If you are interested in making both hardware and software-related decisions on behalf of a company and have the knowledge and experience for an upper-management level career, you might consider computer information systems management. These requirements include a bachelor's or higher degree in computer science, and excellent communication, leadership, and decision-making abilities.
Essential Information
A computer information systems manager determines the technological needs of a company and seeks to meet those needs by recommending and implementing computer hardware, software and programs. This career typically requires a bachelor's degree in computer science or management information systems, although a master's degree is often recommended.
| Required Education | Bachelor's degree |
| Other Education | Master's degree recommended |
| Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)* | 10% |
| Average Salary (2020)* | $161,730 |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Job Description for a Computer Information Systems Manager
An organization that requires computer technology to perform work duties counts on a computer information systems manager to keep everything operational. The computer information systems manager is responsible for administering and implementing all computer-related technologies, including network security, Internet operations and software upgrades.
An entire organization's computer efforts may be overseen by the computer information systems manager. For example, they may supervise the installation of new computer hardware and the maintenance of security networks. Computer software engineers, computer systems analysts, computer support specialists and computer programmers may all work under a computer information systems manager.
Outlook and Salary Information
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) stated that job openings in this profession were likely to increase 10% from 2019 to 2029, which is much faster than average. In 2020, the BLS reported an average annual salary of $161,730 for computer and information systems managers. At that time, the highest-paying industries for these professionals included other information services as well as other investment pools and funds.
Requirements for a Computer Information Systems Manager
Job Requirements
Computer information system managers work in office settings and can be expected to work beyond the normal 40-hour work week. If a deadline is close or a problem occurs, the computer information systems manager might have to work on weekends or during the evening. According to the BLS, about two in five computer information systems managers worked more than 40 hours a week in 2019 (www.bls.gov).
Additionally, a computer information systems manager should have excellent communication skills. Clients, managers and co-workers who don't have technical expertise often ask computer information systems managers for help with computer problems. They should be able to explain problems and offer solutions in a way that someone without training could understand.
Education Requirements
Computer information systems managers usually possess a bachelor's degree in a computer-related subject like management information systems, information science or computer science, though some employers may prefer managers with educational experience at the graduate level. A bachelor's degree program takes four years to complete with an additional two years being necessary if a master's degree is pursued. The coursework for these two programs focuses on subjects like computer engineering, statistics, mathematics, systems design, database management, systems security and networking.
To recap, computer information systems managers can have a great deal of responsibility within a company because their job involves overseeing all aspects of the company's computer systems. This requires technical know-how, management abilities, and good communication skills, which can be gained through a combination of postsecondary education and progressive industry experience. Job growth should be much faster than average for this field from 2019-2029.
