What is the management information systems (MIS) field?
Written by: Thomas Broderick, Edited by: Valerie Black
Published: May 13, 2025
The management information systems field sits at the crossroads of business management and computer science. As businesses digitize information, they need professionals who can store, protect, and retrieve relevant data.
Uncover how you can play an essential role in helping businesses make data-driven decisions with training in MIS.
Find the management information systems degree for you
Why is management information systems important?
Paying for technology and personnel is a significant investment for any company or organization. MIS professionals track how employees use technology and make recommendations to improve efficiency.
The benefits of using MIS frameworks include:
- Improved purchasing decisions: Tracking weekly sales data and using this information to modify orders for the following week can help a business align its products with shifting customer demands.
- Increased competitive advantage: Improved data delivery systems let managers see how operational and personnel changes impact their company or organization in real time. They can use this information to reallocate or optimize resources quickly.
- Maximized employee growth tracking: Human resources (HR) specialists and managers can quickly review employee performance, accomplishments, and growth areas to identify professional development opportunities or develop employee performance plans.
What jobs can you get in management information systems?
Management information systems professionals can pursue careers such as:
- Applications developer
- Associate analyst
- Information risk consultant
- Network administrator
- Technical risk consultant
With a management information systems degree, you can explore positions in the design and development, information technology management, and systems support fields.
Keep in mind that management information systems roles are not always management positions. The field uses that term because professionals' work helps managers make data-informed decisions.
What do people in management information systems do?
Job responsibilities differ by function and job title. Engineers and programmers working in design and development may:
- Write and test code
- Create new applications
Typical responsibilities for technical support and infrastructure professionals in systems support may include:
- Troubleshooting network issues
- Educating employees on the latest updates and tools
No matter their job title or specific responsibilities, management information systems professionals help their employer use computerized data to make decisions impacting the entire company or organization. As a result, their work plays an essential role in a company or organization's success.
In a management information systems profession, you need both hard and soft skills so you can perform your job, interact with other employees, and react to unexpected challenges.
Hard skills learned
- Computer programming languages: Management information systems jobs require an understanding of different programming languages to develop database software and other tools.
- Industry expertise: No matter their job title, management information systems experts must understand their industry so they can develop the tools managers need to make informed decisions.
- Research: Some management information systems professions require you to conduct research to choose the right technology at the best price.
- Teaching: Professionals not only create but also educate employees on how to use new information systems technology. This process may involve writing educational materials or leading classes.
- Network management: Network managers build, maintain, and troubleshoot a company or organization's network.
Soft skills learned
- Problem solving: Professionals must know how to analyze problems and address unexpected issues. In a management information systems setting, workers develop systems that address their employer's unique challenges.
- Communication: Strong oral and written communication skills help professionals collaborate with their peers and deliver project updates to their manager.
- Teamwork: Interpersonal skills allow professionals to collaborate with peers on projects and make meaningful contributions.
- Time management: Project management requires strong time management skills. Managers must keep track of their work and ensure that other employees meet deadlines.
What do you need to work in the MIS field?
Education requirements may vary based on the role, though if you don't already have a bachelor's degree, consider earning a bachelor's in business management to prepare to work in the MIS field.
Some four-year programs may offer concentrations in management information systems, which can help you hone the critical programming and database management skills you'll need for the industry.
If you already hold a bachelor's degree, an executive education program in management can help you grow your leadership skills. Executive education programs take much less time to earn than a degree.
A master's degree, though not required for many roles, can help you qualify for leadership positions with increased salary potential.
Which technologies are used in the MIS field?
Databases: Management information systems experts design databases, consolidate information, and write code that makes information retrieval seamless.
Software: Software development systems — like Agile, Waterfall, and Scrum — let coders create custom software programs. This software helps managers, employees, and other stakeholders access and manipulate data.
Cybersecurity: Companies and organizations must invest in cybersecurity to protect their databases and networked devices. Cybersecurity professionals identify network weaknesses, research the latest best practices, and suggest new security software to managers.