by our College Data Analytics TeamIf you enjoy working with computers and figuring out how things work, a career in Computer Information Systems is for you.
Computer Information Systems is a growing field that allows graduates to work with companies' IT systems, analyze issues within the systems, and ensure all systems are kept up to date and working well. While working towards this degree, students will take classes in computer science, numerical analysis, software and hardware, and robotics. These classes will equip students with strong computer skills and teach them to perform such tasks as developing software for a certain task or programming a robot.
Although you may choose to major in the broad field of Computer Information Systems, some students prefer to specialize in certain areas. Some available areas of specialization include Artificial Intelligence, Information Technology, and Informatics.
A major in Computer Information Systems covers Computer And Information Sciences, General. Read on to learn the essential details every computer information systems student should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering computer information systems programs.
Nationwide, computer information systems is a widely-pursued major, with 118,381 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Computer Information Systems Schools ranking analyzes these 1,423 schools to determine the best overall colleges for computer information systems students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of computer information systems programs later in this article.
Studies in Computer Information Systems emphasize a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations computer information systems graduates commonly enter.
Students who major in Computer Information Systems often have a strong background in computers and an understanding of software. Other necessary skills include mathematical and analytical skills, organizational, and communication skills. Professionals within this field must solve problems within information systems, so they must have the ability to analyze problems and efficiently create solutions.
Professionals within the Computer Information Systems field work full time in an office setting. However, a large percentage of professionals state they usually work over 50 hours a week. Since much of the business world is managed through computers, professionals must be available to solve problems and create more efficient programs.
Although internships are not necessary, they may be beneficial because they will give students hands-on experience working with computers and fixing problem within systems. This experience will make students more efficient once they enter the work force.
Skills built by a computer information systems program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
Per O*NET surveys, a computer information systems major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several computer information systems degree levels. The table below shows the typical length of the most common levels, and how many graduates earn each one.
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 2,343 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 13,341 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 46,746 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 52,666 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 1,198 |
People currently working in careers related to computer information systems tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | 40.5% |
| Master’s degree | 21.8% |
| Doctoral degree | 13.2% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 8.6% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 5.4% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 3.8% |
| Some college courses | 3.3% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 1.6% |
| Less than a high school diploma | 0.7% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 0.7% |
| First professional degree | 0.2% |
| Post-doctoral training | 0.1% |
See the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in computer information systems careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
Graduates with a degree in Computer Information Systems often pursue careers in business, management, computer support, or computer systems analysis. Since computers are a huge part of business, a degree in Computer Information Systems will lead to many job opportunities. The skills you acquire while working towards this degree will be beneficial to employers making you an ideal candidate.
Graduates should find many job openings after graduation. This career is growing at an average pace since many companies are working towards upgrading and improving their IT systems.
Studying computer information systems opens doors to many career paths. Below are some of the most common occupations related to computer information systems.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to computer information systems.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary | 1,328,652 | -4.2% |
| Business Intelligence Analysts | 585,851 | 1.3% |
| Information Security Analysts | 583,513 | 12.3% |
| Computer Systems Engineers/Architects | 576,059 | -1.9% |
| Information Security Engineers | 575,902 | -3.8% |
| Blockchain Engineers | 556,747 | 5.1% |
| Information Technology Project Managers | 543,383 | -3.4% |
| Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians | 530,023 | -1.9% |
The U.S. Department of Education tracks median earnings of computer information systems graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. Earnings tend to climb as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $69,148 |
| 4 years | $77,570 |
| 5 years | $88,131 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for computer information systems graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers computer information systems grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | $175,079 |
| Computer Occupations, All Other | $159,837 |
| Health Informatics Specialists | $156,714 |
| Database Architects | $148,480 |
| Document Management Specialists | $147,490 |
| Business Intelligence Analysts | $143,840 |
| Information Security Engineers | $142,543 |
| Computer Systems Engineers/Architects | $140,795 |
With 1,423 different computer information systems programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased computer information systems school rankings to help you.
Students interested in computer information systems, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | 67,926 |
| Information Technology | 42,322 |
| Informatics | 3,067 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, Other | 2,635 |
| Artificial Intelligence | 1,653 |
| Human-Centered Technology Design | 778 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Computer Science | 79,857 |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management | 57,935 |
| Information Science/Studies | 22,425 |
| Computer Software and Media Applications | 15,581 |
| Computer Programming | 15,336 |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications | 15,034 |
| Computer Systems Analysis | 3,034 |
| Data Processing | 2,131 |
| Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Other | 2,066 |
| Data Entry/Microcomputer Applications | 436 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
