Success and Outcomes in CIS
Get to know the diverse set of paths that you can take with a degree in Computer Information Systems.
Sidebar
Overview
In today’s global economy we are seeing an extremely high demand for professionals with information systems expertise. Where every business function is supported by computers, roles such as user support, programmers, and analysts are not the only careers where an information systems background is needed.
CIS graduates are sought for positions such as:
- Systems analysts
- Web developers
- Database specialists
- Cybersecurity specialists
- Information security specialists
- System support specialists
In these roles and others, they may function as team leaders, project managers, or department heads.
The next generation of CIS graduates has the opportunity to guide industries as they rethink and reposition their organizational strategies, structure, and processes on every level and in every department. They are more likely to contribute to company objectives immediately and enjoy faster advancement.
Potential Careers and Average Salary
| Occupation | Description | Average Salary Jefferson County | Average Salary National |
| Computer & Information Systems Manager | Also known as an information technology (IT) manager or IT project manager, they are responsible for planning, coordinating, and directing computer-related activities in an organization. | $128,805.00 | $164,070.00 |
| Computer System Analyst | Sometimes referred to as systems architects, they study an organization's computer systems and procedures before designing improvements. | $85,004.00 | $102,232.00 |
| Network & Computer System Administrator | Specializing in local area networks (LANs), they determine an organization's network/system needs and install, configure, and maintain the network's system on both a hardware and software level. | $80,111.00 | $90,522.00 |
| Computer Programmer | Although most people understand what computer programmers do, many do not realize the variety of languages (C++, Java, HTML, etc.) that they can specialize in, and the vast number of organizations that need them. They write, modify, and test code either for their own organization, or for a client from outside. | $69,166.00 | $97,802.00 |
| Web and Digital Interface Designers | Specializing in digital user interfaces and/or websites, they develop layouts and interfaces that end-users will eventually utilize. They must keep a keen-eye out to ensure a balance of functionality, usability, and to make a product that allows users to most efficiently accomplish whatever tasks the organization intends for them to. | $57,031.00 | $83,242.00 |
| Database Administrator | Creating and organizing systems to store and secure a variety of data (such as financial information or customer shipping records), they must be able to design databases that align with user needs, store data correctly and with high efficiency (ex: minimizing duplicate data), and can be modified in the future without breaking functionality. | $71,346.00 | $99,902.00 |
| Management Analyst | Also called management consultants, they analyze organizations, their problems, procedures, and various other factors. They utilize this information to develop new solutions and improvements to be implemented, and communicate with managers to ensure these changes bring the desired results. | $90,955.00 | $95,285.00 |
| Information Security Analyst | Plan and carry out security measures to protect computer networks and systems. They must monitor networks for security breaches and ideally discover vulnerabilities before they can be taken advantage of. Information Security Analysts must stay familiar with new trends regarding the attacks that hackers deploy, and the defense mechanisms available to deter them. | $87,816.00 | $112,008.00 |
| Database Architect | They design strategies for large scale databases such as in enterprise settings, data warehouse systems, and multidimensional networks. Database Architects must be able to create optimized data models for an organization's infrastructure and workflow, establishing standards for database operations, programming, query processes, and security. | $120,599.00 | $134,867.00 |
| Software Developer | Falling under a similar umbrella as computer programmers, software developers focus specifically on creating computer applications. They must analyze what the user's needs are and design the plans to satisfy them, while also utilizing their technical skills to build the product itself. | $100,976.00 | $127,254.00 |
| Computer User Support Specialist | Providing a bridge between a technology professional and those who need assistance, a computer user support specialist works to help customers that are having problems relating to computers and technical equipment. Whether they are determining the root cause of an issue, setting up new devices and tools, or training users on unfamiliar tech, a computer user support specialist must be proficient at communicating knowledge to people with less technical experience. | $49,880.00 | $57,886.00 |