Online and Distance Learning

Information systems degrees are about the science and practice of information storage, retrieval and transmission.  This page provides information about the degrees, where to study them, what's involved, the career prospects, earning potential, and more ...

Information systems is a multidisciplinary area that draws knowledge and research from many fields, including business, computer science, and information technology.  If you are interested in this area, you may like to check out the information management training and the computer information systems degrees pages.

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 has links to online and on campus programs at the foot of the page.   If you want more information about studying a campus-based program, check out the campus programs page.

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.  A degree in IS provides valuable education to get started in the field and to progress in your information systems career.

Selected information systems degrees

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

• Westwood College
  • Bachelor - Information Systems Security

• Keiser University eCampus
  • 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

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

• Browse more schools and programs at the foot of the page.

• Search for computer and IT programs.

What do you study in information systems programs?

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 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 eCampus, 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 - Online.

What are the prospects for graduates?

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 programs 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.

List of schools and programs