What is a Computer Information Systems Degree?

Students interested in computers have numerous options when it comes to earning a degree, leading to careers in areas like software engineering and computer engineering. While degrees in computer information systems, computer science, information technology, and computer engineering may overlap, each offers coursework designed for specific professional roles.

The key to finding the right degree is knowing which one matches your professional goals.

Computer information systems technology is primarily focused on facilitating business operations. Computer information systems programs integrate computer science and information technology with administrative skills, training students to maintain databases and help companies meet their tech goals.

Computer science focuses on developing computer programs, applications, and software. Computer science degrees emphasize programming, including things like cybersecurity, and these professionals typically work within larger programming teams.

Information technology is about the use of technology in practical settings. Information technologists keep computers working and offer technical support in professional settings. They may work alone or within a larger technology department, and they often implement new technology for their employers.

Computer information systems degrees vary in length, depth, and scope. Shorter programs, like a certificate or associate degree, introduce students to key concepts and principles, while a bachelor’s degree includes more advanced coursework. Most computer information systems professionals only need an undergraduate degree.

However, attending a graduate program can add to existing knowledge, often by emphasizing one aspect of computer information systems. Learners who want to pursue managerial and administrative roles benefit from a master’s degree, while a doctorate can lead to executive positions or a career in research.

A certificate program in computer information systems includes coursework in database administration, computer programming, and web development. Some certificates emphasize specific areas, like networks, databases, or programming, while others provide a more comprehensive curriculum.

Certificates cover basic knowledge of computer systems and information technology, which can lead to entry-level roles in business settings. Positions include database manager and server administrator.

A certificate in computer information systems typically takes fewer than 12 months. Certificates can lead to careers in computer information systems or function as a pathway to an associate degree in computer science, information technology, or computer information systems.

Associate degrees in computer information systems generally span two years. Students complete general education classes in English, mathematics, humanities, and science alongside courses in computer science and information technology. Additional business coursework helps learners apply computer-related concepts and practices to practical settings.

An associate degree in computer information systems leads to positions like computer support specialist, network system administrator, and computer programmer. An associate of science or arts often includes coursework that transfers directly into a bachelor’s degree in computer information systems. Associate graduates can also pursue entry-level positions.

During a bachelor’s degree in computer information systems, students complete four years of general education, computer science, information technology, and business coursework. Bachelor’s degrees in computer information systems prepare learners to work in e-commerce, as software systems developers, and as computer operations managers.

Common classes in a computer information systems bachelor’s degree include technical communications, finite mathematics, information systems analysis, and information security fundamentals. Business coursework focuses on economics, supply chain management, accounting, and market analysis. Throughout the program, students learn to integrate technical and business content, which often leads to a cumulative project or internship.

Current computer information systems professionals can benefit from earning a graduate degree in the discipline, thereby advancing both their technical and leadership skills. A master’s degree in computer systems information typically includes a thesis, portfolio, or project component. Some schools offer a joint bachelor’s and master’s degree in the discipline, allowing students to earn both degrees simultaneously.

Most master’s degrees in computer information systems last two years, although learners be able to earn an accelerated degree online. Coursework in a computer information systems master’s degree includes advanced software development, data management, and information technology administration. Learners typically focus on a niche, such as logistics technology, accounting software applications, or information technology security.

With a master’s degree, individuals can advance to roles like information technology manager, information technology project manager, or chief technology officer.

A doctorate in computer information systems can lead to executive business roles or positions in education. With a Ph.D in computer information systems, students are equipped to lead organizations as chief information officers and chief technology officers. Individuals who want to teach or research computer information systems at colleges and universities also benefit from earning a doctorate in the field.

A doctoral degree in computer information systems can last five years or more, depending on the program and student. Doctoral students take core classes in principles, methods, and practices of computer information systems, followed by competency exams and a dissertation. A doctorate in computer information systems includes a research component, usually emphasizing quantitative and qualitative techniques.

A degree in computer information systems opens career opportunities across industries. Students generally go into business and technology professions, working as computer systems managers, database administrators, and business data analysts.

With a degree in computer information systems, learners can also work within government agencies, with nonprofit organizations, in healthcare, or as teachers. Some common roles include information technology specialist, computer information technology professor, and healthcare information manager.

Once students earn a computer information systems degree, additional certifications can enhance their skills and qualifications. Certifications keep individuals abreast of changes and innovations in the industry. Common certifications for computer information systems students and professionals include Cisco certified network professional,AWS certified solutions architect, and certified information systems auditor.

Salary rates for computer information systems professionals depend on level of education, industry, and career. Advanced degrees often lead to managerial positions, like computer information systems manager, which is among the top-earning positions for the field, according to the BLS.

The first role that I took post-MBA in computer information science was [as] a regional sales director for a technology company (where before I had been working in logistics and transportation).

Transportation, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and other traditional sales roles can be great careers; however, most of these companies have lower margins. By pursuing an MBA in computer information science, it opened up my ability to sell for a computer software company with much higher margins — and much higher commissions.

A colleague who worked with me at Airborne Express (transportation) went to a tech company and made more than $250,000 in his first year. He and I were evenly matched in skillset.

I took the longer path to study the pros and cons of such a move by going to Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, and I’m glad that I did. My thesis was called “High-Risk, High-Reward?” The answer was that it was higher risk to stay in transportation, and lower risk plus higher reward [to move] into computer information systems.

Just having the stamp of approval from LMU on your LinkedIn/resume is good enough for most interviewers. But the know-how under the hood that you learn from the program is worth more than the stamp.

Truly be present in your classes. In high-school, a lot of people show up and check the box. In college, that can also be true.

Since graduating in 1995, and then getting an MBA in 2000, I was committed to learning and taking courses that mattered. International negotiations and HTML programming were a couple that made a huge difference and still do to this day.