by our College Data Analytics TeamIn the latest year, 1,435 U.S. colleges awarded 133,698 degrees and certificates in Computer Information Systems. Master’s degrees are the most popular award, at 44% of graduates. College Factual ranks 910 schools in its 2027 Best Computer Information Systems Schools ranking and compares their cost in a Best Value ranking. Graduates earn a median $70,428 one year after completing, rising to $93,553 after four years.
If you enjoy working with computers and figuring out how things work, a career in Computer Information Systems is for you.
Computer Information Systems is a growing field that allows graduates to work with companies' IT systems, analyze issues within the systems, and ensure all systems are kept up to date and working well. While working towards this degree, students will take classes in computer science, numerical analysis, software and hardware, and robotics. These classes will equip students with strong computer skills and teach them to perform such tasks as developing software for a certain task or programming a robot.
Although you may choose to major in the broad field of Computer Information Systems, some students prefer to specialize in certain areas. Some available areas of specialization include Artificial Intelligence, Information Technology, and Informatics.
A major in Computer Information Systems covers Computer And Information Sciences, General.
Source: IPEDS 2025; College Scorecard July 2026; BLS; O*NET; College Factual rankings 2027. Data as of: July 2026.
Nationwide, computer information systems is a widely-pursued major, with 133,698 degrees awarded annually. 1,435 colleges award computer information systems degrees, an average of 93 graduates per school; the largest program awarded 4,784.
By level, the 133,698 awards include 2,561 certificates, 15,166 associate degrees, 53,860 bachelor’s degrees, 58,415 master’s degrees and 1,454 doctorates.
Women earned 29% of computer information systems degrees and certificates in the latest year (38,723 of 133,698). The largest groups of graduates by race and ethnicity are White (41,505) and Asian (17,969), and international students earned 32,600.
College Factual ranks 910 schools in its 2027 Best Computer Information Systems Schools ranking, including 292 for associate degrees, 496 for bachelor’s degrees, 257 for master’s degrees and 46 for doctorates. It also ranks computer information systems schools within 48 states. In all, 1,435 colleges offer computer information systems programs; compare them by degree level below or in the Best Value Computer Information Systems Colleges ranking, which weighs quality against cost.
The most common computer information systems credential is the master’s degree: 58,415 of the 133,698 awarded in the latest year. Jobs related to computer information systems call most for Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking and Active Listening, and for knowledge of Computers and Electronics, English Language and Mathematics, according to O*NET. The most important abilities are Oral Comprehension, Written Comprehension and Oral Expression.
Students who major in Computer Information Systems often have a strong background in computers and an understanding of software. Other necessary skills include mathematical and analytical skills, organizational, and communication skills. Professionals within this field must solve problems within information systems, so they must have the ability to analyze problems and efficiently create solutions.
Professionals within the Computer Information Systems field work full time in an office setting. However, a large percentage of professionals state they usually work over 50 hours a week. Since much of the business world is managed through computers, professionals must be available to solve problems and create more efficient programs.
Although internships are not necessary, they may be beneficial because they will give students hands-on experience working with computers and fixing problem within systems. This experience will make students more efficient once they enter the work force.
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How long a computer information systems degree takes:
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 2,561 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 15,166 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 53,860 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 58,415 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 1,454 |
Bachelor’s degree is the most common level of education among workers in jobs related to computer information systems, at 40.5%.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | 40.5% |
| Master’s degree | 21.8% |
| Doctoral degree | 13.2% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 8.6% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 5.4% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 3.8% |
| Some college courses | 3.3% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 1.6% |
| Less than a high school diploma | 0.7% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 0.7% |
| First professional degree | 0.2% |
| Post-doctoral training | 0.1% |
Source: O*NET Online.
29 occupations are related to Computer Information Systems, with an average median salary of $106,608; the strongest outlook belongs to Software Developers, at 13.5% projected job growth. Typical job titles include Computer Science Assistant Professor, Cybersecurity Instructor, Computer Programming Professor and Computer Engineering Professor.
Graduates with a degree in Computer Information Systems often pursue careers in business, management, computer support, or computer systems analysis. Since computers are a huge part of business, a degree in Computer Information Systems will lead to many job opportunities. The skills you acquire while working towards this degree will be beneficial to employers making you an ideal candidate.
Graduates should find many job openings after graduation. This career is growing at an average pace since many companies are working towards upgrading and improving their IT systems.
The occupation related to computer information systems with the most projected jobs is Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary, at 1,328,652.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary | 1,328,652 | -4.2% |
| Business Intelligence Analysts | 585,851 | 1.3% |
| Information Security Analysts | 583,513 | 12.3% |
| Computer Systems Engineers/Architects | 576,059 | -1.9% |
| Information Security Engineers | 575,902 | -3.8% |
| Blockchain Engineers | 556,747 | 5.1% |
| Information Technology Project Managers | 543,383 | -3.4% |
| Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians | 530,023 | -1.9% |
Computer Information Systems graduates earn a median $70,428 one year after completing their program, $93,553 after four years and $91,081 after five years, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $70,428 |
| 4 years | $93,553 |
| 5 years | $91,081 |
Source: College Scorecard.
The highest-paying occupation related to computer information systems is Computer and Information Systems Managers, with a median salary of $175,079.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | $175,079 |
| Computer Occupations, All Other | $159,837 |
| Health Informatics Specialists | $156,714 |
| Database Architects | $148,480 |
| Document Management Specialists | $147,490 |
| Business Intelligence Analysts | $143,840 |
| Information Security Engineers | $142,543 |
| Computer Systems Engineers/Architects | $140,795 |
Computer Information Systems includes 6 concentrations that together award 133,698 degrees a year; by graduates, the largest are Computer and Information Sciences, General (74,551), Information Technology (48,933) and Informatics (3,572). It has 10 similar majors in the Computer & Information Sciences field, which together award 244,517 degrees a year; the largest are Computer Science (90,046), Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management (72,883) and Information Science/Studies (23,384). Browse all Computer & Information Sciences majors or the full list of college majors.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | 74,551 |
| Information Technology | 48,933 |
| Informatics | 3,572 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, Other | 3,012 |
| Artificial Intelligence | 2,630 |
| Human-Centered Technology Design | 1,000 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Computer Science | 90,046 |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management | 72,883 |
| Information Science/Studies | 23,384 |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications | 16,765 |
| Computer Programming | 16,655 |
| Computer Software and Media Applications | 16,354 |
| Computer Systems Analysis | 3,052 |
| Data Processing | 2,593 |
| Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Other | 2,235 |
| Data Entry/Microcomputer Applications | 550 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
