What can you do with a Business Information Systems degree?

First, some facts. Of the Business Information Systems graduates we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:


These are estimates based on AI analysis of 81 LinkedIn profiles (see below).

The verdict? Slightly above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 70%, Business Information Systems graduates have a slightly higher likelihood (+3%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:

Average score: 70%
Average relevance score across all fields: 67%

And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.

× Chart

Also, after graduating, only 27% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests a Bachelors degree is enough for most Business Information Systems graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.

See the details:

View a random Business Information Systems graduate and our analysis:


Relevance score: 50%

We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree.

DEGREE INFO

Graduated in 2020 from Ashford University with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Information Systems. Also pursued further education since (see below).

JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATION
Senior Enlisted Leader
United States Space Force
Dec 2021 - Present
While the role of Senior Enlisted Leader in the United States Space Force may involve organizational and management skills that indirectly relate to Business Information Systems, it does not primarily focus on the specific technical knowledge and skills acquired through the degree.

FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATING
Master of Information Systems Management
The University of Arizona Global Campus
2020 - 2022

Unknown degree
U.S. Space Force Senior Noncommissioned Officer Academy
2022 - 2022
ABOUT

Experienced IT Manager with a demonstrated history of working in the information technology and services industry. Strong operations professional skilled in Integration, U.S. Department of Defense, Technical Support, System Administration, and Active Directory.

What jobs can you get with a Business Information Systems degree?

The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:


When diving into the career paths of individuals who have graduated with a degree in Business Information Systems (BIS), it's evident that these degrees lead to a wide array of job roles across various industries. After analyzing numerous LinkedIn profiles, we can categorize some of the most common occupations these alumni have landed after graduation. Roles such as Business Analyst, Systems Analyst, and various technical positions involving IT management and software development emerged frequently. Additionally, several individuals took on roles that emphasize data analysis, technical support, and IT consulting. These jobs often require a strong foundation in both business principles and information technology, aligning closely with what students typically learn in their BIS programs.

However, the relevance of these jobs to a specific BIS degree varies significantly. While many people ended up in roles that directly utilize their knowledge and skills—like Business Analysts and Data Analysts—there were also cases where the roles seemed tangential to their formal education. For example, several individuals worked in support roles or positions that emphasized customer service, which didn’t heavily rely on the technical aspects of BIS. Jobs such as Help Desk Technicians and various roles in retail or logistics, while certainly important in the job market, often didn’t engage the core competencies of business information systems. This disparity suggests that while a BIS degree does provide relevant skills for many tech-oriented positions, the application of these skills can sometimes appear diluted in more generalized roles.

In conclusion, we see that while there are plentiful opportunities for graduates of Business Information Systems to land meaningful positions directly applicable to their studies, there remains a spectrum of job relevance. Many individuals may find themselves in roles that blend their education with broader business or operational functions, underscoring the versatility of a BIS degree in the job market. However, it raises interesting questions about whether the degree's full potential is being harnessed or if graduates are often settling for roles that may not fully utilize their specialized skills. It’s definitely a mixed bag, but overall, those with a BIS degree seem well-positioned to adapt and succeed in the diverse professional landscape.

Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Business Information Systems graduates:

What kind of career trajectories do Business Information Systems graduates have? What do they do 1, 5 or 10 years out?

When looking at the career trajectories of Business Information Systems graduates, it's clear that there’s a pretty diverse range of outcomes. Many graduates tend to start their careers in fairly technical entry-level positions related to support, analysis, or administration. For instance, a lot of them kick off their journey as tech support engineers, analysts, or engineers—these roles offer solid foundational skills that often play into future career advancements. Fast-forward five years or so, and we see quite a few of these individuals moving up into more specialized roles like Senior Systems Analyst, Technical Advisors, or Project Managers. This indicates that, at least for some, the early jobs are more than just jobs; they’re stepping stones toward meaningful and relevant careers in the tech industry.

However, the picture isn't all rosy. Some graduates have certainly found themselves in jobs that don’t align as closely with their degree, particularly when stepping into roles that might lean more towards administrative or mundane functions—like cashiers or administrative assistants. This can be seen in the profiles where individuals have taken longer paths to find roles that are better suited to their business information systems background. Others have also switched industries entirely, which can dilute the relevance of their degree. It suggests that while the degree can open doors, individuals may still take a roundabout path before landing a role that feels like a true fit.

Looking at the longer timeline—around ten years post-graduation—a significant number of graduates do find themselves in solid positions. The upward mobility in roles such as Business Analyst, Systems Administrator, or even higher management positions within tech companies is notable. A lot of these trajectories show consistent progress and skills building, especially for those who stuck with tech-related fields. Still, some may find themselves still in positions that don't fully leverage their education. It shows that while many enjoy successful careers, some face challenges in aligning their roles with their studies, leaving a mixed bag of success across the board.

In summary, many Business Information Systems graduates tend to start off with roles that are relevant to their degrees, leading to more advanced positions within a similar field over time. But there are definitely cases where individuals veer off course and end up in less related jobs. So while this degree can lead to some great opportunities, the journey can vary widely from one person to another. It's a reminder that with the right focus and ambition, a relevant career can definitely be achieved, but there are many paths to get there—or not get there at all.

How hard is a Business Information Systems degree?

A Bachelor degree in Business Information Systems can be a mixed bag depending on your strengths and interests. If you're someone who enjoys technology and is good at problem-solving, you might find it easier than most others because a lot of the coursework is about applying tech to real-world business scenarios. However, if you're not that tech-savvy or struggle with math, you might find some of the classes challenging, especially those that delve into programming or data analysis. Overall, I'd say it's about average in difficulty—some parts will be a breeze for certain people, while others might really stretch your limits. Just keep an open mind and be ready to dive into both business concepts and technical skills!

How long does it take?

Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Business Information Systems.

Do Business Information Systems graduates tend to make good money?

Looking at their job paths, it's clear that some graduates are on exciting career trajectories and likely making decent money. For instance, the multiple positions at Microsoft and Amazon showcase how the Indiana Wesleyan grads have jumped from support roles to senior technical positions, which usually pay well. Others, like the Ashford University grads who are now in higher management roles or working at big companies like IBM and NASA, are also signaling that they are likely earning good salaries. However, some profiles, particularly those with roles involving longer tenures in entry-level jobs or freelance types of work in less lucrative industries, might suggest they're not raking in the big bucks just yet.

Overall, while not everyone is hitting the jackpot, many are on paths that indicate upward mobility. A couple of them have built impressive resumes with a variety of roles, including leadership positions, which bodes well for their earning potential. If you're considering a career in business information systems, just know that with the right experience and networking, there are definitely opportunities out there to score a good paycheck down the line!

What buzzwords do Business Information Systems graduates use to describe themselves?

Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Business Information Systems. This may or may not be useful:

What are the best colleges for Business Information Systems?

Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Business Information Systems (ordered by the average relevance score of their Business Information Systems graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:

College Score Count
Ashford University 66 13