Online degrees in information systems

Information systems provide critical infrastructure for businesses, spanning local and wireless networks, databases and computer systems. Online information systems degrees introduce students to the technical components of these systems and the skills necessary to design, install and maintain this critical digital infrastructure.

Key areas within the information systems discipline include the following:

• Database management
• Network administration and analysis
• Information systems security
• Web administration
• Systems analysis
• Project management

Information systems specialties include the following:

• Accounting information systems
• Enterprise information systems
• Computer forensics

Online degrees in management information systems add business skills to the curriculum, preparing students to make the connection between business requirements and IT solutions.

Information systems programs are available at every level of the post-secondary education system, from multi-week certificates to advanced graduate degrees.

• Information systems certificates offer targeted instruction in a vendor technology or specific area of computer information systems (CIS) and typically culminate in a professional certification exam. Examples include Certified Internet Web Professional (CIW), Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP) and Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA).
• Associate of Applied Science in information systems is the minimum qualification for an entry-level position in IT. The two-year college degree provides some general education, with an emphasis on applied training in information systems administration.
• Bachelor of Science in information systems is the preferred qualification for information systems careers. The four-year degree builds core critical thinking, analysis and communication skills as well as a broad knowledge of information technologies.
• Graduate degrees include the Master of Science and the PhD in information systems. These two research degrees offer the opportunity for specialized training and an original research project. An MBA in information systems is also available, presenting advanced technical education in the context of a business curriculum.

Online information systems degrees offer working IT professionals a means of building their career credentials and expertise while they work. The online format relies on students to secure access to information systems technology for hands-on project work. Students who don't current hold jobs in IT can begin applying their expertise in the context of an internship.

Graduates of online information systems degrees qualify for jobs throughout IT departments. An associate or bachelor's degree offers an entry point into an information systems administrator role. From this starting point, information systems professionals may move up the ladder via experience and advanced education.

Entry-level job titles include the following:

• Computer support specialist
• Database administrator
• Network administrator
• Systems administrator

Administrator-level IT careers should see rapid job growth of 30 percent between 2008 and 2018, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

With additional education and work experience, administrators can advance into analyst, architect and management roles. These jobs bring greater responsibility and higher earning power, and require both technical and business expertise.

• Job growth: Network systems and data communications analysts are the number one fastest-growing occupation in the U.S., according to the BLS, with 53 percent growth forecast for the 2008-2018 period.
• Salary: Computer and information systems managers earned a mean salary of $123,280 in 2010 (BLS).