Is a Master’s Degree in Information Systems Needed to Become a Manager?

A graduate degree has sometimes been optional for management roles. However, most employers searching for information systems (IS) talent now require a master’s degree when filling supervisory positions. They also factor in an advanced degree when promoting department heads and selecting division directors, especially when promoting people to the C-suite.

If you’ve been considering a move up in your company or a change to a new firm, earning your master’s degree in IS will strengthen your resume, help you gain a competitive edge, and position you for coveted new opportunities.

Management Skills Within the Information Systems Field

A management career in information systems is ideal for those who want to combine their technical know-how with the ability to lead others. And while companies still want IS professionals with computer and networking expertise, finding management experts who also know how to work with individuals and teams gives these candidates an advantage.

Information systems are a fundamental part of almost any business today, and qualified professionals are in high demand. So, what does it take to get noticed by employers?

We researched the top qualities hiring managers look for, and the essential skills include:

• Leadership — the ability to connect technology, people, and processes
• Problem-solving — knows how to establish systems or processes that mitigate obstacles
• Business intelligence — can help organizations make data-driven decisions
• Project management — proven focus on achieving specific objectives within agreed parameters

Business + technical skills in a top-ranked online master’s degree — the Master of Science in Information Systems from UC and the Lindner College of Business.

How to Gain Expertise and Confidence in Information Systems Management

University of Cincinnati’s Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS) program offered by the Carl H. Lindner College of Business helps you develop the critical knowledge and skills needed to lead and influence IS teams for all types of organizations. The highly regarded and 100% online program covers a mix of technology, business, and managerial concepts. Our students graduate with leadership and technical skills to bridge technology, people, and processes.

In the program, you solve real-world (not theoretical) IS problems. An experiential component allows you to apply your education to practical projects you work on. And with its emphasis on building the key skill sets in both the business and technology sides of an organization, the program is even more relevant if you’ve set your sights on a management role.

Our innovative and highly regarded curriculum blends essential information systems courses with applied learning and business-focused coursework, such as:

Information and Technology Management – This course takes a deep dive into the managerial and strategic implications of organizational IS. You begin the course with a review of concepts related to IT in networking, databases, application development, and architecture. Next, you examine IT’s value in modern organizations. You explore multiple use cases, too, covering themes that include ERP, digital convergence, disruptive innovations, virtual teams, and IT resources and capabilities.

Data Analysis – Managers and team leaders often analyze data, so this course is essential with its introduction to data analysis and statistical methods that use quantitative models and focus on practical decisions. Specific topics include data sources, descriptive and graphical statistical methods, probability, distributions, sampling and sampling distributions, estimation, confidence intervals, and hypothesis testing.

Foundations in Finance – In this course, you learn invaluable financial concepts for managers (and how to apply them), including how to create a “time value of money” calculation. You study the differences in interest rates due to variances in risk, horizon, and compounding, use present value calculations to solve bond pricing and risk applications, and more.

Manager and Supervisor Roles in Information Systems

Assistant Professor Educator and MSIS Academic Director Robert Rokey talk with our program students daily.

He acknowledges their differences (as in, they come from a variety of industries) and their similarities. He sees the ideal student as a self-starter who can articulate why they want to pursue the MSIS degree and notes the ones who say they want to be on the management track.

Robert sees Lindner College of Business MSIS program graduates using their education as a springboard to an exciting role in management or senior-level position — and believes the degree can boost a person’s marketability and confidence, whether they apply for a senior-level or individual contributor role.

Management job titles vary by organization and industry, but here are some of the leader- and supervisory-focused roles you can find at companies:

• Information Systems Team Leader
• Senior Program Manager
• Senior Vice President, Information Systems
• Director of Information Technology
• Chief Information Officer

Ranked by EdUniversal, UC is a top-15 Master of Science in Information Systems program.

Fully Online MSIS Program Attracts Working Professionals

More than 20 years ago when UC Online first designed the student experience, it evaluated what working adults needed and created tailored, high-quality programs that fit students’ busy lifestyles. Fast forward to today, our focus on the student experience is still at the forefront of what we do. You can be assured that Robert and other program directors and staff members continue to work tirelessly to ensure our programs meet students’ needs.

If you earned your bachelor’s degree in a traditional on-campus setting, you’re in for a pleasant surprise getting your master’s degree entirely online.

When you enroll in the MSIS program, you will:

• Get countless hours and minutes back in your day by avoiding the hassle of traveling to and from school.
  Join an informative online boot camp that sets you on the right path at the program’s start.
• Customize the IS degree around your career interests, goals, and lifestyle.
• Find all course material and interactions with instructors and fellow students available online.
• Learn from industry and educational experts who are committed to your success.
• Benefit from enrollment-to-graduation support, partnering with a Student Success Coordinator who helps you get the most from your time here.

Get to know the many benefits of getting an MSIS degree at UC Online.

Take the Next Step Toward Your Master’s in Information Systems!

If you’re ready to explore the stellar education and career opportunities that await you when you’re part of UC’s 100% online MSIS degree program, call our Enrollment Services Advisors team today at 833-556-7877. The advisor will answer your questions about the master’s program, explain tuition and financial aid, and more.

Robert and our other IS educators look forward to meeting you!