OVERVIEW
The information economy has created the need for a new set of managerial skills and competencies focused on the appropriate use of information technology as a key enabler of business success. The Management Information Systems (MIS) major, which is housed in the Department of Business Analytics, Information Systems and Supply Chain, provides students with both business and technical knowledge to be effective in an ever-changing economic environment, allowing them to move into positions in which they manage the design and development of systems-related solutions for companies.
The foundation of a MIS education is business with courses covering basic business processes and functions (e.g., accounting, finance, marketing); introduction to the processes for the design and analysis of information systems, databases and programming languages; and experience in using technology to create business solutions.
Career paths vary from business-focused and technical to training and support of information system users. Feedback from recruiters indicates that Florida State MIS majors possess a desirable mix of business knowledge, knowledge of analysis, design and development-process necessary for the successful development of information systems and qualitative people skills such as working in teams and making presentations.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
To be certified to the major, a student must meet the admission requirements for the College of Business. Upon completing all requirements for this major, the student will graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Courses for the major are updated each academic year. Students must use the course requirements from the academic year they were certified into the College of Business. Typically, students are certified to the College of Business beginning their junior year, and the academic year runs fall through summer.
ACADEMIC MAPPING
Mapping is Florida State University’s academic advising and monitoring system that provides each student with a recommended eight semester map for completing their bachelor’s degree in four years. Summer semesters are not included in degree mapping, but the student may use summer terms to either get ahead or catch up in their degree program.
Students are not required to complete all the recommended classes on their map to remain on course; they simply must meet certain minimum requirements known as "milestones." Milestones include a minimum grade point average (GPA), completion of specific courses and minimum grades (typically “C-” or better, although there are some exceptions) in the milestone classes. Milestones are identified on each major map. All incoming freshmen are monitored for Semester 1 milestone criteria, regardless of the number of hours they previously accumulated through dual enrollment and/or credit by examination.
Students will be contacted if they are not making the appropriate progress. Students who do not satisfy the appropriate milestones at the end of any semester will be notified by the university. The first time a student is off course, a Hold will be placed on registration; and the student will be required to contact an adviser to have the registration Hold removed. The advisor will discuss: (1) what is necessary to get back on course; and/or (2) possible alternative majors. If the student is off course for two consecutive semesters, a Hold is placed on registration; and the student will be required to change their major to an area outside of business.
OPPORTUNITIES
Opportunities for students to learn outside the classroom are offered through our internship program and international programs and numerous networking and leadership opportunities are available through student organizations, such as the Association for Information Systems (AIS) Student Chapter and several events held throughout the academic year. Generous scholarships help support students along the way.
Highly qualified FSU students enrolled in this major are able to pursue a combined bachelor’s/master’s pathway that gives them a jump-start on a master’s degree. Combined pathway students substitute specific graduate coursework for undergraduate classes and double count up to nine credit hours of coursework toward requirements for both degrees. To learn more, meet with an advisor in the Undergraduate Programs Office before registering for senior coursework. Learn more about combined pathway options and GPA criteria at business.fsu.edu/combined-pathways.
