25 Best Affordable Online Management Information Systems Degree Programs (Master’s) 2020

25. Florida State University

Tallahassee, Florida

Website

Florida State University (FSU, est. 1851) is a public institution and a member of the State University System of Florida. It is one of the oldest institutions of higher education in the state.

FSU offers low-cost associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs – nearly 300 best-value degree programs alone. It has one inexpensive online/ hybrid program in management information systems or related topics: Master of Science in Management Information Systems (MS-MIS).

This is a 33-credit, online program expected to at least 24 months. Its curriculum combines both technology and management. Topics include business intelligence, electronic business, knowledge management, organizational issues, project management, technology management, etc. Sample courses include: Information and Technology Management; Project Management; Knowledge Management

24. University of Illinois at Springfield

Springfield, Illinois

Website

University of Illinois at Springfield (UIS, est. 1969) is a public institution and a member of the University of Illinois System. It serves students on campus and online.

UIS offers affordable bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one of the cheapest online/ hybrid programs in management information systems or related topics: Master of Science in Management Information Systems (MSMIS).

Delivered by the AACSB-accredited College of Business and Management, this is a 36-credit, inexpensive online degree program with a choice of thesis or grad project or capstone. It prepares individuals for the “application of information technology to solving business problems.”

Sample online courses include: Technical Foundations of Information Systems; Management Information Systems; Business Process Management and Innovation

23. Auburn University

Auburn, Alabama

Website

Auburn University (AU, est. 1856) is a public institution and a member of the Auburn University System. Originally a men’s college, it admitted women starting 1892 and became non-segregated in 1964.

AU offers inexpensive bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs – with nearly 300 affordable degree programs alone. It has one low cost online/ hybrid program in management information systems or related topics: Master of Science in Information Systems Management (MSISM).

Delivered by the Harbert College of Business, this is a 30-credit, top-value online degree program with thesis or non-thesis tracks. It is aimed at both current IT professionals looking for leadership roles, and at non-IT professionals planning to move into IT. An MMIS Project is part of the curriculum, and is one of three required courses. The remaining seven courses are electives.

Sample online courses include: Communicating Quantitative Results in Business; Telecommunications Management; Advanced Management Information Systems

22. University of Alabama in Huntsville

Huntsville, Alabama

Website

University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH, est. 1950) is a public institution and a member of the University of Alabama System. It serves students on campus and online.

UAH offers affordable bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs – over 100 low-cost areas of study. It has one of the least expensive online/ hybrid programs in management information systems or related topics: Master of Science in Information Systems (MS-IS).

This is a 30-credit (minimum), best-value online degree program with full- or part-time study options (12 or 22 months, consecutively) and choice of a thesis or non-thesis track. It is designed for professionals seeking “managerial or executive IS positions” after graduation, and who want to know how to give their organization a competitive advantage.

Sample online courses include: Modern System Analysis and Design; Business Intelligence and Analytics; Information Systems Strategy and Application

21. Bellevue University

Bellevue, Nebraska

Website

Bellevue University (BU, est. 1966) is a private, nonprofit institution. It has the distinction of being one of the country’s first institutions offering online degrees (1996).

BU offers economical bachelor’s through doctorate level degree programs. It has one cheap online/ hybrid program in management information systems or related topics: Master of Science in Management of Information Systems (MSMIS) with five concentrations: Business Administration; Business Analytics; Cybersecurity; Information Security Management; Information Technology Project Management.

This is a 36-credit, high-value online degree program. Students gain analytical and technical skills suitable for leadership roles of “people, data and technology,” applicable to strategic business goals. Completion of an MIS Integrated Capstone is part of the curriculum. Sample online courses include: Managing IS Organizations; Information Technology Project Management; Integrating Technologies with Business Strategies

20. Concordia University-Wisconsin

Mequon, Wisconsin

Website

Concordia University-Wisconsin (CUW, est. 1881) is a private, nonprofit institution affiliated with the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. It serves students online and a safe campus, integrating Lutheran Christian principles into its academic offering.

CUW offers inexpensive associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one low-cost online/ hybrid program in management information systems or related topics: Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Management Information Systems (MIS).

Delivered by the Department of Business, this is a 39-credit, affordable online degree program. Because it is based on an MBA curriculum, it is intended for those will seek leadership/ managerial roles in IT rather than roles heavy on technical skills. Still, the program covers the knowledge necessary for “database modeling, design and implementation,” data warehousing architecture, and more.

Completion of a Strategic Management capstone is required. Sample online courses include: Ethics and Organizational Leadership; Management Science and Analytics; Issues in Human Resource Management

19. Friends University

Wichita, Kansas

Website

Friends University (Friends, est. 1898) is a private, nonprofit, non-denominational Christian institution. It is built upon Quaker heritage and serves students on campus and online.

Friends offers cheap bachelor’s and master’s level degree programs – over 75 areas of study. It has one affordable online/ hybrid program in management information systems or related topics: Master of Science in Management Information Systems with three online concentrations: Management Information Systems; Supply Chain Management and Logistics; Security (Business Analytics concentration is on-campus only).

This is a 30- to 36-credit, inexpensive online degree program that explores the role in a business organization of information systems and the management of the latter. The curriculum is designed for “both traditional and emerging career opportunities in information systems.” Neither a GRE or GMAT score is required for admission, but foundation business, accounting and finance course work must be completed within the first 12 credits earned. Sample courses include: Management Information Systems; Data Communications and Networking; Project Management.

18. University of Maine

Orono, Maine

Website

University of Maine (UMaine, est. 1865) is a public institution and a member of the University of Maine System. It serves students at two campuses and online

UMaine offers low-cost bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs – over 100 top-value programs in total. It has one of the least expensive online/ hybrid programs in management information systems or related topics: Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS).

This is a 30-credit, cheap online degree program. Graduates gain a combination of managerial, policy and technical skills commonly necessary for a variety of information system careers. UMaine compares their MSIS degree as being “[s]imilar to an MBA or Law degree” in that it is designed to attract students from a broad range of undergrad backgrounds. Sample courses include: Information Systems Law; Design of Information Systems; Formal Foundations for Information Science.

17. Gardner-Webb University

Boiling Springs, North Carolina

Website

Gardner-Webb University (GWU, est. 1905) is a private, nonprofit institution affiliated with the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina. It serves students on multiple campuses and online, and integrates a Baptist Christian worldview into its academic offering.

GWU offers economical associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one of the lowest-cost online/ hybrid programs in management information systems or related topics: Master of Business Administration (MBA) with an emphasis in Management Information Systems (MIS).

This is a 36-credit, best-value online degree program. It builds on a business curriculum teaching leadership skills, and adds in the necessary IT concepts for individuals seeking roles in management information systems opportunities. Business-related topics include: accounting, economics, marketing. Completion of projects and a Strategic Management Capstone is required.

16. Minot State University

Minot, North Dakota

Website

Minot State University (MSU, est. 1913) is a public institution and a member of the North Dakota University System. Originally founded as a teacher training school, it serves students on-campus and online.

MSU offers affordable associate’s through master’s level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one cheap online/ hybrid program in management information systems or related topics: Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS).

Delivered by the IACBE-accredited College of Business, this is a 30-credit top-value online degree program. It builds the skills necessary for business executives to “forecast technology needs, develop information systems infrastructures, manage existing systems,” etc. In short, they gain the skills for overseeing information systems. Sample courses include: IS Project Management; Database Management and Administration; Business Network Systems Management.

15. Mississippi State University

Mississippi State, Mississippi

Website

Mississippi State University (MSU, est. 1878) is a public institution. It serves students on two campuses and online, with the main campus designated a Tree Campus USA.

MSU offerslow-cost  bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs – over 40 high-value degree programs online alone. It has one inexpensive online/ hybrid program in management information systems or related topics: Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS).

This is a 30-credit, online, AACSB-accredited best-value degree program that builds on basic business and computing knowledge acquired before admission. An Information Systems Collaborative Project is part of the curriculum. Sample courses include: Management Information Technology and Systems; Secure Systems Analysis and Design; Advanced Database Design Administration.

14. Wilmington University

New Castle, Delaware

Website

Wilmington University (WilmU, est. 1968) is a private, nonprofit institution. A commuter college, it serves students students at nearly a dozen locations (Delaware; New Jersey), plus online.

WilmU offers low-cost associate’s through doctorate level degree programs – including over 120 top-value online degree programs. It has one of the cheapest online/ hybrid programs in management information systems or related topics: Master of Science Management (MSM) with concentration in Management Information Systems (seven other non-MIS options available).

This is a 36-credit, affordable online degree program buildings upon the management curriculum to give individuals the skills necessary for decision-making for IT strategies, as well as IT skills for data communication and networking. Students will complete two Integrative Independent Study projects. Sample courses include: Organization Theory and Design; Leadership Development and Change Management; Strategy in Organizations.

13. University of Maryland-University College/ Global Campus

Adelphi, Maryland

Website

University of Maryland-University College/ Global Campus (UMUC/ UMGC, est. 1947) is a public institution and a member of the University System of Maryland. Now known as University of Maryland Global Campus, it serves students online and on over 100 campuses and learning centers in USA, Europe and Asia.

UMGC offers low-cost associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one of the least expensive online/ hybrid programs in management information systems or related topics: Master of Science in Management (MSM) with a specialization in Information Systems and Services (ISS).

This is a 36-credit, multidisciplinary, affordable online degree program that emphasizes management skills, and also covers the knowledge necessary for making IT decisions, project management, systems analysis, organizational theory and more. Sample courses include: Information Systems for Managers; Information Systems Management and Integration; Information Systems Sourcing Management. Students must complete a Strategic Management Capstone.

12. Metropolitan State University

Saint Paul, Minnesota

Website

Metropolitan State University (MSU, est. 1971) is a public institution and a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System. It was founded with the aim to serve non-traditional students, who can currently participate at four campuses and learning centers, and online.

MSU offers high-value bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one low cost online/ hybrid program in management information systems or related topics: Master of Management Information Systems (MMIS) with six concentrations: Business Analytics; Database Administration; Information Management; Information Assurance; Systems Analysis and Design; System Development.

Delivered by the College of Management, this is a 44-credit, affordable, online, ACBSP-accredited degree program. It has a multidisciplinary curriculum suited to both general management professionals and technical professionals having management roles, whether the former wants to increase their technical/ systems knowledge, or the latter wants to broaden their managerial skills.

Completion of an Integrative Capstone Project is required. Sample courses include: Management Information Systems; Marketing Management; Project Management.

11. Liberty University

Lynchburg, Virginia

Website

Liberty University (Liberty, est. 1971) is a private, nonprofit, unaffiliated Evangelical Christian institution. Founded by noted televangelist Dr. Jerry Falwell (deceased), it is one of the largest institutions of its kind worldwide, and integrates a Christian worldview into its academic offering.

Liberty offers inexpensive associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one cheap online/ hybrid program in management information systems or related topics: Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS).

Delivered by the School of Business, this is a 36-credit, economical online degree program with an average duration of 1.5 years, allowing up to 50% transfer credits. Individuals gain a combination of skills in computer systems as well as operations and management, leading to career opportunities in public, private or nonprofit sectors. The degrees is suitable for either IT professionals seeking an operations role, or for those already in a business operations role wanting relevant technical skills. The two specialization options available are Information Assurance and Technology Management.

No thesis is required, although a Capstone Project must be completed. Sample courses include: Executive Leadership and Management; Enterprise Models; Operations Management.

10. Lamar University

Beaumont, Texas

Website

Lamar University (LU, est. 1923) is a public institution and a member of the Texas State University System. It serves students on campus and online.

LU offers best-value bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs – over 100 economical programs of study. It has one low-cost online/ hybrid program in management information systems or related topics: Master of Science in Management Information Systems (MSMIS).

This is a 30-credit, affordable online degree program expected to take 12 months or longer. Interdisciplinary in nature, the curriculum covers a wide range of topics (ERP, SCM, CRM, Business Intelligence, Data Mining, Project Management, etc.), with courses SAP-enabled to “increase your marketability.” The program builds the skills necessary to “analyze, design and maintain information systems” for various business uses.

Sample courses include: Business Intelligence; Enterprise Systems; Data Mining and Predictive Analytics. (Note: software used in courses is only compatible with Microsoft Windows computers.)

9. University of Alabama at Birmingham

Birmingham, Alabama

Website

University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB, est. 1969) is a public institution and a member of the University of Alabama System. While UAB is not an HBCU (Historically Black College/ University), 25% of its undergrads are Black/ African American, making up the 2nd largest enrollment group.

UAB offers affordable bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one of the least expensive online/ hybrid programs in management information systems or related topics: Master of Science Management Information Systems (MSMIS).

Delivered by the Collat School of Business, this is a 30-credit, online, asynchronous, AACSB-accredited, cheap degree program expected to take at least one year. It builds skills combining technical, business, communications and leadership areas. Three concentrations are available: Business Analytics; Cyber Security Management; IT Management. Students without sufficient technical and business IT coursework/ experience may need to complete the 18-credit MIS Bridge Program as well. Sample online courses include: Business Intelligence Strategy; Information Technology and Business Strategy; Emerging IT Trends and Tech.

8. University of Colorado Denver/ Anschutz Medical Campus

Denver, Colorado

Website

University of Colorado Denver/ Anschutz Medical Campus (CU Anschutz, est. 2006) is a public institution and a member of the University of Colorado System. It serves students primarily health sciences programs at two campuses and online.

UCD offers low-cost bachelor’s through doctorate level degree programs. It has one affordable online/ hybrid program in management information systems or related topics: Master of Science Information Systems (MSIS) with three specializations: Business Intelligence; Cyber Security and Information Assurance; Enterprise Risk Management; Enterprise Technology Management; Web and Mobile Computing.

Delivered by the CU Denver Business School, this is a 30+ credit best-value online degree program with a choice of full- or part-time studies. Some of these specialization may be hybrid in certain semesters, requiring some on-campus presence. The program curriculum include the typical technical topics, as well as issues of business issues, governance, and project management, and utilizes a number of hands-on software projects. Sample online courses include: Information Systems Management and Strategy; Business Intelligence and Analytics; Governance and service management.

Alternatives: Some dual-master’s-degree options are available.

7. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide

Daytona Beach, Florida

Website

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide (ERAU-W, est. 1970) is a private, nonprofit institution. ERAU-W is the distance/online division of ERAU (est. 1926), and complements the latter’s campuses in Florida, Arizona and Asia.

ERAU-W offers inexpensive associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one of the lowest-cost online/ hybrid programs in management information systems or related topics: Master of Science in Management Information Systems (MSMIS).

Delivered by the College of Business, this is a 30-credit, cheao online degree program that builds skills for both information systems and the management of them. It is aimed at people with “business, managerial and/or technical backgrounds.” Students choose from one of two specializations (Information Technology Management or Business Intelligence and Analytics), as well as full- or part-time studies.

Completion of a Management Information Systems Capstone project is required. Sample online courses include: Business Systems: Managing the IS Enterprise; Information Analytics and Visualization in Decision Making; Information Systems Strategic Planning.

6. Georgia College & State University

Milledgeville, Georgia

Website

Georgia College and State University (GC, est. 1889) is a public institution and a member of the University System of Georgia. Originally a women’s teacher and vocational training school, it has been coed since 1967.

GC offers low-cost bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one cheap online/ hybrid program in management information systems or related topics: Master of Management Information Systems (MMIS).

This is a 30-credit inexpensive online degree program with a mix of synchronous (evening, alternate weeks) and asynchronous course delivery. The curriculum combines technology skills with “analysis, project management, and strategic planning,” and includes a Research Project in Business Analytics. Sample courses include: Emerging Trends in Management Information Systems; Enterprise Resource Planning; IT Project Management.

5. Harrisburg University of Science and Technology

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Website

Harrisburg University of Science and Technology (HU, est. 2001) is a private, nonprofit institution. It serves students at one campus and one learning center, and online. It is not an HBCU (Historically Black College/ University); however, nearly 50% of undergrads are African-American

HU offers top-value bachelor’s through doctorate level degree programs. It has one inexpensive online/ hybrid program in management information systems or related topics: Master of Science in Information Systems Engineering and Management (MS-ISEM).

This is a 36-credit, two-year, executive-format degree program with weekly online classes plus on-campus presence required one weekend per month. It is an interdisciplinary online degree program that covers planning and management, information systems, systems engineering, enterprise architecture and more. Students can select one of seven concentrations: Individualized; digital government; digital health; entrepreneurship; information security; software engineering/ systems development. The affordable online ISEM program builds the skills for leadership in planning, engineering/ re-engineering and managing digital enterprise systems. Students will choose between an Applied ISEM Project or a grad thesis.

Sample courses include: Strategic Information Systems Planning, Engineering and Management; Analysis and Design of Modern Information Systems; Digital and Global Organizations.

4. Tarleton State University

Stephenville, Texas

Website

Tarleton State University (TSU, est. 1899) is a public institution and a member of the Texas A and M University System. It serves students online and at five campuses and learning centers.

TSU offers economical associate’s through doctorate level degree programs. It has one of the cheapest online/ hybrid programs in management information systems or related topics: Master of Science in Information System (MSIS).

Delivered by the Department of Marketing and Computer Information Systems, this is an inexpensive online, 36-credit, ACBSP-accredited program expected to take at least 18 months. It has a focus on various aspects of managing information systems, technical assets, personnel, business operations, etc. Typical students may or may not have Information Systems (IS) skills or previous coursework, but will have an accredited bachelor’s degree and expect to find relevant career opportunities post-graduation.

Sample online courses include: Managing Information Systems; Telecommunications for Managers; Systems Analysis for Managers.

3. Florida Atlantic University

Boca Raton, Florida

Website

Making third place in our list of the most affordable online masters degrees in management information systems, Florida Atlantic University (FAU, est. 1961) is a public institution and a member of the State University System of Florida. It serves students at several campuses and online.

FAU offers top-value associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has two low cost online/ hybrid programs in management information systems or related topics:

• Master of Science in Information Technology and Management (MSITM) with a choice of four concentrations: Information Technology Management; Business Analytics; Advanced Information Technology; Computer Science Data Analytics
• Master of Business Administration with a concentration/ grad certificate in Management Information Systems (MBA-MIS; other concentrations available)

Delivered jointly by the College of Engineering and Computer Science, and the AACSB-accredited College of Business, the MISITM is a 33-credit, affordable online degree program that gives students the flexibility to choose the concentration most suited to their MIS career goals.

The MBA-MIS credit requirements are 43-55 credits, depending on whether a student has a business background or not. Sample online courses include: Management of Information Systems and Technology; Enterprise Information Technology Service Management. The first two options focus on management and business decisions, respectively. The second two options focus on “technical aspects of enterprise systems.” Sample online courses include: Information Technology Project and Change Management; Information Technology Sourcing Management.

2. Dakota State University

Madison, South Dakota

Website

Placing second in this ranking of the most affordable online master’s degrees in management information systems, Dakota State University (DSU, est. 1881) is a public institution. Originally a teacher training school, it currently serves students on campus and online.

DSU offers cheap associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one of the least expensive online/ hybrid programs in management information systems or related topics: Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS).

This is a top-value 30-credit online degree program with a capstone and choice of an Information Systems project or coursework, and one or more specializations. Six extra credits may be required for students lacking the necessary business and information systems coursework/ knowledge. DSU describes this economical online MSIS program as “computer science meets business strategy” and a “MBA-like program with a technical edge.”

Students have a choice of five specializations: Data Management; Application Development; Network Administration and Security; Healthcare Information Systems; General (multi-specialization). Multiple specializations can be selected to suit personal preferences. Sample courses include: System Analysis and Design Using Case Tools; Project and Change Management; Information Technology Strategy and Policy.

1. Park University

Parkville, Missouri

Website

Earning first place in this list of affordable, online, master-level programs in management information systems, Park University (Park, est. 1875) is a private, nonprofit institution affiliated with the Presbyterian Church. It serves students online and at two campuses, as well as dozens of military training centers across the country. Nearly 3/4 of undergrads are nontraditional students 25 years of age or older.

Park offers low-cost associate’s through master’s level degrees, plus certificate programs – over 90 programs in total. It has one cheap online/ hybrid program in management information systems or related topics: Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in Management Information Systems (MIS) – other concentrations available, including several related to management.

Students have a choice of all online courses, all face-to-face, or a mix. Being a high-ranking MBA program (as per U.S. News), this high-value online degree leans more heavily to business and management than a typical MMIS program. Sample online courses include: Management Information Systems; Database Management Systems; Data Analysis and Business Analytics.

Alternatives: Online Master of Science in Information Science (MSIS) — leans to the technical, with some managerial focus.