What to do with an information systems degree

Thinking about a career in computer science, but finding that coding all day is not your cup of tea? Craving a technology job that allows your people skills to shine through?

Computer information systems marries core business training with solid technical skills. This field allows you to dip a toe in the computer science waters, while giving you the opportunity to thrive as a business person.

What can you do with a computer information systems degree? Since the computer information systems field is growing and changing with the emergence of new technologies, you will have a wide variety of potential career paths to choose from.

Top 9 Best Computer Information Systems Degree Careers

*Note: All salary information comes from the 2018 median annual pay, as reported by the BLS.

#1 Computer and Information Systems Manager

Job Description    

Also called information technology (IT) managers, these professionals develop computer networks, handle technical issues, and oversee training programs. They are responsible for cost/benefit analysis, projecting staffing needs, and staying on top of industry trends. When employed in the information technology fields, the BLS includes project managers in the category of computer and information systems manager.

Degree Requirement

Typically, these professionals will have earned a bachelor’s degree, though some will have earned a graduate degree. Several years of related job experience are also required.

Top Skills

• Business skills
• Decision-making skills
• Organizational skills

Key Insight

Industries with the highest reported wages for this occupation include clothing stores, other information services, financial investments, agents and managers for entertainers and other public figures, as well as semiconductor and other electronic component manufacturing.

Salary*

$142,530

Job Growth Outlook

Rated: 11% (much faster than average)

#2 Market Research Analyst

Job Description

Market research analysts study the conditions of the economic environment to determine the potential impact of decisions, as well as the kinds of products that people are willing to pay for, at what price, and the general demographics of a given buyer. They gather data, use statistical analysis software to analyze data, and prepare and present reports for decision makers. These professionals could find themselves helping grocery stores to design for better traffic flow, or crawling through competitor websites for insights into a specific, unique value proposition.

Degree Requirement

A bachelor’s degree is the typical entry-level education for this job. Voluntary Professional Researcher Certification is offered through the Marketing Research Association.

Top Skills

• Detail oriented
• Critical-thinking skills
• Analytical skills

Key Insight

As the business world increasingly trends towards the collection and analysis of Big Data, market research analysts will find their job prospects improving.

Salary*

$67,120

Job Growth Outlook

Rated: 20% (much faster than average)

#3 Computer & Information Research Scientist

Job Description

Computer and information research scientists employ their creativity and technical understanding to conceive of new ways to solve a given problem. Professionals in this position use their technical background to sort through vast troves of data, improve cybersecurity, and improve efficiency. Since these skills are in high demand across all industries, these professionals could find themselves working to protect ecosystems, improve logistics, or help automated assistants to better understand spoken language. They are often tasked with communication solutions to non-technical coworkers, and decision makers.

Degree Requirement

Since this is a higher-level job, most computer and information research scientists are required to have earned a master’s degree.

Top Skills

• Ingenuity
• Analytical skills
• Communication skills

Key Insight

States where computer and information research scientists earn the most include Washington, Alabama, Idaho, New Mexico, and California.

Salary*

$118,370

Job Growth Outlook

Rated: 16% (much faster than average)

#4 Database Administrator

Job Description

Using Structured Query Language (SQL) and other database languages, database administrators ensure the security of data by creating back-ups, preventing unauthorized access, and testing modifications to database structures. Many database administrators decide not to specialize, though some focus on systems while others focus on applications (or software).

Degree Requirement

A bachelor’s degree in a related field is typically required; some larger companies will require a master’s degree. Third-party certification (Microsoft, Cisco) may be required.

Top Skills

• Problem-solving skills
• Detail oriented
• Analytical skills

Key Insight

The computer systems design and related services industry was projected to have a higher concentration of the job growth, with a rate of 24%, due to the increased adoption of cloud services by smaller companies. Additionally, employment of these professionals was expected to jump at the database-as-a-service companies, with an expected rate of 21%.

Salary*

$90,070

Job Growth Outlook

Rated: 9% (faster than average)

#5 Operations Research Analyst

Job Description

Since quantitative analysis is the backbone of the field of operations research analysis, many computer scientists find themselves well suited to this type of work. The role requires someone who can gather information from a variety of stakeholders and analyze this information using statistics, predictive modeling, and simulations. Once the information has been analyzed, these professionals prepare reports and present their findings.

Degree Requirement

While a bachelor’s degree is the most common requirement, for certain positions military experience, or the ability to obtain a security clearance, may be required.

Top Skills

• Writing skills
• Math skills
• Interpersonal skills

Key Insight

Industries at the higher end of the pay scale for this career path include the federal executive branch (OES designation); communications equipment manufacturing; engine, turbine, and power transmission equipment manufacturing; machinery manufacturing; scientific research and development services.

Salary*

$83,390

Job Growth Outlook

Rated: 26% (much faster than average)

#6 Computer Programmer

Job Description

Computer programmers use a variety of languages, like Python, Java, and C++, to write and test computer code. Digital code libraries have helped to simplify the process since the days of punched paper rolls, but the process of debugging and testing code is still a time-consuming and patience-testing process.

Degree Requirement

While it is possible to learn these languages without the aid of a degree program, most employers typically prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree.

Top Skills

• Concentration
• Troubleshooting skills
• Analytical skills

Key Insight

In recent years, much of this work has been sent to lower-paid workers (often in other countries) since much of this work can be done remotely.

Salary*

$84,280

Job Growth Outlook

Rated: -7% (much slower than average)

#7 Network and Computer Systems Administrator

Job Description

Tasked with maintaining the day-to-day workings of a company’s data communication systems, these employees upgrade equipment, train users, and solve problems, as well as anticipate future hardware and software needs. While similar to database administrators, this role is more junior.

Degree Requirement

Typically, these professionals will have earned a bachelor’s degree, though some companies are willing to hire individuals with an associate degree. Third-party certification may be required of people in these positions.

Top Skills

• Analytical skills
• Communication skills
• Multitasking skills

Key Insight

Similar to database administrators, professionals looking for increased opportunities should look into the computer systems design and related services industry, since this was expected to have a high concentration of job growth at a rate of 24%.

Salary*

$82,050

Job Growth Outlook

Rated: 5% (as fast as average)

#8 Computer Systems Analyst

Job Description

Sometimes called systems architects, computer systems analysts improve efficiency through the intelligent design and implementation of new computer systems. The first step in this process is to consult with managers and other stakeholders at a given firm to determine a role that IT systems fill for that organization. While most analysts are generalists, software quality assurance analyst and programmer analyst are two examples of specialties within the field. All types of companies have a large demand for computer systems analysts, ranging from fortune 500 companies to software startups that niche down to serve local businesses for example.

niche down their software to serve local businesses.

Degree Requirement

Typically, the minimum education these professionals hold is a bachelor’s degree.

Top Skills

• Communication skills
• Analytical skills
• Creativity

Key Insight

Growth of these jobs was expected to be linked to the health care industry’s increased adoption of electronic health care records, e-prescribing, and other kinds of health care IT.

Salary*

$88,740

Job Growth Outlook

Rated: 9% (faster than average)

#9 Computer Support Specialist

Job Description

It seems that a lot of computer support falls under the heading, “I can’t believe these words are coming out of my mouth, but have you tried…” Because everyone has a different level of computer fluency, customer support specialists often have to walk people through relatively simple procedures in a slow and methodical manner. Since this is a consistent element of this job, patience and good communication skills are vital.

Degree Requirement

Depending on the nature of the role, a degree may or may not be required. Roles that are more technical in nature will often require applicants to have earned a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as computer science.

Top Skills

• Customer-service skills
• Listening skills
• Problem-solving skills

Key Insight

Employment growth for this profession was anticipated to be concentrated in the computer systems design field, which was expected to grow 24% from 2018-2028. This is compared with a rate of 10% growth for this position in the economy as a whole.

Salary*

$53,470

Job Growth Outlook

Rated: 10% (faster than average)

Next Steps

Maybe you are interested in thwarting industrial espionage but feel that 007-style antics are better left to someone else. Perhaps you’d prefer to assist businesses with their technological and computer needs without becoming a code monkey. Regardless of your reasons, the vast majority of jobs in the field of computer information systems require at least a bachelor’s degree.

CityU’s Bachelor Science in Computer Information Systems program is a great stepping stone to a brighter career future. Here, you’ll be able to tap in to a network of local alumni, many of whom work at prestigious companies. Our training covers ethics, systems design, web programming, business economics, marketing, and much more. Our program combines technical education with business training, thus giving you a solid foundation for better earning potential and job prospects, as the business world increasingly turns to technology to solve its problems.

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