Computer Information Systems (CIS) Manager

In most organizations, the Computer Information Systems Manager reports directly to the Chief Information Officer (CIO). In other organizations—mainly smaller ones—the Computer Information Systems Manager is the CIO. In either case, they are tasked with several personnel-related responsibilities, such as directing the work of computer software engineers, computer programmers, computer systems analysts and computer support specialists to remain on top of the latest development technologies and techniques.

Computer Information Systems Managers also have infrastructure responsibilities relating to the overall information flow within the organization. Working closely with the Network Administrator, the CIS Manager directs security efforts for both the physical access to hardware and the connectivity access “through the wire” to the Internet. Also included is the coordination of hardware and software upgrades, new system and programming designs, extending and enhancing existing networks as well as the design and implementation of new networks and the planning, design and implementation of Internet and Intranet sites for the organization.

Coordinating with other managers within the organization, Computer Information Systems Managers participate in the analysis of the computer and information needs of the organization. They are also involved with the intermediate and long range planning related to personnel and equipment requirements.

Computer Information Systems Manager Job Outlook

The job outlook for Computer Information Systems Managers is excellent. In 2008, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 288,660 Computer Information Systems Manager positions, with a 17% projected growth by 2018. The limited supply of qualified people to fill these positions will provide excellent prospects for those prepared for this expanding market. With the installation of sophisticated computer networks and more complex intranets and websites, workers will be needed to maintain it all. Computer Information Systems Managers will be in great demand as they will also be required to oversee not only these workers, but the technology to maintain their organization's competitive edge.

Computer Information Systems Manager Salary

The salary of a Computer Information Systems Manager varies based on experience, education, company size and geographic location. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the bottom ten percent of computer and information systems managers earn $71,420, while the middle fifty percent of these managers earn $115,780 per year. The top ten percent of computer and information systems managers earn over $166,400 annually. Certifications specific to what an employer is looking for could also add to the candidate's annual bottom line.

Computer Information Systems Manager
Education and Certification

Many companies are now requiring a combination of technical and business skills. Organizations need Computer Information Systems Managers who not only understand the technicalities of Information Systems but business processes as well (accounting, finance, etc.). If a career as a Computer Information Systems Manager is the goal, the most successful candidates are those with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Information Systems (CIS), Management Information Systems (MIS), or Computer Science coupled with an MBA. The MIS degree path contains business-related courses such as marketing, accounting, finance and management, as well as information technology courses like systems design, networking, database management, and systems security.

• To fill a management position, such as a Computer Information Systems Manager, employers often prefer a graduate degree, especially an Master's in Business Administration (MBA) with an undergraduate degree in CIS or MIS as the technology component.
• A bachelor's degree in a computer-related field is usually a minimum, entry-level requirement for management positions. Common majors for undergraduate degrees are computer information systems, computer science, information science or MIS. To become a manager, it is highly recommended that an MIS—or related—degree be included. A Bachelor's degree in a computer-related field is usually includes courses in computer science, computer programming, computer engineering, mathematics, and statistics—in addition to general education courses such as English and communications.
• It is very rare for a manager to have only a two year associate degree. These individuals are generally older and have been in the business advancing through experience. Often times they also continue their education, attaining a bachelor's then a master's while working.

Certifications can enhance a Computer Information Systems Manager value to an organization. Because of the varied nature of the responsibilities of a Computer Information Systems Manager, the types of certificates would be best determined by the needs of that organization.
>> Read more about Certifications

Management Information Systems
Master of Business Administration

The Management Information Systems specialization of the MBA program focuses on development and management of information systems, data, telecommunication systems, and LAN/WAN networks, from both a management and computer system perspective. This curriculum is designed for administrators, managers, and consultants using computer information systems to enhance the management process and business outcomes. Learners will complete a final written research project demonstrating the ability to conduct an investigation on a workplace problem, identify an area for intervention, critique, justify, and recommend a plan of preventative action.

• Management Information Systems
• Database Management Systems
• Telecommunications Management
• Computer Management Consulting
• Management Information Systems Project

Computer and Information Security
Master of Business Administration

The requirement for computer security knowledge increases as new techniques and technologies are developed. Threats to the strengths of the existing protections in systems and network perimeters must be constantly upgraded. This specialization enables Learners to examine realistic examples of the crucial links between security theory and the day-to-day security challenges to IT environments. The focus is to provide Learners the ability to ascertain the essentials of security threats, information assurance and security management in corporations. This specialization also examines the field of cyber-forensics including the dangers of cyberterrorism and the evolving U.S. policy response. At the end of the Computer and Information Security specialization, Learners will complete a final written research project, demonstrating the ability to conduct an investigation on a workplace problem, identify an area for intervention, critique, justify, and recommend a plan of preventative action.

• Introduction to Computer Security
• Corporate Computer and Network Security
• Cyber Forensics: Collecting, Examining, and Preserving Evidence of Computer and Information Crimes
• Risk Management in Information Assurance and Security
• Computer Information and Security

Applied Computer Science
Master of Business Administration

Technology trends change rapidly, resulting in the need for companies to look for skilled professionals who possess advanced knowledge of contemporary applied computer science methods. Many advanced managerial roles exist in this dynamic field that require specialized management training, including technical project managers, lead programmers, lead systems administrators, and lead network administrators. The curriculum for the masters program in Applied Computer Sciences is designed to provide preparation for professional careers with an emphasis in various technology management tracks for specialized job roles.

• C# Programming
• Database Management
• Computerized Systems for Business and Management
• Operating Systems
• Applied Computer Science Research Project

Computer Information Systems Master of Science

BU’s online Master of Science in Computer Information Systems (MSCIS) is designed for working professionals who seek to advance their careers in the IT field. You’ll learn from expert faculty who are also industry leaders involved with building networks, developing applications, and fighting cyber terrorism for the world’s top companies. The MSCIS will prepare students to combine technical skills in information systems with knowledge of managerial and organizational issues; perform security planning, organization, and control; respond to situations of disaster recovery. The online Master of Science in Computer Information Systems consists of ten courses that can be completed in less than two years of study. All students complete a set of six core courses in addition to four specialized courses that further develop expertise in a specific area.

• Database Management & Business Intelligence
• IT Project Management
• Security

Computer Information Systems Bachelor of Science

Computer Information Systems program graduates are prepared to successfully join the work force as technical and management professionals in a variety of industries. Graduates will be able to analyze, design and implement solutions to business problems, create and test CIS solutions for business problems, demonstrate project management skills, and more. This program offers a solid foundation in structured, event-driven, object-oriented and web programming, as well as systems analysis and design, database design and management, and networking across multiple platforms. DeVry incorporates a strong applications-oriented component with each technical course, which reinforces learning of fundamental concepts, principles and theory through use of computer hardware and software for problem solving.

• Business Management
• Computer Forensics
• Database Management
• Information Systems Security
• Systems Analysis and Integration
• Web Development and Administration

Information Systems
Master of Science

If you are looking to enter or advance your career in the growing technology field, the Master of Science in Information Systems can help you build a solid foundation in technology principles and practices. Study ways to use information technology to enhance decision making and organizational effectiveness. Explore the theory and practice of information security and data protection as you construct advanced information systems. Plan, manage, and implement relevant and appropriate technologies as part of your final capstone course.

Embedded in this degree is the Graduate Certificate in Information Systems, which you will automatically earn after completing the fifth course. This certificate helps demonstrate to current and potential employers the skills you have gained and the progress you are making in the degree program.

• Business Information Management - MISM
• Enterprise Information Security - MISM
• Managing Global Software & Service Supply Chains - MISM
• Healthcare Informatics - MISM
• IT Strategy and Governance - MISM
• Project Management - MISM
• Leadership / Innovation & Technology - MS

Information Systems
Bachelor of Science

The Bachelor of Science in Information Systems program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to be successful as information systems professionals in today’s global business environment. Through liberal arts coursework, students will strengthen their understanding of how political, cultural, and economic factors shape our world while developing communication, critical-thinking, and quantitative-reasoning competencies. The information systems courses provide a framework in technology infrastructure and architecture, systems development methodologies, and strategic information systems planning, while the concentration courses allow students to tailor the program to fit their educational goals.

Graduates of this degree program will develop a foundational skill set that will prepare them for positions as a technology manager, programmer/analyst, database management, web development, networking, internetworking, and security professional.

The Information Systems BS program offers the following concentrations:

• IS / Computer Security - BS
• IS / Database Developer - BS
• IS / Database Management - BS
• IS / Homeland Security & Information Systems - BS
• IS / Internetworking Technology - BS
• IS / Networking - BS
• IS / Programming - BS
• IS / Security Administration - BS
• IS / Web Development - BS

Information Systems
Master of Science

The Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS) is designed to provide students with the technical and management skills needed to set strategy and deploy computer-based systems that support modern organizations. Students will develop both the theoretical foundation and the practical skills needed to specify, design, implement, and manage systems that possess qualities such as portability, scalability, and interoperability. By strengthening strategic planning and communication skills, and deepening their knowledge of business functions and operations, students will prepare for career advancement in the rapidly expanding information systems field.

• IS / Computer Security Management - MS
• IS / Decision Support System Management - MS
• IS / Enterprise Resource Management - MS
• IS / Network Management - MS
• IS / Software Engineering Management - MS
• IS / Systems Development Management - MS

Master of Information Systems

The Master of Information Systems (MIS) program provides the knowledge to successfully apply information systems theory and principles to address real world business opportunities and challenges to meet the needs of today's information economy. Under the guidance of practitioner faculty, the graduate student will use innovative digital materials to understand the development and management of business systems within the organization, to understand and apply the principles of systems analysis and design, to analyze and evaluate emerging information technologies, and to create project, risk, and information systems strategic plans.

Information Systems
Master of Science

The master's program in information systems prepares students for both the technical and real-world aspects of creating and managing an information system. The program, which is offered both part- and full-time, focuses on a systems engineering approach, evaluating client needs and technological advances in order to create solutions that take into account the latest advances and theories in the field. Graduates of the MSIS program are prepared to assume leadership and management positions designing, developing, and delivering innovative technological solutions to information problems in a variety of contexts.

Management of Information Systems
Master of Science

The Master's of Science in Management Information Systems is a 36 credit-hour program. It focuses on the application of technological concepts of information systems to the collection, retention, and dissemination of information for management planning and decision making. The program concentrates on areas such as project management, decision support systems, computer languages, client-server and distributed computing, database systems and data warehousing, telecommunications, system analysis and design, human-computer interaction, electronic commerce, information security, computer graphics, and multimedia.

The program blends theory and practice into a learning experience that develops skills applicable to complex real-world problems. It is designed to give students a thorough knowledge of the field and to provide an enduring foundation for future professional growth.

Graduates with the M.S. in Management Information Systems are able to: (1) communicate management information systems concepts, designs, and solutions effectively and professionally; (2) apply knowledge of management information systems to produce effective designs and solutions for specific problems; (3) identify, analyze, and synthesize scholarly literature relating to the field of management information systems; (4) evaluate software development tools, software systems, and modern computing platforms.

The program’s formats offer full-time students the opportunity to earn the master’s degree in 12 months and working professionals the opportunity to earn the degree in 12–18 months.

Students have the option to earn the M.S. in Management Information Systems with Concentration in Information Security Management (also 36 credit-hours), or the Graduate Certificate in Information Security Management, which requires a total of 15 credit-hours (five courses). The concentration and graduate certificate are recognized by the National Security Agency (NSA) based on its certification of the school’s curriculum under NSA national training standards NSTISSI No. 4011 (Information Systems Security Professionals) and CNSSI No. 4013 (System Administrators). As a result of this certification, Federal civilian and military personnel will be permitted to take the school’s certified graduate courses under government sponsorship, and the school is authorized to issue certificates to students who complete such courses. Individuals may apply to take one or more certified information security courses as non-degree students. These programs are available online or on-campus. Students who complete the concentration may also request the graduate certificate.

Information Systems Management
Master of Science

The Master of Information Systems Management (MIS) is designed as a comprehensive and contemporary study of the management and utilization of the various aspects of information systems. The program is geared toward students who have an interest and/or experience in the field of information systems and who have a desire to take advanced or graduate level courses to improve their education, enhance their opportunities for advancement, or better prepare for a career change. Concentrations are offered to allow the student to focus on specific interests or types of information systems. 

Information Systems Management
Master of Science

The MS in Information Systems Management program responds to the growing need for IT professionals to acquire the more general management skills and knowledge that are often provided by an MBA, but to study these management issues within the context of fast-moving developments in technology.

At the same time, it provides those already in management positions with updated, cutting-edge IT knowledge, so you don't have to choose between these two complementary aspects of IT management. A combination of core and elective modules enables you to personalize the program to your individual requirements.

Management of Information Systems
Master of Science

The Master of Science in Management Information Systems Degree is a customized degree tailored specifically to prepare students for management positions in the Information Technology profession. It consists of multiple components: the core and concentrations. The core explores the characteristics of information systems with emphasis on critical management issues.

After completing core for the management information systems major, students may select one or more of six concentrations to obtain additional depth in:

• Business Administration
• Computer Information Systems
• Healthcare
• Information Security
• Project Management
• Solutions Architecture

To satisfy the requirements for Master of Science in Management Information Systems degree, students must take 27 semester hours of core courses and at least nine semester hours from one of six concentrations.

• Computer Information Systems - MS
• Computer Information Systems / Business Administration - MS
• Management Information Systems - MBA