When choosing a major, college students have the opportunity to explore the various employment opportunities for which their degree will prepare them. Ideally students will study something that both interests and excited them, but also a field that has strong potential for their professional future. For those interested in technology, pursuing a degree in computer science or information systems may be the most promising in terms of potential job and salary satisfaction.
Our world is rapidly accelerating toward a digitally dominated environment, and there’s a steady uptick in organizations needing professionals who are highly skilled in computer science and ready to earn an salary in information systems, — making a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems a valuable degree for today’s graduates to have, along with related certifications in the field. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for computer and information systems managers is expected to grow by 12% between 2018 and 2028. Additionally, the median salary for computer and information systems in 2018 was $86,320, a median wage that’s much higher than the national median of $38,640 for all U.S. occupations.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the careers to explore:
Computer Systems Analyst
Computer systems analysts help organizations establish and implement information systems, as well as the processes involved in integrating business and technology. These professionals are also often involved in the design and creation of the documentation associated with specific information systems and equipment used by the company.
According to the BLS, computer systems analysts have a median annual pay of $88,740, with employment expected to grow 9% from 2018 to 2028. This increase can be attributed to more companies needing advanced technical expertise to handle the growing demands of cybersecurity and cloud computing.
Software Developer
Software developers play a pivotal role in customizing systems and applications, and work closely with system engineers and computer programmers. In this career path, the responsibilities primarily consist of developing and integrating software systems for an organization and working alongside programmers to create user applications.
Data gathered by the BLS revealed that the annual median salary for this role is $105,590. Employment growth for software developers is expected at 21% from 2018 to 2028.
Computer and information systems manager
If your goal is to have a more managerial-type position, that’s also something a BS in Information Systems degree can prepare you for, as it may qualify you for jobs such as an information systems manager. This position mainly entails planning, arranging, and managing all IT-related operations within a company, in addition to helping establish and execute goals for the organization.
According to the BLS, this is one of the higher paying careers — median salary for computer and information systems managers in 2018 was $142,530, a wage that’s much higher than the national average.
Continue your education at the University of Alabama at Birmingham
One of the best things about earning a bachelor’s degree in information systems is that it provides students with an expansive set of skills that are needed across virtually every industry today. Therefore, not only can this degree allow you to choose from a broad range of job opportunities, it may also position you to have a long, meaningful career.
Through the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Collat School of Business you can pursue both a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Management Information Systems degree completely online. To learn more about this flexible opportunity, contact an enrollment advisor today.
Recommended Reading:
How to become an architectural and engineering manager
How an online management degree can develop effective leadership skills in 2019 and beyond
Sources:
U.S. Bureau Of Labor Statistics – Computer and Information Technology
U.S. Bureau Of Labor Statistics – Computer and Information Systems Managers
U.S. Bureau Of Labor Statistics – Software Developers
U.S. Bureau Of Labor Statistics– Computer Systems Analysts
UAB Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems