1. Fastest growing occupations
The field of information systems is ever growing and there are career opportunities in virtually every organization. Career choices include Network and Telecommunications specialist, System Analyst, Database specialist, Computer Software Engineer, Web Applications and Internet Technology specialist, and Business Intelligence specialist. According to the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, 5 out of the 9 fastest growing occupations that require a bachelor’s degree are computer and information systems related occupations.
| Occupations | % change |
|---|---|
| Network systems and data communications Analysts | 53.4 |
| Computer software engineers, applications | 44.6 |
| Personal financial advisors | 41.0 |
| Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors | 34.3 |
| Financial analysts | 33.8 |
| Forensic science technicians | 30.7 |
| Computer systems analysts | 29.0 |
| Database administrators | 28.6 |
| Computer software engineers, systems software | 28.2 |
| Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook |
2. Recession proof occupations
During the recent economic slowdown, computer and information systems occupations have consistently remained in high demand. A recent study conducted between November 2007 and July 2008 has identified the following occupations the most “recession-proof.”
| Occupations | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Sales Representative | $65,000 to $75,000 |
| Software Design and Development | $85,000 to $95,000 |
| Nursing | $35,000 to $45,000 |
| Accounting Executive | $65,000 to $75,000 |
| Accounting Staff | $45,000 to $55,000 |
| Networking and Systems Administration | $65,000 to $75,000 |
| Administrative Assistant | $35,000 to $45,000 |
| Business Analysis, Software Implementation | $85,000 to $95,000 |
| Source: http://www.jobfox.com/Site/Employer/pdf/TopJobsJuly08.pdf |
3. High Starting Salaries
IS graduates command very competitive salaries. According to NACE Salary Survey, fall 2008, the median starting annual salary of computer and information systems related majors is higher than the medians for other business majors:
| Bachelor Degree | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Information Sciences & Systems | $47,000 to $60,000 |
| Management Information Systems | $45,000 to $59,000 |
| Accounting | $45,000 to $53,000 |
| Management | $37,000 to $55,000 |
| Marketing/Marketing Management | $34,000 to $48,000 |
| Source: http://www.jobweb.com/ |
4. Job Satisfaction
The Department of Information Systems and Decision Sciences makes available a wide range of diverse and interesting courses. ISDS is a broad field and most students can fulfill their purposes or goals they have in their professional lives. The rapid rate of change in the information systems and information technologies fields provides professionals with opportunities and challenges to learn, grow, and attain fulfillment.
5. Outstanding facultyThe Department of Information Systems and Decision Sciences consists of more than 20 full time faculty members who are dedicated to producing excellent IS professionals. Faculty members in the department are very knowledgeable in their fields of specializations and stay very active in research. Their research publications have appeared in leading business journals such as MIS-Quarterly, Management Science, Operations Research, Marketing Science and Information Systems Research.
