Positioned at the intersection of business and technology, an online MBA in information systems management can prepare you for an IT manager, data analyst, or IT project manager career. These positions often come with competitive salaries, with IT managers earning a median salary of $169,510 annually and operations research analysts earning $83,640 annually.
Most full-time students graduate in 18 months to two years. The average annual tuition for a graduate degree program is $12,596 at public institutions and $28,017 at private universities.
How To Choose an Online MBA in Information Systems Management Program
Choose your area of study
Many online MBA in information systems management programs will allow you to select a concentration and focus your studies on a particular niche in this field. This additional level of specialization can help tailor the courses you take and the topics you study to your interests, career goals, and the skills you wish to develop.
Some popular specializations in this field include cybersecurity, data analytics, IT strategy, and business intelligence. A student with a technical background and an interest in protecting digital assets may be well-suited for a cybersecurity specialization. Those with a penchant for data analysis and decision-making might opt for data analytics. Students aspiring to bridge the gap between technology and business might find IT strategy or a business intelligence specialization more suitable.
Ultimately, selecting your area of study is a personal decision, and you should carefully evaluate your options and interests to narrow your search further.
Research schools and programs
After deciding on your study area, you can more effectively research the schools and programs that best suit your educational needs and career goals.
You should only apply to institutions that have been approved by a DOE-recognized regional accrediting organization, such as the New England Commission of Higher Education or Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. These organizations evaluate schools to ensure they provide students with a high-quality education. Those who attend a school that isn’t regionally accredited may be unable to access financial aid or transfer credits to another institution if needed.
Ideally, your online MBA in information systems management program will also be accredited by a respected industry group like the Association for the Advancement of Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) or the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). These programmatic accrediting organizations have particularly high standards for business education.
You should also gather information on each option’s curriculum, course offerings, and faculty expertise. To learn more about any schools that you’re interested in, you can visit the school’s website, contact an admissions counselor, follow the school on social media, or attend an in-person or virtual open house.
Prepare for tests and applications
Now that you know the schools you plan on applying to, you can productively prepare for applications and any necessary tests.
Application requirements vary by school. First, familiarize yourself with the specific requirements of your desired programs and create a timeline to ensure all necessary documents are submitted on time. For standardized tests like the GMAT or GRE, allocate dedicated study time to your daily or weekly schedule. Some students benefit from including a test preparation course in their study regimen or utilizing official practice tests to sharpen their skills.
Additionally, dedicate ample time to crafting a well-written personal statement and gathering solid letters of recommendation. Both elements speak directly to your character and potential for success in the program, so giving yourself and your recommenders plenty of time to complete them is crucial. Undergraduate transcripts will typically be required as well.
It’s also worth noting that you should always contact an admissions counselor to ensure you have the most accurate information regarding requirements and deadlines.
Select your program
Before making your final decision, review your needs and goals again. Do you plan to attend school full-time or part-time? Do you want your program to be as online as possible, or are you fine with a hybrid program that has a fair amount of in-person requirements? Some programs offer asynchronous courses, which can be completed at your own pace, while others only offer synchronous courses, which involve remotely attending lectures and completing assignments at the same time as other students — which of these two online learning formats do you prefer? Your school should accommodate your scheduling needs and learning preferences.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
Speak to financial aid counselors at the schools you’re interested in for the most accurate and specific information about program cost.
There are multiple options at your disposal to help you finance your degree. First, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine your eligibility for federal grants, loans, and work-study programs. In addition, research scholarships and grants explicitly targeted toward MBA students or those in the field of information systems.
Lastly, check with your employer to see if you qualify for employer tuition reimbursement programs. Some companies and corporations may cover some of your tuition if your degree relates to your current career.
The Top 50 Accredited Online MBA in Information Systems Management Programs
Discover More Options
How We Rank Schools
We researched the top online graduate programs for information systems management. All of the programs we looked at award Master of Business Administration degrees, but the programs each offer different specializations, including management information systems, computer information systems, and marketing data analytics. Some of the programs on this list are also offered in a hybrid format.
To confirm the quality of each program, we only considered options offered by regionally accredited institutions. Many of these options also have programmatic accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
What Can You Expect From an Online MBA in Information Systems Management Program?
Earning an MBA in information systems management can help you build a unique skill set that combines business administration principles with information systems and technology. With this focus, you’ll learn about strategic planning, project management, data analysis, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies relevant to the field.
Most full-time students can earn their degree in one to two years, while part-time students may take up to three years. Some universities offer fully online MBA programs; others may require in-person workshops or residencies. These requirements allow students to engage with faculty, peers, and industry professionals, fostering collaborative learning and networking.
Potential courses you’ll take in an online MBA in information systems management program
- Information Technology Strategy: A common requirement in most programs, this course focuses on developing strategic thinking skills to align information technology (IT) initiatives with business objectives. Students will learn to evaluate IT investments, analyze competitive landscapes, and develop IT strategies that support organizational goals.
- Database Management Systems: Database management is vital to this degree plan. This course helps students understand database models, query languages, normalization techniques, and data integrity constraints. Through hands-on exercises and projects, students will acquire practical skills in designing efficient databases, optimizing queries, and ensuring data security and integrity within organizational contexts.
- IT Project Management: This course delves into the fundamental principles of managing technology-driven projects in businesses and organizations. Students will gain expertise in project planning, resource allocation, risk management, and project evaluation. They also develop critical skills in leading project teams, managing stakeholder expectations, and ensuring successful project delivery within budget and timeline constraints.
- Enterprise Systems and Business Process Integration: Frequently an elective, this course focuses on understanding and managing complex enterprise systems that integrate various business processes. Students will learn about enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, supply chain management, customer relationship management (CRM), and business process reengineering. Overall, they will learn how technology can optimize organizational processes and enhance efficiency.
- Emerging Technologies and Innovation: A popular course due to its orientation toward the future, this class explores the latest trends and advancements in technology, such as artificial intelligence, blockchains, and cloud computing. Students will examine the potential impacts of these technologies on businesses and learn how to leverage them to drive innovation, gain a competitive edge, and create new business opportunities.
What Can You Do With an Online MBA in Information Systems Management?
Career outlook
An MBA in information systems management opens opportunities in the business and technology sectors. This field is dynamic and constantly evolving and will continue to shape the job landscape in the coming years. With training in both those fields, an individual may find work in finance, healthcare, retail, or a broad range of other sectors.
Here are some of the possible career paths you might take with your MBA in information systems management:
- Information systems manager — Assess an organization’s technology needs, plan IT projects, and hire and supervise IT staff.
- Median annual salary: $169,510
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 15%
- New job openings projected: 46,900 annually
- Computer network architect — Design, implement, and upgrade data communication networks.
- Median annual salary: $129,840
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 4%
- New job openings projected: 10,200 annually
- Top executive — Coordinate the work of an organization by establishing goals, overseeing activities, and appointing department heads and managers.
- Median annual salary: $103,840
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 3%
- New job openings projected: 311,600 annually
Online MBA in Information Systems Management Degree Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to an online MBA in information systems management degree program?
Research accredited universities known for their reputation in business or information systems. While many institutions share similar admissions requirements, like transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose, others may have specific prerequisite courses and criteria you’ll need to fulfill to be eligible for admission. For instance, some programs may require standardized test scores, like the GRE or GMAT, while others have moved to test-optional policies.
It’s crucial to consult with an admissions counselor while you’re still in the early stages of applying to ensure you understand the program’s prerequisites, deadlines, and specific requirements.
How much does an online MBA in information systems management degree cost?
The average annual cost of graduate school tuition is $20,513. Private schools tend to be more expensive than public schools, though public schools usually charge out-of-state students a much higher tuition rate than in-state students.
It’s also important to consider the additional costs you may incur beyond the tuition. Some examples of these expenses include course materials, textbooks, technology fees, and online platform subscriptions.
How long does it take to earn an online MBA in information systems management degree?
Most full-time students complete their online MBA in information systems management program in 18 months to two years, while part-time students may take up to three years to meet the degree requirements. Since online learning often allows students to complete their degree at their own pace, this figure can vary from person to person. Some students may be able to focus solely on their education and graduate earlier, while others may be balancing their learning with other responsibilities and need to take more time. Lastly, the number of credits required to graduate will vary depending on the institution, which may cause the timeline to be shorter or longer.
Is an online MBA in information systems management degree worth it?
An online MBA in information systems management can be worth it if you relish the opportunity to work in both the business and the information technology sectors. Your MBA can help you gain leadership or managerial roles with rich opportunities for advancement and lucrative salaries. For example, the median pay for a database architect is $117,450 per year, with the top 10% earning more than $157,710.
Your MBA degree will provide you with a well-rounded skill set, including training in business strategy, project management, data analytics, and technology management — all of which make you a more versatile professional and more valuable on the job market. The demand for individuals with these skills is strong, especially in businesses that rely on technology.
Undertaking your MBA program online can be an excellent choice for its flexibility and convenience, particularly for adult learners with other professional or personal commitments.