The Top Information Management MBA
Online Programs

With the increasing use of computers in businesses of all sizes, the ability to manage a company or institution’s information has become a highly valued skill. Today’s corporations have huge IT departments and technology-driven projects that need to be managed. Business professionals who receive an accredited online Master of Business Administration in information management degree understand the importance of IT and networking within a business, nonprofit or public institution and are able to give their organizations a competitive advantage through technology.

Online MBA information management programs produce graduates with a firm understanding of core business concepts that they would have gained from the best online MBA programs, as well as familiarity with the use and management of IT within organizations. Graduates of top online information management MBA schools understand the principles of management, finance and marketing in addition to analytics and information systems project management.

How can I tell if an online MBA information management degree is right for me?

Students interested in general management as well as data management and information systems should consider earning an online Master of Business Administration in information management.

Additional common traits amongst many online MBA information management students are:

• A capacity for interacting with computers
• A desire for thinking creatively
• A capability for establishing and maintaining interpersonal relationships
• A propensity for updating and using relevant knowledge
• A capability for getting information

How long does it take to earn an MBA online information management degree?

The time it takes to earn an information management MBA degree online is comparable to the time it takes to earn other MBAs online. It typically takes two years of full-time study to earn. But, some business schools have part-time or accelerated programs that give students the flexibility to complete the course under a timeframe that suits their schedule.

What are the prerequisites and admission requirements for MBA information management schools online?

Accredited online MBA information management programs typically require students to possess a bachelor’s degree before gaining admission in the MBA program. A bachelor’s degree in related fields such as information technology, information systems, information science, and business administration may be preferred by some schools that have an MBA information management online program.

In addition to requiring students to have a bachelor’s degree, many online MBA in information management programs base admission on the following criteria:

• References or Letters of Recommendation
• Work experience
• Academic transcripts
• Personal interviews

What courses will I take in information management MBA programs online?

Students enrolled in an information management MBA online program typically complete it in two parts. The first part of an MBA information management online program consists of core MBA classes such as organizational behavior and leadership, finance, accounting, management and business law. The MBA online information management curriculum may include an additional emphasis on different types of management. By the end of the first half, students should have a firm grasp of basic business concepts, especially management.

The second year of an information management MBA online program is more focused on the information part of the MBA. Students become proficient in such topics as business information and intelligence, project management, knowledge asset management, information systems and machine learning. This part of the program may also include a project or additional electives in the computer sciences, so upon completion students will understand how computer systems are used and managed within an organization.

Students enrolled in online information management MBA programs often complete internships in order to enhance their education. These internships can prove very important. Through them, students get a chance to put their knowledge into practical use. They also often make valuable business contacts.

What are the best online MBA in information management books I should consider reading?

Books that may be on point for students interested in information management MBA careers include:

1. Information-Driven Business: How to Manage Data and Information for Maximum Advantage (Robert Hillard) – In this book the author highlights practical methods of managing and using information within an organization.
2. How to Write a Great Information Technology Strategic Plan – And Thrill Your CEO (Thomas S. Ireland Jr.) – Written by a veteran strategic planner, this book gives real-world examples of how to make cohesive plans for managing information.
3. Managing and Using Information Systems: A Strategic Approach (Keri E. Pearlson and Carol S. Saunders) – This book is a great introduction to the use of information systems in businesses and organizations for beginning online MBA in information management students.
4. Making Enterprise Information Management (EIM) Work for Business: A Guide to Understanding Information as an Asset (John Ladley) – Geared toward business managers, this book explains the importance of effective information management in running a successful company.
5. Glut: Mastering Information through the Ages (Alex Wright) – This imaginative book chronicles the management and use of information throughout human history and includes surprising modern applications.

What are my future job prospects if I pursue information management MBA jobs?

Graduates of the best information management MBA schools online, according to online information management MBA rankings, can expect to enter a growing field of information technology specialists. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will be a projected 363,700 jobs for information systems managers by 2020. Though the average information management MBA salary can vary depending on many factors, below are some typical positions and salaries in the field:

• Computer and Information Systems Manager – $115,780
• Computer Systems Analyst – $77,740
• Network and Computer Systems Administrator – $69,160
• Database Administrator – $73,490

Information management jobs are projected to grow by 18% over the next decade. The main reason for this growth is the increasing use of IT and IT specialists in all kinds of organizations and the need for managers to ensure that these departments run as effectively as possible.

Many employers prefer graduates who have earned their degrees from AACSB accredited information management MBA programs. Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business accreditation typically indicates that a business school gives students a quality education.

What are the top online schools to pursue an online Information Management MBA degree?

• California Intercontinental University
• Ashford University
• Hawaii Pacific University Online
• South University
• Strayer University