Individuals interested in combining technical knowledge and business skills should consider a degree in information management, which may also be referred to as management information systems, computer information systems or electronic business design.
10 Schools with Information Management Programs
Information management programs can be found at the following schools:
| College/University | Location | Institution Type | Degrees Offered | Tuition and Fees, In-State (2015-2016)* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University | Tempe, AZ | 4-year, Public | Master's | Graduate: $11,304 |
| Miami Dade College | Miami, FL | 4-year, Public | Bachelor's | Undergraduate: $2,834 |
| Ohio State University | Columbus, OH | 4-year, Public | Bachelor's, Master's, Doctorate | Undergraduate: $10,037 Graduate: $12,425 |
| University of Minnesota - Twin Cities | Minneapolis, MN | 4-year, Public | Bachelor's | Undergraduate: $ 13,790 |
| University of Central Florida | Orlando, FL | 4-year, Public | Bachelor's | Undergraduate: $6,368 |
| The University of Texas at Austin | Austin, TX | 4-year, Public | Bachelors, Master's | Undergraduate: $9,806 Graduate: $10,934 |
| Texas A & M University | Commerce, TX | 4-year, Public | Bachelor's | Undergraduate: $6,202 |
| University of South Florida | Tampa, FL | 2-year, Public | Bachelor's, Master's, Doctorate | Undergraduate: $6,410 Graduate: $10,428 |
| Pennsylvania State University | Middletown, PA | 4-year, Public | Bachelor's, Master's | Undergraduate: $14,610 Graduate: $20,280 |
| University of Illinois at Urbana - Champaign | Champaign, IL | 4-year, Public | Bachelor's, Master's, Doctorate | Undergraduate: $15,054 Graduate: $18,041 |
Source: *National Center for Education Statistics
School Selection Criteria
Consider the following when looking at different information management programs:
- Some programs focus more heavily on either the technical or business aspects of the field; prospective students can choose between them based on their academic interests.
- Students may want to find out about the school's laboratory facilities in order to ensure that they will get experience with the latest data storage systems and software programs.
- For students who want to go into industry, it can be helpful to research the internship opportunities provided by schools, as well as placement rates for graduates.
- For prospective graduate students who want to conduct research in the field, it is important to search the faculty for potential thesis advisors with whom they share research interests.
Bachelor's Degree Programs
Bachelor's degree programs in information management or management information systems provide a broad overview of the field. Foundational courses in both computer science and business are required, and students may have the opportunity to specialize their studies in a particular topic of interest, such as database management, digital retail strategies, information security or network and systems administration. It is important to note that Bachelor of Science (BS) programs tend to focus more heavily on the computational aspects of information management, with Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) programs focus more heavily on the business applications of the field.
Master's Degree Programs
At the master's degree level, students who are interested in information management can earn a Master of Science (MS) or a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a focus in the field. In MS programs, students take advanced coursework in both information technology and management theory. They may also have the option of writing a thesis or completing a practicum in the field. MBA programs provide a core of business coursework alongside more focused information management electives.
Doctoral Degree Programs
Students who want to conduct research into new ways to use information technology for business management purposes can earn a PhD with a concentration in the field. In addition to high-level courses in business, computer science and research methodology, students produce and defend a final dissertation in a particular topic of interest.
Information management programs can be found as bachelor's, master's and doctorate degrees. A combination of business and information systems courses prepare students for various positions in government organizations, education institutions and private companies.
