What can you do with a CIS degree? As it turns out, plenty!
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People with traditional or online CIS degrees are generally in very high demand and usually benefit from a stable career path that allows them to rise up through the ranks very quickly. CIS jobs are usually in extremely high demand.
What Can You Do With a CIS Degree?
With a bachelor’s degree in computer information systems, you may pursue the following careers:
- Technical Support Personnel – These specialists help customers with their basic computer needs. They troubleshoot problems and provide support.
- Systems Analyst – Systems analysts identify problems within existing systems and rectify them. Systems analysts often help to troubleshoot problems as well.
- Information Security Analyst – These professionals are on the front lines of companies, preventing them from falling victim to cyberattacks.
- Web Developer – Web developers are the people who construct the back-end of websites and maintain website integrity for everyone who interacts with them.
- Computer Programmer – Like web developers, computer programmers work on computers, but they are primarily responsible for developing overall code, as opposed to specific websites. The best computer programmers tend to be paid exceptionally well, and this is typically a very lucrative career path for those who with CIS degrees.
- Software Developer – Software developers make computer applications and programs. They often work with, and occasionally overlap with, computer programmers, but are considered to be the more creative side of things.
- Information Research Scientist – This top-of-the-line career path requires at least a bachelor’s degree, but an advanced degree might be necessary depending on the company. These elite people are responsible for finding new uses for existing technology. They are generally on the cutting-edge of breakthroughs.
- Intranet Manager – Most companies have a personal slice of the internet called the intranet, where company business is conducted. Intranet managers are responsible for maintaining and solving any problems on the company intranet.
- Network Administrator – These high-end administrators are tasked with creating network infrastructure, like intranets or communications tools. They are expected to have to have a good understanding of computer software and hardware.
- Database Administrator – Database administrators are responsible for making sure that company data is stored properly and protected.
All of these career fields usually come with tremendous advancement opportunities, making CIS an attractive and lucrative field that is always in demand. There are plenty of directions that you may go with your degree and these are just a few options.
5 Things You Can Do with a Computer Information Systems Degree
Although there are plenty of different jobs that you may pursue with your CIS degree, a few special ones are always in high demand. If you have the proper temperament for one of these jobs, you may be able to enjoy a long and illustrious career in computers.
1. Computer Systems Analyst
Computer systems analysts are tasked with taking a long look at how the current computer systems in a company function, and making any necessary adjustments to them. Ultimately, they are responsible for ensuring that things move smoothly and efficiently and identifying any snags before they become too big.
People who excel in this job tend to have the ability to think quickly on their feet and solve problems diplomatically and logically. They generally have excellent communication skills and are masters of time management.
Since this particular job requires you to meld business and technology skills, the right candidate tends to be a genuine people person with meticulous computer skills. That winning combination doesn’t come along all that often, so computer systems analysts are generally paid quite well for their talents.
2. Computer Programmer
Computer programmers are responsible for ensuring that all of the software you use functions properly. They do all of the legwork on the back-end of websites and are tasked with writing code that computers can easily follow. This type of work takes a lot of trial and error and requires someone with a cheerful and optimistic disposition.
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Computer programmers need to be detail-oriented with a highly positive attitude and the ability to change course as needed. They must be able to work well within a team structure and learn new systems quickly.
As the world of computers is always evolving, computer programmers must be able to stay on top of trends and anticipate new challenges in the world of computers.
3. Computer Research Scientist
These people are very high in demand for a good reason: they are responsible for using existing technology to solve new problems. Computer research scientists are innovative folks who understand the ins and outs of computers and are able to envision new solutions using old technology.
They are often highly prized professionals, and many are extremely well paid. To excel in this particular field, you need to have amazing communication skills and think outside of the box. The best candidates are incredibly analytical and pay close attention to detail.
Computer research scientists are usually excellent at math, which allows them to read and predict different computer trends accurately.
4. Information Security Analyst
In today’s world, it’s more important than ever to guard your online presence against would-be hackers and criminals. Information security analysts are on the front lines of this protection. They make sure that firewalls are operational, utilize advanced security methods, and ensure that no cyberattacks can occur on their watch.
These professionals have a highly stressful job, but they are usually compensated well for it. Fine-tuned analytical and critical thinking skills can help you succeed in this position. The best candidates anticipate problems before they become significant hurdles, and can communicate effectively will people on all levels of an organization.
You need to have the perfect blend of problem-solving skills and diplomacy if you want to work in this exciting and lucrative field.
5. Software Developer
If you love computers and are highly creative, software development might just be right up your alley. Software developers are the creative forces behind most computer programs and are the geniuses behind some of the best computer programs on the planet.
Although software developers represent the more creative side of this degree, you still need a large number of technical skills to be successful. The best software developers balance the two well but maintain their love of computers and desire to build better systems.
With a CIS degree, you may get your foot in the door to any of these career paths.
Computer Information Systems Careers & Salaries
Is a CIS degree worth it? Well, people who work in computer-related fields tend to make comparable good salaries.
We’ve broken down some of the typical computer information systems jobs and what they pay in the sections below. Depending on your expertise, networking ability, and the demand, your salary could differ.
All data is provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Computer Information Systems Entry Level Jobs
Even entry-level computer information systems jobs tend to pay quite well.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Management Analyst | $87,660 |
| Network and Computer Systems Administrator | $84,810 |
| Computer Support Specialist | $55,510 |
This is a sampling of what may be available to those who have their bachelor’s in CIS.
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Although these are entry-level jobs, there tends to be a lot of room to move up quickly for the right candidates.
Computer Information Systems Mid-Career Jobs
Those who make computer information systems their chosen path may be able to enjoy some lucrative positions midway through their career.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Computer Network Architect | $116,780 |
| Software Developer | $110,140 |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $93,730 |
There are plenty of other mid-career jobs, as well as offshoots of the ones listed here.
Computer Information Systems Highest Paying Jobs
Those in the highest echelons of computer information systems often make up to or over $100,000 per year.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Computer and Information Systems Manager | $151,150 |
| Computer and Information Research Scientist | $126,830 |
| Database Administrator | $98,860 |
| Computer Programmer | $89,190 |
This is just a small sampling of the highest paying CIS careers.
How Much Money Can You Make with a CIS Degree?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, those who earn CIS degrees often make quite a bit of money. A number of entry-level jobs pay over $50,000 per year, with many starting above $60,000.
This makes computer information systems one of the most lucrative career paths out there.
Is a CIS Degree Hard?
While getting your CIS degree is certainly not easy by most estimations, those with a strong aptitude for math and a love of computer systems may enjoy the work.
There are plenty of challenging classes, although many agree that the result is worth it.
Is CIS a Good Degree?
CIS is a good degree for many students as there are a wide-range of jobs available in this field.
Most people who get their degrees in computer information systems tend to do quite well for themselves financially. Also, there are generally quite a few jobs in computers, so demand is high.
Is a CIS Degree Worth Anything?
CIS degrees are definitely worthwhile for many because they help open up doors for all sorts of opportunities career-wise. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is projecting 11% job growth in computer and information technology occupations over the next 10 years, much faster than the average growth for all occupations. Some common careers in this field include network and computer systems administrator, software developer, computer systems analyst, computer programmer, and IT manager.
Many people use their undergraduate CIS degrees as a springboard for graduate work, but many find jobs in this field with just an undergraduate.
What Jobs can I get with a Computer Information Systems Degree?
There are plenty of different jobs that you can pursue with your CIS degree.
You may work on a high-level help desk, operate the company’s intranet, build the back-end of websites, or even shield companies from security concerns. The sky is the limit!
What Skills Do I Need for CIS Jobs?
Having strong analytical skills and being able to solve problems quickly and effectively are helpful for this field.
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Being able to handle stress and multi-task and having excellent diplomatic abilities are beneficial abilities as well. The best candidates are often lifelong learners who love computers and are constantly honing their skills.
Computer Science vs. Computer Information Systems – What’s the difference?
Although the two are similar, computer science is more based on theory and math, while computer information systems deals with day-to-day computer problems.
Getting Your CIS Degree Online
For many employed professionals, CIS is a good major for a number of reasons.
If you want to work in a lucrative field with plenty of room for growth, getting your bachelor’s degree in computer information systems can help you get there. There are plenty of opportunities for graduates, and most candidates make a fantastic starting salary.
There are plenty of great online schools that can help you get your bachelor’s degree on a flexible schedule. With so many excellent financial aid options available, and classes that you can take on your own time, there’s no reason not to start applying today.
