Management Information Systems

The Management Information Systems (MIS) major focuses on technology-supported techniques for exploring, analyzing, integrating, and reporting business data to facilitate fact-based decision-making and enterprise-wide management. You will develop proficiency in business analytics, competency in systems analysis and design, and mastery of core business processes.

MIS graduates are well prepared for careers in industry, consulting, and government sectors as business analytics specialists and systems analysis professionals. Companies recruiting MIS majors represent both the services sector (consulting, retailing, and health care industries) and the manufacturing sector (especially computer, aerospace, pharmaceutical, electronics, petrochemical, auto, food, and consumer products industries). Entry-level MIS jobs have titles such as Management Consultant, Business Analyst, IT Consultant, Systems Analyst, Information Security Analyst, IT Security Manager, Business Process Analyst, etc.

As a Penn State student, you have access to Vault, an online career database of information on a variety of business majors. This site offers industry career guides, cover letter and resume resources, information videos, and much more. Check out the career guides here.

For more information about the Management Information Systems, visit:

Smeal Majors: undergrad.smeal.psu.edu/majors/management-information-systems

Academics & Advising: ugstudents.smeal.psu.edu/academics-advising/information-on-smeal-majors/management-information-systems

Major Sustainability: majorsustainability.smeal.psu.edu/

Smeal Undergraduate Majors: Management Information Systems from Smeal College of Business on Vimeo.

Management Information Systems Career Paths

Below are just a few of the many career paths you can take with a management and information systems degree. Check out these websites to learn more about careers in your major!

Computer Systems AnalystComputer systems analysts study an organization’s current computer systems and procedures and design information systems solutions to help the organization operate more efficiently and effectively. They bring business and information technology (IT) together by understanding the needs and limitations of both.  Duties may involve, consulting with managers to determine the role of the IT system in an organization, researching emerging technologies to see if they would increase an organization’s efficiency, design and develop new systems by choosing and configuring new software, and conducting tests to ensure that systems work as expected.
Database AdministratorDatabase administrators may be responsible for identifying database requirements, recommending solutions by defining database structure, functional capabilities, database security, data back up, and recovery specifications. Other responsibilities include maintaining database performance, implementing new releases and evaluating computer operating systems and hardware products.
Supply Chain RolesMany MIS students find careers in the Supply Chain field. For more information, refer to the ‘What Can I Do as a Supply Chain Major’ flyer.
Software DeveloperSoftware developers typically spend their days analyzing the needs of clients and then designing a system to meet those needs. They might also recommend software upgrades to existing systems. More detailed work comes in the form of designing the step-by-step flowcharts for computing systems that show how program code must be written in order for it to work properly. Day to day duties consist of communicating with clients in order to consult their specific needs in regards to the business.
Technology Industry SnapshotFind your future in technology! Check out this technology industry snapshot created by the Forté Foundation. This is a great resource to explore industries that interest you the most.