Master's in Information Systems Careers

In conjunction with the broad and ever-expanding world of tech, the selection of master’s in information systems careers is growing rapidly. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that computer and information systems management roles will grow 17 percent between 2023 and 2033, a rate much faster than the average for all occupations.1 The reason: it has become virtually impossible for a workplace to function without an efficient computer system.

“In the modern workplace,” the BLS reported, “it is imperative that information technology works both effectively and reliably.”2 Dependence on skilled IT managers is intensified by the fast-changing nature of the field, as well as companies’ dependence on technology to drive revenue.

In this fast-changing field, the importance of continuing education could scarcely be overstated, as the BLS report underscored: “New applications of technology in the workplace will continue to drive demand for workers to remain competitive.” The report predicted that companies will continue to install sophisticated computer networks and set up more complex intranets and websites. Professionals with the skills to expertly manage these emerging systems will be able to command increasingly high pay.

The following are a few examples of master’s in information systems careers and their median salaries.
Career Average Salary Relevant Courses
Network Administrator and Network Engineer $95,360 3
  • CIS 413: Telecommunications and Computer Networks
  • CIS 455: Disaster Recovery and Continuity
  • CIS 457: Management of Information Security
Database Administrator $117,450 4
  • CIS 417: Database Systems Design and Implementation
  • CIS 431: Database Administration
Cybersecurity Analyst $120,360 5
  • CIS 452: Cybersecurity Attacks and Counter Measures
  • CIS 455: Disaster Recovery and Continuity
  • CIS 453: Enterprise Security Strategy
  • CIS 457: Management of Information Security
IT Project Manager $98,580 6
  • CIS 495: Enterprise Agility Frameworks
  • CIS 460: Decision Analytics
  • CIS 465: Information Technology Strategy
Data Analyst/Business Intelligence Analyst $99,410 7
  • CIS 435: Practical Data Science Using Machine Learning
  • MSDS 400: Math for Modelers
  • MSDS 401: Applied Statistics with R
  • MSDS 455: Data Visualization
  • MSDS 460: Decision Analytics

Student Stories

Whether you're looking to change industries or get ahead in your current one, countless SPS graduates have used the program's curriculum and connections to advance information systems careers.

Austin Olson

By joining the MSIS program, I was able to shift to a new career path that I was more interested in rather than having to go back through another four-year degree. The master's program offered me an opportunity to learn all I needed to learn in a matter of two years.”

Austin Olson (MSIS '21)

The MSIS program was exactly what I needed... I wasn’t looking for a new job — I love my work and the people I work with. What I wanted was the formal knowledge that I lacked. It made me even better qualified for what I’m doing.”

Lauren Pahnke (MSIS '14)
Lauren Pahnke

Sources

  1.  “Computer and Information Systems Managers.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 29 Aug. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/management/computer-and-information-systems-managers.htm

    2. “Occupational 2010-11 Outlook, Library Edition Handbook.” Bureau of Labor Statistics, Jan. 2010.

    3. “Network and Computer Systems Administrators.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 29 Aug. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/network-and-computer-systems-administrators.htm.

    4. “Database Administrators and Architects.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 29 Aug. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/database-administrators.htm.

    5. “Information Security Analysts.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 29 Aug. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/information-security-analysts.htm.

    6. “Project Management Specialists.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 29 Aug. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/project-management-specialists.htm.

    7. “Management Analysts.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 29 Aug. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/management-analysts.htm.

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