by our College Data Analytics TeamIf you enjoy working with computers and figuring out how things work, a career in Computer Information Systems is for you.
Computer Information Systems is a growing field that allows graduates to work with companies' IT systems, analyze issues within the systems, and ensure all systems are kept up to date and working well. While working towards this degree, students will take classes in computer science, numerical analysis, software and hardware, and robotics. These classes will equip students with strong computer skills and teach them to perform such tasks as developing software for a certain task or programming a robot.
Although you may choose to major in the broad field of Computer Information Systems, some students prefer to specialize in certain areas. Some available areas of specialization include Artificial Intelligence, Information Technology, and Informatics.
Computer Information Systems was the 9th most popular major in the 2020-2021 school year. Colleges in the United States reported awarding 88,434 degrees in this year alone. This is a difference of 7,050 over the prior year, a growth of 8.0%.
This year's Best Computer Information Systems Schools ranking compares 520 of them to identify the best overall programs in the country. Explore this or one of our many other custom CIS rankings further below.
Students who major in Computer Information Systems often have a strong background in computers and an understanding of software. Other necessary skills include mathematical and analytical skills, organizational, and communication skills. Professionals within this field must solve problems within information systems, so they must have the ability to analyze problems and efficiently create solutions.
Professionals within the Computer Information Systems field work full time in an office setting. However, a large percentage of professionals state they usually work over 50 hours a week. Since much of the business world is managed through computers, professionals must be available to solve problems and create more efficient programs.
Although internships are not necessary, they may be beneficial because they will give students hands-on experience working with computers and fixing problem within systems. This experience will make students more efficient once they enter the work force.
A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required for most CIS degree programs and many students will need a minimum GPA and SAT/ACT score depending on the school. Specific CIS careers may require a certain level of degree attainment or additional certifications beyond that.
There are various different levels of CIS degrees. Computer Information Systems programs offered by schools range from a to a , which is the highest CIS degree you can get. How long it takes to complete some common CIS degree levels is shown below.
| Degree | Credit Requirements | Typical Program Length |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 60-70 credits | 2 years |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 120 credits | 4 years |
| Master’s Degree | 50-70 credits | 1-3 years |
| Doctorate | Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation | At least 4 years |
A bachelor's degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to CIS, with approximately 50.9% of workers getting one. People currently working in careers related to CIS tend obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | 51.3% |
| Master’s Degree | 16.2% |
| Associate’s Degree (or other 2-year degree) | 10.6% |
| Some College Courses | 5.2% |
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 4.9% |
Most workers in CIS have at least a bachelor's degree. See the chart below for the most common degree level workers in computer information systems have received.
The education level required is different depending on the CIS career you are seeking.
Graduates with a degree in Computer Information Systems often pursue careers in business, management, computer support, or computer systems analysis. Since computers are a huge part of business, a degree in Computer Information Systems will lead to many job opportunities. The skills you acquire while working towards this degree will be beneficial to employers making you an ideal candidate.
Graduates should find many job openings after graduation. This career is growing at an average pace since many companies are working towards upgrading and improving their IT systems.
Want a job when you graduate with your CIS degree? Computer Information Systems careers are expected to grow 15.3% between 2016 and 2026.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to computer information systems.
| Occupation Name | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Software Applications Developers | 1,086,600 | 30.7% |
| Computer Systems Analysts | 654,900 | 9.1% |
| Systems Software Developers | 472,100 | 11.1% |
| Network and Computer Systems Administrators | 415,300 | 6.1% |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | 411,800 | 12.0% |
Computer Information Systems graduates between 2017-2019 reported earning an average of $54,091 in the 2019-2020 timeframe. Earnings can range from as low as $10,847 to as high as $133,998. As you might expect, salaries for CIS graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Salaries for computer information systems graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers CIS grads often go into.
| Occupation Name | Median Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | $152,860 |
| Computer and Information Research Scientists | $123,850 |
| Systems Software Developers | $114,000 |
| Computer Network Architects | $111,130 |
| Software Applications Developers | $108,080 |
With over 3,344 different CIS degree programs to choose from, finding the best fit for you can be a challenge. Fortunately you have come to the right place. We have analyzed all of these schools to come up with hundreds of unbiased CIS school rankings to help you with this.
Computer Information Systems is one of 10 different types of Computer & Information Sciences programs to choose from.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| General Computer & Information Sciences | 51,681 |
| Information Technology | 31,531 |
| Informatics | 2,726 |
| Other Computer & Information Sciences | 1,887 |
| Artificial Intelligence | 518 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Computer Science | 59,565 |
| Information Technology | 40,555 |
| Information Science | 18,325 |
| Computer Systems Networking | 14,700 |
| Computer Software & Applications | 14,336 |
