Online Information Systems Degree Programs

Information systems is one of the primary ingredients of any business or organization looking to utilize technology to reach their strategic goals. Career training in information systems can provide you with the skills needed to make an impact a broad spectrum of industries.

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Career Options in Information Systems

It is often said that information is power. If that is true, then computer information systems (CIS, or simply, IS) professionals are extremely important in today's information economy. Designing and managing systems that collect, store, process, analyze, and distribute information typically occupies a central role in large and growing companies in all industries today.

For example, geospatial information systems professionals visualize, analyze, and model systems to assist in strategic planning and decision-making processes. They make geographic information accessible and meaningful to scientists, planners, decision makers, and other interested stakeholders. Information systems disciplines span across all industries that rely on local and regional information to develop their initiatives.

Employment Outlook and Salary Potential

It should be no surprise that information systems is a rapidly growing field, and a discipline needed in our economy. A variety of occupations are available, such as network systems analysts, computer systems analyst, and network and computer systems administrator. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, these fields should expect the following employment growth through 2016:

Network systems analyst: 37 percent
Computer systems analyst: 29 percent
Network and computer system administrator: 13 percent

In 2007, computer and information systems managers commanded an annual median salary of $108,070. For computer and information scientists working research, they earned an annual median salary of $97,970 in 2007. Network systems analysts earned $68,220 and network administrators earned $64,690.

Graduates with information systems degrees can choose from a variety of industries for employment. In 2007, some of the top employers included computer design services, insurance companies, software publishers, as well as data processing services. For the top paying industries, graduates should look towards securities and commodities companies, telecommunications, as well as other financial institutions.

Prospective Degrees and Coursework

Computer information systems degrees are available at both the bachelor's and master's level. Many candidates couple their career training with some sort of business degree, such as an MBA or equivalent. This hybrid education can create a combination of technology and business credentials that employers traditionally desire.

Coursework is typically comprised of networking, communications, some computer programming (including SQL and other database query and programming languages), and systems development and analysis. Some programs offer proprietary training in a particular IS platform, such as Cisco, Microsoft, or Oracle.

Online Career Training Options

Students may find that earning information systems degrees and career training through a distance learning format better prepares them for the rigorous demands of the marketplace. Online programs have an inherent technology component that is typically not used in a traditional campus-based program. In the end, distance learning can save time and money by allowing you to satisfy your degree requirements faster than the campus route.