Computer Information Systems Schools and Programs in The United States

Computer Information Systems Studies in The United States

Computer information systems combines computing with the needs of organisations: how software, databases and networks support a business or institution, and how to analyse, design and manage them. In the United States the subject goes by several names, including computer information systems, management information systems and information technology, and it is taught in business schools, computing departments and community colleges. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), computer systems analysts study an organization's current computer systems and design ways to improve efficiency, and taking business courses or majoring in management information systems may be helpful for that work.

Degrees and how they are organised

There is no national list of degree titles in the US: each accredited college or university designs its own programmes. The usual levels are:

• Associate degree (two years) at a community college, either as a vocational qualification or as the first half of a bachelor's degree
• Bachelor's degree (four years), for example a B.S. in a computing or information systems field
• Master's degree (typically two years); the BLS notes that some employers prefer an MBA with a concentration in information systems, and that for technically complex jobs a master's degree in computer science may be more appropriate
• Doctorate (five to eight years), a research degree

National University in San Diego, for example, lists bachelor's degrees in cybersecurity and computer science, master's degrees in cybersecurity, data science and computer science, and doctoral programmes in data science, computer science, technology management and cybersecurity. US credits reflect the hours a class meets each week; they are not ECTS credits. The academic year usually runs from August to May.

Admission, English and visa

For a bachelor's degree you need to have finished secondary school and generally be at least 17. Each university reviews foreign records itself, sometimes through a credential evaluation agency, and US universities require an English language proficiency test before admission.

Before applying for a student visa you must be accepted by an institution certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), which then issues a Form I-20 (or DS-2019 for exchange programmes). According to EducationUSA, recognition of credits and degrees by other institutions and by employers is linked to an institution's accreditation.

Where to study computer information systems in the United States

This page lists 75 active schools in the US for computer information systems, spread across the country. Waterbury and Baltimore each have two. Many of the schools are community colleges, for example the Community College of Rhode Island, Broward College, Western Wyoming Community College and Kirkwood Community College; others are universities, such as Bentley University, Ferris State University, the University of Miami, New York University, Florida Atlantic University and National University. Walden University is listed as a distance-learning school.

Community colleges give a route to an associate degree in two years, which can be a first step before transferring to a bachelor's programme if the receiving university accepts the credits, something to confirm in advance. When comparing programmes, look at the exact title and focus (business systems, networks, cybersecurity, programming), the mix of business and technical courses, and whether the school lists internships. The school's own pages set the curriculum and entry requirements.

Careers

According to the BLS, figures for May 2025 and the 2025 to 2035 outlook are:

• Computer systems analysts: typically need a bachelor's degree in computer and information technology or a related field; median annual wage $105,850; employment projected to grow 8 percent, much faster than the average for all occupations
• Database administrators and architects: typically need a bachelor's degree in computer and information technology or a related field; median annual wage $104,620 for administrators and $139,500 for architects; employment projected to grow 4 percent, about as fast as the average

The BLS adds that some employers hire candidates with liberal arts degrees who have gained programming or technical expertise elsewhere.

Frequently asked questions

What degree do computer systems analysts need?

According to the BLS, computer systems analysts typically need a bachelor's degree in computer and information technology or a related field. Business courses or a major in management information systems may be helpful.

Is a master's degree useful in this field?

It can be. The BLS notes that some employers prefer an MBA with a concentration in information systems, and that employers of database administrators and architects may prefer a master's degree focusing on data or database management.

Can I start at a community college?

Yes. Community colleges offer two-year associate degrees, which according to EducationUSA either lead to a specific vocation or transition to a bachelor's programme. Check in advance which credits the receiving university accepts.

Are jobs in this field growing?

The BLS projects growth of 8 percent from 2025 to 2035 for computer systems analysts and 4 percent for database administrators and architects.