Why major in MIS?
MIS integrates business and computing. MIS primarily focuses on the role that computers play in human settings, either individual or organizational. ECU's MIS degree provides a foundation for the analysis and design of information systems and the knowledge of application software to develop business solutions. The number of reasons for majoring in MIS at ECU is as large and varied as the number of individuals who have chosen to do so. Among the more prominent reasons are:
| High placement rate | Demand for computer-savvy business people and business-savvy technical people is met in the MIS major. Because information systems are more strategically important now than ever, skilled professionals who understand information systems and business are in high demand. |
| High salaries | Top MIS graduates command very competitive salaries. the average total compensation for IT jobs is around $87,838 (ComputerWorld Salary Survey 2005) |
| Job satisfaction | Information Systems professionals make a significant contribution to the competitiveness and well-being of the organizations in which they work. |
| Fun | MIS majors are intelligent and dynamic people who can interface well with both humans and machines. |
| Challenge | The rapid rate of change in the information systems world provides professionals with constant opportunities to learn and grow. |
Positions in Information Systems
People who become experts in the MIS area are qualified for a large and growing number of prestigious, well paid jobs with excellent long-term career potential world-wide. Typical positions with an area of study in information systems are:
| Systems Analyst | End-user Support Analyst |
| Consultant | Teacher-Trainer |
| Technical Support | Network Analyst |
| IT Specialist | Programmer |
| Database Specialist | Application Developer |
| Information Security Manager | Web/E-commerce System Developer |
MIS graduates are ready to fill 6 of Fortune's 20 Fastest-Growing Professional Jobs (3/21/2005). These jobs have a greater than 20% growth rate for the next 10 years.
| Environmental engineers | 54.3% |
| Network systems and datacom analysts | 41.9% |
| Personal financial advisors | 36.3% |
| Database administrators | 33.1% |
| Software engineers | 27.8% |
| Emergency management specialists | 27.8% |
| Biomedical engineers | 27.8% |
| PR specialists | 27.8% |
| Computer and infosystems managers | 25.6% |
| Comp, benefits, and job analysts | 25.6% |
| Systems analysts | 24.9% |
| Network and systems administrators | 24.9% |
| Training and development specialists | 22.3% |
| Medical scientists | 22.1% |
| Marketing and sales managers | 21.3% |
| Computer specialists | 20.8% |
| Media and communications specialists | 20.6% |
| Counselors, social workers | 20.4% |
| Lawyers | 20.2% |
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The difference between MIS and other Computer majors
Here's a brief contrast to help students understand the difference between MIS and other computer related majors. A computer science degree focuses on software systems and programming in great depth. A computer engineering degree focuses on designing and building computer hardware. MIS professionals, on the other hand, requires in-depth knowledge of human and organizational issues surrounding computer use such as: | • Designing computer systems to meet specific human and organizational needs | | • Designing computer systems for maximum usability and human productivity | | • Interpersonal communication using computers | | • Record keeping using computers | | • Conducting and tracking business transactions with computers | | • Supporting teamwork via computers | | • Using computers to improve decisions | | • Managing organizational knowledge |
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