Management Information Systems Bachelor’s Degree Program
Designed for students interested in management of information systems and technology, our MIS BBA degree offers a challenging program of study with a business focus and global perspective. Through a combination of computer information systems and business courses, you’ll learn cutting-edge programming and networking techniques, as well as how to apply knowledge and theory, to solve problems in information technology and enhance businesses.
One of the first programs in the country to offer online courses in information technology and computer information systems, we have a long-standing tradition of excellence and hold our students and faculty to the highest standards. This degree also offers a Cybersecurity Certificate as well as an accelerated MS program.
If you’re interested in focusing on the application of technology rather than the management of information systems, learn more about our Bachelor of Science (BS) in Computer Information Systems.
What is Management Information Systems?
Management information systems is often used interchangeably with management information systems and information technology. A CIS or MIS degree program not only teaches you skills you need for a career with technology but also how to apply those skills in a business setting. As a CIS or IT professional, you will manage computer-related activities in an organization by establishing information technology goals and implementing computer systems to meet those goals. The need for computer information systems managers will increase as businesses continue to move to digital platforms.
At Tarleton, our BBA in Management Information Systems is housed in the Dr. Sam Pack College of Business, which adds context to our coursework and research. We are a technical program, but we emphasize developing solutions for real-world problems that organizations might face for a greater business focus than the traditional computer science or IT degree.
What Can You Do With Your Bachelor’s Degree in Management Information Systems?
The specialized discipline of computer information systems offers diverse career opportunities in any business or technology-related field, especially management information systems and information technology. In the growing and flourishing IT job market, you could use your skills in building and designing software solutions to work for business, government agencies and nonprofit organizations in roles such as:
- Database Administrator
- Computer Support Specialist or Help Desk Technician
- Network Analyst or Systems Engineer
- Application Analyst or Architect
- Computer Programmer or IT Specialist
- Operational Risk Manager
- Website Manager or Web Developer
- Bank Network or Cost Control Analyst
- School Technology Director
- Information Systems Planning Manager
Estimated Completion
120 Credit Hours (4 years)
Application Process
Cost
Locations Available
1Admission to some outreach locations, excluding select programs in Fort Worth, requires a minimum of 24 transferable credit hours, a 2.0 GPA and that a student be TSI complete.
College
Additional Certificate
For additional knowledge, skills and training, you may be interested in graduate school programs, such as Tarleton’s MS in Information Systems degree.
How Much Do Management Information Systems Graduates Make?
The average starting salary for Tarleton management information systems majors with a BBA is over $50,000 per year.
Why Major in Management Information Systems?
We offer hands-on learning and practice using technology to solve business problems through coursework, internships, study abroad, service learning, research and more.
Internships provide relevant, in-depth work experience for quality learning beyond the classroom. Internships may be paid or unpaid and may lead to full-time jobs and careers in technology after graduation. Course credit may be earned for qualifying internships. Students have completed internships with Tarleton Information Technology Services, Lockheed-Martin, NASA, AT&T, TechnipFMC, Texas Health Resources, Ben E. Keith, Baylor Scott & White Health and many more.
We take MIS majors to regional and national competitions with other universities, technology professional meetings and regional academic conferences for a variety of applied learning experiences. We also work with undergraduate students on research projects that often lead to journal publication and student presentations at Tarleton, PATHWAYS (a Texas A&M University System research conference), regional conferences and practitioner meetings.
We stay current in a constantly changing field of computer information systems and information technology and share our practical work experience in the classroom. With diverse interests and a passion for teaching, we offer high-quality instruction face to face, as well as online, and work individually with students on research projects. Past student projects have focused on different aspects of information technology security, refinement of the systems development lifecycle and the application of agile methods to applied projects.
What Classes Will You Take as a Management Information Systems Major?
Start classes with a solid foundation in business, then advance to specialized courses in technology. Through the program course work, you’ll analyze existing computer programs and discover ways to enhance them. Explore topics in systems analysis, web development and design, C# programming, data communications, network and security, database theory and practice, management information systems and more.
The curriculum is designed for more than just course content, though. You’ll have meaningful, relevant discussions that will help you prepare for careers with technology.
View all required classes for the management information systems bachelor’s degree.
Certificate in Cybersecurity
The BAAS-IT, BBA-MIS, and BS-CIS all include the opportunity for students to pursue an additional certificate in the field of cybersecurity during their studies at Tarleton State University. Work with your COB Academic Adviser to take advantage of this opportunity.
Included coursework:
| Class | Number | Class Name |
|---|---|---|
| BCIS | 4320 | Computer Forensics |
| BCIS | 4342 | Ethical Hacking & Network Defense |
| BCIS | 5345 | Network & Systems Security |
| CRIJ | 3315 | Rules of Criminal Evidence |
| CRIJ | 4353 | Global Cyber-Security |
The CIS side will prepare individuals to secure both computer systems and networks, as well as develop business security strategies. The courses utilize hands-on labs and include the use of current security, forensic, and penetration testing software. The student will also be preparing to take the CompTIA Security+ certification exam. The CJ side will prepare the student to recognize, gather, and report electronic evidence for analysis of security breaches, criminal or civil investigations, and any other legal or company procedural purpose.
Accelerated Program
The MS-Information Systems includes an accelerated option, allowing undergraduate students to begin their graduate studies early and shortening their time to graduation. Interested students should identify their interest in pursuing this option early in their program and work with their Academic Adviser to select the appropriate degree plan options:
- BS-CIS: Accelerated CIS/MS Information Systems
- BAAS-IT: Accelerated IT/MS Information Technology
- BBA-MIS: Accelerated MIS/MS Information Systems
Students in their final undergraduate semester, should work with the COB Graduate Manager to complete the Graduate Student Provisional Form, enabling them to register for their graduate classes. Students who choose the accelerated option will, in their final semester, take BCIS 5311 plus an additional BCIS graduate elective, to serve as undergraduate electives and also begin work towards their graduate studies. Students should also complete their application to the College of Graduate Studies during their final semester in preparation for admittance into the graduate program.
Accreditations
- The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
“I had the opportunity to learn about Photoshop, learn about JavaScript, and HTML. That actually helped me, because after I graduated, I was accepted as a course developer. Now I can design courses and assist professors with making their courses engaging.”
Tarleton CIS Major, Sangeeta Jina
How Do You Get Started on Your Bachelor’s Degree in Management Information Systems?
Take the next step toward earning your bachelor’s degree in management information systems. We have the resources to help you get started.
Join student clubs and professional organizations for educational and social activities, including competitions, service leadership, career development, networking and fundraising. For example, MIS majors can join the Association of Information Technology Professionals, the Fort Worth Chapter of the Information Systems Security Association and the Dallas Hackers Association.
By extension, the accredited Dr. Sam Pack College of Business offers MIS majors meaningful engagement with the business community, an entrepreneurial mindset to develop innovative and creative decisionmakers, global perspective in better understanding the interconnected business environment, educational programming such as Executives in Residence and job fairs.
Our BBA degree in Management Information Systems is designated a STEM program as defined by the Department of Homeland Security. For international students with F-1 visas, this means you can remain in the United States after graduation for an additional 24 months under the optional practical training STEM extension.
What Bachelor’s Degrees are Related to Computer Information Systems?
- BS in Computer Information Systems
- BAAS in Information Technology
- BBA in Management
- BBA in Accounting
- BS in Computer Science