Information systems (IS) helps bridge the gap between technological infrastructure and business operations. A qualified IS professional can fill a variety of roles, from computer systems administrator to information systems manager, to help a company align its processes, needs, and resources to create effective platforms that help share, store, organize, and secure company knowledge. It’s no surprise, then, that qualified graduates who complete an on-campus or online information systems degree may find a variety of opportunities to further their professional career paths.
While the value of an IS education isn’t in question, the best way to earn a degree in the field is debatable. The University of Alabama at Birmingham offers both online and on-campus options for the Bachelor of Science in Information Systems degree, and they each have something unique to offer to students. While both lead to the same outcome — there’s no difference in the quality of the program or the wording on the degree you receive upon graduation — the online and on-campus paths differ significantly. Consider these important attributes of each program as you decide how to pursue your Bachelor of Science in Information Systems degree.
Earning a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems degree on campus
The traditional approach to earning an undergraduate degree is still popular. UAB has more than 20,000 students attending classes on campus, and a strong majority are undergraduate students. While many learners come from Jefferson and other nearby counties, UAB has on-campus students from across the U.S. and the globe.
For students from around the Birmingham area, convenience is a clear factor. Without having to move to a different part of the country, undergraduates from the metro area can easily commute to classes. Of course, convenience is a major consideration for all students who live on campus, whether they come from Alabama or not. In-person access to professors and teaching assistants after class and during office hours can help students become more confident and develop a better understanding of key IS material. Similarly, easy access to fellow students during classes and throughout the day helps learners form study groups as well as relationships that can be valuable on the personal and professional levels, especially among those with the same major.
On-campus students also have access to a variety of amenities ranging from dining halls and study areas to gyms, clubs, Greek life, and intramural sports. Students who have free time outside of their class and coursework schedules can find plenty to do at UAB.
Get your degree online: the benefits of a remote BS in IS program
The choice to earn a degree online comes with a number of advantages that are sometimes overlooked. One of the most important advantages of an online degree is access to the same faculty and classes that students take on campus. UAB’s distinguished and experienced professors teach courses and offer the same quality of education for both online and on-campus learners.
The opportunity to learn asynchronously — at a student’s chosen pace, at any time of day instead of having to be physically or remotely present in a classroom on a specific schedule — is one of the greatest advantages for online learners. Instead of scheduling the rest of day-to-day life around a class schedule, students can complete coursework when it fits in their schedule. You can also benefit from a 24/7 technical help desk and a variety of collaborative networking opportunities that help replicate some of the most important parts of the college experience in a digital format.
This sort of benefit is incredibly valuable, as it allows learners to progress at a pace that is manageable for their unique situations. Students can finish their Bachelor of Science in Information Systems degree in as few as four years, depending on transfer credits, following the same schedule as their on-campus counterparts, or take longer depending on their other responsibilities.
The final result of your hard work is also important to consider. There’s a common misconception that an online degree is somehow different than one earned on campus. That’s not the case for UAB’s online programs. When you get a bachelor’s degree online, you receive the same education as on-campus students. That means you have earned the same recognition. Your degree isn’t any different from those earned in person — there’s no language that says the degree was earned remotely.
UAB: A partner to help you get your degree online
UAB offers students pathways to earn on-campus and online information systems degrees that provide an equally high standard of education and support, as well as the same degree outcome. Whether you have existing obligations that make an on-campus education too difficult or you simply want to earn your degree from home, UAB is here to help you work toward your next educational goal. To learn more, speak to an advisor today.
Recommended Readings:
Information Systems vs. Computer Science: Which degree program is the right fit?
What’s the difference between a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Arts?
Sources:
UAB Collat School of Business: Bachelor of Science in Information Systems
UAB Collat School of Business: Information Systems
UAB Collat School of Business: BSIS Brochure
UAB News: UAB Shatters Enrollment Record