What Are Computer Information Systems? Definition, Degree, and Careers

Computer information systems (CIS) are used to collect, organize, and distribute data. They are crucial for organizations managing large amounts of data electronically. Familiarity with information systems is a valuable skill in all industries due to the high demand for professionals who can develop data management solutions. Many companies rely heavily on information systems to stand out against competitors. Learn more about this field and what you can do with a degree in computer information systems.

What are computer information systems?

Computer information systems is a broad term. It refers to managing communications between hardware and software on data storage and management devices. Examples of these devices include databases, cloud storage, and servers. Computer information system architecture depends on the data being collected and how an organization plans to use it. Computer information systems professionals (like systems managers and database administrators) determine the most efficient setup and handle hardware/software integrations.

Is a computer information systems degree a good career move?

Whether or not a systems degree is a good fit for you depends on your career goals and interests. If you pursue a bachelor's degree in computer information systems, you'll gain foundational expertise in programming, software systems, and technology. Your coursework will vary depending on the program you choose. However, you can expect to focus on these key concepts:

• Programming: You will likely take programming classes in popular industry languages such as Java and C++. These courses prepare you with the coding and computational system architecture expertise you need to develop software efficiently.

• Database usage: Database software such as MySQL, SQL, Microsoft Access, and others can help you manage, organize, and store data and give you an in-depth understanding of database architecture and information management.

• Quantitative processing and statistical analysis: These courses in a degree program emphasize the inspection, cleaning, and modeling of data. The goal is to develop solutions based on trends in the gathered data and information.

• Cybersecurity: Cybersecurity is crucial to information systems due to the need to protect information and devices housing essential data. Technical skills you'll gain from cybersecurity courses include how to plan safeguards and create backup plans against potential cyberattacks.

• IT project management: IT professionals are typically involved with numerous projects. Therefore, project management is a skill you'll learn in your computer information systems program to understand and navigate the project lifecycle. This includes planning, organizing, controlling, and monitoring projects and using tools to control costs and risks.

What is the difference between computer information systems and computer science?

Computer science more broadly deals with designing systems or software that can solve a particular issue. In contrast, computer information systems focus on how to use that software in various contexts.

Do you need a computer information systems degree?

Employers may accept candidates without a degree who have equivalent work experience and credentials. Education requirements can depend on the type of job you want to acquire in the field. For example, 60 percent of information systems specialists have a bachelor's degree, and 24 percent have an associate degree [1]. Fifty percent of information systems technicians have a bachelor's degree, and 31 percent have an associate degree [2]. Consider identifying a few job titles you're interested in and researching the specific qualifications. 

Computer information systems average salary 

Graduates majoring in computer information systems in the US make, on average, $66,863 annually. The top 10 percent of earners make over $114,000 annually [3].

Certificates and online systems degree programs

If earning a degree isn't in your plans, you might consider enrolling in online courses that can help you build the skill set and credentials you need. Explore a few free and paid options from accredited universities and industry leaders in technology:

• Information Systems Specialization: This beginner-friendly, self-paced course covers core concepts like IT project management and business analysis. By the end, you'll be able to specify business requirements as information system specifications and earn a certificate from the University of Minnesota for your resume. 

• Information Systems Auditing, Controls, and Assurance: This beginner-level online course is offered for free through the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. You'll earn a shareable certificate and gain foundational knowledge in risk management, change management, IT management, and information security (INFOSEC).

• The Bits and Bytes of Computer Networking: In this online course led by Google, you'll be provided with a full overview of computer networking and troubleshooting. By the end, you'll understand standard protocols involved with TCP/IP communication and cloud computing. You'll also earn a career certificate from Google. 

Essential skills for computer information systems professionals

Critical workplace skills that can help you in your studies and your profession include problem-solving, collaboration skills, self-motivation, analytical skills, and logical thinking. Some of the technical aspects of this skill set include: 

• Business processes and management expertise: CIS jobs have many overlapping areas between business and technology. Understanding fundamental business concepts like resource and task delegation, project management, and cross-departmental communication is key to CIS operations.

• Technical knowledge: Specific technical knowledge will vary depending on the position, but generally, CIS employees should have a foundational knowledge of industry best practices, an understanding of computer hardware, and some experience with at least one programming language. It’s helpful to be skillful in many different software and technologies so that you’re ready to handle whatever the job requires. If you're unsure where to start, consider browsing job posts to get an idea of which skills are in demand in your field of interest. 

• Mathematics: CIS professionals should have a foundational knowledge of algebra, statistics, calculus, geometry, and algorithms. A firm grasp of these mathematical subjects will allow for a much deeper understanding of what is happening on a mathematical level with analysis programs and coding functions.

Computer information systems jobs

A degree in CIS is versatile. Every industry needs experts in computer information systems, so growth and potential are abundant in this field. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 17 percent growth in this field from 2023 to 2033 [4]. The following sections provide overviews of a few relevant job titles. 

*US salary information was sourced from Glassdoor in October 2024. Figures include base pay and reported additional pay. Additional pay can include profit sharing, commissions, and bonuses. 

Computer information systems analyst

Average annual salary in the US (Glassdoor): $86,331

Responsibilities: As a systems analyst, you will implement and maintain IT systems. You ensure that business requirements align with technical architecture and plan for scalability. Although you won’t typically be directly involved with software or hardware development in this role, you will work closely with developers and create specifications for them to follow. 

Software developer

Average annual salary in the US (Glassdoor): $101,820

Responsibilities: As a software developer, you will create applications to distribute and sell these applications to the public or create applications for a company to use internally to solve a particular issue or bring value to the company. Developers can create software for operating systems, desktops or mobile, and websites. In this role, you will consider users' needs, build out the programs, test them, and routinely update them to ensure minimal bugs or errors with the application.

Read more: How to Become a Software Developer (With or Without a Degree)

Programmer analyst

Average annual salary in the US (Glassdoor):  $99,181 

Responsibilities: A programmer analyst has to develop, test, analyze, and maintain new software for business requirements. These professionals often oversee and interject into the developers' operations, correct code and fix bugs, and generally guide the project's development in the right direction.

Read more: What Does a Programmer Analyst Do?

Computer information systems administrator

Average annual salary in the US (Glassdoor):  $84,562

A systems administrator is responsible for upgrading, installing, and configuring software or computer hardware. They provide the highest level of technical support to employees and manage the security and permissions of user accounts within the company. Systems administrators deal with all facets of tech in a business, such as software, hardware, programming, security, and networking.

Learn more about computer information systems with Coursera

Computer information systems is a growing field with opportunities in different job roles and across different industries. An online, self-paced course like Introduction to Computer Information Systems Specialization, offered by the University of California, Irvine, can be a great place for beginners to start. After learning the fundamentals, you'll practice using productivity tools and earn a shareable certificate to add to your resume.