NCCU School of Library and Information Sciences

MIS Overview


Questions

What is the Master of Information Science?

The Master of Information Science (MIS) degree is a 36-hour graduate-level program that trains individuals to understand and analyze the role of information systems in solving organizational problems and achieving organizational goals. The focus is on designing information systems to help people and organizations function more effectively.

What types of jobs can a MIS graduate get?

A recent survey of our MIS graduates revealed a variety of job titles, including Systems Analyst, Software Support Analyst, Technical Support Analyst, Policy Analyst, Database Administrator, Data Manager, Information Network Technician, Development Tester, Software Engineer, Programmer/Analyst, Workforce Planner/Engineer, Research Assistant, Director of Instructional Services, Taxonomist/Information Architect, and Integrated Library System Administrator.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, "Employment of computer and information systems managers is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2014." The handbook also notes that "According to Robert Half International, a professional staffing and consulting services firm, average starting salaries in 2005 for high-level information technology managers ranged from $80,250 to $112,250."

According to Datamation, five of the ten fastest growing jobs between now and 2014 will be jobs that the MIS prepares you for: network systems and data communications analyst; computer applications software engineer; computer systems software engineer; network and computer systems administrator; and database administrator. Two of the top ten jobs in Money magazine's list of the best jobs in America – software engineer and computer/IT analyst – are jobs that an MIS graduate would be prepared to do. Job growth for those areas over the next ten years is predicted to be 46 and 36 per cent respectively, and average pay for both is over $80,000 per year.

How is NCCU's MIS program unique?

The MIS program is offered by North Carolina Central University's ALA-accredited School of Library and Information Sciences, one of most exciting LIS programs in the country and the only ALA-accredited school in a historically Black college and university. The NCCU MIS program is based on the MSIS model curriculum recommended by the Association for Computing Machinery and the Association for Information Systems.

The on-campus program provides a joint MBA-MIS option and currently offers a concentration in one of two tracks: networking and communications; and strategic information management. (See MIS Tracks for more details.)

Can I really get my MIS online?

Yes. The 36-hour MIS is being offered online via the NCCU School of Library and Information Science distance learning program. Admission requirements for distance learning students are the same as for the on campus programs in the School. See the School's Admission Requirements for more details.

What is the NCCU language requirement?

Students are also required to demonstrate knowledge of a foreign language, sign language, statistics, or a computer language. This requirement may be fulfilled by one semester of course work (3 hrs credit) in a foreign language, sign language, statistics, or a computer language at the undergraduate or graduate level. Original transcripts showing the pertinent courses must be provided as evidence prior to the application for graduation. Alternatively, the requirement may be fulfilled (a) if the student passes a modern language examination administered for this purpose by the Modern Foreign Language Department at North Carolina Central University in French, German, or Spanish, or (b) if the student has a currently valid professional IT certification. No courses taken for this purpose may be counted for course credit toward the master's degree.

I'm interested. How do I apply to the program?

See the School's Admission Requirements for more details on applying to the program. Or email the Associate Dean, , if you have further questions.