Degree Overview: Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree in Computer Information Systems
Majors Overview February 16, 2015Get information about the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree program in Computer Information Systems and its coursework, career choices, job and wage outlook, and continuing education choices.
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree Programs in Computer Information Systems
Students enrolled in Bachelor of Science (B.S.) programs in Computer Information Systems are provided skills in coding languages, computer software, electronic commerce, resource management, accounting, database management, and network administration. These experiences may make students adept in encoding, organizing, analyzing, and utilizing digital databases and computer systems for resolving problems and providing support for various business needs.
Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a GED certificate or high school diploma.
Coursework
Coursework focuses on subjects in accounting, economics, marketing, computer coding languages, and database design and management. Students enrolled in these programs are offered internships for credit, whereby they gain hands-on experience while working with professionals in the field. Credits may be earned by students taking courses such as:
•Visual basic
•C++ coding
•Java coding
•Statistics
•Marketing
•Database design
•Database management
•Web development
•Economics
•Accounting
Career Choices
Many businesses and organizations rely on the efficient functioning of computer information systems; accordingly, specialization in these skills can help individuals seek jobs in numerous settings through the adaptation of their experiences to diverse specialized functions. Adequate work experience can help employees advance to senior-level positions. Graduates of the program can seek positions such as:
•Software developer
•Web programmer
•Systems analyst
•Network administrator
•Business consultant
Job and Wage Outlook
A faster-than-average job growth rate has been predicted for network administrators, systems analysts, and software developers over the 2010 – 2020 decade (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). Over the same period, an average corresponding job growth rate has been projected for programmers.
In 2012, network administrators banked an average annual salary of $72,560 (BLS); systems analysts earned $79,680, software developers dealing with applications took home $90,060, and systems-related software developers grossed $99,000. In December 2013, business consultants made an average annual wage of $71,526. In May 2012, programmers took home $74,280.
Continuing Education Choices
Many training institutions, computer associations, and hardware and software vendors offer certificates that would improve students’ credentials. Completing a Master of Science (M.S.) in Information Systems or another graduate-level program would enable the expansion of students’ skills, who could then aim for senior-level job positions. Those interested in careers in academia or research may enroll in doctoral programs in computer science, information science, and information systems.