What Can You Do With a Degree in Information Systems?

When it comes to deciding on a college major, it can often feel like the options are never-ending. If you’re looking to work in the field of technology in particular, there are quite a few educational pathways to choose from. One of the most popular majors among tech-savvy students is information systems.

Of course, earning your degree is only half the battle. After you’ve graduated with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in information systems, it’s time to decide on the right career path. Read on to learn what you can do with a degree in information systems technology.

What Does a Degree in Information Systems Teach You?

To put it simply, a degree program in information systems typically teaches you the ins and outs of data. This might include analyzing and inputting data into various programs, or even developing and testing software from scratch.¹

As a computer information systems major at Alliant University, you’ll also be able to learn a variety of important skills related to the tech world, including:

• Business practices
• High level mathematics
• Prototyping, implementing, and deploying apps
• Computer networking
• Performing cybersecurity
• Preventing breaches

The bottom line? Information technology systems tend to make up a large portion of the work performed in the technology and analytics industry. As a computer information systems major, you’ll gain a broad understanding of how these tasks are done—thus facilitating the transition into a number of different career paths. 

Careers in Information Systems

Now that you have a better understanding of what this computer science major entails, it’s time to talk about information technology career opportunities. While completing a degree program in information systems could help you pursue a vast assortment of jobs in the tech industry, below are some of the most popular options for computer information systems specialists.

Computer and Information Systems Manager

One of the most popular and high paying roles in the computer technology field is known as a computer and information systems manager. 

Here’s what you need to know about this position:²

• Duties – As a computer and information systems manager, you’ll often be in charge of planning, coordinating, and directing the computer systems within a company. This position may also involve analyzing company-wide data and determining the best solutions for maximum efficiency. As a computer and information systems manager, you’ll typically be in charge of other IT professionals within your department. 
• Salary – Computer and information systems managers can be some of the highest paid professionals in this industry. The median salary for this position is approximately $151,150 per year in the United States. 
• Experience – In order to achieve this title, you’ll typically need a few years of IT experience under your belt. Most computer and information technology systems managers have at least five years of relevant experience on their resume.
• Job outlook – Becoming an information technologist is a rapidly growing career choice. Employment for computer and information systems managers is projected to grow by 11% throughout 2030, which the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) considers to be much faster than average. 

Software Development

With extensive training in information systems, you’ll likely enter the workforce with a thorough understanding of how software programs work. This is why many in this particular field choose to pursue a career within the industry of software development. 

Here’s what you need to know if you’re considering this path:³

• Duties – Graduates who choose to work in the software industry may have responsibilities related to development, testing, or even quality assurance analysis. This means you could either be creating software from the ground up or testing programs to pinpoint important errors and make improvements. Most software developers and testers typically work amongst a larger IT department at a company, but others may take a freelance route and work for multiple clients. 
• Salary – In the United States, the median salary for a software developer or tester is $110,140 per year. 
• Experience – In some cases, this career path can be pursued after finishing an undergraduate degree in a relevant field. That being said, the level of education required for the job will vary depending on the company. 
• Job outlook – As a software developer or tester, you could be along for a fast-moving ride. The BLS predicts this field to grow by 22% throughout 2030. 

Information Security Analyst

Cybersecurity is another crucial branch of the technology industry, and a degree in information systems could help prepare you for this field. In particular, those who choose to further their training in information systems programs may be better equipped for a role as an information security analyst. 

Here’s what you need to know about this role in cybersecurity:⁴

• Duties – As an information security analyst, you’ll typically use data to develop and perform security measures for a company’s computer systems. In this role, you may be required to analyze this data, install the right security programs, and recognize signs of security breaches. 
• Salary – The median salary for information security analysts in the U.S. is $103,590 per year.
• Experience – Information security analysts who undergo extensive training could be favored for a role in this field. Some relevant experience may be required, depending on the employer. 
• Job outlook – As computer systems become more and more integrated into our daily lives, the need for strong cybersecurity has become a must-have for any business. This is why the BLS projects a whopping 33% growth for this position throughout 2030. 

Get Your Degree in Information Systems at Alliant University

At Alliant University, earning your degree in Information Systems can be flexible and attainable. 

With a thorough curriculum, internship opportunities, and flexible online and in-person courses, Alliant’ MSIST program has courses to help hone your skills in the fast-paced, exciting world of information systems. 

Sources

1. Techopedia. “What Is an Information System? .” Techopedia.com. Techopedia, August 7, 2020. https://www.techopedia.com/definition/24142/information-system-is. Accessed January 7, 2022. 
2. “Computer and Information Systems Managers : Occupational Outlook Handbook.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, September 8, 2021. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/computer-and-information-systems-man…. Accessed January 7, 2022. 
3. “Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers : Occupational Outlook Handbook.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, September 8, 2021. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/software-de…. Accessed January 7, 2022. 
4. “Information Security Analysts : Occupational Outlook Handbook.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, December 13, 2021. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/information…. Accessed January 7, 2022. 
5. Cromwelle, Joy. “Is an Information Systems Degree Worth It? [2022 Guide].” MyDegreeGuide.com, November 23, 2021. https://www.mydegreeguide.com/is-an-information-systems-degree-worth-it/. Accessed January 7, 2022.