- 1.Information Systems combines business strategy with technology implementation—bridging the gap between technical teams and business objectives
- 2.Computer and Information Systems Managers earn median $98,350/year with 11% job growth projected through 2032
- 3.450+ accredited MIS programs nationwide, from traditional business schools to technology-focused institutions
- 4.Strong employment across industries: healthcare, finance, government, and consulting firms value IS professionals
- 5.Bachelor's degree opens most entry-level roles; MBA in IS or specialized master's programs enable senior management positions
Source: BLS OEWS 2024
What is Information Systems?
Information Systems (IS) is the study of how organizations use technology to solve business problems, improve efficiency, and gain competitive advantage. Unlike computer science (which focuses on computing fundamentals) or information technology (which emphasizes technical implementation), IS bridges business strategy and technology deployment.
IS professionals analyze business requirements, design technology solutions, manage IT projects, and ensure systems align with organizational goals. The field encompasses enterprise resource planning (ERP), database management, systems analysis, IT project management, and digital transformation initiatives.
Graduates work as systems analysts, IT project managers, business analysts, database administrators, and eventually IT directors or chief information officers. The role requires both technical competency and business understanding, making IS professionals valuable translators between technical teams and executive leadership.
Who Should Study Information Systems?
Information Systems is ideal for students who enjoy both technology and business, prefer solving real-world organizational problems over theoretical computing, and want to work at the intersection of strategy and implementation. The field suits those interested in leadership roles rather than deep technical development.
- Business-minded technologists who want to understand how technology drives business value
- Problem solvers interested in organizational efficiency and process improvement
- Communication-strong students who can translate between technical and business stakeholders
- Future managers seeking IT leadership rather than individual contributor roles
- Versatile learners who want exposure to multiple technologies rather than deep specialization
IS appeals to students who want stable, well-paying careers without the intensive programming focus of software engineering or the theoretical depth of computer science. The field offers clear advancement to management roles.
Information Systems Degree Levels Compared
IS programs are available at multiple levels, often housed within business schools or technology departments, each serving different career goals.
| Degree Level | Duration | Typical Cost | Career Access | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 2 years | $3,000-$12,000 | Help desk, technical support | Entry point, budget-conscious students |
| Bachelor's Degree | 4 years | $35,000-$180,000 | Systems analyst, project coordinator | Standard entry path, most students |
| Master's/MBA | 1.5-2 years | $25,000-$150,000 | IT manager, senior analyst roles | Career advancement, specialization |
| Graduate Certificate | 6-12 months | $8,000-$25,000 | Skill updates, career transitions | Working professionals, specific expertise |
Information Systems Career Outcomes
IS graduates enter a stable, growing field with clear advancement opportunities. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 11% growth for computer and information systems managers through 2032—faster than average across all occupations. For detailed compensation analysis, see our complete tech careers resource hub.
Career Paths
Computer Systems Analyst
SOC 15-1211Analyze business requirements and design technology solutions to improve organizational efficiency.
Computer and Information Systems Manager
SOC 11-3021Plan, coordinate, and direct computer-related activities in organizations, managing IT teams and strategy.
Database Administrator
SOC 15-1242Design, implement, and maintain database systems to store and organize organizational data.
Information Security Analyst
SOC 15-1212Protect computer systems and networks from cyber threats and security breaches.
Network and Computer Systems Administrator
SOC 15-1244Maintain and optimize computer networks, servers, and IT infrastructure for organizations.
Management Analyst
SOC 13-1111Analyze organizational operations and recommend technology-driven efficiency improvements.
Information Systems Curriculum Overview
IS curricula blend business fundamentals with technical skills, typically including business analysis, project management, database systems, networking basics, and enterprise software. Programs emphasize practical application over theoretical computing.
- Business Foundation: Accounting, management, marketing, organizational behavior, strategy
- Technical Core: Database design, networking, web development, systems analysis and design
- Project Management: Agile methodology, SDLC, risk management, team leadership
- Enterprise Systems: ERP software (SAP, Oracle), CRM systems, business intelligence tools
- Security & Compliance: IT governance, risk assessment, regulatory compliance frameworks
- Emerging Technologies: Cloud computing basics, data analytics, digital transformation
Most programs include capstone projects involving real business problems, internships with local organizations, and team-based system design projects. The focus is on practical skills rather than deep programming or theoretical computer science.
Find the Right Information Systems Program
Explore our comprehensive rankings to identify the best MIS program for your goals, budget, and career aspirations:
Information Systems Program Rankings
Information Systems Programs by State
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Illinois
Information Systems vs Related Fields
Choosing between related business and technology programs? Here's how IS compares to similar degrees:
Which Should You Choose?
- You want to bridge business strategy and technology implementation
- You prefer management and coordination over deep technical work
- You're interested in IT project management and systems analysis
- You want clear advancement paths to IT leadership roles
- You enjoy programming and algorithm development
- You want broad technical foundations across computing
- You prefer building systems over managing them
- You're interested in software development or research
- You prefer hands-on technical implementation over business strategy
- You want to specialize in networking, security, or systems administration
- You enjoy troubleshooting and maintaining technology infrastructure
- You prefer technical expert roles over management positions
- You want broad business skills without technology focus
- You're interested in general management rather than IT-specific roles
- You prefer traditional business functions like marketing or finance
- You plan to work in non-technology industries
Is an Information Systems Degree Worth It?
For students interested in technology management and business strategy, yes. IS offers stable career growth, competitive salaries ($98,350 median for managers), and increasing demand as organizations undergo digital transformation. The field provides good work-life balance and clear advancement paths.
When it's worth it: You want to work at the intersection of business and technology, prefer coordination and management over coding, and seek stable employment across multiple industries. IS provides excellent preparation for IT management roles and consulting positions.
When to consider alternatives: You're primarily interested in software development (computer science or software engineering may be better), you prefer hands-on technical work over management (information technology may suit better), or you want maximum salary potential (specialized technical roles often pay more).
The field offers particularly strong prospects for students who combine IS education with industry-specific knowledge (healthcare, finance, manufacturing) or emerging areas like cybersecurity and data science.
Alternative Paths to IT Management Careers
While an IS degree is the traditional path, alternatives exist for different goals and circumstances:
- IT Certifications Hub — Industry credentials for career advancement without degree requirements
- CompTIA A+ Certification — Entry-level IT credential for support roles
- AWS Certifications Roadmap — Cloud credentials increasingly valuable for IS roles
- Azure Certification Paths — Microsoft cloud credentials for enterprise environments
- Best Data Analytics Bootcamps — Fast track to business intelligence and data analysis roles
Many IS professionals combine formal education with professional certifications. Project management credentials (PMP), ITIL for service management, and vendor-specific certifications (Salesforce, ServiceNow) significantly enhance career prospects.
Preparing for an Information Systems Degree
Success in IS requires balancing technical competency with business acumen. While programming isn't the focus, basic technical literacy helps:
- Building a Portfolio — Showcase system analysis and project management work
- SQL for Developers — Database skills essential for most IS roles
- Networking Fundamentals — Understanding infrastructure basics
- Technical Interview Prep — Prepare for IS role interviews and internships
Consider gaining experience with enterprise software through internships, part-time work, or volunteer projects. Familiarity with business processes and organizational dynamics significantly enhances IS program outcomes.
Information Systems Degree FAQ
Related Resources
Taylor Rupe
Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)
Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.