Information Technology and MIS Degrees
Regardless of the industry, information technology is critical to running an efficient and successful organization. People who understand technology and how businesses can use technology are in a unique position to see that technology is used to the maximum benefit of the organization. Business oriented Information Technology degrees, which are the primary focus of this article, provide students with an education that will enable them to help businesses make strategic use of information technology. Technically oriented Information Technology degrees are hands-on programs that tend to focus on a specific technology such as networking, web design, database development or programming and lead to careers in those areas.
Business oriented programs include both technical and business education as well as an understanding of how information technology can be used to improve efficiency and competitiveness in an organization. Graduates of these programs will enter one of the fastest growing careers as organizations continually upgrade their systems to make the best use of recent technological advances.
Degree Options
- Associate's Degree – Many associates level degrees in Information Technology are technically oriented and focus on specific skills that will enable a graduate to succeed in an entry-level job. They often prepare graduates to take IT certification exams as well.
- Bachelor's Degree – Bachelor's degrees in Information Technology offered by business schools or business departments provide an integrated business and technology education which will lead to careers such as Systems Analysis or Project Management. Degrees offered by computer science departments or career schools will more likely focus on technical knowledge that will lead to a specific technical career.
- Master's Degree – Masters level programs are typically business oriented and are appropriate for those who wish to work in technology management or IT consulting.
Schools
Associate level Information Technology degrees are offered by numerous career colleges, technical training schools, online schools and community colleges. Bachelor's degrees are also offered at the same types of schools but are also offered by business colleges, university business schools and computer science departments. Masters degree programs can be found at many business schools including many online business schools.
Coursework
Business oriented Information Technology degrees may include courses similar to those listed below:
- Systems Analysis and Design – This course covers the methods used in analyzing business needs, determining business requirements and specifying a systems solution. Both modeling and object oriented methods are typically covered.
- Database Management Systems – Students learn about relational database design, normalization, security, database administration, data warehousing as well as hands-on skills to access data.
- Human Computer Interaction - Also commonly named System Interface Design, students learn theories and practices behind designing user interfaces that are efficient, promote accuracy and maximize usability.
- Information Security and Risk Management - Examines design strategies for securing systems and data and for controlling and monitoring business risk.
- Decision Support Systems - Examines various types of systems to support decision making including Decision Support Systems (DSS), Executive Information Systems (EIS) and Expert Systems (ES). Course will review business uses of these systems as well as design concepts.
- Information Systems Project Management - Teaches students software life cycle project management including estimating, project planning, project monitoring, use of standards, reviews and software control mechanisms.
Other courses typically required by these programs include Business Statistics, Strategic Management, Programming Fundamentals, Software Quality Assurance and Business Data Communications.
Technically oriented Information Technology degree programs will offer courses specific to the degree's area of focus, whether it be web design, networking, hardware support, database administration, etc.
Aptitudes and Interests
Business oriented Information Technology majors should possess excellent written and verbal communication skills, be able to build strong working relationships with technical and business professionals and find technical concepts easy to grasp. They need to be able to look at problems from many viewpoints and be able to generate creative solutions to solve business problems.
Career Options
Most professionals with a business oriented Information Technology degree work in a IT department but also work closely with the business customers who will benefit from the computer system. A typical job involves determining what the business needs are and then translating those needs into a technology solution that software engineers can then build. Some positions may also involve hands-on programming or project management. Some common job titles include:
- Systems Analyst
- Business Analyst
- Database Designer
- Programmer/Analyst
- Security Analyst
- Risk Analyst
- Project Leader
- IT Auditor
Those who are experienced or have obtained advanced education may also have the following career options:
- Project Manager
- Systems Designer
- Systems Architect
- IT Consultant
Information Technology degrees that are technically focused may lead to career options such as:
Related Majors
As there are no standard naming conventions for degrees that provide an integrated technology and business education, there are many names under which this type of program can be found. Below are a few of the more common degree names:
- Management Information Systems
- Computer Information Systems
- Information Technology Management
- MBA with concentration in Information Systems
Other related degrees include:
- Software Engineering – These programs teach software design and development skills for all types of software applications including web-based applications, corporate applications and retail software.
- Computer Programming - Often an associate's degree, these programs may be focused on one type of software development such as website development or business application development.
How To Evaluate Information Technology Degree Programs
Each Information Technology degree program is unique so it's important to look at each curriculum to determine if the program meets one's expectations. A few specific factors to consider are:
- Career Goals – Knowing whether one is interested in systems analysis, database design, consulting or project management will help guide the choice of program based whether the program focuses on one of these areas.
- Electives Available - Evaluating whether available electives mesh with one's interests and career goals is a worthwhile step to take.
- Program Flexibility - For those who are unsure what career they will choose, a larger school that has both business and computer science departments would give the person more options if they choose to switch majors without changing schools.
- Accreditation - Degree programs should be accredited by a regional accreditation agency, the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges or another accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Job options will be limited for those who graduate from an unaccredited school.
Free Online Course Information
- Free course material for courses such as "Generating Business Value from Information Technology" and "IT and Business Transformation" is available online from MIT. These course materials represent the types of information covered in a program on Information Technology.< /li>
- Course descriptions like those from Virigina Tech's Business Information Technology program can give students a better sense of what a program will be like.
Resources
International Institute of Business Analysis - Professional organization for all types of IT analysts.
Object Management Group - Organization that created objected oriented modeling standards including UML and MDA.
Project Management Institute - Maintains standards and certifications for project management.
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