The world of management education is a vast and interesting domain. With the proliferation of businesses and technology, management is the catalyst that keeps them all organised and supervised. With management being present in almost every field in society, it isn’t far-fetched that there will be management degrees and programmes that help specialise an individual in these various fields. Among the wide range of programmes the most common names that come into the picture are MIS vs MBA.
It is fair to say that these two programmes deal with two completely different elements but integrate the core management aspect in them. Both these programmes are in demand and many universities globally offer these courses at the post-graduate level. Due to the rise in popularity of these courses, aspirants also face a dilemma of which one to opt for when pursuing a specialisation. However, the blog below will provide more information about MIS vs MBA.
MBA Vs MIS: Highlights
| MBA | MIM | |
| Level of Degree | Post Graduate | Post Graduate |
| Eligibility | Graduation in any discipline | Graduate in Science with BE or B Tech in Information Technology |
| Work Experience | 2 – 4 years of work experience | Yes. Usually requires up to 5 years of minimum experience if you are a graduate; 2 years if you already hold a post-graduate degree. |
| Qualifying Examinations | GMAT | GRE |
| Specialization | Finance, Human Resources, Marketing, Business Analysis, IT Consultancy, Database Analysis | N/A |
| Job Prospects | Depending on your choice of specialization/major, you can opt for any industry | You would be in high demand in almost all sectors as well |
| Top Abroad Destinations | USA | USA |
| Fee Structure of First Year for Top Colleges in the USA | Upwards of Rs. 35 Lakhs | Upwards of Rs. 25 lakhs |
| Average Salary | 841k per year | $92k per year |
What Is MIS?
Management Information Systems or MIS is dedicated to the academics of coordinating, analysing, and organising information using a computer-based system. With the rapid growth in the integration of technology and business, an MIS professional will ease the information load on people by incorporating a database system. An individual pursuing MIS will have specialisations like Database Management, IT Consultancy, Network Administration, etc. Between MIS vs MBA, the former deals with technology and will need a background in IT or a relevant field.
MIS is generally a 2-year post-graduation course and can go by different names in different universities. Having prior work experience in a relevant field can greatly benefit you while pursuing the course. Since MIS is not solely about technology and also involves management skills, there will be an overall development in leadership and collaboration skills.
What Is MBA?
MBA stands for Master of Business Administration and is a post-graduation degree that generally is of 1 to 2 years. The main focus of an MBA is to impart management, leadership, and entrepreneurial skills and emphasises subjects like finance, accounting, marketing, operations management, and organisational behaviour. Business management can take place in any field and industry, therefore the knowledge acquired with an MBA is transferable to any managerial position in any discipline.
Candidates pursuing MBA generally require to have a few years of work experience, this varies from university but is considered beneficial regardless. An MBA abroad would require an English proficiency test and a GMAT score. Moreover, many MBA programmes are now incorporated with a year or so of work placement to provide a balance of practical and theoretical experience.
Who Can Pursue MIS Vs MBA?
It is quite evident that both programmes vastly differ from each other and utilise different skills. Subsequently, the people who will be choosing these programmes need separate backgrounds, experiences, and knowledge to pursue them.
MIS
- At the core of it, MIS deals with information technology and hence involves a great deal of technical elements.
- A background in computer science, IT, engineering, or business administration would be desirable.
- A keen interest in problem-solving and an affinity toward computer systems.
- The entirety of MIS might not comprise of coding but be prepared to experience a few instances of it.
- Good team collaboration skills and strength in working with big groups.
- Working on technology does imply working with the nitty gritty to define the big picture.
- Excellent communication skills and ability to implement strategic solutions.
MBA
- MBA engages in management and leadership at the heart, along with various other business entities.
- A Bachelor’s degree is essential to pursue an MBA, however, no specific degree is required.
- Prior industry experience is required by some universities. Although not essential it can definitely provide the edge.
- In most cases, MBA is pursued to fine-tune entrepreneurial paths but is also taken when jumping careers.
- MBA aspirants need to be able to display good organisational skills and more importantly, be a team player.
- Have a goal of pursuing a managerial path which entails handling and supervising teams.
Why Pursue? MIS Vs MBA
When pursuing any type of programme it is important to understand what the outcome of it may be or what can be expected from it. Similar is the case with MIS and MBA and some of the points of why to pursue them are mentioned below.
MIS
- The demand for an MIS professional is growing significantly as companies want graduates who can leverage technology to improve their operations and efficiency.
- The job market pays well for MIS graduates with the last estimate being $151,150 as of 2020.
- An MIS path allows the student to be analytical and implement problem-solving abilities regularly.
- With the world transitioning into technology, having in-demand skills in tech is a great long-term investment.
MBA
- A MBA can grant vital knowledge into the entrepreneurial lifestyle which can be a satisfying one.
- Students can choose various specialisations during their MBA such as finance, marketing, accounting etc.
- A well-established MBA graduate can expect a grand rise in pay, upwards of $109,760.
- MBA is taken up by people with unique backgrounds and work experiences and hence the networking opportunities are priceless.
Career Prospects: MIS Vs MBA
MBA and MIS are degrees that employers seek to have in their companies due to the specialised skills they acquire. Therefore both programmes have a rewarding career path. Some of the career prospects for an MIS and MBA are –
MIS
- Business analyst roles are highly favoured by MIS professionals to help organizations improve their operations and efficiency.
- MIS professionals with expertise in database management can work as database administrators.
- MIS professionals can work as systems analysts to design and implement new systems or improve existing ones.
- Good leadership and management skills can land MIS professionals as IT managers.
- MIS graduates can establish themselves as project managers.
- Years of experience can also promote or enable an MIS professional to be a Chief Information Officer (CIO).
MBA
- MBA graduates with expertise in strategy, operations, and finance can work as management consultants.
- MBA professionals with expertise in finance and accounting can work as investment bankers.
- MBA graduates with expertise in human resources have the potential to work as human resources managers.
- Starting their own endeavour is a very popular and rewarding path for many MBA graduates.
- MBA graduates with expertise in finance can work as financial managers.
- Operations Manager is another role that can be achieved with an MBA degree.
Management is a very underappreciated aspect of a company, without proper management and systematisation the whole business might crumble. It is important to note in the decision between MIS vs MBA the path ahead will massively include leadership and handling people. Granted one of them has the inclusion of technology, however, If this type of management is something that interests an individual then both programmes will be exciting and gratifying. The final decision can be based on how interested one is towards technology, as MBA has very little of it.
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I have done Bachelor’s in Culinary Arts from India and completed my graduation in the year 2022 .I am 22 years old. After graduation, I have done 1 year paid internship from USA .Now, I would like to take occupational experience and learn culinary skills and also do masters in Culinary arts.How can I find the college n best course / country where I can persue studying further