How long does it take to get a degree in computer information systems?
Short answer: It will take on average four years to complete a bachelor of science degree in computer information systems.
You Do Have Options When Considering a Computer Information Systems Degree This entry will explore the different types of Computer Information Systems degrees, the time it takes to complete, and the different modalities for pursuing an information systems degree, classroom vs other options will be examined.
Bachelor’s Degree Overview
The Universal prerequisite for computer information systems majors seeking a bachelor’s degree is a high school or equivalency diploma. Some programs may demand that an enrollee have an associate’s or another college degree. Generally, the time commitment to earn a bachelor’s degree is four years.
Bachelor’s Degree Coursework
Earning a bachelor’s in Computer Information Systems involves taking a combination of business and computer classes:
- Database Management Systems
- Machine Human Interface
- Network architecture, administration and security
- Programming
- Systems analysis.
The business classes cover business operations, economics, finance, and marketing.
Opportunities And Salaries
Over the next 19 years, the demand for systems analysts and database administrators will increase by 9% per the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) with network administrator jobs increasing by 5%. In 2019 the minimum median salary for someone with a bachelor’s in CIS is $55,163. The highest median salary in 2018 was $90,070.
Master’s Degree Overview
A bachelor’s degree must be obtained before being accepted into a computer information systems master’s degree program. Some programs may request to see a candidate’s SAT score or scores from similar tests. Most master’s programs take two years to complete.
CIS Master’s Curriculum
Generally, earning a CIS Master’s degree involves studying database management, database administration, data mining, and data modeling. Studies in Information security, networking forensics, programming, and robotics complete the coursework.
Opportunities And Salaries
The Bureau of Labor Statistics foresees a 28% increase in the demand for security analysts over the next 13 years. In 2018 the average income for security analysts was $98,350.
CIS Doctorate Overview
Computer information systems majors aspiring to a doctorate (Ph.D.) will need a prior college degree to enter a doctorate program. The bulk of a candidate’s time is dedicated to researching their dissertation. A program may require a candidate to focus on a specialized course of study like information systems.
Doctorate Coursework
Examples of classes for a doctorate include:
- Computer Architecture
- Digital system design
- Programming languages and techniques
- Theory of computation
- User interface design
Four to seven years is the average for earning a Ph.D. Some programs allow candidates a decade to earn their doctorate.
Opportunities And Salary
The BLS anticipates a 19% growth in the field of Information Research Science between 2019 and 2026. In 2018 research information scientists earned an average of $118,370.
Options For Pursuing A CIS Degree
Outside of a traditional classroom, the Computer Information Systems degrees can be pursued online, through an accelerated program, or a combined degree program.
Online
Usually, four years are spent earning a Bachelor’s degree online. Four years and four months is the average to complete online doctorate studies.
Accelerated Online Programs
As the name implies accelerated classes enable students to receive their degrees sooner. Bachelor’s degree classes that traditionally run for four months are truncated to between five and ten weeks. An accelerated doctorate can be obtained in three or four years.
Combined Degree Programs
Also known as a 4+1 program a combined program allows students to pursue a Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree at the same time. A combination program makes it possible to earn a master’s degree in five years versus an average of six years.
