Management Information Systems Minor
The Management Information Systems (MIS) minor at Santa Clara University's Leavey School of Business teaches students how information systems are designed, developed, secured, and used to solve real-world business problems, with skills spanning AI, data, cybersecurity, and software development.
It's designed for students majoring outside of MIS who want to understand and work with the technology behind modern business, whether they're aiming for a tech-focused role or want to bridge business and technology in any career. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, students gain exposure to the technologies and companies shaping the future of business across industries.
Key Skills You’ll Learn:
- Generative and agentic AI and machine learning
- Big data and data engineering with Python, databases, and SQL
- Software development for web, mobile, and cloud platforms
- Cybersecurity and securing information systems
- Designing and integrating enterprise information systems
- Bridging business needs with technical solutions
At a Glance
Careers & Outcomes
Technology, data, and AI are central to nearly every industry, and MIS students and alumni work at companies like Google, Apple, Deloitte, EY, Bank of America, and Sutter Health, as well as startups and emerging technology firms. Career paths include business analyst, AI analyst, data analyst, technology consultant, cybersecurity analyst, IT auditor, systems analyst, product manager, and project manager. With experience, these paths can lead to technology leadership roles such as CIO, CISO, and CTO.
Requirements & How to Apply
Requirements
The Management Information Systems minor requires five courses, not including any prerequisite courses. Students must attain a minimum grade point average of 2.0 for all courses completed at Santa Clara University.
| Course | Units | Description |
|---|---|---|
| OMIS 30 | 4 Units | Introduction to Programming with Python |
| OMIS 105 | 5 Units | Database Management Systems |
| Three elective courses from: | ||
| OMIS 106 | 5 Units | Systems Analysis and Design |
| OMIS 107 | 5 Units | Systems Programming |
| OMIS 111 | 5 Units | Computer Communication Systems |
| OMIS 112 | 5 Units | Data Visualization |
| OMIS 113 | 5 Units | Data Warehousing and Business Intelligence |
| OMIS 114 | 5 Units | Data Science with Python |
| OMIS 116 | 5 Units | Applied Machine Learning |
| OMIS 117 | 5 Units | Software Development Project |
| OMIS 118 | 5 Units | Social Media Analytics |
| OMIS 120 | 5 Units | Web Programming |
| OMIS 121 | 5 Units | Cloud Computing |
| OMIS 135 | 5 Units | Enterprise Resource Planning Systems |
| OMIS 137 | 5 Units | Object Oriented Programming |
| OMIS 150 | 5 Units | Financial Information Systems |
* Graduates from December (Fall) 2024 and onward cannot double-dip OMIS elective classes for their MIS/AIS major, MIS minor, or BA minor.
Note: Current students should visit the MyLeavey Student Portal for advising resources. Students are responsible for cross-checking current prerequisite information for each class below with the University Bulletin and the respective academic departments.
Non-Business Majors
Non-business students minoring in MIS must also complete the following requirements:
- One course in mathematics chosen from MATH 11 or 30
- One course in statistics and data analysis chosen from OMIS 40, MATH 8, MATH 122, PSYC 40, or COMM 110
- Three courses in business chosen from BUSN 70, MGMT 160, MKTG 181, FNCE 121, OMIS 108, or OMIS 108E
Minor Application Process
To apply for the Management Information Systems minor, fill out the online Program Petition Form on the Office of the Registrar Forms page. Students will receive an email when the program petition form is approved by the academic department and sent to the Office of the Registrar.
Put It Into Practice
Technology skills stick when you use them. Here's where Leavey students apply theirs outside the classroom.
ISA Student Network
The ISA Student Network (ISN) is a student organization for those interested in where business and technology meet, and it's geared toward MIS minors and majors. Throughout the year, ISN hosts workshops and information sessions with Bay Area technology and consulting firms, along with office tours and alumni panels.
Santa Clara INFORMS
Santa Clara INFORMS is a student chapter of the Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences. Members build hard skills and work on projects in a community that bridges business and engineering and connects them to industry professionals beyond SCU.
Internships in Silicon Valley
84% of Leavey undergraduates complete at least one internship, and the school's Silicon Valley location gives students access to thousands of nearby companies and startups, from established tech firms to early-stage ventures. Prepare for internships and post-grad careers with Career & Professional Development Resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the MIS minor for?
The MIS minor is designed for students majoring outside of MIS who want to understand and work with the technology behind modern business.
What will I learn in the MIS minor?
You'll learn how information systems are designed, developed, integrated, and secured, with exposure to areas like AI and machine learning, data engineering, software development, and cybersecurity. You'll also build professional skills like project management, communication, and bridging business needs with technical solutions.
What careers can the MIS minor prepare me for?
Graduates pursue roles like business analyst, AI analyst, data analyst, technology consultant, cybersecurity analyst, IT auditor, product manager, and project manager. Alumni work at technology companies, Big Four firms, financial institutions, healthcare organizations, and startups.
Is the MIS minor useful if I don't want to work in tech?
Yes. Technology, data, and AI now shape nearly every industry, so the minor is valuable in fields like finance, healthcare, consulting, and marketing. It helps you work effectively with technical teams and make better-informed decisions wherever you end up.
What's the difference between the MIS minor and the Business Analytics minor?
The MIS minor focuses on the technology side of business: how systems are built, secured, and managed. The Business Analytics minor focuses on turning data into insight through statistics, data management, and modeling.
What's the difference between the MIS major and minor?
The MIS major is a full degree program exploring information systems and analytical decision-making in organizations. The minor gives students in other majors a focused foundation in the technology behind modern business.
Contact
Information Systems & Analytics Department - isa@scu.edu