Undergraduate FAQ
About general information in undergraduate program please review the SOM Undergraduate FAQ
- What is the study of information systems about?
Information Systems is about how information technology can be used to support and enhance business processes, and create value to organizations. Though technology is an important aspect of an information systems program, it is not just a technical degree program (such as the computer science program), but it is a business degree program. In today's global technology-driven business environment, information systems is the life blood of every organization. UT Dallas School of Management’s programs in Information Systems are designed to meet the growing demand for graduates who have the ability to understand technology and how it can impact an organization’s performance.
- What kind of careers can I look forward to?
Entry level positions include (but are not limited to) systems analysts, business analysts, systems programmers, IT specialists, and consultants. As time passes, your IS degree (coupled with your organizational experience) will prepare you to work as team and project leaders, IS managers, and possibly Chief Information Officers (CIO's) or Chief Executive Officers (CEO's).
- What sort of demand is there for information systems professionals?
Despite the dotcom bust of 2001 and articles in press indicating that outsourcing has had a negative impact on the demand for information systems professionals here in the USA, the truth is that more information systems professionals are needed, and will continue to be needed. While jobs that are related primarily to programming have been or are in the danger being outsourced to other countries, jobs in areas such as business process management, ERP systems, information security, and business intelligence (all of which require strong IT and business skills) continue to be in strong demand. Read these recent articles about demand for IS professionals:
MIS journal survey 2009 reported a considerable hike in the salary of IT professionals.Read more
Money magazine rated computer analysts as the 7th best job in America. Read more
Five of the 12 fastest growing occupations are IT related. Read more
The median base salary for an IT professional is $80,000. Read more
For more information on exciting careers in Management Information Systems, visit Career Voyages.
To look at national job openings, see www.dice.com - What kind of job can I get after
completing the program?
There are tremendous opportunities for ISOM graduates in industry. Typical job titles include Business Analyst, Systems Analyst, Systems Programmer, Management Consultant, System Administrator, Network Administrator, Database Administrator, and Application Developer.
- What will my earning potential
be upon graduation?
Generally, entry-level jobs in IT are among the highest paying of any business field. According to NACE Salary Survey in Summer 2001, the annual salary range for Management Information Systems bachelors degree candidates was $42,000 ~ $ 50,000.
- What courses should I register
for first?
You need to take the curriculum courses that cover the base knowledge of Management in the first and second year like Communication, Social and Behavioral Humanities and Fine Arts: Mathematics and Quantitative Science. Later, you can choose advanced courses in Management Information Systems.
- When is the best
time for me to start thinking about the job search?
It is never too early to start a job search. Most commonly, students start looking for employment opportunities in the last semester before graduation. However, students are encouraged to get a head start by working with our career center two semesters prior to graduation.
- Are there student clubs?
There are two student run clubs, the Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP) and the SAP User Group . The clubs hold monthly meetings with speakers from industry. They provide leadership opportunities for students in the IS programs, as also opportunities to network with industry professionals.
- I am interested in information systems, but I do not major in the school of management. What are my options?
We offer Enterprise Systems minor that focuses on business processes and IT (specifically ERP systems) that support these processes. Those that have skills in enterprise systems are in high demand in almost all industries. Please see the requirements for this minor here .
- I keep hearing about various certifications in the IT area. Will taking IS courses help me obtain certifications?
Certifications often command a high value from hiring managers. There are literally hundreds of certifications available; however, only a few are popular in the industry. MIS@UTD offers two undergraduate level certificate programs that can be completed within UTD. These are SAP Business One and SAP Associate Application Consultant certifications. Please find the details about these here . In addition, specific courses such as BA 4330 (Information Technology Security Management) help you pass specific certification exams. Please contact the director of IS programs for more information on this.
- Who is the most helpful in the
job search?
According to 2001 Graduating Student & Alumni Survey, NACE, the career services center is an asset to help you conduct your job search. Friends, faculty, parents, alumni, and relatives are other resources.
- Is it necessary to do an internship?
No, it is not necessary. However, an internship is a good way to get additional skills to help you apply your learning and accumulate work experience.
- Can I get credit for an internship?
There is a formal process for receiving credit for internships. For more detailed information, please contact the advising office in JO5.504.
