Learn More About Information Systems (IS)

What Kind of Jobs Can I Obtain with an Information Systems Degree?

Information Systems graduates are problem-solvers with excellent communication skills and can be employed as network engineers, software engineers, network administrators, systems analysts, systems integrators, systems designers, database managers, database administrators, interface specialists, product support professionals, programmers, programmer analysts, information and knowledge officers, managers of information systems, academic researchers, information system educators and more. Careers in IT (Information Technology) and IS (Information Systems) offer some of the highest post-undergraduate starting salaries. In fact, salaries in IT and computer-related fields have climbed nearly 17% over the last 7 years (1999-2005).1 A major in IS at UMBC is definitely one that can boost your paycheck.

Companies that have hired Information Systems graduates include—but are not limited to— utilities, financial institutions, local, state, and federal governments, government contractors, technology companies, and health related organizations. Plus, UMBC Information Systems graduates continue to find well-paying Jobs in IT. A recent survey of UMBC’s Information Systems (IS) Baccalaureate graduates is painting a bright IT jobs picture for incoming and soon-to-be-graduated IS students alike. As the UMBC IS degree continues to be well-recognized by IT employers, 75% of the survey respondents report their job search took 3 months or less, and 40% responded the process took less than one month.

Additionally upbeat are early survey results indicating that starting salaries for respondents average $50K-plus with full benefits (well in line with the national average) and that many IT job seekers who have graduated from UMBC IS programs are receiving multiple job offers.

When considering the value of the UMBC IS degree during the job search process, 96% of the respondents indicated that their degree was helpful with 55% saying their UMBC degree was "extremely helpful" during the search process. Respondents of the survey, thus far, comprise approximately 23 unique job titles within the IT industry, many in the areas of database administration, network administration, project management, and systems analysis and design.

Overall, graduates of UMBC’s Information Systems programs are enjoying relatively short periods on the IT job market after graduation, many with multiple job options from which to choose, and at salaries that are not only comparable with the national average, but might be considered quite attractive to an adult in their early 20s.

1Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics