Information Systems

Major/Career Profile

General Description

Information Systems (IS) contains three interactive components: management and particularly the decision process, information and its impact on management decisions and organization processing, and computer-based systems. To qualify for a career in IS, one must have skills in management and computer hardware and software pertaining to accounting, documentation, problem solving, data management, and other business applications. The major in Information Systems within the College of Business Administration at CSULB prepares students for a variety of computer-oriented careers involving business information systems, computer hardware, system software, telecommunications, and decision support systems.

Career Options

Graduates with this major find work as: MIS Specialist, Computer Analyst, Computer Programmer, Systems Analyst, Telecommunications Specialist, Computer Salesperson, Management Consultant, Financial Analyst, and other careers requiring computer skills. Some of these careers require additional education or experience.

Typical Employers

Banks, hospitals and health care businesses, colleges and universities, computer industry, consulting firms, finance companies, government agencies, insurance companies, market research firms, military services, petroleum industry, pharmaceutical chemical companies, research institutes, stock/securities brokers, and utilities.

Salary and Employment Outlook

Employment of systems analysts, database administrators and computer scientists is expected to increase much faster than average for all occupations through the year 2010. These occupations are expected to be among the fastest growing. This increase is attributed to an explosive growth in electronic commerce and the expanding integration of new technologies by businesses to operate more efficiently and remain competitive.

A survey conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers revealed that bachelor's degree candidates in information systems averaged $45,182 in 2001. Salaries will however, vary by size and type of company, geographic location, experience and level of education. Visit the Career Development Center for more information on local and national salary ranges.

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