Are you some kind of computer whiz who also wants to go into business?
Are you torn between these two callings? Consider a degree in management information
systems (MIS).
"An MIS program is a program within a business [school] which teaches
students to combine knowledge and practices of both information technology
and business," says Blaize Horner Reich. She is an associate professor
of information technology (IT).
MIS teaches students how companies can best use communication technology
to achieve their goals. Here's one way of looking at it -- if management and
computer science got married, their child would probably be called MIS.
You'll find plenty of MIS programs at the bachelor's level. Those
who want to continue their studies for another two years can receive a master's
degree. It would take an additional three to five years to earn a PhD.
Commerce professor Carson Woo says the course load is similar to that
of most other commerce options. The first year is dedicated to building
a solid foundation for studying business. It includes English, economics
and math courses.
"We also recommend that students interested in pursuing the MIS program
take first-year computer science courses," he says.
The main expenses are tuition and books. But you may want to purchase
your own computer. "The two primary reasons for this are accessibility
and skills development," says Woo.
Horner Reich says students considering a career in MIS can take high
school courses such as math, social sciences and English. She adds that
studying a wide range of courses would be an advantage.
"Our students are not hard-core [computer] programmers at all. So in high
school, they are probably getting good grades in a wide array of courses,
working with other people in clubs and on teams and using the computer for
their school and hobbies."
Horner Reich also says any type of business or work experience is also
great.
"Work experience in several settings is useful, since MIS people will be
liaisons between IT and business."
Links
Occupational Outlook Handbook
For more information related to this field of study, see: Engineering
and Natural Sciences Managers
MISQ Central
Website of MIS Quarterly magazine
CIO Online
The site of CIO magazine
CNET
Great source of IT links and info