Top 3 MIS Programs in California 2025
University of California, Berkeley
Nation's top public MIS program with Silicon Valley tech partnerships and 95% job placement rate in tech companies
University of California, Los Angeles
Strong business-technology focus with entertainment and media tech industry connections throughout Southern California
University of Southern California
Premier private MIS program with extensive alumni network in tech and consulting, average starting salary of $78,000
- 1.California has 20+ accredited Management Information Systems bachelor's programs across UC, CSU, and private institutions
- 2.UC Berkeley ranks #1 in California with 93% graduation rate and direct Silicon Valley recruiting partnerships
- 3.California computer and information systems managers earn median $164,070 annually—highest in the nation (BLS California 2024)
- 4.Silicon Valley, Los Angeles, and San Diego provide 45,000+ MIS-related jobs with 11% projected growth through 2032
- 5.UC system offers top MIS education at $14,000 in-state tuition—significantly below private alternatives
Management Information Systems Education in California
California offers exceptional opportunities for Management Information Systems students, combining world-class universities with the largest technology job market in the United States. From UC Berkeley's research-intensive program to Cal State's career-focused curriculum, California provides MIS pathways that align with Silicon Valley's business technology needs.
California's MIS programs uniquely position students at the intersection of business strategy and technology implementation. With over 45,000 computer and information systems management positions statewide and median salaries exceeding $164,000, California offers the highest earning potential for MIS graduates nationwide. Compare with national MIS program rankings or explore related technology degrees for alternative pathways.
Whether you're interested in tech consulting, business analysis, or IT management, California's diverse economy provides opportunities across industries from entertainment in Los Angeles to biotechnology in San Diego. Our MIS career guide outlines specific pathways and compensation expectations for California graduates.
Based on 20 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OEWS California May 2024, California EDD 2024
6-year completion rate for MIS programs from IPEDS 2023
Job placement rates and starting salaries in California tech market
Class size and accessibility to professors
Industry recognition and employer partnerships
California MIS Bachelor's Program Rankings 2025
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | UC Berkeley | Berkeley | Public | $14,312 | 93% | 19:1 | 96.8 |
| 2 | UCLA | Los Angeles | Public | $13,804 | 91% | 18:1 | 94.2 |
| 3 | USC | Los Angeles | Private | $64,726 | 92% | 9:1 | 92.5 |
| 4 | UC Irvine | Irvine | Public | $13,927 | 86% | 19:1 | 90.1 |
| 5 | UC San Diego | San Diego | Public | $14,451 | 87% | 19:1 | 89.3 |
| 6 | Santa Clara University | Santa Clara | Private | $58,110 | 90% | 11:1 | 88.7 |
| 7 | Cal Poly Pomona | Pomona | Public | $7,852 | 71% | 25:1 | 86.9 |
| 8 | San Diego State | San Diego | Public | $7,510 | 72% | 26:1 | 85.2 |
| 9 | Cal State Fullerton | Fullerton | Public | $7,852 | 68% | 28:1 | 84.1 |
| 10 | UC Davis | Davis | Public | $14,597 | 86% | 20:1 | 83.8 |
| 11 | Cal State Long Beach | Long Beach | Public | $7,852 | 69% | 27:1 | 82.5 |
| 12 | San Jose State | San Jose | Public | $7,852 | 67% | 27:1 | 81.9 |
| 13 | Cal State Northridge | Northridge | Public | $7,852 | 62% | 29:1 | 80.7 |
| 14 | Pepperdine University | Malibu | Private | $62,390 | 84% | 13:1 | 79.8 |
| 15 | Cal State Sacramento | Sacramento | Public | $7,852 | 63% | 28:1 | 78.9 |
| 16 | UC Riverside | Riverside | Public | $13,887 | 75% | 22:1 | 78.2 |
| 17 | Cal State LA | Los Angeles | Public | $7,852 | 58% | 30:1 | 76.8 |
| 18 | Chapman University | Orange | Private | $61,592 | 82% | 14:1 | 76.1 |
| 19 | Cal State San Bernardino | San Bernardino | Public | $7,852 | 65% | 26:1 | 74.9 |
| 20 | Loyola Marymount | Los Angeles | Private | $55,896 | 86% | 10:1 | 74.3 |
University of California, Berkeley
Berkeley, CA • University
Program Highlights
- • 93% six-year graduation rate
- • 19:1 student-faculty ratio
- • $14,312 annual in-state tuition
- • Top 5 public business program nationally
Program Strengths
- Silicon Valley industry partnerships with Google, Apple, and Meta
- Integrated business and technology curriculum
- Research opportunities in business intelligence and data analytics
- 95% job placement rate with median starting salary of $75,000
- Access to UC Berkeley's extensive alumni network in tech
Why Ranked #1
UC Berkeley's MIS program combines rigorous business education with cutting-edge technology training, featuring direct partnerships with Silicon Valley companies and a 95% job placement rate in technology roles.
University of California, Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA • University
Program Highlights
- • 91% six-year graduation rate
- • 18:1 student-faculty ratio
- • $13,804 annual in-state tuition
- • Access to UCLA's Anderson School networks
Program Strengths
- Entertainment and media technology specialization
- Strong connections to LA's growing tech sector
- Comprehensive business analytics curriculum
- Internship programs with major studios and tech companies
- 91% graduation rate with excellent job outcomes
Why Ranked #2
UCLA's MIS program uniquely positions students for Southern California's diverse tech ecosystem, from entertainment technology to aerospace, with strong industry connections and comprehensive business training.
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA • University
Program Highlights
- • 92% six-year graduation rate
- • 9:1 student-faculty ratio
- • Top-tier private business education
- • Strong alumni presence in Silicon Valley
Program Strengths
- Extensive alumni network in tech and consulting
- Small class sizes with personalized attention
- Strong emphasis on business strategy and technology integration
- Premium career services with Fortune 500 connections
- Average starting salary of $78,000
Why Ranked #3
USC's Marshall School MIS program offers premium private education with exceptional industry connections, preparing students for leadership roles in technology consulting and business analysis.
California University Systems for MIS
California's public university systems offer exceptional value for MIS education. The University of California (UC) system provides research-intensive programs at schools like Berkeley, UCLA, and UC Irvine, combining business education with cutting-edge technology research. UC programs typically emphasize analytical thinking and prepare students for graduate study or high-level corporate positions.
The California State University (CSU) system focuses on practical, career-oriented MIS education. Schools like San Jose State, Cal Poly Pomona, and San Diego State offer hands-on programs designed to meet immediate industry needs. CSU programs excel at preparing students for immediate employment in business analysis, systems administration, and IT project management roles.
Private institutions like USC, Santa Clara University, and Pepperdine offer premium MIS education with smaller class sizes and extensive alumni networks. While significantly more expensive, these programs often provide superior career services and industry connections. Compare program costs and outcomes in our online vs campus MIS degree guide.
Career Paths
Business Systems Analyst
SOC 15-1211Bridge business needs and technology solutions, analyzing processes and recommending system improvements
IT Project Manager
SOC 11-3021Lead technology implementation projects, coordinating teams and ensuring on-time delivery
Database Administrator
SOC 15-1242Design, implement, and maintain database systems for organizational data management
Computer and Information Systems Manager
SOC 11-3021Plan and direct IT activities, overseeing technology strategy and implementation
Management Consultant
SOC 13-1111Advise organizations on business processes and technology adoption strategies
Data Scientist
SOC 15-2051Analyze complex datasets to drive business decisions and strategy
MIS Programs in Other States
| Factor | In-State Public | Out-of-State Public | Private |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Annual Tuition | $12,500 | $42,000 | $58,000 |
| Class Size | Large (100+) | Large (100+) | Small (20-30) |
| Career Services | Good | Good | Excellent |
| Alumni Network | Strong Regional | Strong Regional | Strong National |
| Research Opportunities | Available | Available | Limited |
| Time to Graduation | 4-5 years | 4-5 years | 4 years |
| Job Placement Rate | 85-90% | 85-90% | 90-95% |
Which Should You Choose?
- You want access to the largest technology job market in the US
- Silicon Valley tech companies are your target employers
- You qualify for in-state tuition at UC or CSU schools
- You're interested in entertainment, media, or gaming technology
- You want to be at the center of business technology innovation
- High salary potential justifies higher living costs
- You're concerned about California's high cost of living
- You prefer smaller college towns over major metropolitan areas
- You don't qualify for in-state tuition and private schools are too expensive
- You want to work in traditional industries rather than tech
- You prefer a more balanced work-life culture
California MIS Programs FAQ
Related MIS Resources
Data Sources
Graduation rates, enrollment data, and tuition information for all accredited institutions
State-specific salary data for computer and information systems occupations
State job market projections and industry employment data
Graduate outcomes and starting salary data
Taylor Rupe
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