Online and Distance Learning

Information systems degrees are about the science and practice of information storage, retrieval and transmission.  It is a multidisciplinary area that draws knowledge and research from many fields, including business, computer science, and information technology.

These degrees are readily available on and off campus, but when taken online, these degrees can provide a flexible and convenient way for you to qualify for a prestigious career in informatics.  

This page provides information about the degrees, where to study them, what's involved, the career prospects, earning potential, and more ...

Are information systems programs for you?

Information systems (IS) is a multidisciplinary field of study concerned with the activities and technologies involved in collecting, processing, storing, distributing and using information in organizations and society.  It mainly draws from business and computer studies.

It is a very well paying field, overall, but keep in mind that it takes a good education to get involved in it.  Information systems degrees provide valuable education to get started in the IS field and to progress in your information systems career.

This page is mainly concerned with online information systems degree programs.  If you want a campus-based program, go to the On Campus Programs page.

Selected information systems online degree programs

The following is a list of selected schools offering information systems online degrees.

• American Sentinel University
  • Bachelor of Science in Information Systems
  • Bachelor of Science, Management Information Systems
  • Master of Science in Information Systems

• Westwood College
  • Bachelor - Information Systems Security

• Keiser University eCampus Online
  • Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems (MIS)

• Kaplan University Online
  • Bachelor of Science in Business / Management of Information Systems
  • Information Security Postbaccalaureate Certificate
  • MS in Nursing - Informatics

• American Intercontinental University (AIU)
  • Associate's (AABA) - Information Systems
  • Bachelor's of Science in Business Administration / Information Systems

• DeVry University - Online
  • Bachelor in Business Administration - Business Information Systems

• Virginia College Online
  • BS - Management Information Systems

• Saint Leo MBA
  • Master of Business Administration - Information Security Management

For schools in Canada

Click here for a page that links to campus universities and campus colleges in Canada. It also provides some advice on choosing a suitable campus.

Click here and then enter your Canadian postal code to search for information systems degrees at Canadian college or university campuses.

What do you study in information systems degrees?

Those who enroll in an information systems program will find that it is a science-intensive degree.  Keep in mind that you will be required to have a high school diploma or equivalent to enroll in this degree. It will usually take an average of two years for an Associates Degree, and four years to obtain the Bachelors degree.

An information systems bachelor degree, such as that at American Sentinel University, will include courses on computer systems and software, including: database systems and web design. You may also take management courses.   Some programs, such as the Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems (MIS) at Keiser University, emphasize IS for management and its role in meeting the business needs of an organization. 

Information systems in the context of nursing ("nursing informatics") - focuses on how to represent health care data and information, e.g., the MS in Nursing - Informatics at Kaplan University.

What are the prospects for graduates with information systems degrees?

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics has estimated that information technology is one of the fastest growing fields in the economy.  It has also been noted that there is a shortage of IS educated individuals in the United States today.  Because of this, the market is wide open for those who are choosing to take advantage of it. 

Information systems degrees will prepare graduates for lucrative careers such as: software developer, network administrator, computer programmer, webmaster, network engineer, systems designer, intelligence officer, or database manager in a number of fields, from business, to government and healthcare. Many will choose to advance their career after a few years of working in this field.  The demand for information systems managers is growing rapidly in the United States, and this is a job that requires a masters degree in most cases. These individuals usually make an average of $112,210 annually.   A masters degree program can be easily be found online, and the individual can continue working and gaining experience while training for better career opportunities in the future.

Salaries will range from around $30,000 for those at the lower end of the field (receptionists and information clerks) to well over $100,000 for those who are in more specialized fields, such as those who are information systems managers or involved in research and science.

For more information

Check the computer information systems degrees page. 

If you don't find what you want on this page, you can try searching here: information systems degrees.

Remember to compare the admission requirements and course content of several schools before you choose a program.

Campus Programs

For those students who feel that online learning and distance education is not for them, the web site also has a section on campus programs. 

You can also search for programs or computer technology schools near you.