What can you do with a Computer Information Systems degree?

First, some facts. Of the Computer 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 368 LinkedIn profiles (see below).

The verdict? Slightly above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 72%, Computer Information Systems graduates have a slightly higher likelihood (+5%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:

Average score: 72%
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 18% 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 Computer Information Systems graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.

See the details:

View a random Computer Information Systems graduate and our analysis:


Relevance score: 73%

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

DEGREE INFO

Graduated in 2012 from University of North Alabama with a Bachelor in Computer Information Systems. No other secondary education since.

JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATION
Impact Services Associate Data Wizard
DAXKO
Jul 2012 - May 2013
The position of Impact Services Associate Data Wizard does not require specific skills or knowledge in Computer Information Systems, as it likely focuses on general data management rather than technical IT skills.

Director of Technology & Innovation
Wildsparq
Jul 2013 - May 2018
As the Director of Technology & Innovation, this job directly utilizes the technical knowledge and skills acquired from a Bachelor's in Computer Information Systems, requiring expertise in technology management and innovation.

Director of Technology
Apex Current - Performance Driven Advertising
May 2018 - May 2019
The role of Director of Technology at Apex Current involves using the skills developed in Computer Information Systems extensively, making it highly relevant to the degree.

Freelance Web Developer
Self Employed
Jan 2015 - Present
As a Freelance Web Developer, this job requires substantial use of programming and technical skills taught in a Computer Information Systems program, aligning closely with the knowledge gained from the degree.

Freelance Marketing Strategy and Implementation
Self Employed
Jan 2015 - Present
The Freelance Marketing Strategy and Implementation position may use some technical skills related to data analytics and online marketing tools, but it is not primarily focused on the core skills from Computer Information Systems.

Founder
Mini War Marketing
May 2019 - Present
As the Founder at Mini War Marketing, this role may involve some technical skills related to digital marketing, but it does not heavily rely on the core skills obtained from a Computer Information Systems degree.

ABOUT

Infusionsoft Certified PartnerAgile, Lean Startup, Business Strategy, Data Analysis, Membership Segmentation, Computer Information Systems, Web Design, Cloud Computing, Social Media Specialist. Apple iOS and OSX. Platform and automated marketing systems expert.I build products that make work serve you. I can help you create a beautiful space on the internet, and build systems for monetizing your product with robust automation. I'm also a producer/editor making content on YouTube.

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

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


When examining the job profiles of graduates with degrees in Computer Information Systems, it becomes clear that many individuals have pursued a wide range of careers in various fields. Some of the more common job roles include Software Engineer, Systems Analyst, Data Analyst, and IT Support roles, like Help Desk Technicians. These positions reflect the technical aspects and problem-solving skills that are foundational in a computer information systems curriculum. Graduates frequently find themselves in roles where they can apply programming skills, data management expertise, and systems analysis knowledge. This implies a strong alignment between their educational background and their job functions, showcasing the practical application of their degrees in the labor market.

However, not all job paths are directly relevant to their degree program. Many individuals secure positions where they might not leverage their technical skills to the fullest, such as Customer Service roles, Project Management, or Sales positions. For example, some graduates have taken on managerial positions in various industries, which can involve organizational skills more than the specific computer information systems knowledge they obtained. While these roles can benefit from a logical mindset or analytical skills that may stem from their education, they do not always utilize the core technical competencies expected of computer information systems professionals. Therefore, a mixed picture emerges: while many graduates land roles directly related to their studies, others find themselves in positions that, while perhaps beneficial to their professional growth, lack the technical focus that is a hallmark of the Computer Information Systems degree.

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

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

When looking through the career trajectories of graduates with degrees in Computer Information Systems, it's pretty clear that many of them end up in technology-related fields that leverage their skills and knowledge. Generally, most students land their first jobs in entry-level or support roles shortly after graduation. For instance, recent graduates often start as IT support specialists, help desk technicians, or system engineers. This makes sense, as these roles provide a solid foundation of experience and understanding of the technology landscape, which are crucial stepping stones in anyone’s career.

Five to ten years down the line, many of these graduates transition into more advanced positions. For example, those who began their careers as software developers often report rapidly climbing the ranks to roles such as senior developers, and sometimes even managerial positions like team leads or project managers. Some individuals even branch out to specialized roles, such as data analysts or solution architects, which indicate a good degree of career advancement and specialization over time. The variety in the paths they take—from software engineering to cybersecurity—shows that those early experiences can lead to a rich landscape of opportunities in the tech sector.

However, it's not all rosy. A portion of graduates finds themselves in roles that don’t seem to match their educational background. Some may drift into IT support or customer service positions that, while related, aren't as technologically advanced as one might expect from a Computer Information Systems education. Despite this, many graduates still manage to leverage their skills to eventually find better-suited positions, particularly if they take the initiative to keep learning and growing.

Overall, while there are certainly some bumps and diversions along the way, graduates with degrees in Computer Information Systems generally enjoy robust and relevant career trajectories, especially if they’re proactive about their career development within the tech industry. The demand for technology professionals remains strong, which bodes well for those entering this field today.

How hard is a Computer Information Systems degree?

A Bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems can be a bit of a mixed bag, honestly. It’s definitely not the easiest degree out there, but it’s also not the hardest. You’ll be diving into topics like programming, databases, and systems analysis, which can get pretty challenging if you don’t have a knack for math or tech stuff. That said, if you’re someone who enjoys problem-solving and has a decent interest in technology, you might find it easier to handle than, say, an engineering degree. Just be prepared to put in some effort, especially with projects and group work, but if you stay organized and ask for help when needed, you should be able to manage it just fine!

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 Computer Information Systems.

Do Computer Information Systems graduates tend to make good money?

Honestly, it looks like some of these graduates have made decent money based on the career paths and job titles they've landed since completing their degrees. For example, the individual from Gardner-Webb University who is a Lead Manager at a well-known company like Reynolds American seems to be on a pretty solid financial track, considering they started in their field over a decade ago. Similarly, the graduates who are now in roles like Senior Engineer, Project Manager, or Systems Analyst at reputable companies typically earn substantial salaries, often six figures depending on the location and specific industry.

However, not everyone has had the same level of success. Some graduates, particularly those from schools that have less name recognition, appear to be in entry-level or mid-tier positions, such as IT support or service roles, which usually come with lower pay. The job titles suggest varying levels of advancement, and while some individuals show significant growth, others might still be working their way up in the field. Overall, it’s a mixed bag, with clear opportunities for good earnings for those who hustle and find the right positions.

What buzzwords do Computer 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 Computer Information Systems. This may or may not be useful:

What are the best colleges for Computer Information Systems?

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

College Score Count
James Madison University 89 12
Arizona State University 85 10
University of Houston 74 11
DeVry University 67 20