Program Overview

Introduction to the Management Information Systems Major

The Management Information Systems (MIS) major at Plattsburgh State University of New York is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the use of information technology in managing organizations. This program trains students to become business professionals who can utilize computers and other technology to manage information within an organization, enabling business success.

What Will I Learn?

Through this program, students will gain a sound understanding of how the latest information technology can solve business problems. The curriculum focuses on developing the skills necessary to design information systems that support all functions and processes of business. Students will also acquire a foundation in business skills and knowledge, complemented by an in-depth study of information technology.

Why Study MIS?

The importance of MIS in today's organizations makes it a highly valued skill set. Technology continues to grow as a fundamental component of doing business, and expertise in managing information systems is recognized as critical to ensuring business value. MIS graduates are in high demand and command competitive salaries. Moreover, MIS jobs are difficult to outsource, providing job security.

What is Unique About Our Program?

The MIS program at Plattsburgh State University of New York allows students to:

• Study various computer technologies and apply them to solve business problems in profit and non-profit organizations.
• Analyze, design, and develop computer systems, including web-based systems.
• Learn to assess the information needs of a particular business.
• Become knowledgeable in gathering, organizing, analyzing, reporting, and transmitting information.
• Study local area networks and telecommunication requirements of a company.
• Learn to use the Internet and intranets in inter-organizational and intra-organizational communications to optimize company profits.

Career Opportunities

Management information systems majors are employed in many different industries, such as service, distribution, manufacturing, project, financial, government, and education. Graduates can select from a large and growing number of well-paid jobs in the information systems and IT field. Typical positions in MIS include:

• Information security manager
• Web/E-commerce system developer
• Systems/business analyst
• End-user support analyst
• IT consultant/trainer
• IT specialist
• Applications developer
• Database designer/administrator
• Network analyst/administrator
• Chief information officer

Program Requirements

The major in management information systems provides students with an understanding of fundamental management issues related to the use of information technology. For more information, refer to the Management, Information Systems, and Analytics Department.

Cognate Requirements

• Mathematics: Select one course from ECO 203 - Introduction to Quantitative Methods for Business or MAT 221 - Calculus for the Life, Management, & Social Sciences I.
• Mathematics Prerequisite/Placement: MAT 101 - Elementary College Mathematics or equivalent, and MAT 102 - Precalculus or Calculus Readiness Test.

Major Departmental Requirements

The core requirements include 42 credits of courses such as:

• ACC 201 - Introduction to Financial Accounting
• ACC 202 - Introduction to Managerial Accounting
• ACC 351 - Legal Environment of Business
• BUS 203 - Business Ethics and Professionalism in a Global Society
• BUS 290 - Technology Proficiency Requirement
• ECO 110 - Introduction to Microeconomics
• ECO 111 - Introduction to Macroeconomics
• ECO 260 - Business Statistics I
• ECO 362 - Business Statistics II
• FIN 355 - Principles of Finance
• MGM 280 - Principles of Management and Organizational Behavior
• MKE 290 - Principles of Marketing
• MGM 350 - Introduction to Mathematical Modeling in Business
• MGM 490 - Strategic Management
• MIS 275 - Business Applications and Information Systems
• BUS 489 - Business Exit Exam

MIS Requirements

• MIS 302 - Data Communications
• MIS 303 - Introduction to Business Application Programming
• MIS 401 - Systems Analysis & Design
• MIS 402 - Database Management
• MIS 440 - Management Information Systems
• Upper division MIS elective: Select any 300/400 MIS course not already taken for the major.

Concentrations

Select one of the following concentrations:

• E-Business: Select three courses from CMM 434 - Advanced Web Design, CSC 330 - Human Computer Interaction, CSC 341 - Introduction to Databases with Web Applications, MIS 403 - Advanced Business Analytics, MIS 410 - Electronic Business and Web Site Design, MIS 420 - Data Privacy and Security, or MKE 401 - Digital Marketing.
• Cyber Security and Information Assurance: Select three courses from MIS 418 - Foundations of Cybercrime and Cyber Security, MIS 419 - Information Assurance and Network Control, or MIS 420 - Data Privacy and Security.
• General Information Systems: Select three courses from ACC 306 - Accounting Information Systems, MIS 403 - Advanced Business Analytics, MIS 498 - Internship, MKE 401 - Digital Marketing, SCM 370 - Supply Chain Management, or any course from E-Business or Cyber Security and Information Assurance, and MGM 445 - Principles of Operations Management.

Additional Degree Requirements

• Completion of all Undergraduate Degree Requirements, including General Education: The Cardinal Core Curriculum, elective courses if applicable, and a total of 120 credits minimum.
• A minimum GPA of 2.0 in Major Departmental Requirements.
• A minimum of 30 major credit hours completed at Plattsburgh.

Additional Degrees in Management, Information Systems & Analytics

The university offers various degrees and minors in related fields, including:

• Cybersecurity Management Major (main campus and online)
• Hospitality Management Major
• Management Major
• Business Analytics Minor
• Hospitality Management Minor
• Management Information Systems Minor
• Healthcare Informatics Certificate
• Human Resources Management Certificate
• Data Analytics Masters program.