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Management Information Systems

College of Business

	QUICK JUMP
	Management Information Systems
	Requirements and Core Courses
	Careers in Management Information Systems
	Salaries
	Suggested Strengths, Interests, and Preparation
	Scholarships and Financial Aid
	Internships and Career Placements
	Campus Organizations and Activities
	Related Fields of Study That Might Interest You
	Contact Information

Management Information Systems

Management information systems (MIS) is a field devoted to the development, maintenance, management, and study of computer-based information systems in organizations. Management information systems professionals analyze business processes, and then design, develop, implement and manage the information systems that support organizational needs. In contrast to the more technical areas of engineering or computer science, MIS professionals spend less time behind a computer screen, and more time with people helping them integrate information technology solutions and business processes to efficiently and effectively meet the information needs of their businesses. • Offered at WSU: Bachelor of arts in business administration with a major in MIS, minor, master of business administration specialization, doctorate concentration • Available at: Pullman, Tri-Cities (minor and M.B.A. only), Vancouver (minor and B.A. only), Distance Degree Programs (B.A.)

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Requirements and Core Courses

—Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with a Major in Management Information Systems REQUIREMENTS FOR JOINING PROGRAM After taking 60 credit hours, completing 10 specified courses (Econ 101 and 102, Engl 101, Acctg 230 and 231, B Law 210, MgtOp 215, Math 201 and 202, MIS 250), and earning a 2.5 GPA, students can certify into a specific major within business, such as MIS. • NOTE: Certification is required for enrollment in all 300- and 400-level business courses. REQUIRED BUSINESS COURSES In addition to University general education requirements, MIS students must take: Econ 101—Fundamentals of Microeconomics Econ 102—Fundamentals of Macroeconomics Engl 101—Introduction to Writing Acctg 230—Introduction to Financial Accounting Acctg 231—Introduction to Managerial Accounting B Law 210—Law and the Legal Environment of Business MgtOp 215—Statistics Math 201—Intro to Finite Mathematics for Business and Economics Math 202—Intro to Mathematical Analysis for Business and Economics MIS 250—Managing Information Technology MgtOp 340—Operations Management Fin 325—Finance MgtOp 301—Principles of Management and Organization Mktg 360—Marketing Engl 402—Technical and Professional Writing      or 403—Technical and Professional Writing ESL MgtOp 491—Business Strategy and Policy      or MgtOp 492—Small Business Policy Any [C] ComSt or HD class Any three-credit Pol S class Any [D, S] Soc or Psych class Key to General Education Requirement (GER) course symbols: [C] = satisfies GER for Tier II communication proficiency [D, S, or K] = satisfies GER for American diversity, social sciences, or intercultural studies REQUIRED MIS COURSES MIS 171—Web Technologies and Innovation MIS 271—Intermediate Business Programming MIS 322[M]—Systems Analysis and Design MIS 325—Enterprise Business Programming MIS 372[M]—Data Management MIS 374—Information Technology Infrastructure MIS 375—Global E-Commerce or MIS 426—Emerging Technologies MIS 420—Business Intelligence MIS 448—Global IS Project Management NOTE: Students should consult the General Catalog for course planning and must meet course requirements as outlined in the General Catalog in order to graduate.

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Careers in Management Information Systems

As an MIS professional, you can work anywhere in the world for any kind of organization. You can choose from fields such as consulting, public accounting, information technology, aerospace, e-commerce, insurance, energy, and security. Graduates build successful careers as consultants, business analysts, systems analysts, technology and risk assurance auditors, network and systems administrators, project managers, and computer training and support personnel. The U.S. Department of Labor forecasts that employment of information systems managers is expected to increase 36 percent or more through 2012. America’s CareerInfoNet (www.acinet.org) reports that 7 of the 10 fastest growing occupations requiring a bachelor’s degree or higher are computer related, emphasizing the value of the skills provided by the MIS program at WSU. Many of WSU's graduates seek positions in the Northwest, although some accept jobs throughout the world. Employers who have hired graduates from the MIS program include Andersen Consulting, AT&T Wireless, Boeing, Eddie Bauer, Hewlett Packard, IBM, Intel Corp., Itron, Microsoft, Motorola, Principal Financial Group, SAFECO, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Bank, U.S. West, and Weyerhaeuser.

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Salaries

• MIS graduates from WSU earn high starting salaries. Annual starting salaries are now around $50,000 for accomplished students. Many MIS graduates receive signing bonuses and stock options due to the demand for educated high-tech workers in this area. • Graduates from the M.B.A. program who emphasize MIS can get starting annual salaries between $50,000 to $80,000, depending on their prior work experience. • Graduates from the Ph.D. program with a concentration in MIS can expect to earn $85,000 to $130,000 per academic year.

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Suggested Strengths, Interests, and Preparation

Consider MIS as a major if you: • Like working with people • Are a good communicator • Enjoy leadership positions • Are interested in technology • Enjoy analyzing and solving problems • Want great job and internship opportunities • Want an incredibly flexible career in which you can work almost anywhere in a variety of occupations.

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Scholarships and Financial Aid

MIS students may be eligible for many scholarships through the College of Business. For further information, see the College of Business scholarships Web page. Students may also apply for state, federal, and university-sponsored financial assistance and scholarships based on need and/or academic merit. WSU awards millions of dollars in scholarships and financial aid to thousands of its students each year. For more information on the full range of scholarships and financial aid available to you, visit the Costs and Financial Aid section of the University Web site.

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Internships and Career Placements

The MIS program provides you with many opportunities to build your resume and enhance your placement. Mu Iota Sigma, our student-run organization, creates an environment where students can expand their knowledge, leadership skills, and awareness of the MIS field. Our MIS Fellowship program offers our best and brightest undergraduate MIS students hands-on experience in real-world projects. Participants are highly sought after in the job market. The MIS Department Internship Director, as well as WSU’s Career Services, offer information on the many internship opportunities now available to students in this very high-demand field.

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Campus Organizations and Activities

Mu Iota Sigma is an active, student-led professional organization that hosts guest speakers, visits businesses and organizations, and facilitates networking and leadership opportunites for our MIS students.

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Related Fields of Study That Might Interest You

Related studies in business: • Marketing • Finance • Accounting • Accounting information systems Related studies in computer technology: • Computer communications • Computer science • Digital technology and culture • Networks and distributed systems • Software engineering

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Contact Information

Department of Information Systems

Washington State University Todd Hall, Room 442 PO Box 644743 Pullman, WA 99164-4743 Fax: 509-335-5339

MIS@cbe.wsu.edu

509-335-5319

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Strengths of the Program

• WSU's MIS curriculum is at the international forefront and is the most comprehensive in the northwestern U.S.
• Award-winning teaching faculty combine research and real-world experience into a dynamic classroom experience.
• Learn from top researchers and scholars--WSU business faculty are ranked 12th in the world in research productivity and maintain close relationships with high-tech leaders and businesses.
• MIS and e-commerce students study in a state-of-the-art $500,000 e-classroom and share a new wireless classroom.
• The Mu Iota Sigma student professional organization, one of the first of its kind in the U.S., provides valuable leadership and networking opportunities.
• Students can attend the MIS Alumni Event at Safeco field each spring to see a Mariners game, network with over 50 corporate representatives, and learn about the exciting field of MIS.
• WSU has one of the few business programs in the U.S. in which all the business and accounting programs are fully accredited by AACSB International.

Office of Enrollment Management, PO Box 641067, Washington State University, Pullman WA 99164-1067, 888-GO TO WSU (888-468-6978), Contact Us