We assembled this list of 10 great value colleges for an online associate degree in management information systems for those of you interested in combining an interest in computers and traditional business. This field is an excellent way to specialize and diversify your career at the same time. And being able to do this on your own schedule while still meeting your daily responsibilities is the icing on the life goals cake.
Interested in pursuing an accelerated online associate degree? Check out our ranking of the Fastest Online Associate Degree Programs!
In compiling this list of 10 great value colleges for an online associate degree in management information systems, we looked at tuition value (10 pts.), the amount of individual attention a school doled out (10 pts.), and the relevancy of the curriculum to the field (10 pts.). A bonus of five points was awarded for national recognition of online excellence or superior online student services.
All tuition, enrollment, and student-to-faculty ratio figures are from the National Center for Education Statistics, an information clearinghouse of the US government. Tuition figures quoted are out-of-state, undergraduate figures, where applicable.
#10 – Liberty University
Lynchburg, Virginia
Online AA in Computer Information Systems
Website
Points: 20
Enrollment: 79,152
Tuition: $22,747
Liberty University is the largest Christian institution of higher learning in the world and their motto is “Knowledge Aflame.” With a student-to-faculty ratio of 18:1, their online associate of arts in information systems is a 60-63 credit hour program including coursework in principles of management and applications programming. Liberty University requires 12 credit hours of coursework in Christian life, biblical literacy, and religious thought. They are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
#9 – Florida Institute of Technology
Melbourne, Florida
Online AS in Computer Information Systems
Website
Points: 21
Enrollment: 6,271
Tuition: $42,470
Florida Institute of Technology was founded in 1958 to educate the residents of the Space Coast. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 14:1, their online associate of science in computer information systems is a 61 credit hour program including coursework in electronic commerce and business computer skills. Florida Institute of Technology’s career management services office offers access to Handshake, an online platform for resume posting and job searching. They are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
#8 – Atlantic Cape Community College
Mays Landing, New Jersey
Online AS in Computer Information Systems
Points: 22
Enrollment: 4,973
Tuition: $8,238
Atlantic Cape Community College offers 18 different fields of study for their associate degrees available 100% online. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 18:1, their online associate of science in computer information systems is a 61 credit hour program including coursework in statistical methods and discrete mathematics. Atlantic Cape Community College’s student success center offers access to SIGI-3, a computer program that assists users in finding appropriate career interests. They are accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
#7 – Anne Arundel Community College
Arnold, Maryland
Online AS in Management Information Systems
Website
Points: 23
Enrollment: 12,886
Tuition: $13,160
Anne Arundel Community College was founded in 1961 to serve the needs of the region. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 17:1, their online associate of science in management information systems is a 60 credit hour program including coursework in business statistics and computer science. Anne Arundel Community College has an office of career services to help you find the right path and an office of employment services to get you in the door after graduation. They are accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
#6 – Lakeland Community College
Kirtland, Ohio
Online AAB in Business Management with a Business Information Management Concentration
Website
Points: 23
Enrollment: 6,865
Tuition: $8,845
Lakeland Community College was the first school in Ohio created by vote, in 1967. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1, their online associate of applied business in business management with a business information management concentration is a 63 credit hour program including coursework in human resource management and business communication. The career services office at Lakeland Community College can assist students and alumni with all aspects of the job search. They are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
#5 – Georgia Military College
Milledgeville, Georgia
Online AAS in Computer Information Systems
Website
Points: 23
Enrollment: 8,812
Tuition: $6,525
Despite its name, Georgia Military College is open to students from all walks of life, offering a variety of degree and certificate options. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 20:1, their online associate in applied science in computer information systems is a 91-93 credit hour program including coursework in economics and business communications. The student services office at Georgia Military College can help you with all your career planning and job search needs. They are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
#4 – Harford Community College
Bel Air, Maryland
Online AAS in Computer Information Systems
Website
Points: 24
Enrollment: 5,865
Tuition: $8,302
Harford Community College offers more than 80 degree and certificate options at affordable rates. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 19:1, their online associate of applied science degree in computer information systems is a 60 credit hour program including coursework in computer literacy and program design. The career services center at Harford Community College allows you to explore your interests to find the career that best suits your needs. They are accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
#3 – Arkansas State University-Beebe
Beebe, Arkansas
Online AS in Computer Information Systems
Website
Points: 24
Enrollment: 3,446
Tuition: $4,656
Arkansas State University-Beebe is an independent two-year college affiliated with the Arkansas State University system. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 17:1, their online associate of science in computer information systems is a 60 credit hour program including coursework in web page design and computer animation. The career center at Arkansas State University-Beebe offers access to Career Connect, part of their virtual career services. They are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
#2 – North Hennepin Community College
Brooklyn Park, Minnesota
Online AAS or AS in Business computer systems and management
Website
Points: 24
Enrollment: 6,286
Tuition: $4,566
North Hennepin Community College’s vision for their students is, “Opportunity without limits, learning without end, and achievement beyond expectation.” With a student-to-faculty ratio of 24:1, their online associate in applied science or associate in science in business computer systems and management are 60 credit hour programs that include coursework in the whole internet and decision making Excel. This degree has three transfer agreements associated with it. North Hennepin Community College’s career services office can help you with career choice exercises or the job search as you approach graduation. They are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
#1 – Clovis Community College
Clovis, New Mexico
Online AS in Computer Information Systems
Website
Points: 26
Enrollment: 3,107
Tuition: $2,984
Clovis Community College’s philosophy includes the tenets of accessibility, comprehensiveness, and flexibility. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 18:1, their online associate of science in computer information systems is a 60 credit hour program including coursework in networking concepts and Windows fundamentals. Clovis Community College’s career services office can help with interview preparation and resume assistance. They are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
This concludes the list of 10 great value colleges for an online associate degree in management information systems.
About the Field of Management Information Systems (MIS)
In today’s society, there is an emphasis on continual technological development and advancement. This climate creates the perfect environment for careers in management information systems (MIS) to grow. Professionals in this field are committed to finding answers to pertinent questions such as:
- How can technology be used to improve people’s lives?
- What technologies can help businesses achieve their goals?
- How can information be used to help companies and individuals?
Students who are equally interested in the academic disciplines of information technology (IT) and business make the best candidates for successful careers in management information systems (MIS).
About Associate’s Degrees in Management Information Systems
If you’re interested in pursuing a career in management information systems, enrolling in an associate’s degree program in MIS is a good place to start. These two-year degree plans provide foundational knowledge in the field and can provide the basic education you need to pursue some entry-level jobs in management information systems. Alternatively, graduates of an MIS associate’s program can transfer credits earned to a bachelor’s degree program in management information systems or a related field.
About Online Associate of Management Information Systems Degrees
Online degrees in various academic disciplines and at all levels of postsecondary education are becoming increasingly popular. Online associate degrees in management information systems are no exception. These programs provide students with a highly flexible and convenient pathway towards an associate’s credential in MIS. Most of these programs offer 100% online coursework and scheduling options that allow students to complete required classes at their own pace.
Types of Online Associate’s in Management Information Systems Degree Programs
When considering an online MIS associate’s degree, it’s important to realize that there are different types of programs available. Below, we will discuss some of these distinctions.
Part-Time Versus Full-Time Online Associate of Management Information Systems
In order to offer their distance education students the maximum level of flexibility, colleges often offer their online associate’s management information systems on both part-time and full-time bases. For the busiest students, part-time tracks may be more feasible, but it’s important to remember that these programs will take longer to complete than full-time degree plans.
Synchronous Versus Asynchronous Online MIS Programs
Another factor that influences the flexibility of an online associate of management information systems program is whether the content of the program is delivered via a synchronous or asynchronous method. In synchronous programs, students follow a more structured schedule and are required to log in for virtual class meetings at specific times. Synchronous programs feature curriculum elements like streaming lectures and live class discussions, and students participate in real time. Alternatively, asynchronous online master’s in management information systems programs provide students with more flexibility and autonomy. Students enrolled in these programs can log in to their virtual classrooms at their convenience to view pre-recorded lectures and participate in class discussions by posting to forums.
Hybrid Versus Fully Online Management Information Systems Associate’s Degree Programs
Not all online MIS programs are offered fully online, though many of them are. Programs that require some on-campus attendance are better known as hybrid programs. These types of programs blend in-person and online learning experiences to strike a balance between convenience and engagement.
Online Management Information Systems Associate’s Degree: Admissions
Getting into an online associate of management information systems program is a relatively straight-forward process as long as you have the right credentials. Usually, this means a high school diploma or equivalent. Some schools also require a minimum GPA and college entrance exam scores such as SAT or ACT scores.
In order to be considered for admissions into an online management information systems associate’s degree program, you’ll need to submit a completed application along with any requested documentation such as official transcripts, personal statements, letters of recommendation, or writing samples, for instance. You may also need to submit a nominal application fee.
Online Associate of Management Information Systems: Curriculum
The curriculum for an online MIS associate’s degree program will vary somewhat depending on the college you choose to attend. Still, you can expect that most schools will require a combination of general education courses and core management information systems classes. The curriculum for the standard online management information systems associate’s degree program requires approximately 60 credit hours of coursework. Some sample course titles are listed below to give you an idea of the types of classes that may be required:
Sample Course Titles
- Business Statistics
- Managerial Accounting
- Introduction to Computer and Programming Concepts
- Management Fundamentals
- Computer Science and Information Systems
- Web Fundamentals/HTML
Frequently-Asked Questions About Online Associate’s in Management Information Systems Programs
Below, our editors have addressed some of the most commonly posed questions regarding online associate’s degree in management information systems programs. As you consider the answers provided, keep in mind that they are intended to present general information about these types of academic offerings. For specific information about a certain school or program, you’ll need to speak to an admissions officer or other school representative.
Q: How much does an online associate’s in management information systems cost?
A: The cost for an online MIS will vary depending on the school you attend. It is possible to earn this credential from a community college for less than $5,000 per year in tuition. Financial aid is often available to qualified students.
Q: How long does it take to earn an online associate of management information systems degree?
A: The standard completion time for an online management information systems associate’s degree online program is two years. However, the number of courses you choose to take each term can affect your individual timeline for completion. Part-time programs generally take longer to finish while accelerated tracks enable students to fulfill degree requirements in less than two years.
Q: Can I pursue an online associate of management information systems part-time?
A: Yes. Many online associate’s in management information systems programs offer part-time tracks. In these programs, students take fewer courses at a time, freeing up their schedules for other obligations. However, these programs usually take 3-4 years or more to complete.
Q: What is the best online associate’s management information systems program?
A: Online management information systems associate’s degree programs are not one-size-fits all solutions, so there is no single best offering. Still, you can find your ideal program by prioritizing factors such as cost, curriculum, reputation, and scheduling options, for instance.
Career Questions About Associate’s in Management Information Systems Online
Q: What can I do with an online management information systems associate’s degree?
A: An associate’s degree in management information systems online can prepare you for a number of different occupations. Some of these include:
- IT manager
- Administrative Assistant
- Technical support manager
- Network engineer
- Systems administrator
Q: Are management information systems careers in demand?
A: Yes. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment opportunities in computer and information technology are currently growing much faster than average.
Q: How much will I make with an online associate of management information systems degree?
A: According to PayScale, the average salary for IT professionals with an associate’s in management information systems degree is over $67,000 per year. Though this figure provides a rough idea of what you may earn with such a credential, your exact salary will depend on the terms of your employment such as your job title and geographic location.
Q: What professional organizations are there in management information systems?
A: There are numerous professional associations one can join in the field of management information systems. Some of the more popular organizations include:
- Association for Information Systems
- Association of Information Technology Professionals
- American Society for Information Science and Technology
- Information Systems Security Association
This ranking was updated in July 2020.
Sources:
- National Center for Education Statistics
- School websites
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