Data shapes every major business decision today. Leaders who act on data hold a real advantage over those who don’t. The online Master of Business Administration (MBA) with Information Systems Concentration program from Emporia State University (ESU) prepares working professionals to drive business growth by connecting technology with executive strategy.
Organizations generate enormous amounts of data every day. Capturing value from it takes more than storage capacity. A Harvard Business Review study conducted for Google Cloud found that 84% of data and AI leaders have a clear enterprise strategy for managing and extracting value from their data, compared to roughly half of other organizational leaders. Professionals who close that gap are in high demand.
What Role Do Information Systems Leaders Play in Strategic Decision-Making?
Information systems (IS) are structured frameworks for collecting, processing, and sharing data. At the strategic level, IS converts raw data into intelligence that executives can use. They help leaders set direction, allocate resources, and spot competitive opportunities.
Professionals who understand IS at a management level can align technology with business goals. They know which systems surface the right data at the right time, assess IT capabilities and govern systems to protect business continuity. That skill set separates IT-aware staff from strategic IT leaders.
The Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) gives IS-literate managers a structured method. It guides the analysis, design, and documentation of information systems projects. Managers who apply SDLC ensure each system serves a clear business objective.
According to the IBM Institute for Business Value, technology investment is expanding across industries. Professionals who govern these systems strategically rank among the most valuable leaders any organization can develop.
How Does an Online MBA in Information Systems Develop Strategic Leaders?
An online MBA in information systems blends business management expertise with technical competencies. ESU’s 100% online program offers six start dates per year and seven-week courses. Pay-by-the-course tuition gives working professionals a flexible path to advance their credentials.
Core coursework covers managerial economics, financial management, marketing strategy, and quantitative analysis. These courses build cross-functional business skills that technical roles alone rarely develop. Concentration courses then apply that foundation to real IS challenges. Students learn to manage IT projects, conduct systems analysis and design, and use business analytics to drive better decisions.
ManpowerGroup research found that 76% of IT employers report difficulty finding the skilled talent they need. That shortage reflects demand for professionals with a combination of IS skills and leadership training. ESU’s AACSB-accredited online information systems MBA program prepares students to meet that demand by equipping them with the credentials and project management skills employers seek.
Career Opportunities for Information Systems MBA Graduates
The career outlook for information systems professionals is strong. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment of computer and information systems managers to grow 15% from 2024 to 2034. That growth rate is much faster than the average for all occupations. The median annual wage for these roles was $171,200 in May 2024.
ESU graduates qualify for in-demand roles including systems analyst, IT project manager, application analyst, IT consultant, and information systems manager. These positions span healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and government. That range gives graduates strong flexibility in how they build their careers.
The Project Management Institute (PMI) estimates that the global economy will need 2.3 million new project-oriented roles each year through 2030. Technology growth and workforce turnover are both driving that demand. Professionals who excel at IT project management and business strategy are well-positioned for long-term career growth.
Learn more about ESU’s online MBA with Information Systems Concentration program.
About Emporia State University’s Online Information Systems MBA Program
Emporia State University’s AASCB-accredited online information systems MBA program, offered through its School of Business and Technology, covers core business fundamentals and advanced IT training. Areas of focus include IT project management, systems analysis, and business analytics. Seven-week courses with six start dates per year offer scheduling flexibility.
Graduates develop the skills and credentials needed to strategically manage IT projects in any industry. Admission to the program does not require a GMAT, and a 3.0 undergraduate GPA meets the standard. Applicants with strong professional experience may also qualify under a holistic review. Pay-by-the-course tuition keeps the 33-credit-hour degree program cost manageable for working adults.
