Information Systems Master's Programs: Is One Right for Me?

People tend to take computers and the effect they have on our lives for granted. However, it was only in 1948 that the first program was run on a computer; the program only consisted in seventeen lines of code. The so-called "Small Scale Experimental Machine" was only a taste of grander and more productive things to come. Since those comparatively humbler times an entire industry has risen.

Educational institutions noticed the advances in technology. Today there is a broad range of computer science degree options available. They allow specializations in hardware, software, simulation, security, and more. To get one's foot in the door, a certificate, Associates degree or Bachelor’s degree is generally required. But for those who want to climb higher, and enjoy the rewards that come with it, a Master's degree in Information Systems is highly recommended.

Possible Roles with a Master's Degree in Information Systems

Rather than restricting graduating students to a particular niche, a MIS degree imparts a broad range of industry knowledge. Some possible roles include:

• Cloud administrator. Storing data in the cloud is becoming increasingly commonplace, from Kindle books to corporate reports. The cloud is rapidly becoming the data back-up method of choice.
• vArchitect. A professional in this role develops and runs vWare (virtual machine software). The purpose is to run newer software on legacy hardware, thereby saving money on hardware upgrades.
• Application developer. There are more platforms all the time and the MIS degree program addresses as many as possible.
• Security administrator. No company, from the smallest to the Fortune 500 members, can afford to be without a security component. Data and proprietary secrets must be protected from hackers and corporate espionage.

It is obvious that many of these roles overlap and an understanding of the "big picture" is important. That is one reason why the MIS degree is in such high demand.

The MIS Program Offers a Diverse Knowledge Base

In order to satisfy all the roles listed above, the curriculum must be broad. A good program will have its graduates come away with the following skill set.

• The ability to apply knowledge of networking systems and software to interface with the cloud on a secure basis.
• To be able to conceptualize and develop a software system using the most appropriate programming language for the situation.
• Confidently hit the ground running as a project lead for a comprehensive IT project from the planning stages through conception, rapid prototyping, testing, and product release.
• Be versatile enough to tackle mobile, mainframe, web and desktop solutions.
• The ability to develop and maintain a relational database with a focus on a complex architecture and time-efficient queries.
• Have an up-to-date knowledge of the latest types of security threats and the methods with which to mitigate them.

Keep in mind that possessing these skills are just the beginning of your career. The field of information technology is incredibly dynamic. A career-long routine of continuing education is to be expected.

Compensation and Occupational Outlook for MIS Graduates

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, "The median annual wage for computer and information systems managers was $135,800 in May 2016." They also report that 2 in 5 of these employees work over 40 hours per week.

The job outlook continues to be rosy. The BLS predicts that job will grow 15% from 2014 to 2024. One reason for this growth is that cybersecurity is becoming more and more of a problem. Not only do the bad actors continue to steal critical customer data like credit card numbers and passwords for identity theft, but also they are increasingly employing ransomware to hold data hostage. Governments are increasingly scrambling to stop hacks and leaks. It takes highly trained workers to do that.

What Industries have Job Opportunities?

Members of the healthcare industry are a huge component of our economy and they are always seeking new ways to stay on top of emerging technology, focusing on both hardware and software as well as the seamless integration of the two.

MIS graduates with a global outlook that choose to go into the healthcare industry need not only be involved domestically. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says it is, "assisting countries in developing well-functioning health information systems."

Is an MIS Degree Right for Me?

The bottom line is that MIS graduates are in high demand in virtually every industry. In addition to the industries listed above, expect to find opportunities in the manufacturing, finance, gaming, transportation, aerospace and science application sectors.

This could be the next exciting chapter in your career. If you have a bachelor’s degree in computer science, or a related field, and have the passion for information systems, this could be the right path for you.

Ready to find out more information on the Master of Science in Information Systems? If you think this could be the next step in your career, don’t hesitate. Connect with a helpful ECPI University admissions advisor today. With ECPI University’s accelerated pace and online class availability, you could earn your degree in your own way and at a faster rate than a traditional university.

It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!

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