You are a dedicated, career-focused professional that enjoys your job solving problems through information systems and feel a calling to pursue the next level in your career.
Management of Information Systems: Which path is right for you?
You recognize your desire to push your skills to the next tier. You see the potential for a role in management or leadership along with a deepening of your subject knowledge. When considering a master’s degree in information systems, it’s important to weigh the options with the same diligence you give to your work. What’s right for you? What are your ultimate career goals?
Master’s Degree in Information Systems Options
Two tracks worth consideration are the Master of Science in Computer Science – Information Systems (MSCS) and a Master of Business Administration in Management Information Systems (MBA MIS). Each program gives students a broader, deeper knowledge base of information technology. However, they differ in some key ways.
M.S. in Computer Science – Information Systems
The M.S. in Computer Science with an Information Systems specialty is a great fit for those that are interested in continuing and expanding their incredibly important behind-the-scenes IT work. This could be in a variety of contexts. Large and small companies alike need someone who understands complex systems architecture and information technology. If you want to solve complex issues and manage a team of IT staff, this degree is geared for you.
MBA in Management Information Systems
Pursuing an MBA, however, is for those that have ever imagined life as a C-suite executive or upper management for an organization. Do you like thinking about the bigger picture ideas, like how information systems drive business? If that’s the case, the MBA MIS could be perfect for you. With more of a business focus, the MBA can take you across any number of organizational paths.
If you’re someone who would like to have the flexibility to switch gears and work with different types of organizations and industries, the MBA MIS could be a good fit. Plus, this degree helps you gain leadership expertise if you hope to serve in a leadership role. The MBA MIS could have you doing such things as leading a nonprofit, being the Chief Technology Officer of a major corporation, or working in the world of software.
Choosing the right program for you
The MSCS in Information Systems is excellent for those that want to widen the breadth of their knowledge. A much more technical degree than the MBA, its coursework contains a computer science core, plus the Information Systems emphasis. Additionally, this degree widens your knowledge-base in information management, application of information systems and technology, and analysis of systems.
The MBA MIS, on the other hand, is a business-orientated degree. It focuses heavily on bigger-picture business strategy and analysis. This will give you the skills to work on the tactical implementation of projects. This way of learning allows students to fully understand the financial and organizational impact information systems can have on business and business ventures. Coursework for the MBA MIS will bolster you as you take on leadership roles within your workplace and beyond. You will be ready to lead in the business application of systems, project management, and systems analysis and design.
Fulfilling your calling in Information Systems
Are you ready to fulfill your calling in the field of information systems? Concordia’s 100% online programs in MSCS in Information Systems and MBA MIS are both there to get you to that next step in your career. We tailor our programs around your schedule and lifestyle. Each class is specifically designed to move you closer to your career goals. At the same time, the program still allows you to maintain a work/life balance.
Concordia University Online believes that people skills are a vital component of successful IT management. We root our courses in Christian values, and the courses focus on people as the critical element within any IT system. Both the MSCS in Information Systems and the MBA MIS give students a broader, deeper knowledge base of information technology because industry-leading professionals teach these courses.
Do you want to want to know more?
If you want to know more about either of these programs, feel free to check out our master’s in computer science or master’s of business administration programs.
This post was originally published on July 10, 2015. It has been updated to reflect current information.
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