While a master’s degree in any field demonstrates a commitment to formal education and professional development, and can lead to both a higher salary and more opportunities for advancement, a Master’s in Information Systems, in particular, offers many exciting career options and opportunities. From IT management positions and designing computer systems to developing innovative hardware and software system architectures, there are lots of IS career opportunities in business, industry, and government.
Here’s a look at some of the fastest growing careers in IS:
Desktop, Web, or Mobile Application Developer
As an application developer, you’ll develop software programs by analyzing user requirements and designing a system to meet those requirements. With the proliferation of apps available today on the Android and Apple operating systems, along with traditional desktop and web applications, this is one of the fastest growing careers under the Information System hierarchy. Along with developing applications, you’ll also be responsible for troubleshooting problems, developing user manuals, and creating upgrades and version revisions. The median pay for software developers, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, is $93,350 per year.
Most jobs require a Bachelor’s Degree at minimum and the outlook is for 22 percent growth through the year 2022. Application developers need not only the technical knowledge to create functional programs, but also the ability to envision the details that will make an application successful. Skills in communicating well with teammates, providing leadership, resolving issues, and keeping management updated via status reports are also important.
vArchitect
vArchitects are also in demand to service the growing need of companies seeking the security and convenience of cloud computing. As a vArchitect, you can develop infrastructure that helps customers reduce the cost of IT services through rapid innovation that cuts the time to market. According to the BLS, computer network architects earn a median salary of $91,000 per year and have a growth potential of about 15 percent over the next few years.
Cloud Administrator
A cloud administrator is an important team member in one of the fastest growing careers in Information Systems. This position is responsible for the day-to-day operations that provide security, backup, and support to a growing number of IT companies. A good cloud administrator needs project management and leadership skills to handle the rapid growth of the business, ensuring new customers are brought on line as soon as possible while maintaining the quality of services provided to existing clients.
The ability to analyze current trends and a high level of technical proficiency are also important in the job. Network and computer systems administrators earn about $72,560 per year according to the BLS and have a solid growth expectation of 12 percent for the coming years. As with other mid-level IT jobs, this position requires at least a bachelor’s degree along with constant training to stay current with emerging technology.
Security Administrator
With the ever-growing number of cyber-attacks, hacks, and simple computer vandalism, the role of security administrator is vital to any size company. Key components of the security administrator job description include the ability to administrate storage and backup solutions, employing the latest security techniques to keep hackers and cyber criminals at bay and, most importantly, to make sure servers and other computer equipment are always operating at optimum levels. The role of security administrator may also involve creating computer security procedures and educating company employees to make sure all procedures are followed on a regular basis.
The median salary for a information security analyst is $86,170 per year, with job growth predicted at 37 percent through 2022. Due to the continuing challenges provided by private and commercial hackers, this is a difficult position with a great deal of responsibility. It usually takes about five years’ experience to rise to the level of security administrator. Along with the technical expertise and experience, it’s important to stay on top of emerging threats and remain involved in the security community.
Thanks @RayvonOwen for the encouraging words at my graduation today from ECPI University. It was an honor.
— Lindsey (@IAmLinziGray) June 12, 2015
Get a Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS)
Designed purposefully for IT professionals, business executives, and college graduates who have earned a Bachelor’s degree, the Master of Science in Information Systems could be the next natural step toward garnering both advanced theoretical and real-world knowledge in computer-based information systems. In today’s ever-evolving high-tech world, an advanced formal degree in Information Systems could yield new opportunities across various industries. Contact ECPI University today to enroll in this advanced program and discover how a Master’s in Information Systems can contribute to your pursuit of professional advancement. What’s more, the Master’s program at ECPI University could be obtained in less than 15 months through our year-round program. It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
DISCLAIMER – ECPI University makes no claim, warranty or guarantee as to actual employability or earning potential to current, past or future students or graduates of any educational program we offer. The ECPI University website is published for informational purposes only. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information contained on the ECPI.edu domain; however, no warranty of accuracy is made. No contractual rights, either expressed or implied, are created by its content.
Gainful Employment Information
For more information about ECPI University or any of our programs click here: http://www.ecpi.edu/ or http://ow.ly/Ca1ya.