In today’s economy, even the smallest businesses utilize sophisticated information technology (IT) and data analysis solutions. But while e-commerce platforms, cloud computing services and similar technologies are more user-friendly than ever, they don’t offer one-size-fits-all solutions. In many cases, it takes a knowledgeable professional to tailor software to an organization’s needs, integrate software into an existing network or create new software from scratch. 

Individuals interested in taking on such tasks often study what’s known as computer information systems (CIS). But what is computer information systems as a field, what are CIS degree programs like and what can graduates do with their degrees? 

What Is Computer Information Systems?

Computer information systems refers to the software, hardware and processes used to manage data in a network. This field is very similar to the field of IT with one important difference: applications. 

IT is typically only concerned with hardware and software. CIS, on the other hand, is focused on using hardware and software to solve data-related issues within an organization or business. 

For example, consider a hospital’s intricate data system. It contains information about patients, quality of care metrics, work schedules and health insurance companies, among other types of data. An IT professional could help the hospital set up a database system to store all that information and could perform maintenance on the system. However, a CIS professional could help the hospital adapt the database system to their needs, establish and implement user access protocols and gather insights from the data. 

What Is a Computer Information Systems Degree, and What Does It Entail?

A computer information systems degree teaches students the fundamental principles of computing, IT infrastructure, and cyber management. Students gain the knowledge and skills to create software applications and digital solutions that meet organizational needs.  

At the undergraduate level, it takes full-time students about four years (eight semesters) to earn a computer information systems bachelor’s degree. Transfer students and those with prior learning credits may be able to complete the degree program in a shorter period of time. 

Curriculum and Graduation Requirements

To graduate from a computer information systems bachelor’s degree program, students usually need to complete about 120 credit hours of classes. Roughly 40 credit hours will be dedicated to general education classes, such as math, behavioral science and humanities classes. 

The remaining credit hours are dedicated to computer information systems classes on topics such as: 

• Computer programming 

• Database architecture 

• Software engineering 

• Web development 

• IT strategy and management 

• Data security and cybersecurity 

• Ethics 

• Java, SQL and other programming languages 

Many computer information systems degree programs allow students to choose a degree track or specialization such as artificial intelligence, business administration or cybersecurity. Depending on which track they choose, students can customize their schedules with classes on machine learning, management information systems, network security or other relevant topics. 

What Does a Computer Information Systems Professional Do?

Generally, computer information systems professionals are in charge of some aspect of an organization’s computer network. However, computer information systems is what many different types of professionals study to prepare for their careers. In fact, CIS program graduates are qualified to pursue a number of IT, software development and networking positions in a wide range of types of organizations. Each of these positions comes with its own unique duties. 

Here are a few of the positions a computer information systems program graduate can pursue: 

• Computer programmer: Writes code and creates software 

• Quality assurance analyst: Tests software, reports bugs and suggests improvements 

• Systems administrator: Sets up and maintains hardware and software for their organization 

• Information security analyst: Tests potential vulnerabilities and maintains information security systems 

• Database manager or administrator: Oversees all data storage, access and security measures within an organization 

While computer information systems professionals often work in the tech and software development industries, they also work for healthcare organizations, cybersecurity firms, government agencies and companies of all sizes and kinds. Many also work for technology consulting firms that help other businesses solve their data and technology issues. 

Benefits of Earning a Computer Information Systems Degree

In addition to the fact that it prepares students for an impressive range of job opportunities, earning a computer information systems degree has other advantages. Graduates are entering a field that is growing at a much faster than average rate, offers a high earning potential and has several unique career advancement opportunities. 

Positive Job Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment in the computer and information systems management field is expected to grow by 17 percent from 2023 to 2033. An average of 54,700 job openings are projected to be available per year for CIS management professionals through 2033. Within the same time frame, the average growth rate projected for all sectors of the workforce is only 4 percent.  

This indicates that the job market for CIS professionals is likely to remain strong to meet organizations’ increasing technology and data needs. 

High Earning Potential

Each specific job in the CIS field has its own salary expectations. However, the BLS reports that the median annual wage for computer and information systems managers in the U.S. is $169,510 as of May 2023. While CIS professionals’ salaries can vary based on their role, location and employer, this data for CIS managers suggests that many organizations place a high value on the CIS skill set. 

Career Advancement Opportunities

While CIS program graduates are trained to take on a number of important positions, they’re also well-positioned to take advantage of several advancement opportunities later in their careers. 

First, because CIS professionals are experts in how organizations use technology and manage data, they’re often great candidates for high-level technology leadership positions. For instance, after gaining several years of experience, they can become chief data officers (CDOs) who oversee data strategy or chief information officers (CIOs) who oversee all IT operations. 

Additionally, computer information systems is what many professionals study before they pursue graduate degrees in advanced topics such as applied computer science or technology management. These degree programs can help professionals become more competitive candidates for high-level leadership roles, advanced technical positions and technology consultant jobs. 

Carve Out Your Place in the CIS Workforce

No matter what positions they hold, CIS professionals are highly skilled problem-solvers who help organizations in every industry thrive in an increasingly data-driven economy. Through the Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems program at SEMO Online, you can prepare for a career in this dynamic sector. 

While the core curriculum focuses on programming and other CIS fundamentals, students can prepare for more specialized roles by selecting a business administration, cybersecurity or artificial intelligence track. Though classes are offered in a convenient online format, students have the chance to hone their skills through projects for real-world clients and internships, all while receiving support from dedicated faculty, program coordinators and academic advisors.  

Southeast Missouri State University offers an extensive number of on-campus programs as well. 

Find out more today about how a CIS degree from SEMO Online can help you achieve your career goals.