Management Information Systems
Associate in Applied Science
Curriculum code 1206
Course Requirements                   Information Management Systems Web site

This program prepares students for pursuit of careers in information technology. Graduates qualify for management information systems support staff positions such as applications trainers, technical support staff, software support staff, and programming and Web applications trainees.

Students may specialize in various information technology areas, including e-commerce, Web, or applications development. Students will use state-of-the-art technology to ­complete their coursework.

Students with work experience and advanced skills should contact the internship coordinator for assessment and course substitution information. Students without prerequisite skills are expected to take the necessary additional courses. An important feature of this program is the internship component where students seek on-the-job training in a professional setting. Students wishing to enroll in the internship should contact the internship coordinator prior to enrollment.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, employment in information technology careers is expected to grow faster than the average through 2014. Management information systems jobs should be plentiful in information services department and businesses. Information technology skills are needed in all industries.

Nature of Work—Graduates of this program are prepared for careers in the information management industry. This program is designed to qualify graduates for entry-level positions. Related Job Titles—Computer Programmer I, Junior Programmer, Junior Software Developer, Junior Desktop Support, Junior Test Engineer, Junior Business Analyst, Web Support Analyst, Help Desk Associate, e-Commerce Assistant, Junior Web Developer, and Junior Web Designer.

Employment Outlook—Employment of computer and information systems managers is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2014. Technological advancements will boost the employment of computer-related workers; as a result, the demand for managers to direct these workers also will increase. In addition, job openings will result from the need to replace managers who retire or move into other occupations. Opportunities for obtaining a management position will be best for those with computer-related work experience; an MBA with technology as a core component, or a management information systems degree; and strong communication and administrative skills.

Despite the downturn in the technology sector in the early part of the decade, the outlook for computer and information systems managers remains strong. To remain competitive, firms will continue to install sophisticated computer networks and set up more complex Internet and intranet sites. Keeping a computer network running smoothly is essential to almost every organization. Firms will be more willing to hire managers who can accomplish that.

Earnings—Earnings for computer and information systems managers vary by specialty and level of responsibility. Median annual earnings of these managers in May 2004 were $92,570. The middle 50 percent earned between $71,650 and $118,330. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of computer and information systems managers in May 2004 were as follows: Software publishers $107,870 Computer systems design and related services $103,850 Management of companies and enterprises $99,880 Insurance carriers $97,900 Depository credit intermediation $86,450 According to Robert Half International, a professional staffing and consulting services firm, average starting salaries in 2005 for high-level information technology managers ranged from $80,250 to $112,250. According to a 2005 survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, starting salary offers for those with an MBA, a technical undergraduate degree, and one year or less of experience averaged $52,300; for those with a master’s degree in management information systems/business data processing, the starting salary averaged $56,909. In addition, computer and information systems managers, especially those at higher levels, often receive more employment-related benefits—such as expense accounts, stock option plans, and bonuses—than do non-managerial workers in their organizations. For job and internship listings and job search assistance, contact the Job Placement Center in the Center for Contemporary Technology, T904, (708) 974-5737, www.morainevalley.edu/jpc.