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Let’s face it—technological growth is not something that is slowing down any time soon. In fact, as organizations continue to grow, so, too, do their demands for technology, data, and information security.
Companies large and small are constantly on the lookout for capable, knowledgeable IT professionals. Technology is everywhere, and businesses need people who can not only understand it, but can also create and fix it in a pinch. While computer skills and a bit of technical savvy are often enough to land you a job, having strong leadership skills is a great way to skyrocket your career as you take things to the next level.
If a career in management sounds appealing to you, then earning an MBA in information systems is the way to go. When you pursue a career in the information systems industry, you’ll be able to be involved in the software, technology, and data industries that you love so much—yet you’ll also be able to apply these to the business world.
An MBA in information systems will provide you with the technical skills and knowledge you need to support your professional goals and aspirations in practically any field. You’ll learn the hard skills and gain the aptitudes with numbers and digital innovations that you need to be a successful leader.
When you choose a concentration in information systems, you’ll be able to manage and analyze data and to lead a team in any setting. Although an undergraduate degree in business or information systems is a great place to start when you’re pursuing an entry-level job, only a master’s degree will help you take your career to the next level. In fact, earning a master’s degree is a great way to get your resume to the top of the pile.
That’s not to say that it’s always going to be easy. Many students are deterred from the idea of going back to school, assuming (incorrectly, of course) that they can’t afford it, they don’t have time to earn a degree, or that they would have to sacrifice their current careers or other life commitments in order to complete their coursework.
With the rise of distance learning, that is no longer the case. More students than ever are choosing to earn their degrees online, and with so many wonderful programs to choose from—many of which are identical to their on-campus counterparts—why wouldn’t you choose to study online?
You can keep your current job, stay committed to your other personal and professional obligations, and benefit from the same on-the-job training and hands-on coursework that you would access while learning on-campus. Online programs, particularly today’s best online MBAs, are taught by the same talented, attentive instructors who teach on campus and offer learners enriching experiences like internships, practicum placements, and other hands-on activities. Needless to say, you won’t just be staring mindlessly at a computer screen the entire time you’re working on your degree!
So what are you waiting for? If you’re thinking about a leadership career in information technology, you may want to consider one of the 25 Best Affordable Online MBA in Information Systems degrees.
See Also: Best Master’s in Management Information Systems (MIS)
Common Application and Admission Questions
Before you think about applying to graduate school, you need to decide on a program. You’ve come to the right place! We’ll tell you all about the best affordable online MBA in information systems so that you can find the right degree for your needs and preferences. An online program is a smart choice, particularly if you’re unsure about how much work you want to take on all at once.
Online degrees offer unparalleled flexibility, allowing you to study from home while continuing to remain committed to your other personal and professional obligations. You can study at your own pace, taking classes either full-or part-time. Decide what kind of schedule you would like to commit to before you submit your application—that way, you’ll know which programs are best suited to your unique lifestyle.
It’s also important that you think about narrowing down your search as much as possible. While it might be tempting to apply to dozens of schools at once, this is not a great idea—for several reasons. Not only will it get expensive in a hurry (those application fees add up!) but it will also take up too much of your time. You may be drawing important attention away from your top schools’ applications to work on applications for schools that don’t matter that much to you.
Narrow your list of choices down to three or four schools. That way, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from if your top pick chooses not to accept you, but you won’t suffer from “decision fatigue” when the offers start rolling in, either.
Finding the right program is only half the battle—now it’s time to work on that application!
Applying to graduate school can be daunting, particularly if it’s your first time (and we’re guessing that it is!). Fortunately, there’s one easy way to streamline the process, and that’s to get in touch with the admissions department at the school at which you intend to apply. Your counselor there will provide you with the best and most accurate information about what’s required from you each step of the way.
Each school differs in terms of what is required for the application process. However, most of the time, you’ll be required to submit a detailed online application and pay a minor application fee.
You will also need to prepare your transcripts. An undergraduate degree from an accredited university is required for most MBA programs. Sometimes, schools request that MBA applicants have undergraduate degrees in business or a related field. In other cases, you may be able to get by with a degree of any major, provided that you take a few prerequisite courses when you begin your graduate studies.
A high GPA often is not required, but you’ll want to check in with your school of choice before you send off those final grades. The most competitive graduate programs require a GPA that ranges between 3.5 and 3.7. Sometimes a higher GPA will mean that you can forego sending GMAT or GRE test scores, while a lower GPA may still get you accepted with additional prerequisite classes required as a condition of your acceptance.
Don’t panic if your GPA isn’t quite up to par. Often, you can offset a less-than-perfect average with things like letters of recommendation, work experience, or a killer personal essay.
Related: Best Online MBA in Information Systems
What About Financial Aid & Scholarships?
Paying for college isn’t cheap. Unfortunately, cashing in all that change from your piggy bank probably isn’t going to cut it when those tuition bills come due. Therefore, you’re going to want to think about other ways you can finance your graduate education.
The good news is that an MBA, more often than not, will pay for itself. You’ll get a great return on your investment with one of these degrees, particularly if you take the time to explore additional opportunities to enhance your learning while you are enrolled in school (such as work-study, graduate assistantships, internships, study abroad, and extracurricular activities and clubs).
However, even if you’re earning a six-figure salary upon graduation, you still need to find a way to bankroll your tuition in the meantime. It can take up to four years to earn an MBA in information systems, or sometimes even longer if you only want to take a class or two at a time.
Fortunately, all of the programs in our list of the best affordable online MBA in information systems degrees are incredibly affordable. They offer low tuition rates as well as substantial financial aid and other savings opportunities.
The first place to start when you’re looking at ways to lower the cost of a college degree is to consider the overall cost of the school. What is the tuition rate? Are there additional fees incurred for online learning? Are discounts available if you study full-time or at an accelerated rate? Talk to your school’s financial aid department to get more information on what your program costs.
Remember that public schools aren’t always cheaper than private schools, either. In fact, although public schools (particularly those that are located in your state of residence) offer lower tuition rates at face value, private schools are often able to offer significant financial aid opportunities to offset the higher tuition costs. It might seem like a school is more expensive, but upon further research, a private school is actually the cheaper alternative.
After you consider the “sticker price,” or the amount you’re expected to pay, it’s time to consider the financial aid opportunities that might be available to you. Take the time to research any and all opportunities out there—leave no stone unturned!
Your first step is to submit the FAFSA, or the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. This can be completed as early as January 1 of the year in which you plan to attend school. This form will require you to input information from your tax returns, W2s, and other financial documents. It uses this information to determine your eligibility for federal and state financial aid.
Although students with the highest demonstrated financial need will receive the most financial aid, you shouldn’t be deterred from filling out the FAFSA if your financial need is on the lower side. Many schools use the information provided in and by the FAFSA to determine your eligibility for aid like grants, scholarships, and assistantships. Often, you may qualify for lower interest rate student loans, too.
And let’s not forget that outside aid! You might be eligible for institutional scholarships as well as those from third-party organizations and businesses. Your own employer might be willing to pay part (or all) of the cost of your college attendance in exchange for a commitment of several years’ work. Again, make sure you research any and all opportunities before you seal the deal.
How Much Can I Make With an MBA in Information Systems?
An MBA, or a Master of Business Administration, is one of the most diverse and versatile degrees you can earn. After all, a career in business is remarkably versatile. You could work in a setting like human resources or logistics, or you could own and operate your own small business, too.
When you earn an MBA in information systems, your options might be a bit more limited, but they’ll also be more specialized. With that specialization comes the potential to earn a much higher salary. After all, there are fewer professionals out there who have the skills to do just what you do.
Because of this, you will likely be paid a respectable salary. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics proves that wages for business-related professions are much higher than those, on average, for other workers. Although you might log more hours on the job, you’ll be rewarded handsomely for your time and effort.
When you’re first starting out with an undergraduate degree only under your belt, your salary might not be as high as you’d expect. However, as you gain both experience and education (both of which an MBA can provide), your wages will increase dramatically. In fact, the average wage for management careers is around $81,320, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Diversifying your education is the best way to expand your pay. You’ll want to study a range of nonbusiness subjects as well as those in information technology or computer science. This will give you a level of professionalism that can really enhance your career prospects (and your pay).
In fact, computer and information systems managers earned an average salary of $146,360 per year in 2019, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That’s a whopping $70.37 per hour! While a bachelor’s degree is all that’s required to enter into one of these careers, you’ll earn a much higher salary when you gain more experience.
Some more great news? You won’t face stiff competition when it comes to applying for a job, either—especially if you take the time and spend the money to earn a graduate degree or MBA. in fact, these jobs are expected to grow an impressive 10% by 2029, which is double the national average. This excellent job outlook is fueled in part by the fact that demand is increasing for skilled computer and information systems managers as companies expand their operations to digital settings.
As a computer and information systems manager, you’ll be responsible for implementing these changes and goals. More jobs are also expected to be created as companies recognize the need to improve cybersecurity and to prevent the likelihood of cybercrime and similar threats.
Needless to say, if you’re looking for a job that is well-paying and easy to find, you’ll have few better options than by earning an MBA in information systems.
What Are the Best MBA in Information Systems Degrees?
We know that you have educational goals that you’re itching to pursue, but you may not know where to start. The editors of Master’s Programs Guide utilize a unique ranking methodology based on the following five aspects:
25% Overall Degree Affordability: Average cost of undergraduate and graduate tuition per school
25% Graduation Rate: Number of students who start at the university and actually finish there
20% Earnings Potential: Average mid-career salary of school alumni
20% Selectivity: The number of students who apply versus the number who actually get accepted
10% Online Graduate Offerings: The number of programs offered online in each department
At Master’s Programs Guide, we strive to do our best to guide you and your family toward a fruitful academic career. The pursuit of knowledge is a noble one, and we want to help you reach your goals.
#1. The University of Texas at Dallas
MBA in Management Information Systems
As a public research university with more than 140 different degree programs across eight separate schools, the University of Texas at Dallas is a top contender as you search for the best affordable online MBA in information systems degrees. This program is identical to the one offered on-campus, and you can even choose to take a few of your courses on campus if you so choose.
This program is offered by the Naveen Jindal School of Management. Here, you will find a wide variety of degree options that are geared specifically toward working adults as well as traditional full-time graduate students. Each program stresses the theory and use of applied sciences behind management and administration while also offering learners the opportunity to gain hands-on, integrated experience when it comes to the analytical tools required for effective management.
The program consists of 36 credit hours of study, which are divided evenly between elective and core courses. You’ll be able to choose from multiple courses such as applied machine learning, agile project management, big data, and even accounting information systems and configuration.
The management information systems concentration is not the only concentration option for students to choose from. In fact, this MBA comes with specializations such as product lifecycle and supply chain management, project management, and healthcare leadership and management, too. Regardless of your concentration choice, you’ll complete the same core prerequisites and many of the same business courses before moving on to your specialization in management information systems.
Best yet, with this program, you’ll be able to study at your own pace. There is a full-time, evening, and flex program available so that you can access coursework whenever it’s most convenient for you. Of course, the online option is one of the most flexible.
One of the most impressive features of this program is its information systems internship. With this internship, you’ll be able to gain extensive experience and to improve your skillset through work assignments in real-life business environments, and you’ll be required to identify and submit your own learning objectives and then complete a paper, poster presentation, or oral presentation reflecting on your experience at the end of the internship.
Although the GMAT or GRE are required for admission, you can receive a waiver if you earned a minimum GPA of 3.6 in an undergraduate business program that is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
As you might expect, this program is also one of the most affordable. The University of Texas at Dallas offers a consolidated tuition rate which is capped at 12 semester hours for all students. Your rate will cover all program costs, including tuition, fees, and even incidental fees. Depending on your residency status, you’ll pay an average of $1723 per credit hour.
Extensive financial aid is available to help make this program more affordable, too. Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for scholarships, grants, work-study, and a variety of student loan options.
#2. New Jersey Institute of Technology
MBA MIS Concentration
Located in Newark, NJ, the New Jersey Institute of Technology has an online MBA with a management information systems concentration that is not only accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business but is also one of the most affordable in the country.
The university has a long history of success and prestige, first opening its doors in 1881 as the Newark Technical School. Its campus is impressive, home to roughly 50 different education centers, research facilities, and laboratories. In fact, the school houses more than 120 different business incubators where countless breakthroughs in business-related research and development have been conducted.
The MBA in information systems is also one of the most popular at the university. Its unique design makes it suitable for any industry professional interested in pursuing leadership roles, either as MIS managers, CIOs, or in some other similar position. A nationally ranked degree, the program is regarded as one of the best online MBA degrees by U.S. News & World Report.
This should come as no surprise, since the New Jersey Institute of Technology is regarded as a Top Public School and Best National University as a whole by this ranking affiliate, too. You’ll enjoy a small student-to-faculty ratio of just 18:1, meaning you’ll be learning from instructors who know you by name and are truly committed to helping you succeed.
A 48-credit hour program, the degree is split into 16 courses with most classes costing just over $3,000 a piece. The school’s low tuition is just one reason (combined with phenomenal career placement services) that the student loan default rate at New Jersey Institute of Technology is one of the lowest in the country.
Management information systems is not the only concentration to choose from when you apply to this program, either. Other options include finance, healthcare management, marketing, and innovation and entrepreneurship. If you’re motivated to succeed and have a unique vision of where you’d like to take your studies, you might even consider building a custom concentration. The custom concentration allows you to design and determine your own career path by working closely with an academic advisor to select the right courses for your goals.
The degree has a global perspective and prepares students for the challenges and benefits of working in a global society. You will learn how to manage uncertainty and change and will engage in real-time studies that will give you hands-on access to the latest business intelligence software and management techniques.
You can take two classes per semester, with the entire degree taking most students just eight semesters to complete (each class is 15 weeks in duration). Core courses you will take include Information Systems Strategy, Knowledge Management, Data Mining and Analysis, Decision Support Systems for Managers, and Corporate Governance and Strategic Management.
#3. East Carolina University
MBA in Management Information Systems
East Carolina is a large school located in Greenville, NC. Home to more than 29,000 students at the undergraduate, doctoral, and graduate level, this four-year public university is segmented into a dozen different schools and colleges.
The university first opened its doors in 1907, when the General Assembly passed an act to establish a normal school in the eastern part of North Carolina. Originally founded to educate teachers, the school now offers dozens of majors and minors to students who aspire to work in all kinds of industries.
A 33-credit hour program, this degree is also incredibly affordable. You’ll pay just over $1100 to take three credit hours of coursework, a tuition rate that’s easily one of the most affordable in the nation. You’ll take core courses such as Topics in Management Information Systems, Web Application Development for Business, Information Systems Analysis and Design, and Telecommunications and Networked Systems.
East Carolina University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, but its business programs are accredited through the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. In fact, it has been AACSB-accredited since 1967. Not only was it one of the first schools and programs to receive such an accreditation, but it is one of just 5% of all business schools in the world to receive such a designation.
It has an unparalleled student-to-faculty ratio of just 18:1, meaning you’ll get to know your instructors on a more personal level as you pursue your degree. Not only that, but when you enroll at East Carolina University, even studying online on a part-time basis, you’ll become part of PirateNation, which will enable you to connect with a large, close-knit network of accomplished alumni and friends.
A highly affordable program, the MBA consistently is ranked as a best buy for online education. With a number of course waivers available, the program has low tuition that is particularly low for residents of North Carolina. In fact, many students will complete their degrees for less than $15,000. There are more than $300,000 in graduate scholarships awarded each year along with more than $550,000 in graduate assistantships, too.
You can pursue this degree entirely online, entirely on-campus, or as a hybrid of the two delivery methods. The course requirements and course structures will be identical regardless of the option you select. There is no residency requirement either, meaning you’ll be able to complete each and every one of your courses from the comfort of your own home.
Perfect for undergraduates who majored in business as well as those who did not, this degree is entirely self-contained and has no prerequisite business coursework or experience. As a result, you’ll find that you’re able to interact with a diverse cohort of fellow classmates to enrich your learning here.
To apply, you will need to complete a general application form and submit an application fee of $70. You will also need to submit GMAT or GRE scores, official transcripts, and a current resume.
#4. University of Colorado Denver
MBA – Management Information Systems
When it comes to pursuing a career in business, one of the best ways to enhance your career prospects is to network with the people who understand the industry best. At the University of Colorado Denver, you’ll find the largest MBA program in the state. The benefit of this? The school’s large network keeps current students and recent graduates in touch with a strong network of internship and career possibilities.
The MBA in management information systems is a 48-credit hour program that is offered by the business school at the University of Colorado – Denver. There are numerous specializations available in addition to the management information systems option. You’ll be able to choose from 15 credit hours of electives as you take 30 hours of core curriculum and three hours of international business courses.
The program offers you the flexibility you need to explore your interests while also giving you a solid business foundation that is applicable to practically any discipline or industry. The program offers the prestige that you would expect with accreditation by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business but with the affordability of a less prestigious school. You’ll learn from the same internationally-recognized faculty members who teach on campus—and your degree will look no different from the one you would receive on campus, too.
Curious about the topics you will study? Some of the most common courses include Information Systems Management and Strategy, Business Intelligence and Analytics, Marketing Management, and New Venture Operations and Project Management.
The affordable online management information systems degree at the University of Colorado Denver is the largest of its kind in the state of Colorado. That’s unsurprising, given that the school is also regarded as the largest research institute of higher learning in the state. It receives more than $375 million in research grants every year, on average.
This four-year public research university offers a wealth of degree choices at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral level. You can take all of your courses online as you complete your degree, or you can choose to take some classes on campus. The university has two—one is located in downtown Denver and the other is about ten miles away in Aurora, on the Anschutz Medical Campus.
This MBA degree, which comes with the option for numerous other specializations, is nationally accredited and supported by the school’s many other credible recognitions and rankings. U.S. News & World Report repeatedly lists the University of Colorado Denver among its top schools—most notably, it is regarded as a Best College for Veterans, a Top Public School, and a provider of the Best MBA Programs in the U.S., too.
This university also has a reputation for being one of the country’s most diverse. More than half of its freshman class, in fact, is composed of students of color. With this program, you’ll be able to choose from a dozen different career-focused areas of interest and learn from a cohort of peers who will share their diverse backgrounds and experiences to enhance your experience, too.
#5. University of Maryland-College Park
MBA with Information Systems Concentration
Just four miles northeast of the nation’s capital is the 400-acre campus of the University of Maryland, College Park. This school is home to a variety of breathtaking features, including the large urban forest (home to the famous Paint Branch Trail and the Paint Brush stream).
It first opened its doors in 1856 as the Maryland Agricultural College. This close-knit school enrolled just 34 students at first, all of whom studied on-campus beginning in October of 1859. Now, the school is much larger, home to nearly 40,000 students at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels.
A four-year public university, the University of Maryland-College Park is well-ranked by U.S. News & World Report. It’s regarded as one of the best schools in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, while Kiplinger’s Personal Finance has recognized the school as a best value for in-state students, too.
The Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland-College Park offers a superior online Master of Business Administration with an information systems and business analytics concentration. Offered entirely online, the degree has been ranked as one of the best online programs in the country by U.S. News & World Report for several years in a row.
This degree can be completed in fewer than two years—in fact, most students complete their studies in just 21 months. A 54-credit hour program, it includes foundational courses and residency credits along with elective classes like Managing Digital Business and Platforms, Data Analytics, and Social Media and Web Analytics.
At just over $1400 per credit hour, this university has low tuition rates and offers graduates a sound return on their investment. In fact, the average salary of entry-level employees is up to $78,000! You won’t have to worry about finding a good-paying job when you choose to study at the University of Maryland-College Park.
You’ll never even have to step foot on campus. In fact, you’ll complete all of your courses online and be able to collaborate with your peers and professors to create that valuable sense of community you likely crave. You’ll enjoy an engaging learning experience as you explore multiple advanced features, like video and audio messaging, discussion boards, simulations, integrated digital and multimedia workspaces, and more.
You’ll be able to form precious connections with peers, faculty members, and alumni, joining a network of more than 66,000 business school alumni upon your graduation.
There’s really something to be said about the faculty here, too. They are industry leaders and influencers who have decades of experience in information technology. Always eager to share their findings, faculty at the University of Maryland regularly involve students in their research and exploration.
To apply, you will need to submit an online application along with an application fee, an essay, and a letter of recommendation. In most cases, you will also be expected to have completed at least two years of work experience.
#6. Florida State University
MBA with a specialization in Management Information Systems
Located in Tallahassee, FL, Florida State University first opened its doors in 1851. It is the oldest continuously-operating higher education institution in the state, in fact. Here, students can choose from a variety of courses in management information systems, including Advanced Project Management, Information and Technology Management, Social and Organizational Issues in Management Information Systems, and much more.
This four-year public university offers degrees at the associate, undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral level, enrolling more than 40,000 students each year. It has a high graduation rate of close to 80% and equally high levels of student satisfaction, as evidenced by its remarkable retention rate.
In most cases, students can complete this degree in as little as 24 months—you’ll just need to complete two classes per semester. Most classes are offered asynchronously, with core topics covering systems analysis and design, database development, and more. You can even personalize your studies by taking one of five different elective courses.
The degree is identical to the one offered on-campus. You can choose to take courses full or part-time, or in an accelerated or evening format. The business school at Florida State also provides learners with the opportunity to earn a joint JD/MBA, MSW/MBA, or real estate/MBA degree, too.
When you’re pursuing an MBA in any of these settings, know that management information systems is not your only concentration option, either. In fact, you may also choose to take classes in other specializations, such as finance, business analytics, human resources, marketing, real estate, and supply chain management.
In the management information systems specialization, you will be introduced to core fundamental concepts dealing with the design, use, and implementation of information systems in a variety of organizations. You’ll learn how to incorporate key information systems to help any organization achieve its strategic goals and objectives.
It’s ranked as one of the best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report and, as one of the most affordable programs of its kind nationwide, offers one of the best returns on investment. In fact, its low tuition cost comes in at just $780 per credit hour, and with graduates earning an average early career salary of more than $60,000, pursuing this degree is a no-brainer.
There are plenty of financial aid opportunities for you to pursue, too. The College of Business offers a variety of university fellowships and assistantships to students of high academic standing. There is also an MBA LOANS program that can help you secure a low-interest loan to finance your tuition costs.
To apply to this program, you will need to submit a formal application along with GMAT or GRE scores, letters of recommendation, and evidence of some professional experience. If you achieved a high undergraduate GPA (3.4 on a 4.0 scale or higher), you may even be eligible for a GMAT or GRE waiver.
#7. University of South Florida
Master of Business Administration in Management Information Systems
Established in 1965 in St. Petersburg, FL, the University of South Florida has several campuses around the state, along with a vibrant online platform. Here, the school offers programs at the associate, undergraduate, and graduate levels. Despite being a smaller school with highly hands-on programs and interactive classrooms, this university offers some of the best academic prestige.
In fact, this online MBA in information systems is ranked as the second-best in the state of Florida and fifteenth best in the United States overall, according to the U.S. News & World Report. It is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, and the university as a whole is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Here, the online MBA is split up into 27 credit hours of core coursework and nine hours of core courses in management information systems such as IT Project Management, Data Visualization, Business Process Management Development, and Predictive Analytics. A nationally ranked program, this degree will help you develop the creative and analytical skills you need to be successful in the modern business world.
In addition to completing this degree online, you can also complete your courses on-campus in either Tampa or Sarasota-Manatee. Regardless of the option you choose, you’ll have access to plenty of career-building opportunities. For example, you’ll be granted a personal MBA coach who will help you meet your career goals.
You will also be able to engage in unique options like career fairs. In fact, the university hosts multiple career fairs each year, bringing in representatives from local and national companies alike. There are virtual options available for career assistance, too, (including cover letter writing assistance, interview practice, and business etiquette seminars) meaning you don’t even have to step foot on campus to benefit from the exceptional career-building programs here.
Every year, the Muma College of Business at the University of South Florida hosts a Virtual MBA Case Competition. In this competition, students analyze a case, come up with a solution, and deliver a business recommendation in 24 hours. It’s a great way to build your portfolio and your career expertise. Other opportunities you might benefit from include networking, corporate connections events (which feature corporate recruiters from major companies like Tech Data, Bank of America, and Northwestern Mutual), and mentorship programs.
To apply, you will need to submit three letters of recommendation, an online application form, a resume, a statement of purpose, and GMAT scores. In some cases, GMAT waivers are available.
Although you will be required to pay a small application fee to apply to this program, don’t worry—it’s minimal. Plus, the program is highly affordable and offers a great return on investment. Consisting of 36 credit hours, tuition costs just $461 per credit hour for a total cost of just over $16,000—for the entire program! You won’t find a more reasonable and reputable program than this.
#8. West Texas A & M University
MBA (Master of Business Administration) in Computer Information Systems
West Texas A&M University is located in Canyon, TX, but you don’t have to travel to the Lone Star State in order to benefit from the dynamic programs offered at this institution. Ranked as one of the best in the nation, the online MBA in computer information systems at West Texas A&M University is also one of the most affordable.
Here, you’ll pay a shockingly low tuition rate of just $244 per credit hour. The total cost of tuition is less than $10,000, making the degree a phenomenal bargain for budget-minded students. It is designed to be completed in two years on a part-time basis, but if you’re interested in moving through the curriculum more quickly, you can graduate in as little as 12 to 18 months by taking courses on an accelerated basis.
Choose to complete courses on more of a part-time basis and you can take up to six years to complete your degree.
The computer information systems specialization is one of five different options available to distance learners. It’s available as 100% online asynchronous classes with other specialties including management, marketing, healthcare management, and more. You can also choose to complete a general MBA that’s perfect for students who are undecided about their ultimate career path.
The MBA in computer information systems at West Texas A&M University enables students to specialize in general business while they pursue core courses, or to expand beyond those core courses for an emphasis area in computers. Ranked as one of the best MBA programs by U.S. News & World Report, it is also highly ranked for its online MBA programs, its online graduate business programs, and it’s low in-state tuition rates.
The College of Business at West Texas A&M University is also ranked as one of the best schools for veterans and is well-respected for offering one of the most affordable online MBAs, too. That’s also according to the U.S. News & World Report.
You won’t sacrifice quality for cost, either. This program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business and consists of 37 credit hours of rigorous, hands-on coursework. You’ll take 28 hours of core courses like Seminar in Advanced Microeconomic Theory, Data and Information Management, Information Technology Management, and Project Management for the Enterprise.
This program has a high graduation rate and is offered by one of the panhandle area’s top four-year public universities. Despite its large size—it’s home to nearly 10,000 students at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral level—the classes here are remarkably close knit and hands on.
To apply, you will need to submit a formal online application, official transcripts evidencing an undergraduate GPA of at least a 3.0, three letters of recommendation, a resume showing some work experience, a statement of your goals, and a history of foundational courses in business.
#9. Charleston Southern University
MBA in Information Systems Analysis and Design
Charleston Southern University is a four-year, not-for-profit university with humble beginnings. Today one of the largest fully accredited private universities in the state, Charleston Southern has its origins in 1965, when classes took place in classrooms located at the First Baptist Church of North Charleston.
Today, however, the school has a further reach. It offers more than four dozen different undergraduate programs and fifteen graduate programs to more than 3,600 students. It is regionally accredited through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, and has an impressive graduation rate. The school is recognized as a “College of Distinction” and offers one of the best (and most affordable!) online MBA in information systems analysis and design programs.
The online MBA in information systems analysis and design is priced at just $625 per credit hour. You’ll pay less than $21,000 to earn your entire degree and enjoy the convenience and flexibility of being able to study from your own home. The degree consists of just 33 credit hours of study and is equipped with numerous specialization options (including general management, supply chain management, and healthcare management, along with information systems analysis and design) so that you can hone your coursework to your unique career interests.
A ten-month program, this degree is ideal for working professionals. It can be completed in an accelerated fashion so it won’t take you long to meet your academic and professional goals. This program is the flagship degree of the College of Business—and has been for more than 25 years. Here, you’ll find a curriculum that’s not only academically prestigious and rigorous, but it’s offered within a faith-based community, too.
There are six separate specializations offered by the graduate school so you’ll be able to focus intently on your area of interest. It is ranked as one of the best online graduate business programs in its own respect by U.S. News & World Report and is also hailed as one of the best business programs for veterans. Specialization options include accounting, finance, organizational development, accounting, and of course, management information systems.
You’ll start by taking a series of prerequisite courses (which in some cases may be waived if you have ample undergraduate experience) before going on to 18 hours of core courses and nine hours of electives in information systems. These courses include fundamental training in subjects like management, marketing, financial and managerial accounting, business data and decision analytics, and the market process and world economy.
Then, you’ll take courses in your specialization, such as information systems concepts, data security and emerging information technologies, database design and management concepts, and more.
To apply, you’ll need to submit an official graduate application along with official transcripts from all of the institutions you have attended. You’ll also need to supply a resume and academic statement, two letters of recommendation, and official test scores. In many cases, you’ll be able to waive the GMAT or GRE requirement. However, it’s important to note that the school offers full-time students who have earned a GMAT score of 500 or higher a 10% tuition discount.
#10. Stevens Institute of Technology
MBA in Information Systems
With a main campus in thriving Hoboken, NJ, Stevens Institute of Technology is one of the best business schools in the state. Here, you’ll find an impressive and hands-on (yet fully online) Master of Business Administration. It has an emphasis in information systems and features 48 credit hours of core courses like Financial Decision Making, Project Management Fundamentals, Integrating Information System Technologies, and Database Systems and Decision Support.
Beyond those core courses, you’ll also be able to take classes in various elective areas such as Business Intelligence and Analytics, Project Management, and Business Process Management and Service Innovation. The curriculum is designed to ensure that your studies will be closely aligned with your personal and professional goals. Not only will you take a variety of technology-focused management courses, but you’ll also be able to choose four classes that are focused on your career interests or free electives so you can explore other disciplines.
Information systems is not the only specialization offered here, either. You can also take classes in areas like corporate innovation, finance, and project management. Regardless of the option you choose, you’ll complete a final capstone course that will bring together everything that is taught throughout the curriculum. You can choose between three courses: Technology Commercialization Practicum, Industry Capstone Program, and Application and Integration of Technology Management.
In the Technology Commercialization Capstone, you’ll take what you’ve learned about entrepreneurship to start your own business or to develop your own product. In the Industry Capstone Program, you’ll gain real-world experience in which you’ll go to work with managers at a company on an industry problem. Your final option, the Application and Integration of Technology Management, will enable you to manage the entire spectrum of a business of your choosing in an intense business simulation experience.
This degree is highly affordable, with tuition starting at just $1,501 per credit hour. Although this tuition rate is slightly higher than what you might pay at other institutions, graduates report success upon searching for jobs—the average early career salary of graduates is right around $72,000. Not too shabby, especially when you consider that most students will complete this degree on a part-time basis.
Offered by the School of Business at Stevens, this degree is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. It is also regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. With a graduation rate of 82%, it’s clear that the instructors in this program know a thing or two about preparing their students for successful careers.
As the oldest institution of higher learning in the country to be dedicated to mechanical engineering, Stevens Institute of Technology has a diverse student body that represents all 50 states and more than 60 different countries. Although it first opened its doors in 1870, the school’s programs are anything but antiquated. When you enroll at Stevens, you’ll have access to a program of study that is rigorous, up to date, and incredibly forward-thinking.
OTHER NOTABLE PROGRAMS
#11. University of Arizona
Location: Tucson, AZ
Degree: MBA with a Management Information Systems concentration
Net Price: $13,044
#12. Auburn University
Location: Auburn, AL
Degree: MBA in Management Information Systems
Net Price: $11,282
#13. Tennessee Technological University
Location: Cookeville, TN
Degree: MBA – Management Information Systems
Net Price: $11,283
#14. University of Connecticut
Location: Mansfield, CT
Degree: MBA Operations and Information Management
Net Price: $17,660
#15. Florida Atlantic University
Location: Boca Raton, FL
Degree: MBA in Management Information Systems
Net Price: $6,657
#16. Fort Hays State University
Location: Hays, KS
Degree: MBA MIS Concentration
Net Price: $4,266
#17. Widener University
Location: Chester, PA
Degree: MBA Information Systems
Net Price: $22,600
#18. Dallas Baptist University
Location: Dallas, TX
Degree: Master of Business Administration in Information Systems
Net Price: $18,262
#19. Emporia State University
Location: Emporia, KS
Degree: Master of Business Administration with Information Systems Concentration
Net Price: $8,464
#20. University of Alabama at Birmingham
Location: Birmingham, AL
Degree: MBA degree program with a Management in Information Systems concentration
Net Price: $8,100
#21. University of New Hampshire
Location: Durham, NH
Degree: MBA degree program with an Information Systems and Business Analytics specialization
Net Price: $15,935
#22. Webster University
Location: Webster Groves, MO
Degree: MBA in Information Technology Management
Net Price: $13,500
#23. Concordia University Wisconsin
Location: Mequon, WI
Degree: MBA (Master of Business Administration) in Management Information Systems
Net Price: $10,848
#24. University of Central Arkansas
Location: Conway, AR
Degree: MBA with a concentration in Information Technology
Net Price: $6,238
#25. Gardner Webb University
Location: Boiling Springs, NC
Degree: MBA in Management Information Systems
Net Price: $9,050