MIS vs CIS: What’s Your Best Degree Choice?

Businesses rely on data and the constant movement of information between technology and people. These facts mean that businesses must have systems in place to be able to transform information into insights. Additionally, such systems allow businesses to carry out processes for the benefit of management, employees, and customers. That’s where management information systems (MIS) and computer information systems (CIS) come into play. We’re here to compare MIS vs CIS degrees so you know which path is best for you to pursue based on your interests and career goals.

What is Management Information Systems (MIS)?

Management information systems (MIS) are pivotal to a company’s operations. Some examples of MIS include: order processing, logistics, financial processing, and payroll, to name a few. The demand is high for professionals who are experts in these systems because they can crucially impact the bottom line of any business.

The core goal of MIS is that executives, managers, and key stakeholders can have a robust awareness of their operations to be able to make informed business decisions. Additionally, MIS provides the power to test out scenarios before making decisions to gauge their impact.

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What is Computer Information Systems (CIS)?

Computer information systems (CIS) are closely tied to computer science. CIS professionals aid businesses in installing and maintaining computer systems and network infrastructure. CIS is a highly technical field that involves hardware, software, databases, and computer security.

Computer information systems span both the individuals who use computers, as well as the software and hardware that processes information. These systems must securely collect, store, and share data. In nearly every type of organization that exists globally, computer systems are involved. The latter fact implies how important and necessary the proper control of such systems is to a business’ inner workings.

Types of MIS

To better understand management information systems, let’s take a look at a few examples of what they include.

• HR Management Systems: Human resources management systems help to organize and process employee data such as payroll, retirement plans, and benefits.

• Sales and Marketing Systems: Sales and marketing systems aid sales and marketing teams to be able to track campaigns and schedules as well as generate reports to analyze promotions and product offerings, for example.

• Enterprise Resource Planning Systems: Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems use automation to streamline any type of business process.

• Inventory Control Systems: Inventory control systems help to manage inventory through tracking shipping, sales, receiving, turnover, and product turnover.
• Office Automation Systems: Office automation systems allow employees to communicate between departments and with leadership. They include hardware like laptops and cell phones.

What’s a Degree in MIS?

A management information systems degree teaches students to approach business operations through the view of its technology systems. Generally, MIS degrees consist of courses that include: data communications, programming, and systems development and analysis, to name just a few.

Since MIS is highly aligned with business decision-making and operations, the degree involves theories and business topics like marketing, finance, management principles, project management, leadership, and more.

What Do MIS Graduates Do?

MIS graduates have the chance to work in a variety of positions. In many instances, a bachelor’s degree will suffice, but earning a master’s degree will open the door to more advanced roles.

Some careers that MIS graduates can possess include:

• Systems analyst
• Computer network architect
• Database administrator

Types of CIS

Computer information systems help businesses meet their customer’s needs while minimizing inputs and maximizing outputs. Some examples of CIS are:

• Machine learning: Machine learning is a form of artificial intelligence that learns itself as more data comes into the system. Machine learning is able to identify patterns and make decisions without a human dictating next steps.

• Data warehousing: Data warehousing involves the collection, storage, and organization of data.

• Competitive intelligence: Competitive intelligence includes insights about products, customers, and competition so that the best decisions can be made to maintain a business’ competitive advantage.

What’s a CIS Degree?

A degree in computer information systems provides students with the knowledge they need to deploy and maintain IT systems. Some of the coursework includes: cybersecurity, robotics, information systems, computer science, and information technology.

Careers for CIS Graduates

CIS graduates can find employment in an array of different realms. Some of their job titles are:

• Information security analyst
• Computer programmer
• Software developer

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CIS vs. MIS: Similarities and Differences

By now, you probably at least have an inkling about the similarities and differences between MIS vs. CIS. But to spell it out more clearly, let’s review.

Similarities

Both CIS and MIS are about the implementation of computer systems and programs to help businesses process information and make decisions. For each of the job titles, professionals must possess problem-solving abilities, computer science skills, and the ability to analyze data.

Differences

Overall, despite the similarities between CIS and MIS, there are many differences. For starters, the coursework between the two degrees vary. The MIS degree involves project management, marketing, business law, and statistics. CIS degrees focus more on the technical aspect, just like that of computer science degrees. Courses include numerical analysis, software and hardware, and systems analysis.

In essence, you can think of it like MIS being more concerned with the business side and CIS being more closely tied to the technical side.

Related Degrees

If you’re into the technical side and want to understand how computers and systems work, then another degree to consider is computer science. At the University of the People, you can earn this degree at our tuition-free, accredited, and entirely online platform.

CIS vs. MIS: The Choice is Yours!

Both CIS and MIS professionals can make all the difference in any type of business. Their knowledge and understanding of computer systems translates into being able to help make decisions that are in the best interest of the organization.

CIS degrees have a technical focus, while MIS degrees have a business-minded focus with elements of technical aspects. Both degrees are filled with coursework that prepare graduates to enter multiple types of positions.

If getting a CIS or MIS degree doesn’t sound like a great fit for you, then consider learning more about computer science at the University of the People!