To land the highest paying management career in business today, earn an online master’s in management information systems. Computer and information systems managers made an average of $151,150 as of 2020, and with an 11% projected growth in this industry (Bureau of Labor Statistics), there will be plenty of career opportunities over the next ten years for the master’s degree student. Information systems management online degrees blend business with technology, so those with a background in either sector already have a distinct advantage to bring to the virtual classroom. The best part about these online programs? They are often designed for the working adult in need of flexible scheduling, fast-tracked courses, and self-paced learning formats.
A master’s in management information systems online can spark a rewarding career in this unique industry but can cost a small fortune—some programs charge over $72,000! It pays to do your research before choosing a master’s in MIS online!
GetEducated compared 23 master’s programs in MIS from 19 regionally accredited online schools to create this ranking. Below is our editorially independent list of the 12 Best Buys for an affordable online master’s in management information systems degree. Each online MIS program costs less than the national average.
ARTICLE NAVIGATION: Rankings Table | Career Guide
Average Cost (In-state): ~$28,000
Least Expensive: Georgia College & State University ~$9,320
Most Expensive: Syracuse University ~$72,828
Our data-driven research creates a truly reliable system of scientific rankings. There’s no fancy formulas here. We meticulously calculate total full-time tuition—including any fees—for the most accurate total cost. Our rankings cannot be bought, and therefore factually showcase the cheapest online master’s in management information systems. The online MIS degrees listed above the gray dividing line are official 2022 “Best Buys” and cost less than the national average.
Most Affordable Online Master’s in Management Information Systems
| Rank | School / Degree | State | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Georgia College & State University | (GA) | $9,320.00 | All Students |
2 | Union College | (KY) | $10,250.00 | All Students |
3 | University of Illinois at Springfield | (IL) | $15,415.50 | All Students |
4 | Oklahoma State University | (OK) | $15,877.95 $20,174.55 | In-State Out-of-State |
5 | Friends University | (KS) | $19,980.00 | All Students |
6 | Harding University | (AR) | $20,425.00 | All Students |
7 | Embry Riddle Aeronautical University | (FL) | $22,440.00 $18,840.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
8 | Metropolitan State University | (MN) | $22,542.72 | All Students |
9 | Bellevue University | (NE) | $23,060.00 | All Students |
10 | Florida Institute of Technology | (FL) | $25,641.00 $23,076.90 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
11 | Florida State University | (FL) | $25,745.94 $26,737.92 | In-State Out-of-State |
12 | Central Michigan University | (MI) | $27,050.00 | All Students |
| School / Degree | State | Price | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Muskingum University | (OH) | $29,820.00 | All Students | |
New Jersey Institute of Technology | (NJ) | $32,460.00 | All Students | |
University of Arizona | (AZ) | $40,592.00 | All Students | |
University of Alabama at Birmingham | (AL) | $48,720.00 | All Students | |
Syracuse University | (NY) | $72,828.00 | All Students |
Accreditation & Program Notes
To qualify for a ranking, a program must be regionally accredited. Additional programmatic accreditation is noted in the rank table.
14 Options for this program have changed since publication.
AACSB AACSB International
ACBSP Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
Rankings Note
These online college rankings are based on a GetEducated Winter 2021 review of regionally accredited online master’s in management information systems. Total cost includes full-time tuition and fees and was valid at the time of collection and specific to the online learning program. School profiles for the online master degree programs in our directory may reflect a slightly different cost based on different editorial update schedules.
The published cost is an estimated sticker price for the entire online degree including fees. Actual costs may vary by student. Factors such as transfer credits, prerequisite courses, professional licensing and financial aid availability will affect final cost.
Editorial Note
Online schools do NOT pay to be included in any GetEducated online degree ranking. These rankings are editorially independent, open to any regionally accredited or candidate college that offers a master’s degree that is available at least 80 percent through online learning and that is open to enrollment by the public. If your online college is regionally accredited and not currently reviewed by GetEducated, please contact us for inclusion.
These rankings of the cheapest online schools for management information systems may NOT be re-posted online or reprinted in any format without a license from GetEducated ®. Consumer finance bloggers and writers can contact our editors for a free custom article on the best online master’s in management information systems for use on your website. Our mission: Help consumers GetEducated ® about the best online colleges for cost and credibility.
Career Guide: Online Master’s in Management Information Systems
Are you ready to take your technology career to a higher level? Are you ready to build on your current business and administration education? Then one of these degrees could next step for building your future success!
What to Expect from an Online Master’s in Management Information Systems
These degrees are rewarding, interesting, and engaging. They are also difficult, and combine many different subjects into a uniquely-focused degree. So are they business degrees or technology degrees? Most of these programs are classified as “MIS” degrees, for “Management Information Systems.” You may also see “MMIS,” which means “Master’s of Management Information Systems.” (These two terms describe the same thing.)
During a master’s in MIS online, you’ll gain a strong understanding for management practices, as well as a knowledge in the latest information and network technologies. You’ll learn leadership fundamentals, team building, project management, and communication. You’ll also learn about database systems, information security, and network creation. Master’s programs often have high standards for admission, so you’ll need to meet GPA requirements and will likely need to supply a resume, letter of recommendation, or complete an interview process. So the answer is both; these degrees are, at the same time, business and technology degrees.
To gain entry into an online master’s in management information systems, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in a related field. While a business degree may qualify you for some programs, you’ll likely need some experience with technology systems before enrollment. Discuss your previous education with a school’s admissions department to see if you qualify.
When you are enrolled in these programs, you’ll take business and leadership classes combined with technology and IT courses. Classes themselves could combine the two; you may take course that focus on managing IT projects or hiring in the technology industry. You could take strategic planning for computer networks, or information analytics and systems analysis.
Potential Careers after an MIS Education
Information Systems Manager
- Salary: $151,150
- Education: Bachelor’s degree
- Experience: 5 years of more
This is one of the highest-paying careers in the entire job market, and an online master’s in management information systems prepares you for this challenging yet rewarding career. Information systems managers oversee the computer and network needs of an entire organization. They determine technology goals, and they are responsible for implementing the best computer system to help a company or organization succeed.
A bachelor’s degree is the base-level requirement for this career, but job applicants who have completed an online master’s in management information systems will have the inside track for these positions. Many employers will openly require their IT managers to have master’s degrees.
Computer Network Architect
- Salary: $116,780
- Education: Bachelor’s degree
- Experience: 5 years of more
Computer network architects create and maintain the communication networks on which we all rely. Their work can encompass local area networks (LAN) or wide area networks (WAN), and will range from small offices to massive companies and even global systems. Duties will include researching specific network needs, designing a plan, creating a presentation, then building and maintaining the network.
This career only has a median salary of $116,780! So while you may not make as much as a systems manager, you’ll still be earning a tremendous salary in an exciting field. The pay is strong, but one of the top benefits for this career is the number of jobs. There will be roughly 174,000 computer network architects by 2030, so there should be plenty of opportunities for motivated experts with the right credentials.
Licensing & Certifications After an Online Master’s in Management Information Systems
Many careers have government requirements for licensing and certification. Public accountants, commercial drivers, doctors, and lawyers are just a handful of examples. IT management does not require licensing, but voluntary certification could enhance your career. This could include certification through management and business organizations, as well as technology groups.
In the technology sector, certifications are usually offered through the specific company that created or distributes the technology. Software companies, as an example, may offer certification on their new program. These certifications are not required, but many employers will prefer their technology team to have this training.
Above all, you’ll need experience for any management career. This goes for technology as well as other industries. If you are going to lead people and guide a company or department, you’ll need about five years of experience before landing the leadership position.