MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS PROGRAM

Management Information Systems (MIS) is a field of study that offers great excitement, vast opportunities for lifelong learning, and a chance to be at the leading edge of the tremendous changes in our world.  The Department of Computer & Information Technology offers both a major and a minor in MIS, as well as coursework for the College of Business minor in eCommerce.  In addition, we now offer a Master of Science degree in Information Systems & eCommerce.

MIS majors are equipped to deal with the successful implementation of technology in business. Whereas computer science majors focus on theoretical aspects of software, its efficient development, and its subsequent implementation, the MIS major must consider all of the five components of an information system: hardware, software, people, data, and procedures.

The Bachelor of Science degree in MIS is built upon a well-rounded core based on coursework in programming, databases, and networking and then capped by a course in systems development.  Beyond the MIS core, students tailor their curricula to individual needs.  Thus a student can choose (a) to develop a strength in networking and telecommunications; (b) to become adept at programming, including website design & development; (c) to specialize in database applications; (d) to emphasize coursework leading to the mastery of various operations technology capabilities; or (e) to pursue a general curriculum with advanced courses in several areas.  (It may interest you to know also that, if you already have industry experience and have attained one or more certifications,  we accept a number of certifications as credit for courses in our curriculum.)

Students pursuing coursework in networking will typically take positions developing, maintaining, and/or supervising of the networking capabilities of their organizations' computer systems.  Our operations technology coursework is designed to develop integrated skills whereby students understand core MIS functions as well as the conceptual foundations, quantitative methods, and specific technologies used in the management of operations and the supply chain.  Students focusing on programming will be responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining the application programs and websites necessary for their organizations to operate.  Database coursework is intended to prepare students for careers as database administrators, data architects, and other specialists who plan for and implement means of meeting organizational data needs.  Beyond the entry level, all paths to the MIS degree are intended to prepare students ultimately for IT leadership responsibilities such as those inherent to IT managers, systems analysts, and chief information officers (CIOs).

Regardless of your specific area of interest, the number of jobs in the information technology field is growing, and now is the time to "get in on the action."  Major in MIS and increase your technical skills while staying on the cutting edge of the times and learning how the computer is used to help businesses become more profitable and effective.

If you're interested in an outstanding MIS internship opportunity, consider the Cardinal Health / Virtual Internship Program (VIP).  Please check with Professor Paula Ruby for information about the VIP.

Requirements for a Major in Management Information Systems¹ 

GENERAL EDUCATION and BUSINESS CORE (82-88 Hours)

¹2003-2004 Catalog (previous degree plans also available)

MIS Core Courses (15 hours):

• To be taken during the sophomore year
  • Choice MIS or CS programming course such as:
    • MIS 2033, Visual BASIC Programming *
    • CS 2172 and 2171, Introduction to Programming
    • CS 2182 and 2181, Structured Programming I
  • MIS 2523, Networking Technologies*
• To be taken during the junior year
  • MIS 3403, Database Management
  • MIS 3623, LAN Administration *
• To be taken during the senior year or second semester of the junior year
  • MIS 3603, Systems Analysis and Design; the MIS capstone course

International Business Course (3 hours):  Select one of the following

• IB 3813, International Financial Management
• IB 4103, International Trade
• IB 4133, International Law
• MGMT 4123, International Management
• MKTG 4113, International Marketing

Emphasis Area Courses (12 hours):  Any four Jr/Sr MIS or CS courses

• Networking track -- one possible sequence: 
  • MIS 4103, Advanced LAN Administration *
  • MIS 4653,  Automated Data Capture
  • MIS 4823, LAN Design *
  • MIS 4883, MIS Internship (networking project)
    
    
• Software development track -- one possible sequence:
  • MIS 3273, Modern Programming Languages (COBOL; maintenance focus)
  • MIS 3353, Web Site Development
  • MIS 3303, Interactive Programming (Java; requires CS 2172 & 2171 as prerequisite)
  • CS 3363, Data Structures (requires CS 2193 as prerequisite)
    
    
• Data management track -- one possible sequence:
  • MIS 3413, Advanced Database Concepts
  • MIS 3353, Web Site Development
  • MIS 4653,  Automated Data Capture
  • MIS 4883, MIS Internship (database project)
    
    
• Operations technology track -- one possible sequence:
  • MIS 4053, Information Resources Management
  • QM  4613, Operations Planning and Control Systems
  • MIS 4653,  Automated Data Capture
  • MIS 4823, LAN Design

Other Specifications:

Refer also to Summary of Degree Requirements (aka, the "fine print") for BS degrees in Business

TOTAL HOURS FOR DEGREE -- 126 Semester Credit Hours

Requirements for a Minor in Management Information Systems

• Choice MIS or CS programming course such as:
  • MIS 2033, Visual BASIC Programming *
  • CS 2172 and 2171, Intro to Structured Programming
• MIS 2523, Telecommunications Management *
• MIS 3013, Management Information Systems
• MIS 3403, Introduction to Database Management
• MIS 3603, Systems Analysis and Design
• MIS 3623, LAN Administration *

*Note:  certification may be used to replace certain courses

Please submit any comments, corrections, etc. about this document to John Seydel
(Last updated on Thursday, May 10, 2007)

ASU College of Business