School Information
More than ten schools in or within 25 miles of Irvine, CA, offer programs in computer information systems management or related areas, such as computer technology, computer science or business information systems. The following schools are considered the top three based on location, program offerings and number of degrees awarded in computer information systems management:
- Winner: The University of California-Irvine earns the top spot because it is the only nationally ranked school among the three. Additionally, it awarded the highest number of degrees and had the highest graduation rate, while being the only school offering a doctorate in this field. It also has bachelor's and master's degree programs relating to information systems management.
- Runner Up #1: With online course availability and the second-highest number of information systems management degrees awarded, the University of Massachusetts Global (formerly Brandman University) is named the first runner up. The school offers a bachelor's degree in computer technology.
- Runner Up #2: Irvine Valley College's graduation rate and number of related programs place it third among the schools. It also had the second-highest student population. It awards certificates and an associate's degree in computer science.
School Comparison Chart
| Category | University of California-Irvine | University of Massachusetts Global (formerly Brandman University) | Irvine Valley College |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ranking(s) | 28th for graduate computer science programs, nationwide (2022)* 34th for top national universities (2022)* 8th for top national public schools (2022)* | N/A | N/A |
| Location | Irvine, CA | Irvine, CA | Irvine, CA |
| School Type | 4-year, public | 4-year, private not-for-profit | 2-year, public |
| _Tuition & Fees (2021-2022) | $13,775 (undergraduate, in-state), $43,529 (undergraduate, out-of-state); $13,356 (graduate, in-state), $28,458 (graduate, out-of-state)** | $12,480 (undergraduate)** | $1,148 (undergraduate, in-state), $8,828 (undergraduate, out-of-state)** |
| Computer Information Systems Degree Levels Offered | Bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees | Bachelor's degrees | Less-than-one-year certificates; associate's degrees |
| Computer Information Systems Degrees Awarded (All Levels) in 2020-2021 | 990** | 36** | 48** |
| Most Popular Computer Information Systems Program in 2020-2021 | Bachelor's in Computer Science (805 awarded)** | Bachelor's in Computer and Information Sciences (36 awarded)** | Associate's in Computer Science (48 awarded)** |
| Undergraduate Graduation Rate (in 150% of normal program time) | 84% (2015 entering class)** | N/A (2015 entering class)** | 54%, with a 15% transfer-out rate (2018 entering class) |
| Noteworthy | Its Donald Bren School of Information and Computer Sciences was the first school solely devoted to computer science in the University of California system | Offers both classroom and online computer technology programs | Offers four different computer science-related programs |
Sources: *U.S. News & World Report, **NCES College Navigator.
Winner: University of California-Irvine
- The school's computer science students typically have among the highest SAT scores of all students at the university, according to its Department of Information and Computer Sciences
- Students and teachers conduct a wide variety of research in areas such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, biomedical informatics and environmental informatics
- Faculty members have received awards from the National Science Foundation
UC-Irvine offers a variety of different computer science programs, and students interested in CIS management might look into the bachelor's program in informatics. The program helps students build information technology networks for business and non-profit organizations and requires individuals to take a common core of 16 courses. The university also offer a related bachelor's program in business information management, which combines the information technology portion of computer science with applied business principles. A third option is the broader bachelor's program in computer science, which focuses more on algorithms and data structures. Additionally, graduate students may be interested in the school's master's and doctoral programs in computer science and informatics.
Runner-Up #1: University of Massachusetts Global (formerly Brandman University)
- Offers three different emphases in computer technology
- Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges
- According to the NCES, the school's 2021 student-faculty ratio was 22:1
Part of the Chapman University system, Brandman offers a bachelor's program in computer technology with three different specializations, one of which has a specific management focus. This project management track gives students a foundation in developing quality assurance skills and leading and overseeing computer-related tasks in a group setting. The second track, business systems administration, informs individuals on building networks for businesses and other organizations. Finally, the information technology track trains students for careers in IT fields in business marketplaces.
Runner-Up #2: Irvine Valley College
- Offers a variety of certificates
- Students can choose specific areas of computer science to focus in, including computer languages and microcomputer applications
- The school's programs prepares students for transfer into four-year programs or immediate entry into the workforce
The computer science major at IVC has three distinct emphases: computer languages, which trains students into writing and programming computer code; business programming, which (as its name suggests) teaches individuals how to write specific computer code for businesses; and systems analysis, which focuses more on the development and implementation of overarching software systems.
However, students looking for shorter programs may be interested in any one of the school's computer information management certificates, which focus on giving students expertise in specific topics. For example, the 18-credit-hour computer applications certificate trains students in basic database design as well as Photoshop and InDesign functions. Meanwhile, the 21-credit-hour Web authoring certificate gives individuals the knowledge of developing websites through XHTML and Dreamweaver, as well as providing basic graphic design and 2D design tutorials.