems design industry. CNBC recognized Seattle, Washington DC, Detroit, Denver, and Austin as the best tech cities outside Silicon Valley. Picking an online MIS degree above would provide flexibility to relocate for your dream senior-level job on a budget.

Additional Sources:

Washington PostUSA TodayCollege Navigator

This concludes our ranking of the 20 most affordable online MIS degree programs.

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