Information Systems Master: A Good Goal for Me?

In the modern world, people interact with information systems every day.

In the most basic sense, information systems exist to collect, store, process, and transmit data. A modern information system consists of many elements. In addition to hardware and software, an information system includes policies that govern it and users who access it.

Information systems are so ubiquitous that most of us do not go a single day without using them. The Internet itself can be looked at as a giant information system. In practice, though, professionals usually have specific systems and their interactions with people in mind.

Information systems professionals learn to design, manage, optimize, and grow these systems.

What Kinds of Information Systems Are in Use Today?

There are many kinds of information systems businesses, governments, and even individuals rely on. The term information system can refer to the underlying processes that make information available, or to systems dedicated to particular subjects.

Some of the most crucial information systems in the world are management information systems. These collect, evaluate, and report data about business performance. Executive leaders rely on the availability of this data to make strategic decisions.

Certain professions use specialized types of information systems aided by custom software.

For example, you might hear about geographic information systems (GIS) used by those who manage natural resources. Aided by sophisticated data collection software, these systems can analyze the ecological health of an area and the impact of human activities.

On many minds these days is the growing category of health information systems. These are used to catalog data about patients, their health, and the treatments they use. Data can be used to improve individual patient outcomes or address public health concerns.

Some information systems are predictive – that is, they help users make decisions by providing a projection of the future or an interpretation of the available data. Getting the right data at the right moment relies on the skills of the information systems professional.

How Can a Master’s Degree in Information Systems Help Your Career?

Many people interact with an information system daily. Users access the data and technicians keep the system working from day to day. Only those with advanced knowledge can plan and optimize an information system, however.

Having an efficient, accurate, useful information system depends on leaders who understand the principles behind it. There are many types of information systems professionals:

• Cloud computing administrators enable companies to make use of cloud resources, such as software and data storage, in a convenient way. This saves businesses money.
• Security administrators must understand the way data enters and flows through the system to prevent hacker attacks. Without them, sensitive data is left vulnerable.
• Others develop the software or application architecture a system runs on.

A master’s degree in Information Systems signals to employers that you are ready to take the next step in your career. If you are a current IT professional, you can use your master’s degree to show you’ve developed specialized knowledge above and beyond what most others have.

IT experts often pursue a master’s degree so they have the technical knowledge to lead a larger team or even craft information systems for an entire enterprise. Senior IT leaders, such as chief technology officers, often hold master’s degrees in their technology field.

A master’s degree can also equip you to become an independent consultant or entrepreneur.

How Can You Gain Confidence to Pursue an Information Systems Master’s?

Deciding to pursue a master’s degree can be a big step. Many professionals wait until they have 3-5 years of experience before they begin a master’s – but if you are interested in the topic and motivated to succeed, you can start any time.

First, define your goal. What do you want to learn about information systems? How do you expect that knowledge will change your life or career? If the idea of being a top-level information systems expert excites you, it is a good sign.

Familiarity leads to confidence. It may help you to read a few books on information systems. If you’re employed at a business that relies on information systems, you can set up an interview with a member of your IT department to find out more. If you are already in IT, your supervisor can help.

Remember that today’s world of online study is very different from face-to-face coursework and can be much more convenient for working adults. Ask yourself if you would be able to set aside about five hours a week for study and projects.

Ready to Get Started With an MSIS Degree Program?

Are you interested in pursuing a Master of Science in Information Systems? If you want to add to your resume or move ahead in your career, consider ECPI University for the education you want. For more information, connect with a helpful admissions advisor today.

It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!

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