Online Degrees In Information Systems
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the increasing use of cloud computing, the collection and storage of big data, and information security is driving the need for knowledgeable professionals in the field of information technology. An online information systems degree program can help you get the knowledge you need to enter this very in-demand field. The program itself lends well to online learning and can be a great fit for those who lead busy lives.
The College Board is forthright about what kind of people may enjoy working in this field, “It helps to be … a technology nut!” The field of computers and information systems is evolving rapidly and being passionate about this field can help you keep up-to-date with the latest tech.
As to what types of jobs you can get with a computer information systems degree, the options are plenty. We discuss different online information systems degrees and associated occupations in more detail in the sections below.
What can those who hold a degree in information systems do?
Information systems professionals may perform server maintenance, create and manage large databases, analyze a company’s technology needs, or supervise entire information technology teams.
Some occupations related to the field and their associated duties are:
Information security analysts:
- Monitoring computer networks for security breaches and investigating any such incidences
- Developing security standards, recommending security enhancements and testing systems for vulnerabilities
The job growth rate of 28 percent (much faster than average) from 2016 to 2026 can show just how much Information systems security analysts are in demand.
Computer and information systems managers:
- Analyzing organizational computing needs, recommending upgrades and directing their installation
- Planning and directing the work of other IT professionals in the company
What can I do with a degree in computer information systems?
As businesses become increasingly reliant on computer technology to function, demand for trained individuals who can work with this technology may also rise, according to the BLS. Earning a postsecondary degree can be a great place to start for those looking for a tech job, whether they’re interested in providing IT support to employees, preventing hackers from stealing valuable customer information, or performing another function.
The table below lists the occupations related to the field along with mean annual wages, projected job growth and employment outlook using data from the BLS.
Career | Employment | Median Salary | Projected Job Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Information Security Analysts | 131,000 | $103,590 | 31% |
| Computer and Information Research Scientists | 32,700 | $126,830 | 15% |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | 461,000 | $151,150 | 10% |
| Database Administrators and Architects | 132,500 | $98,860 | 10% |
| Network and Computer Systems Administrators | 373,900 | $84,810 | 4% |
Source: 2020 Occupational Employment Statistics and 2019-29 Employment Projections, Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS.gov.
Choose a degree that can help you meet your career goals
You may be able to choose from postsecondary non-degree certificate programs to doctoral degree programs in information systems online depending on your previous education and work experience.
Certificates can act as an introduction to the field of information systems in general.
Holders of associate degrees may qualify for entry-level information technology positions.
The BLS reports that a majority of information systems and IT occupations require at least a bachelor’s degree. The College Board recommends minoring in math, business or other such areas related to the field in order to enhance career options.
Graduates of master’s degree programs in information systems may qualify to teach related subjects at community or career colleges as well as hold supervisory positions in organizations.
Doctoral degree programs in information systems can assist professionals in preparing for research and teaching careers or put graduates on the path to advanced consulting work, book authorship, speaking engagements, or entrepreneurship.
Online Certificate Programs in Information Systems
What can I expect to learn in an online certificate program?
An online certificate program can give students an overview of the field introducing its fundamental concepts and the various tools and technologies used for computer applications and hardware.
Typical duration: Up to one year of part-time study
General prerequisites: A high school diploma or equivalent
Typical coursework: Curricula may include topics like:
- Introduction to computer information systems
- Introduction to information security
- Management information systems
- Introduction to networks
Possible electives: Computer organization; data center management; operating systems
What can I do after earning a certificate in computer information systems?
A certificate in computer information systems may allow you to qualify for entry-level roles requiring basic skills in the field. You may also be able to transfer the credits you have earned toward an online associate or bachelor’s degree in information systems.
Online Associate Degrees in Computer Information Systems
What can I expect to learn in an online associate degree program?
Online associate programs in information systems can include a variety of technology and business related courses so that students can learn how to design, operate and maintain the hardware and software used to distribute data and understand the business aspects of the field.
Typical duration: Two years of full-time study
General prerequisites: A high school diploma or equivalent
Typical coursework: Topics are designed to help you understand both the large scale and individual user needs associated with electronically creating, storing, retrieving and transmitting information along with combination of general education credits and technology-oriented courses specific to the major. Some courses you may take include:
- Business computer skills
- Database design
- Electronic commerce
- Systems analysis and design
- Perl/python scripting
Possible electives: Introduction to visual basic; programming in java; object-oriented program w/ C++.
What kind of jobs can I get after earning an associate degree in computer information systems?
While many positions in computer-related fields, including information systems, require a bachelor’s degree, employers may hire associate degree holders depending on their skills and experience. Potential occupations include:
- Computer support specialist
- Help desk administrator
- Support analyst
- Junior program analyst
- SQL developer
Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Computer Information Systems
What can I expect to learn in an online bachelor’s degree program?
An online bachelor’s degree program in information systems can help students develop a combination of business management skills and technical knowledge so that they can learn to address both organizational and user needs.
Typical duration: Four years of full-time study
General prerequisites: A high school diploma or equivalent
Typical coursework: Curriculum usually contains a combination of business, technology and data networking courses, providing the foundational skills necessary to implement and oversee information systems that support specific organizational needs. Examples of course topics include:
- Computer applications and information technology
- Systems analysis and design
- Internet computing
- Database management systems
- IT project management
You may have to complete a capstone project as a part of your degree requirements.
Possible electives: Operating systems; system development methodology; client server and net-centric computing
What kind of jobs can I get after earning a bachelor’s in computer information systems?
Graduates of online bachelor’s degree programs in information systems may find employment in computer and software design firm, information technology departments, financial and accounting organizations, business and corporate settings, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions, to name a few. Potential occupations include:
- Business intelligence analyst
- Computer systems analyst
- Corporate web developer
- Information security analyst
- Software developer
Online Master’s Degrees in Computer Information Systems
What can I expect to learn in an online master’s degree program?
Online master’s degree program in information systems can help you develop the knowledge and skills needed for leadership roles in a wide range of organizational settings, from corporate enterprises to public agencies. Students can learn to conduct research and solve the type of complex problems often faced by information systems managers.
Typical duration: Two years of full-time study
General prerequisites: Bachelor’s degree in information systems or a related field
Typical coursework: Master’s degree programs are generally more focused on research than bachelor’s degree programs. Students can build upon what they’ve learned as an undergraduate through advanced instruction, research and writing. The curriculum may vary according to the program, but examples of graduate level course topics in information systems include:
- Business Architecture and Process
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Information Security Governance
- Information Systems Management
- Web Systems and Architecture
You may need to complete a capstone project or a master’s thesis based on original research.
Possible electives: Information forensics; information retrieval systems; data mining
What kind of jobs can I get after earning a master’s in computer information systems?
Graduates of online master’s degree programs in information systems may pursue a variety of leadership positions directing technical teams, supervising programmers or in strategic planning. Potential job titles include:
- Computer and information systems manager
- Database manager
- Enterprise and operations quality engineer
- Information security analyst
- IT project manager
Online Graduate Degrees in Computer Information Systems
What can I expect to learn in an online Graduate degree program?
An online graduate certificate in computer information systems may suit individuals who are looking for some graduate education but do not have the time or resources to complete an entire online master’s degree in information systems program. Students can learn about how to assess the technical needs of a business and how to manage their information technology projects.
Typical duration: Up to one year of full-time study
General prerequisites: A bachelor’s degree — it may or may not be a related field depending on the program
Typical coursework: Curricula include topics that help students develop an understanding of how businesses can use technology to reach their goals. Some courses you may take include:
- Database systems
- Enterprise database design
- Formal foundations of information systems
- Information systems law
- Information technology in the organization
Possible electives: Strategic uses of IT; quality in systems development; programming for business decision making
Online Doctoral Degrees in Computer Information Systems
What can I expect to learn in an online doctoral degree program?
Doctoral programs expand on research and analytical skills gained in previous studies, exploring theoretical applications in information science and information technology. Students can learn to explore topics of their interest in detail.
Typical duration: Three to seven years of full-time study
General prerequisites: Master’s degree in information systems or a related field
Typical coursework: While coursework may vary, programs typically cover computational methods, Java programming, computer architecture, network protocols and standards, database management, user experience design (UXD), information security and fraud detection. Potential courses in online doctoral programs in information systems include the following:
- Enterprise modeling and data management
- Information technology strategy and policy
- IT infrastructure, technology and network management
- Structural equations modeling
- System analysis and design using case tools
Dissertation: The final stage of a doctoral program often involves defending a thesis based on original research before an academic committee.
What kind of jobs can I get after earning a doctorate in computer information systems?
Online doctoral degrees in information systems are designed to prepare professionals for advanced careers in areas such as information management, information technology and software development. Individuals with doctorates in information systems may also be eligible for research and teaching positions at four-year colleges and universities. Potential job titles include:
- Professor
- Researcher
- Information systems director
Accreditation
Accreditation is a voluntary process that colleges and universities go through to ensure their educational programs meet the quality standards of the profession for which the programs aim to teach students. Attending an accredited online information systems degree can also be a prerequisite for receiving federal financial aid, applying for professional certifications and for transferring educational credits from one educational institution to another.
A school may be accredited regionally or nationally as well as by a professional accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc. (ABET) is the main accrediting body for computer and technology related programs.
Specialization in Computer Information Systems
Students of online information systems degree programs may be able to select an area of concentration reflecting professional interests and goals. Potential specializations include:
- Computer networks
- Data analytics
- Database management and business intelligence
- Health informatics
- IT project management
- Security
- Web application development
Certifications in Computer Information Systems
Professional certifications may not be mandatory but can demonstrate your area of expertise in the field. Employers may also require their employees to hold certifications in software that they use. Professional certifications can also help you stay up-to-date with your skills as they often require renewal through continuing education or re-examinations. Some certifications are:
- Information Systems Analyst Certification
- Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
- Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE)
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional
Scholarships and Financial Aid Programs for Computer Information Systems Majors
The high demand for qualified computer information systems professionals means that there are plenty of incentives out there for eligible individuals wanting to study the subject. You may be able to find financial aid in the form of federal grants, loans, private scholarships and fellowships offered by diverse institutions and foundations. Some scholarships to help you get started on your search include:
- Alice L. Haltom Scholarship
- Apple HBCU Scholars Program
- Wanda Everett BDPA Scholarship
- SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund
Professional Organizations and Resources
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