Associate degree programs in computer information systems

You're living in the information age, surrounded by computers constantly working to keep the world running smoothly. Doesn't it make sense to adjust your career plans toward that modern world and start working as a computer information systems professional? Even if you aren't looking for a new career, an associate degree program in computer science could help you understand your current job better as it relates to information technology, which can give you a leg up over your colleagues.

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What to expect from a computer science degree

As with any undergraduate degree program, you'll need to take core courses in English, science, arts and humanities, and college algebra. To complete an associate degree in computer information systems, however, you'll also need delve into the following types of courses:

Introduction to Computer Science
Introduction to Databases
Database Management Systems
Object-Oriented Data Structures and Alogrithms
Applied Calculus
Discrete Mathematics

Armed with a degree in computer information systems, you could qualify for a variety of positions in the many fields that now make up the computer sciences. While management positions in CIS generally require either a bachelor's degree in computer sciences or several years of proven, on-the-job experience, there are many exciting, high-growth opportunities that an associate degree can prepare you for.

Employment in computer information systems

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment is expected to grow faster or much faster than average for individuals qualified as computer support specialists, computer systems analysts, and computer software engineers. Employment for computer programmers is anticipated to decline slightly, by about 3%.

Along with an array of jobs and responsibilities, computer information systems specialists also earn a range of salaries. For 2009, the BLS reports the following:

Computer support specialists are the go-to people when employees who have computer-related problems. Computer support specialists need to possess a breadth of problem-solving and troubleshooting skills, and a lot of patience. They earned a median annual salary of $44,300.

Computer systems analysts worked with organizations to maximize efficiency and productivity of IT systems, often working with in-place software and developing programs to improve functionality. In 2009, they earned a median annual wage of $77,080

Software engineers design programs and develop software. They test and perfect systems designed for a variety of uses including gaming, business applications and operating systems. Computer systems software engineers earned a median annual salary of $92,430. Computer programmers earned a median annual salary of $69,620. And computer applications software engineers earned $85,430.

If you're not sure what the difference is between a computer systems analyst, a computer applications software engineer, and a computer systems software engineer, don't worry. That's why we're here. Explore WorldWideLearn.com's comprehensive Guide to Majors in Technology to discover if a degree in the computer sciences is right for you.