Key Takeaways:
- Common Courses in MIS programs include Introduction to Management of Information Systems, Leadership in Business Systems Development, and Legal and Ethical Issues in Technology.
- Database Design and Management and Information Technology Strategic Planning are also essential courses in MIS degree programs.
- MIS professionals learn about business software, Agile development methodologies, ethical issues in technology, database design, and technology strategic planning.
To complete a Management Information Systems degree program, aspiring MIS professionals will need to complete a variety of basic core requirement courses as well as several program-related classes. Although these courses may vary a bit depending on the school that students choose to attend and any credits previously earned, there are some courses that are common to most MIS programs. Five of these classes are described below.
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1. Introduction to Management of Information Systems
Perhaps the most common course that students will encounter in a Management Information Systems degree program is Introduction to Management of Information Systems. This introductory course acquaints students with the basics of computer systems and the role of information systems in businesses today. During the course, students will examine such subject areas as business software, operating systems, systems development, and database management.
2. Leadership in Business Systems Development
Another course that is common to many Management Information Systems programs is Leadership in Business Systems Development. This is an upper-level course that provides students with the fundamental skills necessary for managing software development projects. Other areas of focus include team management, Agile development methodologies, applying leadership principles, managing goals and priorities, and aligning ideals with organizational goals.
3. Legal and Ethical Issues in Technology
Yet another common course in an MIS degree program is Legal and Ethical Issues in Technology. As a journal published by Igbinedion University in 2016 states, with technology on the rise today, ethical issues pertaining to information technology will increase as well. This course examines the ethical and legal issues pertaining to technology and data-driven organizations. During the course, students will explore issues stemming from such things as privacy rights, information ownership, laws governing data protection, and compliance requirements.
4. Database Design and Management
The course known as Database Design and Management is another course that is commonly found in Management Information Systems degree programs. After an introduction to relational databases and database modeling, this course provides students with hands-on training through various laboratory projects. Completion of laboratory projects involves designing and implementing databases, manipulating them through online interfaces, and translating data into functional business applications.
5. Information Technology Strategic Planning
MIS degree programs typically include the course known as Information Technology Strategic Planning as well. The main goal of this course is to teach students how to develop short or long-term technology plans. A sample of the topics that students will explore during this class includes assessment of current and future goals, information technology enterprise planning, information systems steering committees, and prioritizing information technology planning projects.
Management information systems is an exciting career that is growing in demand today. And for prospective students who would like to begin a career as an MIS professional, they will need to complete a variety of courses including the common courses in a Management Information Systems program described above.
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