How to Become a Computer and Information Systems Manager

Recently, we wrote about what you can do with a degree in Management Information Systems and Business Analytics, and here we’re going to explain how to set yourself up for a successful lifelong career as a computer and information systems manager.

This is a fantastic job that requires technical expertise, management skills, and a ton of knowledge about computers and computer systems, and while you may not be able to land this role immediately after graduating from a B.S. program, it’s an excellent position to aim for while working on developing your career.

In this post, we’ll explain what makes this such an attractive career path, what computer and information systems managers actually do, what knowledge you’ll need to learn, and what skills you’ll need to master before you’ll have a good chance of getting hired into this role.

After you’ve learned everything you need to know about becoming a computer and information systems manager, fill out our information request form to receive additional details about our online Bachelor’s Degree in Management Information Systems and Business Analytics, which is the perfect program for honing and refining your networking skills.

If you’re ready to get started, submit your application today.

Is Computer and Information Systems Management a Good Career Path?

Definitely! This role is an excellent position that would allow you to play a pivotal role in steering all the computer-related activities of an organization.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that computer and information systems managers earn an excellent salary, with a median annual salary of $159,010 as of May 2021.

BLS also projects that employment for this role is going to rise substantially over the next decade, growing 16% between 2021 and 2031, making it a great time to start developing the knowledge and skills needed for this position.

What Do Computer and Information Systems Managers Actually Do?

Computer and information systems managers are responsible for calling all the shots in terms of an organization’s computer-related strategy, plans, and activities. Tasks may include:

• Reviewing the organization’s computing needs and consulting with both end-users and key stakeholders to determine computing plans.
• Managing all computer-relevant personnel, including programmers, support specialists, analysts, and other similar employees.
• Spearheading the organization’s computer and technology training, support, and feedback systems.
• Designing, securing, and overseeing all computer hardware and software acquisitions.
• Overseeing cybersecurity protocols, backup procedures, and other information integrity and information security processes.
• Directing information technology budgets, scheduling computer and system upgrades, and managing network access for all users.
• Researching new technologies to ensure the organization is up to date on the latest technological innovations.

This is not an easy job, as the computer and information systems manager is essentially the person in charge of making all decisions when it comes to everything related to computing.

This is why it’s so important that anyone looking to secure a job as a computer and information systems manager starts with an extremely strong foundation in IT, and why the best way to increase your odds of eventually getting hired into this position is to get your Bachelor’s Degree in Management Information Systems.

Do I Really Need a Degree to Become a Computer and Information Systems Manager?

Yes, according to the BLS, anyone looking to land this job is likely to need not just a bachelor’s degree in computer or information science, but also related work experience.

BLS reports that many computer and information systems managers also hold graduate degrees, which is one of the reasons why this is such a competitive position, and one that you probably won’t be able to land fresh out of a bachelor’s degree program.

However, as we already mentioned, getting your degree in management information systems will set you up to eventually become a computer and information systems manager, as an MIS program will provide you with all the foundational knowledge, skills, and abilities you need to achieve success in the career path that funnels successful professionals into this role.

If you’re serious about becoming a computer and information systems manager, you should consider studying MIS and business analytics with us at CSU Global. You’ll learn relevant skills, including:

• Controlling operational and technological budgets.
• Developing business strategies using information systems.
• Using data to improve decision-making and management processes.
• Researching, planning, and making technology-related decisions at any organizational level.

One of the major benefits to studying MIS with us is that we will also provide you with training and expertise in decision-making processes, ensuring you’re able to provide real value to core business units, including:

• Management
• Strategy
• Marketing
• Accounting
• Finance

As you might be able to tell already, the topics you’ll study in our online MIS program are perfectly suited to eventually landing a role as a computer and information systems manager, since we focus specifically on the skills you’ll need to succeed in this challenging role.

What Can I Do to Increase My Chances of Success?

The most important thing you can do to set yourself up to become a computer and information systems manager is complete your Bachelor’s Degree in Management Information Systems, but once you’ve done that, what else could help?

After completing your B.S. degree, you should consider continuing your education by getting a Master’s program in a related subject, like CSU Global’s online Master’s Degree in Information Technology Management.

Getting your M.S. in IT Management will further prepare you for assuming command of computer-related activities by training you in high-level IT operations and planning, as well as ensuring that you receive specific training in leadership and management skills.

Completing a Master’s program will also allow you to bring more impressive educational credentials to the table, which should help increase hiring managers to give you a chance at this incredibly competitive job.

Should I Get My Degree Online? 

Yes, whether you choose to pursue a Bachelor’s or a Master’s Degree, or both, we suggest an online education program.

There are several benefits to studying online, but the most important one is that online programs tend to provide far more freedom and flexibility than campus-based programs since they’ll allow you to study whenever and wherever you like. 

Choosing to study online with us at CSU Global means you’ll get to enjoy several excellent benefits, including:

• No requirements to show up at set times or in physical locations.
• Monthly class starts.
• Accelerated courses.

These benefits have proven to be especially important for anyone who already has a busy lifestyle, with work or family-related responsibilities that they can’t simply set aside to focus on studying.

If you’ve already got a lot going on, but you’re dedicated to earning the academic credentials needed to advance your career, then you should consider studying online with us.

Why Should I Choose CSU Global?

Our 100% online Degree in Management Information Systems and Business Analytics is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and designed to provide you with the foundational knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to become a successful computer and information systems manager.

Graduates from this program report excellent results from the job market, including an average salary of $72,181 just one year after their degree, and a salary that is 47% higher than the national average for all bachelor’s degree holders (BLS, 2019) three years after graduation.

Choosing to study with us means you can be confident that your degree will provide real value in the job market. CSU Global itself is a recognized industry leader in higher education, having recently earned several excellent rankings, including:

• A #10 ranking for Best Online Colleges for ROI from OnlineU.
• A #1 ranking for Best Online Colleges & Schools in Colorado from Best Accredited Colleges.
• A #1 ranking for Best Online Colleges in Colorado from Best Colleges.

Finally, to keep the costs of getting your degree down, we also offer affordable tuition rates and a Tuition Guarantee which promises that your low tuition rate won’t increase between enrollment and graduation.

For additional details about our fully-accredited online Bachelor’s Degree in Management Information Systems and Business Analytics, please give us a call at (800) 462-7845, or fill out our Information Request Form.

Ready to get started today? Apply now!