As technological innovation continues to expand the global economy, the job market shows rising demand for professionals who are highly skilled in computer science and ready to earn a computer information systems salary — making a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems (IS) an advantageous degree for today’s graduates to have.
Whether it’s analyzing valuable data, developing cutting-edge software or safeguarding digital assets from cyber threats, this degree can open doors to a diverse range of fulfilling and well-paying careers in management information systems.
What Is an Information Systems Degree?
An information systems bachelor’s degree is an undergraduate program designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage technology for business operations. Compared to a computer science degree, an information systems program is more focused on the business side of technology, but still provides the foundational knowledge of computer science to build upon.
The format of an IS degree program may vary by institution, but UAB’s Collat School of Business offers a Bachelor of Science that is 100% online. This allows students the flexibility to earn a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems from an accredited university at an individualized pace.
What You’ll Learn as an Information Systems Major
An IS undergraduate program provides a comprehensive blend of business acumen, computer science and data analysis to address the diverse needs of today’s technology-driven organizations. The curriculum for an online IS degree includes coursework such as:
- Methods of quantitative analysis;
- Principles of microeconomics and macroeconomics;
- Theory of information systems;
- Business operations management;
- Computer programming for business solutions;
- Database management systems;
- IT project management;
- Information and network security methods;
- Business communications and leadership;
- Strategic management for enterprise organizations.
Areas of study in the information systems major extend far beyond the basics of coding or data analysis. Students will also learn many principles of business administration and how to integrate technical expertise with management information systems (MIS) for the modern enterprise. Thus, the degree is designed to holistically prepare you as a graduate for a range of possible careers.
Information Systems Careers
Several careers are available for graduates with a bachelor’s degree in IS, all of which offer promising outlooks with excellent earnings potential and opportunities for advancement — from starting positions like an entry-level analyst, mid-level roles like a database administrator, all the way to eventual promotion as an information systems manager.
Information Systems Salary
The earnings potential for IS graduates may be higher than in many other professions. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports a median salary of $97,430 for all information technology careers as of May 2021. This figure is nearly twice as high as the median wage for all occupations, and a career in MIS could reasonably lead to a manager role that pays even better than the industry mean.
Here are some of the jobs and respective salaries that you might pursue with an information systems bachelor’s degree.
Computer Systems Analyst
Computer systems analysts help organizations establish and implement information systems, and to integrate existing systems in the process of digital transformation. The primary responsibilities of computer systems analysts are to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of electronic business functions. These professionals also work collaboratively with other professionals like systems administrators and network architects to enact the necessary changes.
According to the BLS, computer systems analysts have a median pay of $99,270 per year, with employment expected to grow 9% between 2021 and 2031. This increase is due to more companies seeking advanced technical expertise to handle the growing demands of cybersecurity and cloud computing.
Software Developer
Software developers are the creative minds behind computer programs that power many business functions. They are the professionals responsible for designing, developing and testing software solutions based on business strategies and consumer needs. In addition, developers often work closely with other IT professionals like system engineers and computer programmers to accomplish collaborative projects.
Salary for software developers will vary based on industry, place of employment and an individual’s experience, but the BLS reports a median wage of $109,020 per year for all developers and related software specialists. Employment growth is expected at 25% from 2021 to 2031, which is particularly high compared to most other occupations.
Database Administrator
Database administrators are essential members of an organization’s IT team who oversee the structure, management and security of digital information. They ensure the efficient functioning of cloud-based and on-site servers to enable seamless data storage, retrieval and computation for business functions. Administrators often coordinate the actions of other MIS professionals to accomplish large-scale initiatives for a company’s information assets.
Database administrators earn a median salary of $101,000 per year, according to the BLS, as of May 2021. The occupation is expected to grow at 9% from 2021 to 2031, which is faster than the average for all occupations
Computer and Information Systems Manager
If your goal is to eventually move into upper-level management, a bachelor’s in information systems can certainly help prepare you. Information systems managers are those that oversee the work of other MIS professionals described above, so their duties are often more focused on leadership and business administration than hands-on technical work. For these reasons, a higher degree like a Master of Science in Management Information Systems may be beneficial for building further skills and demonstrating qualifications for the job.
The salary of information systems managers is among the highest in the field, at $159,010 per year as the median, according to the BLS. The job outlook is also especially favorable, with projected growth of 16% from 2021 to 2031. The high pay and high demand are due to the large number of companies expanding their IS infrastructure and teams, naturally creating the need for more experienced oversight.
One of the best things about earning a bachelor’s degree in information systems is the expansive set of skills that you will gain — 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 in addition to those described here, your first job may reasonably lead to a long, meaningful career in management for an innovative technology company.
Sources:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Computer and Information Technology Occupations”
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Computer Systems Analysts”
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers”
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Database Administrators and Architects”
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Computer and Information Systems Managers”