Online MBA in Information Systems Degrees
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MBA in Information Systems degree programs prepare graduates to take on management roles in the information technology departments of businesses and other organizations. These professional degrees combine general business course work with specific information systems and technical classes, so that managers may be able to determine a business's IT needs and implement strategies that meet those needs. Information systems MBA graduates may become chief technology officers, project managers, or information systems directors in information technology departments.
Information technology has become such an important part of business that it no longer makes sense for these organizations to leave IT management up to general operations administrators. Instead, they are looking for specially trained information systems managers, who have both business management skills and computer systems expertise. MBA programs in information systems are the practical business degrees designed to train leaders for these important positions.
Students spend the first year of these degrees in general business classes, and the second year completing the degree's technical core. Depending on their professional experience, graduates are prepared to enter a number of information systems management positions; IT managers may be in charge of new technology, overseeing IT projects, hiring IT workers, or distributing computer systems throughout the company.
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What are some of the specializations within this degree program?
- Chief Technology Officers: CTOs are specialized information systems managers who focus on bringing new and innovative technology into their firm. They evaluate the technology and customize it for their company's needs.
- Management Information Systems Directors: These managers supervise a company's IT employees, and ensure that the firm's networks, computer systems, and data communication channels are functioning smoothly.
- Chief Information Officers: These are the head managers in charge of information systems within a business. They manage information systems directors, hire IT workers, and establish a company's information policies.
- IT Project Managers: These managers apply their project management expertise in scheduling, budgeting, and finishing to information technology projects. They assign responsibilities for the project and ensure that it is completed within a reasonable time frame.
What degree levels are available?
- Master's Degree in Business Administration: 2-3 years to complete
What are the educational and certification requirements?
This specialized master's degree in business administration combines general practical business skills with courses in computer science and information technology. These degrees are aimed at business professionals with at least two years of experience, who would like to increase their business knowledge and IT skills through a degree program. Some familiarity with computer programming and information systems is usually necessary for acceptance into the MBA in information systems degree program.
Professional credentials are not required for employment in the IT world, but they can be helpful for career advancement. Both business and IT certifications are pertinent for workers in information systems management positions. Computer product manufacturers are the main organizations offering high-level IT certifications. Oracle, Microsoft, and Cisco all offer very advanced certifications for information systems professionals that require a combination of written tests, practical exams, and in-person interviews. The Project Management Institute offers the Project Management Professional certification, which may be helpful for IT project managers.
What kinds of classes will I be expected to take?
- Data and Electronic Communications: Managing information systems today means managing complex online and electronic databases of information and communication. Students likely already have some experience in this from previous work or study, but they focus on implementing, managing, and coordinating these systems in depth.
- System Design and Implementation: Students study successful database and communication models, and learn strategies for creating their own electronic information systems.
- Wireless Networks: Efficient and technologically-advanced communication systems are critical for competitive businesses in the current corporate economy; students learning to develop and implement wireless networks have valuable knowledge for taking on information systems careers at high level organizations.
- Project Management: Students learn how to implement the information system strategies they design by managing teams of people and and assigning people relevant tasks. Delegating and encouraging high performance are essential skills.
- Web Application Development: Students learn to set up and manage database-driven online formats of information. Students learn current web applications and software and develop their own strategies for maintaining a functioning website.
If I pursue this program online, will I be required to complete any on-site training?
On-site training is required for MBA students in that they almost always must already have some work experience in their field before they can begin their studies. However, MBA students generally work in teams within the classroom to complete mock real-world business assignments and do not have any hands-on technical training outside of the classroom.
What are some other degrees that are related to this program?
Several other graduate programs cover similar coursework to the MBA in information systems program. A master's degree in information technology is likely to cover many of the same information systems and computer science courses, although IT degrees generally require less business-oriented course work. A master's program in business administration with a core of technology courses also has a similar curriculum to the information systems program, and qualifies graduates for similar careers. Certain specialized information systems programs, such as those in healthcare informatics, security, or project management, cover similar course work to the general information systems degree, but have different advanced focuses.
