- What is MIS?
- Why major in MIS?
- Why study MIS at UT?
- Does an MIS minor exist?
- What is the FES major?
- Can you provide more information about job opportunities as an MIS graduate?
- What's the difference between a Computer Science and MIS degree?
- What types of companies hire MIS majors?
- Could the MIS major prepare me to be a chief information officer (CIO) in a company?
- What classes are MIS majors required to take?
- Who can I talk with to learn more about the MIS or FES programs?
- How important is experience in landing your first job?
- How important are professional certifications?
What is MIS? | Back to Top
Management Information Systems (MIS) is a challenging field focused on integrating information technology and organizational processes to meet the needs of businesses and other enterprises. Information technology is viewed as an instrument for generating, processing and distributing information in an organization. While information technologies are the tools of this field, we equip students to be business evaluators, creating efficiency and value within organizations. The MIS major is offered by the Information and Technology Management (ITM) department in the Sykes College of Business.
Why major in MIS? | Back to Top
First, high placement rates. The demand for smart people who understand both business and technology is met by the MIS major. Professionals who understand how to strategically and effectively use information systems in organizations are in high demand.
Second, higher salaries. Today, MIS graduates command very competitive salaries.
Third, job satisfaction. MIS professionals make a significant contribution to the competitiveness and well-being of the organizations in which they work. MIS professionals are intelligent, people-oriented and understand the application of technological systems in the workplace.
Why study MIS at UT? | Back to Top
Besides the fact that The University of Tampa offers a great college atmosphere, UT’s MIS major is accredited by the ABET. ABET is the recognized accreditor of university programs in applied science, computing, engineering and technology promoting quality and innovation in education. Moreover, the MIS program is offered in the Sykes College of Business, a ranked AACSB-accredited business school.
Does an MIS minor exist? | Back to Top
Yes. An MIS minor is an excellent complement and job prospect boost to many majors offered across the University.
What is the FES Major? | Back to Top
The ITM department offers a major called Financial Enterprise Systems. Students majoring in FES receive a comprehensive education in integrative business processes, finance, information systems and technology.
Can you provide more information about job opportunities as an MIS graduate? | Back to Top
Five of the top 30 fastest-growing occupations through 2016 are related to computer-based information systems, according to employment projections published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Moreover, the information technology field is expected to grow faster than the average for all related occupations.
Many different types of jobs are open to MIS majors. One common job title is information systems manager, often called information technology managers (IT managers or IT project managers). These technology leaders plan, coordinate and direct computer-related activities in an organization. They help determine the IT goals of an organization and implement solutions to meet those goals. Salary and job growth projections from the BLS can be found on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics website.
Other common job titles include information systems analysts, business process engineer, information security manager, business intelligence specialist, software developer, web developer, database administrator and network architect. Salary and job growth projections from the BLS.
Payscale.com offers an annual list of starting and average salaries for most college majors.
What’s the difference between a Computer Science and MIS degree? | Back to Start
Computer Science (CS) programs focus on the theoretical side of computers, data structures, networks and coding. CS programs are typically offered in science and engineering colleges at universities whereas Management Information Systems (MIS) programs are offered in business colleges. MIS focuses on the information and systems needed to manage organizations efficiently and effectively. MIS professionals must be tech-savvy, people-orientated and business smart to be fully successful in today’s competitive environment. At UT, we only offer the MIS degree.
What types of companies hire MIS majors? | Back to Top
In addition to pure IT companies like Google, Microsoft and Apple, nearly every Fortune 1000 and medium-size business regardless of industry hires MIS professionals. Governments as well as nonprofit organizations, such as in healthcare, also hire MIS pros. The University of Tampa’s Office of Career Services posts many job opportunities for MIS majors at Hire UT.
Could the MIS major prepare me to be a chief information officer (CIO) in a company? | Back to Top
Yes, a CIO or chief technology officer (CTO) is the most senior executive in an enterprise responsible for the information technology and systems that support organizational goals. The MIS major is ideal for preparing someone for this position if that is a professional goal.
What classes are MIS majors required to take? | Back to Top
More information about the MIS major and required classes can be found in the UT catalog.
Who can I talk with to learn more about the MIS or FES programs? | Back to Top
Please feel free to contact any faculty member in the ITM Department or the chairman, Farouq Alhourani, at falhourani@ut.edu.
How important is experience in landing your first job? | Back to Top
Gaining relevant experience in the IT field is strongly recommended during the college years. At UT, we have an internship program that helps students earn valuable working experience. Generally speaking, college graduates with experience have a competitive edge over those who do not – which is true with all fields, not just with IT.
How important are professional certifications? | Back to Top
Like work experience, earning certifications in IT gives college graduates a competitive edge in the job market. At UT, we give students the opportunity to earn several certifications. During the senior year, all MIS majors take the Information Systems Analyst (ISA) certification exam. Also, we offer the TERP10 Academy, which provides intensive training to become a SAP Certified Business Associate. Some students take special classes dedicated to passing rigorous exams such as the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) exam. During the MIS program, students learn about the various certifications available in the field and are encouraged to pursue those that are consistent with professional goals
