MBA in Information Systems Management Program Guide

A master of business administration (MBA) in information systems is a specialized degree focused on managing information in business settings.

MBA in information systems programs help students build expertise in business and information management so they can pursue specialized information system careers. Explore what to expect in this program, admission requirements, common courses, and potential careers.

An MBA in information systems management provides core business and management training. While the business portion of the degree covers the major subfields, including accounting, finance, economics, and marketing, the information systems management specialization delves into financial technologies, enterprise computing, and data analytics.

Most MBA programs attract working professionals, with many schools even setting a minimum work experience requirement for admission. The program typically runs for 1-2 years, with asynchronous online degrees often allowing students to take heavier course loads while they work.

Practical experiences and summer internships play large roles in these programs, so students need to consider if and how they can manage those requirements.

Online learning provides students with access to more flexible courses and a larger selection of programs, but it may not be worth it for every student. Picking from schools across the country can help students find lower tuition costs, more suitable curricula, and experienced faculties, but many online MBAs feature residency requirements that can prove difficult to meet for distance learners.

Furthermore, full-time on-campus MBA programs provide an immersive experience that even the most innovative online programs cannot match. However, an online MBA in information technology management may be one of the more online-friendly specializations available, as many of the courses use computer applications and innovative technologies.

Standardized test scores give schools a helpful way to distinguish between applicants. While some business schools may accept GRE scores, most MBA programs require GMAT scores. The average score at the top schools is 696 out of 800, so prospective students should complete the necessary GMAT prep or GRE prep before testing.

Letters of recommendation typically come from teachers, employers, or co-workers who can vouch for an applicant’s quality and potential. For MBA in information systems management applicants, letters from a business or computer science teacher or an information systems manager, for example, may prove most effective. Students should choose letter writers carefully and give them enough time to craft their recommendations.

Many MBA programs require approximately two years of professional post-undergraduate experience for admission. An applicant’s resume needs to identify what experience they have and how it specifically relates to the program, such as business and information systems management experience. In each resume, schools want to see relevant task management and information systems leadership potential.

An application essay for an MBA in information systems management needs to cover a few areas, including an applicant description, a demonstration of how and why they fit the program, and a direct answer to the essay questions. Essay responses need to be clear, well-written, and free of errors, while explaining what makes the applicant unique.

All MBA programs require official transcripts. Applicants need transcripts from every postsecondary course they have taken. Relevant graduate coursework may qualify for transfer credits. Schools may process transcript requests automatically through the application process. However, some students may need to request them independently.

Graduating with an online MBA in information systems management can lead to many promising careers in business and information technology. As organizations continue incorporating technology, the need for professionals to implement, secure, and manage these systems grows. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects the addition of more than 550,000 new information systems managers between 2022 and 2032 — a 15% job growth outlook.

The integration of business and information systems also allows graduates to access various other management professions, a sector in which the BLS projects more than 1.1 million annual job openings between 2022 and 2032. Degree-seekers who further focus their training through course and internship selection may improve their employment chances in specific subfields, such as cybersecurity, data analytics, and risk assessment.

An MBA in information systems can be a solid educational investment. Graduates can pursue six-figure salaries in business and information management careers. These high-paying positions allow graduates to recoup their costs quickly upon entering the workforce.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, MBA students paid average annual tuition fees of $17,058 in 2020. Based on that data, a typical two-year information systems MBA costs just over $34,000 in tuition alone.

Specialized MBAs also offer significant competitive advantages in the job market. Information systems expertise is in demand, which is reflected in BLS job growth projections for many related careers from 2022-2032. In comparison, the average job growth projection for all occupations is 3% in that time period.

An MBA in information systems could be a worthwhile undertaking if it matches your learning interests and career goals.

While an MBA in information systems management and an online master’s in information systems and technology can lead to similar careers, students can choose between these programs by considering their educational and professional interests. Specialized MBAs, for example, focus more on management processes and incorporating IT into an overall organizational plan, whereas IT master’s programs emphasize technological proficiency.

An MBA specialization provides students with advanced IT skills and competencies, but not at the same level as a focused master’s degree. For learners who want both the management capabilities of an MBA and the technological prowess of a master’s in information systems management, a dual degree in these fields may work best.

Note: The insights on this page were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed June 24, 2024.