What is a Master of Business Informatics?

Business Informatics is an interdisciplinary field where business solutions are derived from the application of both information technology and business management practices, and those participating in this new field of study at the graduate level can earn a Master of Business Informatics degree.

Information technology is a driving force in today’s business environment. It is used to conduct marketing campaigns, streamline supply chain activities and improve overall business processes. Business operators know that they must keep up with technological advances to stay competitive so those possessing graduate degrees in Business Informatics are highly valued within the business environment. Here are some key characteristics of the Master of Business Informatics degree program, the typical courses taken and the career paths enhanced by this type of degree.

Description of the Master of Business Informatics

The specific graduate degree program called Business Informatics is popular in European Union countries. However, the discipline is relatively new in the United States, but a similar program is most commonly known as Management Information Systems. Students who participate in the Master of Business Informatics degree program typically learn valuable frameworks for the construction and management of business information systems like those needed for enterprise resource planning tools. Since data is a key element for building and maintaining strong business growth, the degree program instructs students on how to properly collect, analyze and derive useful information for decision making from business data. Upon completion of the Business Informatics degree program, students understand concepts pertaining to information system architecture, securing information systems networks, data management and the key elements of business process improvement.

Typical Coursework for Master of Business Informatics Degree Programs

Most Master of Business Informatics degree program courses reflect the interdisciplinary nature of the program. The curriculum for programs in this field usually includes a rich mix of applied computer science related courses like programming, website development and network security along with business management courses like quantitative analysis, business process re-engineering and knowledge management. Ideally, the resulting graduate is able to bridge the gap between a firm’s business requirements and the technical solutions generated by information technology project teams.

Careers Associated With the Master of Business Informatics

Business and information technology professionals participate in graduate degree programs in Business Informatics typically to move into corporate leadership and executive positions. Since the program combines a study of information technology with business management, degree holders view information technology as only a way to achieve business goals and are able to guide their project teams away from time wasting information technology initiatives that do not link directly to business requirements. Specific jobs for business informatics professionals vary widely and include senior systems analyst, enterprise resource planning project manager, or the director of information systems.

Conclusion

Businesses not only need information technology to operate efficiently, but they also rely on technological advances for innovations within business that help them to keep their competitive advantage. Professionals with Master of Business Informatics degree credentials presumably have the skills to help lead organizational teams to create competitive advantage, increase shareholder value and provide value to end users through the strategic application of information technology.

 

Related Resource: Should Your Company Consider a Business Intelligence System?