MIS Careers

MIS graduates may seek entry-level positions in job titles such as business analyst, web developer, software tester, network developer or IT support staff. Graduates of WWU's MIS program work in many types of organizations and have a large variety of job titles, as shown in this list of WWU MIS graduate job titles and employers.  Employment in information technology (IT) careers is projected to grow at above average rates during the next few years (U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Outlook).

IT careers will continue to evolve rapidly as organizations adopt new advanced technologies. These changes present both opportunities and risks for MIS professionals.  Students pursuing careers in MIS should be prepared for a demanding career that will require ongoing learning, but also offers tremendous opportunities for intellectual and career growth.

Role of MIS in Organizations **

MIS professionals focus on integrating information technology and business processes to meet the information needs of businesses and other enterprises. This discipline views technology as an instrument for generating, processing, and distributing information. Professionals in the discipline understand both organizational needs and technical solutions. They are able to help an organization determine how information and technology-enabled business processes can provide a competitive advantage.

The MIS professional plays a key role in determining the requirements for an organization’s information systems and is active in their specification, design, and implementation. As a result, such professionals require a sound understanding of organizational principles and practices so that they can serve as an effective bridge between the technical and management communities within an organization. MIS professionals are also involved in designing technology-based organizational communication and collaboration systems.

For more information on the role of MIS professionals please see the article The Top 10 Business Analysis Skills for 2012 in Business Analyst Times.

** modified from Computing Curricula 2005.

MIS Curriculum

The MIS program of study includes courses in systems analysis and design, database management, application development, website management, and other information technology topics. A strong computer background and knowledge of a range of business disciplines is essential in this area.

MIS Concentration (91-92) credits:

• Foundation Courses (28 credits): (course descriptions)
  • ACCT 240, 245
  • ECON 206, 207
  • DSCI 205
  • MGMT 271
  • MATH 157

   

• Core Courses (36 credits):
  • ECON 309
  • DSCI 305
  • FIN 341
  • MIS 320
  • MGMT 311, 482, 495*
  • MKTG 380
  • OPS 360

  * Students interested in the small business entrepreneurship may elect to take the small business sequence MGMT 491 and 492.  These two courses would substitute for MGMT 495 and one elective course in the MIS concentration.

   

• MIS Electives (27-28 credits):
  • MGMT 313 or OPS 461 or MIS 492
  • MIS 321, 322, 421, 495
  • Two courses from: Any upper-division MIS course, DSCI 405, OPS 461, or ACCT 421. Other upper-division courses (including Computer Science) may be possible under advisement.
  • Familiarity with an additional programming language is highly recommended.

NOTE: All business administration majors are required to take one communication focus and one writing proficiency course, both within the College of Business and Economics, prior to graduation.  Consult the Timetable of Classes for the specific course sections that fulfill the CF and WP requirements.

Certificate in Web Site Management: Students concentrating in MIS may also be interested in earning a Certificate in Web Site Management through WWU's Internet Studies Center. Two of the six courses required for the certificate may be used as MIS concentration elective courses.  For more information on the Certificate please visit the ISC web site: http://www.cs.wwu.edu/ISC/.

MIS Plan Of Study

Download MIS Plan of Study (pdf)

Download the Flowchart (pdf)

Advising

After the declaration of major, a student will be assigned a faculty adviser with whom the student must consult concerning required and elective courses in the chosen major and concentration. The faculty adviser may also be a source of information concerning career objectives and opportunities.

Any questions not answered by the above information should be directed to the Department Chair (Professor Steve Ross) or the DSCI Academic Department Manager (Stephanie Wanne). Questions concerning individual areas of study should be directed to faculty who teach in that area.